Belkin F5D7051D User Manual
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 1 of 32
(Changes from P74471-D)
Belkin
Wireless G Plus USB Network Adapter
Connect your desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network
User Manual
Table of Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Benefits of a Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Advantages of a Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Placement of your Wireless Networking
Hardware for Optimal Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
2 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Applications and Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Package Contents……………………………………………………….x
3 Knowing your Wireless G Plus USB Network Adapter………………..x
4 Installing and Setting up the USB Network Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . x
Step 1: Install the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
Step 2: Connect the USB Adapter to your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
Step 3: Let Windows Finish the Installation
5 Uninstalling the Software and Drivers……………………………xx
6 Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
7 Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
8 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
9 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 2 of 32
Introduction (header for section 1)
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Wireless G Plus USB Network Adapter (the
Adapter). Now you can take advantage of this great new technology and gain the
freedom to network your home and office computers wirelessly. This Adapter
allows you to connect a desktop or notebook computer to your network. 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.
Benefits of a Home Network
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 email,
and chat
Advantages of a Wireless Network
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 Wizards make 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
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance
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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 300 and 400 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 farther 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 10 feet away from the wireless router (or access point) in order to see if
distance is the problem. If difficulties persist even at close range, please contact
Belkin Technical Support.
Note: While some of the items listed below can affect network 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 Router (or Access Point)
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 Cards, Wireless Desktop Cards,
and Wireless USB Adapters):
• Ensure that your wireless router’s (or access point’s) 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.
• 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
wireless router (or access point) 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. Other objects that can inhibit wireless
communication can include:
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 4 of 32
• Refrigerators
• Washers and/or dryers
• Metal cabinets
• Large aquariums
• Metallic-based, UV-tinted windows
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 the wireless router (or access point)
and your wireless-enabled computers.
• Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that operates on the
2.4GHz band (check manufacturer’s 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 farthest channel from your wireless network as possible. For example,
change the phone to channel 1 and move your wireless router (or access point)
to channel 11. (Your channel selection will vary depending on your region.) See
your phone’s user manual for detailed instructions.
• If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz cordless phone.
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 Setup Utility
to locate any other wireless networks, 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.
For more Belkin wireless networking products, use the detailed Site Survey and
wireless channel information included in your User Manual.
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 5 of 32
5. Secure Connections, VPNs, and AOL
Secure connections 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 online banking websites
• Many commercial websites that require a user name and password to access
your account
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 website.
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 in Windows, see the
“Power Options” item in the Control Panel.
If you continue to have difficulty with Secure Connections, 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, we suggest the
Belkin Wireless Range Extender/Access Point.
For more information regarding our networking products, visit our website at
www.belkin.com/networking or call Belkin Technical Support.
Overview (header for section 2)
Product Features
The Wireless G Plus USB Network Adapter complies with the IEEE 802.11g
standard in order to communicate with other 802.11g-compliant wireless devices
at 54Mbps or the faster G Plus.
• 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
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 6 of 32
• 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
• Packet transfer rate of up to 54Mbps
• 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
• Connection rates of up to 54Mbps
Provides immediate wireless connectivity at home, work, and hotspot locations
without compromising the use of existing 802.11b and 802.11g products
• Compatibility with 802.11b products
802.11g wireless LAN solutions are backward-compatible with existing Wi-Fi
(IEEE 802.11b) products and with other products that display the 54g™ logo
• 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
• Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time
Sets up temporary networks such as at trade shows, exhibitions, and
construction 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
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 7 of 32
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 ft.*
*Distance and connection speeds will vary depending on your networking
environment
System Requirements
• PC with one available USB port
• Windows® 2000, XP, or Vista
Package Contents
• Belkin Wireless G Plus USB Network Adapter with Desktop Stand (and
attached USB cable)
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
Knowing your Wireless G Plus USB Network Adapter (header of section 3)
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 8)
Protective Cap
Activity LED
Indicates wireless activity when blinking
Blinking Green: Scanning
Off: No Activity
On: Connected to Network
USB Adapter
Desktop Stand
(Optional Use)
The cap snaps over the USB connector for protection. It can be stored on the
opposite end of the USB connector.
