D-Link AX900 Wi-Fi 6 USB Adapter User Manual

Product Overview

Package Contents

• D-Link AX900 Wi-Fi 6 USB Adapter
• Quick Installation Guide

System Requirements

• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows® 11/10
• A 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, or 802.11g/b/a access point or wireless router

Introduction

The AX900 Wi-Fi 6 USB Adapter (AX9U) delivers powerful wireless AX technology to your desktop or notebook computer. Simply plug the adapter into an available USB port and connect to a wireless network to access a protected, high-speed internet connection – 900 Mbps*. With integrated dual band technology, it works in harmony with D-Link's home Wi-Fi series to maximize throughput and flexibility.

Dual Band Connectivity

The AX900 Wi-Fi 6 USB Adapter (AX9U) supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands for versatile connectivity. The 2.4 GHz band accommodates legacy devices and is ideal for everyday tasks like browsing the web and checking emails, whereas the high-speed, low-interference 5 GHz band is perfect for gaming, video calls, and streaming HD content on multiple devices.

Elevate the Existing Wi-Fi Capability to Transform your Digital Home

Enhance your home network with D-Link's Wi-Fi home series and pair them with our Wi-Fi USB adapters to experience the full benefits of the Wi-Fi 6 standard: greater capacity for more devices, broader coverage, and more efficient bandwidth utilization. D-Link's AQUILA PRO AI Mesh Wi-Fi system provides advanced, AI-optimized Wi-Fi 6 performance, leveraging features like OFDMA for enhanced efficiency in high-density environments. For homes with VR systems or multiple smart devices, upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 with D-Link's smart home solutions to enjoy uninterrupted 4K streaming, immersive VR gaming, and flawless video calls.

BT 5.3

With BT 5.3 support, the AX9U enables faster connection initiation and enhanced energy efficiency, allowing you to effortlessly connect BT devices like game controllers, headphones, and keyboards – no additional adapters required.

*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11ax specification. D-Link makes no warranties as to forward compatibility with future standards or compatibility with 802.11ax devices from other manufacturers. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors may adversely affect wireless signal range. Data throughput may also be limited by the product's interface, less than 480 Mbps for a USB 2.0 interface. The inclusion of a specific product or manufacturer does not imply its endorsement of D-Link or the D-Link product. Computer must adhere to Microsoft's recommended System Requirements.

Features

• IEEE 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n and 802.11g/b/a compliant
• Dual band technology for use in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz networks
• Wireless AX technology for superior wireless performance
• Access secure networks using WPA3 or WPA2

* Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput.

Hardware Overview

Installation

This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in the device manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter, please make sure any software is uninstalled.

Getting Started

Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:

• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters
• Disable any built-in wireless adapters
• Verify the settings such as the SSID and security settings of the network(s) you want to connect to

Remove Existing Installations

If you've installed a different manufacturer's adapter or a different model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is uninstalled before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conflict with the new software. If you plan to use multiple adapters at different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.

To remove any old software:

Windows 11/10 users:

1. Type Control Panel in the search box on the taskbar, then select it.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Remove the selected program by selecting Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.

Disable Other Wireless Adapters

Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conflicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select Device Manager to open it. Scroll down the list and select the arrow next to Network Adapters.

Select the adapter you would like to disable, then select the Action tab at the top of the window. Select Disable device or Enable device, and then confirm.

Click Yes to disable the adapter.

When the adapter is disabled, a down arrow will be displayed. Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers.

Wireless Installation Considerations

The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, may limit the range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the D-Link adapter and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter's range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2. Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.
3. Building materials make a difference. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways. Materials and objects such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water (fish tanks), mirrors, file cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
5. If you are using 2.4 GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make sure your 2.4 GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the phone in not in use.

Connect to a Wireless Network

Windows® 11 / 10

To connect to a wireless network on Windows 11/10, you will need to know the wireless network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password (security key) of the device you are connecting to.

1. To join an existing network, locate the wireless network icon [Wi-Fi icon] in the taskbar, next to the time display and click on it.
2. Clicking on the network icon [Wi-Fi icon] will display a list of wireless networks which are within range of your computer. Select the desired network by clicking on its SSID.
3. To connect to the SSID, click Connect. To automatically connect with the router when your device next detects the SSID, click the Connect automatically check box.
4. You will then be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password (network security key) for the wireless network. Enter the password into the box and click Next to connect to the network.

