Belkin F5D7051 Users Manual

© 2004 Belkin Corporation. All rights reserved. All trade names are registered trademarks
of respective manufacturers listed. 54g is a trademark of Broadcom Corporation in the U.S.
and other countries. Apple, AirPort, Mac, Mac OS, and AppleTalk are trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

P74845uk

High-Speed Mode
Wireless G USB
Network Adapter

F5D7051

User Manual

High-Speed Mode
Wireless G USB
Network Adapter

Connect your desktop or notebook
computer to a wireless network

Belkin Corporation
501 West Walnut Street,
Compton, CA 90220-5221
USA
[phone]
[phone] fax

Belkin Ltd.
Express Business Park
Shipton Way, Rushden
NN10 6GL, United Kingdom
[phone]
[phone] fax

Belkin B.V.
Boeing Avenue 333
1119 PH Schiphol-Rijk
The Netherlands
[phone]
[phone] fax

Belkin GmbH
Hanebergstraße 2
80637 Munich
Germany
[phone]
[phone] fax

Belkin SAS
5 Rue du Petit Robinson
3ème étage, 78350 Jouy en Josas
France
[phone]
[phone] fax

Belkin Nordic
Knarrarnäsgatan 7
164 40 Kista
Sweden
[phone]
[phone] fax

Belkin Tech Support
Europe: 00 800 223 55 460

13

Table of Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Benefits of a Home Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advantages of setting up a Belkin Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . .

Placement of your Wireless Networking

Hardware for Optimal Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Important Factors for Placement and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Applications and Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Product Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Knowing your Wireless USB Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Installing and Setting Up the USB Network Adapter . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Install the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: Connect your USB Adapter to your PC. . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 3: Let Windows Finish the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4 Uninstalling the Software and Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5 Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6 Securing your Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

8 Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Introduction

section

Thank you for purchasing the High-Speed Mode Wireless G USB Network

1
1

2
2
6
6
7
7

8
9

9

Adapter (the Adapter). Now you can take advantage of this great new
technology and gain the freedom you need around the home or office
without using cables. The Wireless USB Network Adapter works like a
conventional network adapter, but without the wires. The easy installation
and setup will have you networking wirelessly in minutes. Please be sure
to read through this User Manual completely, and pay special attention
to the section entitled “Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware
for Optimal Performance” on page 2. By following our simple setup
instructions your Belkin Home Network will allow you to:

• Share one high-speed Internet connection
with all the computers in your home

• Share resources, such as files, and hard drives
among all the connected computers in your home

• Share a single printer with the entire family

• Share documents, music, video, and digital pictures

• Store, retrieve, and copy files from one computer to another

• Simultaneously play games online, check Internet e-mail,and chat

Here are some of the advantages
of setting up a Belkin Wireless Network:

• Mobility – you’ll no longer need a dedicated “computer room”—
now you can work on a networked laptop or desktop computer
anywhere within your wireless range

• Easy installation – Belkin Easy Installation Wizard makes
setup simple

• Flexibility – set up and access printers, computers, and other
networking devices from anywhere in your home

• Easy Expansion – the wide range of Belkin networking products
let you expand your network to include devices such as printers
and gaming consoles

• No cabling required – you can spare the expense and hassle of
retrofitting Ethernet cabling throughout the home or office

• Widespread industry acceptance – choose from a wide range
of interoperable networking products

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

32

32

Introduction

Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for
Optimal Performance

Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer
is to your Wireless Router (or Access Point). Typical indoor operating
range for your wireless devices is between 100 and 200 feet. In the
same way, your wireless connection and performance will degrade
somewhat as the distance between your Wireless Router (or Access
Point) and connected devices increases. This may or may not be
noticeable to you. As you move further from your Wireless Router
or Access Point, connection speed may decrease. Factors that can
weaken signals simply by getting in the way of your network’s radio
waves are metal appliances or obstructions, and walls.

If you have concerns about your network’s performance that might be
related to range or obstruction factors, try moving the computer to a
position between five and ten feet from the Wireless Router, in order
to see if distance is the problem. If difficulties persist even at close
range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.