Installing and Setting up the USB Network Adapter (header for section 4)
Step 1: Install the Software
WARNING: Install the Software before Inserting the Adapter
1.1 Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 8 of 32
1.2 The Belkin Wireless Setup Utility screen will automatically appear. If it does
not appear within 15–20 seconds, then select your CD-ROM drive and doubleclick on the folder named “Files”. Next double-click on the icon named “Start.exe”.
1.3 In the menu window, click “install” to start the software installation program.
1.4 The installer will start. Click “Next” to continue.
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 9)
1.5 When the installer is done installing the software, you will see the following
screen. Click “Finish”.
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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.
(Designer please use images found on P74845uk page 10)
For desktops: For notebooks:
Product Placement
The best location for your Adapter is on top of your computer’s monitor. Placing
the Adapter on your desktop is acceptable; however, avoid placing the Adapter
near metal objects such as a computer case or speakers. Any object that is metal
has the ability to block the radio signals from the Adapter.
Step 3: Let Windows Finish the Installation
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 9 of 32
3.1 After you connect 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”.
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 11)
3.2 If you are using Windows 98SE or Me, you will be asked to restart your
computer. Select “Restart”. Click “Finish”.
(Designer please use image found on P74471 page 11)
3.3 When the installation is complete, the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility
icon will appear on your taskbar. To open the Utility, double-click on this icon.
(Designer please use image found on P74471-C page 11)
3.4 A small icon in your system tray (bottom right corner of most screens) will
appear. This is your shortcut to the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility. It also
indicates the status of your connection:
Red: No connection to a wireless network
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Blue: Connected to a wireless network
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 12)
If you already have a wireless router (or an access point) in your home or office,
the Adapter will automatically attempt to connect to your wireless network. In
most cases, the Adapter will be able to connect to your network automatically. If
you are using encryption, you will have to set the encryption settings of your
Adapter to match that of your wireless router (or access point), before the
Adapter can successfully connect to your wireless network. For information about
configuring your Adapter, see the section in this User Manual called “Profile Tab:
Creating a Profile” on page XX.
Uninstalling the Software and Drivers (header for section 5)
If you need to remove the software and drivers for any reason, you can easily
accomplish this in one of two ways. You can insert the software CD and click on
the “Uninstall” option in the menu, or you can go to the Windows Control Panel
and select the “Add/Remove Programs” option. The Belkin Wizard will walk you
through the removal process.
F5D7051 Manual_20071012 Page 10 of 32
Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility (header for section 6)
To launch the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility, double-click the icon in the system
tray (right side of taskbar). The window below appears.
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 14)
Double-clicking on the icon in the system tray will open the “Wireless Monitor”
window.
Status Tab
When you see the Utility icon on your taskbar, you can control your USB Adapter
through it. Double-click on the icon to open the Utility. The first tab—“Status”—is
visible. From this tab you can see your current connection status on the screen.
In the illustration below, the display of numerals 1 and 0 between the computer
and the wireless router (or access point) indicates an active connection. This
diagram also shows that there is a connection to the Internet by displaying the
numerals 1 and 0 between the wireless router (or access point) and the Internet.
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 14)
The display of numerals “1” and “0” here indicates a connection.
If there is no connection between the computer and wireless router (or access
point), and/or the Internet, an “X” will be displayed.
(a) Current Profile String
This indicates the name of the profile you are currently using, if any. If a question
mark appears next to the text in this box, there is no profile set up for the network
to which you are currently connected. If this is the case, the name of that network
will be displayed in this box.
(b) More Button
Press the “More” button to see details—including the name, signal strength,
signal-link quality, IP information—for the network to which you are connected
(see image below).
(Designer please use image found on P74845uk page 15)
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