It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the security settings are correct. The key or passphrase must be exactly the same as the one configured on the wireless router.

Troubleshooting

This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the AX9U. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems.

1. How do I know if my adapter is installed properly?

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select Device Manager to open it. Click Device Manager.

Select the arrow next to Network Adapters. Right-click D-Link AX9U, then select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly.

Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. Click OK to close the screen.

2. The computer does not recognize the adapter.

Make sure that the AX9U is properly seated in the computer's USB port. If Windows does not detect the hardware upon insertion of the adapter, make sure to completely remove drivers that were previously loaded.

3. The computer with the AX9U installed is unable to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet.

• Check that the LED indicators for the broadband modem are indicating normal activity. If not, there may be a problem with the broadband connection.
• Check that the LED indicators on the wireless router are functioning properly. If not, check that the AC power and Ethernet cables are firmly connected.
• Check that the Network Connection for the wireless client and its IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings are correctly entered for the network as instructed below:

Check the Wi-Fi icon [Wi-Fi icon] for Windows 11 and [Wi-Fi icon] for Windows 10). This icon indicates that the adapter has been connected to the Internet through a Wi-Fi connection. If you see this icon [No Internet icon], it indicates there is no Internet connection. If this is the case, go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet. On the Status page, click the View hardware and connection properties link. Find the Wi-Fi section, you can obtain Wi-Fi connection status and information about the Wi-Fi adapter's MAC and IP address, gateway address, and DNS server and domain name.

Wireless Basics

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.

Technical Advancements of Wi-Fi 6

Wireless or Wi-Fi technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency to connect wirelessly, so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or office network. Over these years, Wi-Fi, a collection of wireless networking protocols based on IEEE 802.11 standard, has improved continually.

The adapter supports Wi-Fi 6 and features the following improvements over the previous wireless generations:

• UL and DL Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA): channels are divided into subcarriers to allow for simultaneous transmission among multiple devices simultaneously.
• Higher throughput than Wi-Fi 5 (the theoretical maximum is more than double)
• Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS): Reduces interference by coloring traffic inside a channel.
• Target Wake Time (TWT): Battery-powered devices can efficiently communicate awake and sleep time.

These technical innovations allow for higher speeds, much less latency, more efficient communication with multiple devices simultaneously.

You have probably noticed that more and more household devices support Wi-Fi connectivity, including televisions and home surveillance equipment. As the number of wireless and IoT devices rapidly increases, Wi-Fi 6 brings improved performance for wider-range operation and tackles the problems of resource contention. It improves communication efficiency among multiple devices transmitting data at the same time to achieve better overall bandwidth utilization.

Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For devices that would like to bridge wired and wireless connections, a wireless adapter card such as the AX9U can be easily installed on the devices to provide such link or to augment their existing wireless capability.

Why D-Link Wireless?

D-Link is the worldwide leader and award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking products. D-Link delivers the performance you need at a price you can afford. D-Link has all the products you need to build your network. D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link wireless family of products will allow you to securely access the data you want, when and where you want it.

How does wireless work?

Wireless works similar to how cordless phones work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B. But wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network. You must be within the wireless network range area to be able to connect your computer. There are two different types of wireless networks: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

In a wireless local area network, a device called an Access Point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access point has a small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an indoor access point as seen in the picture, the signal can travel up to 300 feet. With an outdoor access point the signal can reach out up to 30 miles to serve places like manufacturing plants, industrial locations, college and high school campuses, airports, golf courses, and many other outdoor venues.

Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to 30 feet away.

Compared to WLAN, the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn't use nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.

Who uses wireless?

Wireless technology has become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it's for home, office, business, D-Link has a wireless solution for it.

Home

• Gives everyone at home broadband access
• Surf the web, check email, instant message, and etc.
• Upload data from wearable devices to the cloud
• Gets rid of the cables around the house
• Simple and easy to use

Small Office and Home Office

• Stay on top of everything at home as you would at office
• Remotely access your office network from home
• Share Internet connection and printer with multiple computers
• No need to dedicate office space

Where is wireless used?

Wireless technology is expanding everywhere not just at home or office. People like the freedom of mobility and it's becoming so popular that more and more public facilities now provide wireless access to attract people. The wireless connection in public places is usually called "hotspots".

Using a D-Link USB adapter with your laptop, you can access the hotspot to connect to Internet from remote locations like: airports, hotels, coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, and convention centers.

Wireless network is easy to setup, but if you're installing it for the first time it could be quite a task not knowing where to start. That's why D-Link has put together a few setup steps and tips to help you through the process of setting up a wireless network.

Tips

Here are a few things to keep in mind, when you install a wireless network.

Centralize your router or access point

Make sure you place the router/access point in a centralized location within your network for the best performance. Try to place the router/access point as high as possible in the room, so the signal gets dispersed throughout your home. If you have a two-story home, you may need a repeater to boost the signal to extend the range.

Eliminate Interference

If you experience any of the following, you might have Wi-Fi interference conditions in your wireless network:

• Connection is slow or interrupted intermittently.
• The Wi-Fi signal strength shows low.

Place home appliances such as cordless telephones, Nanowaves, and televisions as far away as possible from the router/access point. This would significantly reduce any interference that the appliances might cause since they operate on same frequency.

Another way to reduce wireless resource contention is to separate the use of radio frequency and channel by allocating devices accordingly. Advanced Wi-Fi devices supporting the 5 GHz band should use this band instead of 2.4GHz, which can be used to accommodate legacy devices and BT. D-Link routers supporting dual-band offer Smart Connect that manages band selection automatically when connecting to devices. The same principle applies to channel selection. D-Link routers offer the Auto channel option to let the system select the cleanest channel for your network. Furthermore, D-Link's AI-powered series adopts the mesh beamforming technology to achieve highest transmission efficiency and reliability in an environment with many users.

Security

Don't let your next-door neighbors or intruders connect to your wireless network. Secure your wireless network by turning on the most advanced and secure WPA encryption available on the router. Turning off security by choosing Wi-Fi mode such as None or Open causes security concerns. It will allow anyone (without authentication) to join your network and access the shared resources and even obtain data transmitted over your network.

Networking Basics

Check your IP address

After you install your new D-Link adapter, by default, the TCP/IP settings should be set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (i.e. wireless router) automatically. To verify your IP address, please follow the steps below.

Click on Start and type cmd in the Search box. At the prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.

This will display the IP address, subnet mask, and the default gateway of your adapter.

If the address is 0.0.0.0 or 169.254.x.x, check your adapter installation, security settings, and the settings on your router. If you're not using static IP addresses on your network, then enable DHCP on your router. Refer to the next page on IP assignment.

Statically Assign an IP address

If you are not using a DHCP capable gateway/router, or you need to assign a static IP address, please follow the steps below:

Windows® 10/11

Start> Settings > Network & Internet.

1. Select Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Choose the network you want to modify, right-click on it, then select Properties.
2. Under IP assignment, select Edit. Under This connection uses the following items, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Then select Use the Following IP Address.
3. Under Edit network IP settings or Edit IP settings, select Manual. If IPv4 is selected, type the IP address settings in IP address, Subnet prefix length (subnet mask), and Gateway fields. If IPv6 is selected, type the IP address settings in IP address, Subnet prefix length, and Gateway fields. The prefix-length in IPv6 has the same function as the subnet mask in IPv4: determine the subnetwork. However, it is expressed as an integer between 1 through 128 as opposed to four octets in IPv4.
4. Example: Enter x.x.x.x for IPv4 addressing scheme (where x is between 0 and 255) and xxxx:xxxx:XXXX:XXXX:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx for IPv6 addressing scheme (where x is a hexadecimal digit).
5. Set Preferred DNS the same as the LAN IP address of your router. The Alternate DNS is only optional or you may enter a DNS server from your ISP.
6. When you're done, click Save.

Technical Specifications

Standards

• IEEE 802.11ax*
• IEEE 802.11ac*
• IEEE 802.11n*
• IEEE 802.11g/b/a*

Interface

• USB 2.0

Security

• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2™ & WPA3™)

Operating Voltage

• 5.0 VDC +/- 10%

Operating Temperature

• 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104°F)

Storage Temperature

• -20 °C to 75 °C (-4 °F to 167 °F)

Operating Humidity

• 10% to 90% maximum (non-condensing)

Storage Humidity

• 5% to 95% maximum (non-condensing)

Dimensions

38.65 x 17.7 x 9.7 mm (1.52 x 0.70 x 0.38 in)

Weight

5.5 g (0.19 oz)

Certifications

• CE
• FCC Class B
• IC

* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11b/802.11g, and 802.11a specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range.

Regulatory Information

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Non-modifications Statement:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Caution:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter except in accordance with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures. For product available in the USA/Canada market, only channel 1~11 can be operated. Selection of other channels is not possible.

Note

The country code selection is for non-USA models only and is not available to all USA models. Per FCC regulations, all WiFi product marketed in the USA must be fixed to USA operational channels only. The D-Link D-Link Corporation can be contacted at:

14420 Myford Road Suite 100, Irvine, California 92606, United States

+1-714-885-6333

RF Frequency Requirements

This device is for indoor use only when using all channels in the 5.15 - 5.25 & 5.75 - 5.85 GHz frequency range. High power radars are allocated as primary users of the 5.25 & 5.75 GHz bands. These radar stations can cause interference with and/or damage this device. It is restricted to indoor environments only.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This product complies with the FCC portable RF exposure limit set forth for an uncontrolled environment and is safe for intended operation as described in this manual. RF exposure can be further reduced by keeping the product as far as possible from the user's body or by lowering the device's output power if such a function is available. This device has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines. The maximum SAR value reported is 1.17W/kg. This specific maximum SAR values can be found in the section of this user guide. When carrying the product or using it while worn on your body, maintain a distance of 5mm from the body to ensure compliance with RF exposure requirements.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Statement:

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

This device complies with ISED licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'ISED applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Canada Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Statement

The radiated output power of the Wireless Device is below the Innovation, Scienceand Economic Development Canada (ISED) radio frequency exposure limits. The Wireless Device should be used in such a manner such that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized. This device has been evaluated for and shown compliant with the ISED Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”) limits when operated in portable exposure conditions. La puissance de sortie émise par le dispositif sans fil est inférieure aux limites d'exposition aux radiofréquences d'Innovation, Sciences et Développementéconomique Canada (ISED). Utilisez l'appareil sans fil de façon à minimiser les contacts humains lors d'un fonctionnement normal. Cet appareil a été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites de DAS (Débit d'Absorption Spécifique) de l'SED lorsqu'il est utilisé dans des conditions d'exposition à des appareils portables.

European Community Declaration of Conformity:

Hereby, D-Link Corporation, declares that this product, accessories, and software are in compliance with directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity and product firmware are available for download from the product page at www.dlink.com.

(Note: Other languages for the Declaration of Conformity are present but are not included in the primary HTML output as per instructions to merge into the primary language.)

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The following general safety guidelines are provided to help ensure your own personal safety and protect your product from potential damage. Remember to consult the product user instructions for more details.

• Static electricity can be harmful to electronic components. Discharge static electricity from your body (i.e. touching grounded bare metal) before touching the product.
• Do not attempt to service the product and never disassemble the product. For some products with a user replaceable battery, please read and follow the instructions in the user manual.
• Do not spill food or liquid on your product and never push any objects into the openings of your product.
• Do not use this product near water, areas with high humidity, or condensation unless the product is specifically rated for outdoor application.
• Keep the product away from radiators and other heat sources.
• Always unplug the product from mains power before cleaning and use a dry lint free cloth only.

Disposing of and Recycling Your Product

This symbol on the product or packaging means that according to local laws and regulations this product should be not be disposed of in household waste but sent for recycling. Please take it to a collection point designated by your local authorities once it has reached the end of its life, some will accept products for free. By recycling the product and its packaging in this manner you help to conserve the environment and protect human health.

D-Link and the Environment

At D-Link, we understand and are committed to reducing any impact our operations and products may have on the environment. To minimise this impact D-Link designs and builds its products to be as environmentally friendly as possible, by using recyclable, low toxic materials in both products and packaging.

D-Link recommends that you always switch off or unplug your D-Link products when they are not in use. By doing so you will help to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

To learn more about our environmentally responsible products and packaging please visit www.dlinkgreen.com.