1. Product Overview
The D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 Dual Band Range Extender (DAP-1520) is designed to eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones and extend the coverage of your existing home wireless network. It offers AC750 performance, providing bandwidth up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 433Mbps on the 5GHz band. This dual-band technology helps reduce interference from nearby wireless signals, ensuring a faster and more reliable connection for all your devices. The compact wall-plug design allows for flexible placement without requiring additional power cables.
Key Features
- Extends the coverage of your home's existing wireless network.
- Up to 750 Mbps combined speed (300 Mbps 2.4GHz and 433 Mbps 5GHz).
- High-speed wireless AC connectivity for laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
- Adds dual-band coverage to existing single-band routers.
- Compatible with any wireless router brand.
- Compact wall-plug design for easy placement.
- WPA2/WPA wireless encryption for secure connections.
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for secure setup with a button press.
Figure 1: Front view of the D-Link DAP-1520 Range Extender.
Figure 2: Front view of the D-Link DAP-1520 with LED indicator.
Video 1: An overview of the D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 Dual Band Range Extender (DAP-1520), demonstrating its features and benefits in extending Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Setup Instructions
Before You Begin
- Ensure your existing wireless router is powered on and functioning correctly.
- Note down your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password from your main router.
- Place the DAP-1520 in an electrical outlet near your wireless router for initial setup.
Method 1: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
- Plug the DAP-1520 into a power outlet. Wait for the LED indicator to turn amber.
- Press the WPS button on your existing wireless router.
- Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the side of the DAP-1520.
- The LED indicator on the DAP-1520 will flash green, then turn solid green when a secure connection is established.
- Once connected, you can unplug the DAP-1520 and move it to a location between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. Ensure the LED remains solid green for optimal signal.
Figure 3: Side view of the D-Link DAP-1520 showing the WPS button.
Method 2: D-Link QRS Mobile App Setup
- Download the D-Link QRS Mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) on your smartphone or tablet.
- Plug the DAP-1520 into a power outlet.
- Open the QRS Mobile app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the DAP-1520 and configure it to extend your Wi-Fi network.
Method 3: Web Browser Setup
- Plug the DAP-1520 into a power outlet.
- On a computer or mobile device, connect to the DAP-1520's default Wi-Fi network (e.g., 'dlink-xxxx'). The default Wi-Fi name and password can be found on the configuration card or the device label.
- Open a web browser and navigate to http://dlinkap.local/ or the IP address 192.168.0.50.
- Follow the on-screen setup wizard to configure the extender. You will be prompted to select your existing Wi-Fi network and enter its password.
- Once configured, the DAP-1520 will restart. Reconnect your devices to the extended network.
3. Operation
Understanding the LED Indicator
- Solid Green: The extender is connected to your router and providing a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Solid Amber: The extender is connected to your router but the signal strength is weak. Consider moving the extender closer to your router.
- Flashing Amber: The extender is booting up or attempting to connect to your router.
- Off: The extender is not powered on or is not connected to a network.
Connecting Devices to the Extended Network
After successful setup, the DAP-1520 will broadcast an extended Wi-Fi network. This network will typically have the same name as your main router's Wi-Fi network with '_EXT' appended (e.g., 'MyWiFi_EXT'). Connect your wireless devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) to this extended network using your existing Wi-Fi password.
4. Maintenance
Firmware Updates
Periodically check the D-Link support website for firmware updates. Firmware updates can improve performance, add new features, and enhance security. Follow the instructions provided on the D-Link website for updating your device's firmware.
Cleaning
To clean the device, unplug it from the power outlet. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol sprays.
Resetting the Device
If you encounter persistent issues or wish to reconfigure the device from scratch, you can perform a factory reset. With the device powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button (located near the WPS button) for approximately 10 seconds. The LED indicator will flash, and the device will revert to its factory default settings.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your D-Link DAP-1520.
No Internet Connection Through Extender
- Check LED Status: Ensure the LED indicator is solid green. If it's amber, move the extender closer to your main router.
- Verify Router Connection: Confirm your main router has an active internet connection.
- Re-setup: Try performing the setup process again, ensuring correct Wi-Fi password entry.
Poor Signal Strength or Slow Speeds
- Relocate Extender: Position the extender roughly halfway between your router and the area with poor signal. Avoid placing it near large metal objects, concrete walls, or other electronic devices that may cause interference.
- Check for Interference: Other wireless devices (cordless phones, microwaves) operating on the same frequency can cause interference.
- Router Performance: Ensure your main router is performing optimally.
Cannot Access Setup Page (dlinkap.local)
- Direct Connection: Ensure your device is connected to the DAP-1520's default Wi-Fi network (e.g., 'dlink-xxxx') before attempting to access the setup page.
- Alternative IP: Try accessing http://192.168.0.50 if http://dlinkap.local/ does not work.
- Clear Browser Cache: Clear your web browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser.
For more detailed troubleshooting, please refer to the full manual available on the official D-Link support website.
6. Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | D-Link |
| Model | DAP-1520 |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 433 Megabits Per Second (5GHz) |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) |
| Connector Type | RJ45 (Ethernet Port) |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets, etc. |
| Item Weight | 0.2 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions (D x W x H) | 1"D x 1"W x 1"H (Approximate) |
| Manufacturer | D-Link Systems, Inc. |
| Color | White |
Figure 4: Network coverage diagram and technical specifications.
7. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
The D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 Dual Band Range Extender (DAP-1520) comes with a 1-Year Limited Warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the D-Link website for full warranty terms and conditions.
Technical Support
For technical assistance, product registration, or to download the latest drivers and firmware, please visit the official D-Link support website:
You may also find helpful resources, FAQs, and community forums on the D-Link website.