Introduction

• In multistory homes, place the Wireless Router (or Access Point)
on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible.
This may mean placing the Router on an upper floor.

• Try not to place the Wireless Router (or Access Point) near a
cordless 2.4GHz phone.

2. Avoid Obstacles and Interference

Avoid placing your Wireless Router or Access Point near devices that
may emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens. Dense objects that
can inhibit Wireless communication can include:

• Refrigerators

• Washers and/or dryers

• Metal cabinets

• Large aquariums

• Metallic-based UV tinted windows

section

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR PLACEMENT AND SETUP

While some of the items listed below can affect network

Note:

performance, they will not prohibit your wireless network from
functioning; if you are concerned that your network is not operating at
its maximum effectiveness, this checklist may help.

1. Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware

Place your Wireless Router (or Access Point), the central connection
point of your network, as close as possible to the center of your
wireless network devices.

To achieve the best wireless network coverage for your “wireless
clients” (i.e., computers enabled by Belkin Wireless Notebook Network
Cards, Wireless Desktop Network Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):

• Ensure that your Wireless Router (or Access Point) networking
antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically
(toward the ceiling). If your Wireless Router (or Access Point)
itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as
possible in an upward direction.

If your wireless signal seems weak in some spots, make sure that
objects such as these are not blocking the signal’s path (between your
computers and Wireless Router or Access Point)

3. Cordless Phone Placement

If the performance of your wireless network is impaired after attending
to the above issues, and you have a cordless phone:

• Try moving cordless phones away from Wireless Routers (or
Access Points) and your wireless-enabled computers

• Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that
operates on the 2.4GHz band (check manufacturers information).
If this fixes the problem, your phone may be interfering.

• If your phone supports channel selection, change the channel
on the phone to the furthest channel from your wireless network,
as possible. For example, change the phone to channel 1 and
move your Wireless Router to channel 11. See your phone’s user
manual for detailed instructions.

• If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz
cordless phone.

54

54

Introduction

4. Choose the “quietest” channel for your wireless network

In locations where homes or offices are close together, such as
apartment buildings or office complexes, there may be wireless
networks nearby that can conflict with yours. Use the Site Survey
capabilities of your Wireless LAN Utility to locate any other wireless
networks (see page 16 of this manual), and move your Wireless Router
(or Access Point) and computers to a channel as far away from other
networks as possible.

Experiment with more than one of the available channels, in order to
find the clearest connection and avoid interference from neighboring
cordless phones or other wireless devices.

5. Secure connections, VPNs, and AOL

Secure connections are connections that typically require a user name
and password, and are used where security is important. Secure
connections include:

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, often used to connect
remotely to an office network

• The “Bring Your Own Access” program from America Online
(AOL), which lets you use AOL through broadband provided by
another cable or DSL service

• Most on-line banking websites

• Many commercial websites which require a user name and
password to access your account

Introduction

If you continue to have difficulty with Secure Connection, VPNs and
AOL please review steps 1-4 above to be sure you have addressed
these issues.

These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum possible
area with your Wireless Router. Should you need to cover an even
wider area, please go to the networking product section on (www.
belkin.com/networking) for more details on (Belkin’s Wireless Range
Extender/Access Point).

For more information regarding our networking products, visit our website
at www.belkin.com/networking or call our Technical Support.

section

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Secure connections can be interrupted by a computer’s power
management setting, which causes it to “go to sleep.” The simplest
solution to avoid this is to simply reconnect by re-running the VPN or
AOL software, or by re-logging into the secure web site.

A second alternative is to change your computer’s power
management settings so it does not go to sleep; however, this may
not be appropriate for portable computers. To change your power
management setting under Windows, see the “Power Options” item in
the Control Panel.

76

76

Introduction

Features

The Adapter complies with the IEEE 802.11g standard in order
to communicate with other 802.11g and 802.11b-compliant
wireless devices.

• 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Science, and Medical) band operation

• Integrated, easy-to-use profile manager for storing multiple
wireless network settings for work, school, home, or any
other setup

• USB 2.0 interface, for Plug-and-Play installation and convenience
in virtually any desktop or notebook computer

• WPA security (Windows XP only), 64-bit WEP or 128-bit Encryption

• Wireless access to networked resources

• Support for both infrastructure and ad-hoc (peer-to-peer)
networking modes

• Easy installation and use

• LED link/activity indicator

• Desktop stand allows you to position your Adapter for optimal
wireless performance

Applications and Advantages

• Wireless roaming with a laptop around the home or office
Offers the freedom of networking—without cables.

• Compatible with 802.11b

802.11g wireless LAN solutions are backward-compatible with
existing Wi-Fi (802.11b) products and with other 802.11g products.

• Difficult-to-wire environments
Enables networking in buildings with solid or finished walls, or
open areas where wiring is difficult to install.

• Frequently changing environments
Adapts easily in offices or environments that frequently rearrange
or change locations.

Introduction

• Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time

Sets up temporary networks such as at trade shows, exhibitions,
and constructions sites, which need networks on a short-term
basis; also companies who need additional workstations for a
peak activity period.

• SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) networking needs

Provides the easy and quick small network installation SOHO
users need.

Product Specifications

Host Interface: USB 2.0 (This product is compatible with

the USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specification.
To achieve maximum networking speeds
(54Mbps), this device must be connected to
a USB 2.0 host port on a PC. Connection of
this device to a USB 1.1 host port will yield
a maximum of 11Mbps networking speed.

Power Consumption: 500mA (max)
Certification: FCC Class B, CE Mark, C-Tick
Operating Temperature: 32–131° F (0–55° C)
Storage Temperature: -13–158° F (-25–70° C)
Typical Operating Range: Up to 200’*

System Requirements

• PC with one available USB port

• Windows® 2000

*Distance and connection speeds will vary depending on your networking environment

or XP

Package Contents

• High-Speed Mode Belkin Wireless USB
Network Adapter with Desktop Stand

• Quick Installation Guide

• Installation Software CD

• User Manual

)

section

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

98

98

Knowing your Wireless USB Network Adapter

Installing and Setting Up the
USB Network Adapter

Protective Cap

Activity LED

Blinking Green: Activity
Off: No Activity
On: Connected to network

USB Adapter

Desktop stand
(Optional Use)

The cap can be stored on the
opposite end of the USB connector.

Step 1 Install the Software

WARNING: Install the software before inserting the Adapter

Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.

1.1

1.2 The Belkin Wireless USB Network Adapter Setup Utility screen will

automatically appear. If it does not appear within 15–20 seconds,
then select your CD-ROM drive and double-click on the folder
named “Files”. Next double-click on the icon named “Start.exe”.

1.3 In the menu window, drag your mouse

over the “Install” button then select
“Click here” to start the software
installation program.

1.4 The installer will start. Click “Next”

to continue.

1

section

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

The cap snaps over the USB
connector for protection.

1.5 If you are using Windows 2000 or

Windows XP, you will see a message
similar to the one below. This DOES
NOT mean there is a problem. Click
“Continue Anyway”.

1110

1110

or

Installing and Setting Up the

Installing and Setting Up the

USB Network Adapter

1.6 When the installer is done installing

the software, you will see the following
screen. Click “Finish”.

Step 2 Connect the USB Adapter to your PC

2.1

After the software installation is

finished, the message “You can plug
in your WLAN adapter now” will appear.
Plug the Adapter into an available
USB port on your desktop or
notebook computer.

USB Network Adapter

Step 3 Configure Wireless USB Adapter
Let Windows Finish the Installation

3.1

After connecting your Adapter,

Windows will detect that new hardware
has been installed. Depending on your
version of Windows, a window similar
to the one pictured here will appear.
Select the option “Install the software
automatically (Recommended)” and
click “Next”.

3.2 If you are using Windows 2000 or

Windows XP, you will see a message
similar to this one. This DOES NOT
mean there is a problem. Click
“Continue Anyway”.

3.3 When the installation is complete, the

Belkin Wireless Monitor icon will appear
on your desktop. To open the Monitor
Utility, double-click on this icon.

1

section

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

For desktops: For notebooks: