Belkin F5D8231-4 Users Manual

N1 Wireless Router

Share your broadband Internet connection

User Manual
N1 Wireless Router
F5D8231-4

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Belkin N1 Wireless Router (the Router). Following
are two short sections—the first discusses the benefits of home networking, and
the other outlines best practices that maximize your wireless home network
range and performance. 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 the next page. By
following our simple setup instructions you will be able to use your Belkin Home
Network 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’s 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.

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Placement of your N1 Wireless Router
Important Factors for Placement and Setup

Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to your
Router (or access point). Typical indoor operating range for 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 Router (or access point) and connected
devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move
further from your 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 from the 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. Wireless Router (or Access Point) Placement

Place your 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 Router’s (or access point’s) networking antennas are
parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If
your Router (or access point) itself is positioned vertically, point the
antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.

• In multistory homes, place the 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 (or access point) on an upper floor.

• Try not to place the Router (or access point) near a cordless 2.4GHz
phone.

2. Avoid Obstacles and Interference

Avoid placing your Router (or access point) near devices that may emit radio
“noise,” such as microwave ovens. Dense objects that can inhibit wireless
communication include:

• 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 Router
or access point)

3. Cordless Phones

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 your 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. For example,
change the phone to channel 1 and move your Router (or access point) to
channel 11. See your phone’s user manual for detailed instructions.

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

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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 found in the Wireless Utility of your wireless
adapter to locate any other wireless networks that are available (see your
wireless adapter’s user manual), and move your 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 Belkin wireless networking products, use the detailed Site Survey and
wireless channel information included with your wireless network card.
See your network card’s user guide for more information.

These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum possible area with your
Router (or access point). Should you need to cover an even wider area, we
suggest the Belkin Wireless Range Extender/Access Point.

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 rerunning 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 under Windows, see the
“Power Options” item in the Control Panel.
If you continue to have difficulty with Secure Connections, VPNs, and AOL,
please review the steps above to be sure you have addressed these issues.

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

USA: 877-736-5771

310-898-1100 ext. 2263

Europe: 00 800 223 55 460
Australia: 1800 235 546
New Zealand: 0800 235 546
Singapore: 800 616 1790

Product Overview
Product Features

In minutes you will be able to share your Internet connection and network your
computers. The following is a list of features that make your new Belkin N1
Wireless Router an ideal solution for your home or small office network.

Works with Both PCs and Mac

The Router supports a variety of networking environments including Mac OS

®

Computers

®

8.x, 9.x, X v10.x, Linux®, Windows® 98, Me, NT®, 2000, and XP, and others. All
that is needed is an Internet browser and a network adapter that supports TCP/IP
(the standard language of the Internet).

Front-Panel LED Display

Lighted LEDs on the front of the Router indicate which functions are in operation.
You’ll know at-a-glance whether your Router is connected to the Internet. This
feature eliminates the need for advanced software and status-monitoring
procedures.

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Web-Based Advanced User Interface

You can set up the Router’s advanced functions easily through your web
browser, without having to install additional software onto the computer. There
are no disks to install or keep track of and, best of all, you can make changes
and perform setup functions from any computer on the network quickly and
easily.

NAT IP Address Sharing

Your Router employs Network Address Translation (NAT) to share the single IP
address assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider while saving the cost
of adding additional IP addresses to your Internet service account.

SPI Firewall

Your Router is equipped with a firewall that will protect your network from a wide
array of common hacker attacks including IP Spoofing, Land Attack, Ping of
Death (PoD), Denial of Service (DoS), IP with zero length, Smurf Attack, TCP
Null Scan, SYN flood, UDP flooding, Tear Drop Attack, ICMP defect, RIP defect,
and fragment flooding.

Integrated 10/100 4-Port Switch

The Router has a built-in, four-port network switch to allow your wired computers
to share printers, data and MP3 files, digital photos, and much more. The switch
features automatic detection so it will adjust to the speed of connected devices.
The switch will transfer data between computers and the Internet simultaneously
without interrupting or consuming resources.

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

UPnP is a technology that offers seamless operation of voice messaging, video
messaging, games, and other applications that are UPnP-compliant.

Support for VPN Pass-Through

If you connect to your office network from home using a VPN connection, your
Router will allow your VPN-equipped computer to pass through the Router and to
your office network.

Built-In Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Built-In Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) on-board makes for the
easiest possible connection of a network. The DHCP server will assign IP
addresses to each computer automatically so there is no need for a complicated
networking setup.

Easy Install Wizard

The Easy Install Wizard takes the guesswork out of setting up your Router. This
automatic software determines your network settings for you and sets up the
Router for connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In a matter of
minutes, your Router will be up and running on the Internet.

Note: Easy Install Wizard software is compatible with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000,
XP, and Mac OS X. If you are using another operating system, the Router can be
set up using the Alternate Setup Method described in this User Manual (see
page xx) [VERIFY PAGE NUMBER].

Integrated N1 Wireless Access Point

G Plus MIMO is an exciting new wireless technology that achieves data rates up
to 150/300Mbps. Actual throughput is typically lower than the connected data
rate and will vary depending on your networking environment.

MAC Address Filtering

For added security, you can set up a list of MAC addresses (unique client
identifiers) that are allowed access to your network. Every computer has its own
MAC address. Simply enter these MAC addresses into a list using the Web­Based Advanced User Interface and you can control access to your network.

Knowing your Router
Package Contents

• Belkin N1 Wireless Router

• Quick Installation Guide

• Belkin Easy Install Wizard Software CD

• Belkin RJ45 Ethernet Networking Cable

• Power Supply

• User Manual

System Requirements

• Broadband Internet connection such as a cable or DSL modem with RJ45
(Ethernet) connection

• At least one computer with an installed network interface adapter

• TCP/IP networking protocol installed on each computer

• RJ45 Ethernet networking cable

• Internet browser

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Easy Install Wizard Software System Requirements

• A PC running Windows

®

98SE, Me, 2000, or XP, or a Mac® computer

running Mac OS® X

• Minimum 64MB RAM

• Internet browser

Knowing your Router

The Router has been designed to be placed on a desktop. All of the cables exit
from the rear of the Router for better organization and utility. The LED indicators
are easily visible on the TOP of the Router to provide you with information about
network activity and status.

A. Wireless Network LED

OFF Wireless network is OFF
Blue Wireless network is ready
Blinking Indicates wireless activity

B. Wired Computer Status LEDs

When a computer is properly connected to one of the wired computer ports on
the rear of the Router, the LED will light. When information is being sent over the
port, the LED blinks rapidly.

OFF No device is linked to the port
Blue 10Base-T device connected

Blinking Port activity

C. Modem/WAN Status LED

This LED lights in BLUE to indicate that your modem is connected properly to the
Router. It blinks rapidly when information is being sent over the port between the
Router and the modem.

OFF No WAN link
Solid Blue Good WAN link
Blinking Blue WAN activity

D. Internet/Connected LED

This unique LED shows you when the Router is connected to the Internet. When
the light is OFF, the Router is NOT connected to the Internet. When the light is
blinking, the Router is attempting to connect to the Internet. When the light is
solid BLUE, the Router is connected to the Internet. When using the “Disconnect
after x minutes” feature, this LED becomes extremely useful in monitoring the
status of your Router’s connection.

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OFF Router is not connected to the Internet
Blinking Blue Router is attempting to connect to the Internet

Solid Blue Router is connected to the Internet

E. Power/Router LED

When you apply power to the Router or restart it, a short period of time elapses
while the Router boots up. During this time, the “Power/Router” LED blinks.
When the Router has completely booted up, the “Power/Router” LED becomes a
SOLID light, indicating the Router is ready for use.

OFF Router is OFF
Blinking Blue Router is booting up
Solid Blue Router is ready

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F. Power Jack – Black

Connect the included 12V/0.5A DC power supply to this jack.

G. Connections to Computers (Wired Computer Ports) – Gary

Connect your wired (non-wireless) computers to these ports. These ports are
RJ45, 10/100 auto-negotiation, auto-uplinking ports for standard UTP category 5
or 6 Ethernet cable. The ports are labeled 1 through 4. These ports correspond
to the numbered LEDs on the front of the Router.

H. Connection to Modem (Modem Port) – Yellow

This port is for connection to your cable or DSL modem. Use the cable that was
provided with the modem to connect the modem to this port. Use of a cable other
than the cable supplied with the cable modem may not work properly.

I. Reset Button

The “Reset” button is used in rare cases when the Router may function
improperly. Resetting the Router will restore the Router’s normal operation while
maintaining the programmed settings. You can also restore the factory default
settings by using the “Reset” button. Use the restore option in instances where
you may have forgotten your custom password.

a. Resetting the Router

Push and release the “Reset” button. The lights on the Router will momentarily
flash. The “Power/Ready” light will begin to blink. When the “Power/Ready” light
becomes solid again, the reset is complete.

b. Restoring the Factory Defaults

Press and hold the “Reset” button for at least 10 seconds, then release it. The
lights on the Router will momentarily flash. The “Power/Ready” light will begin to
blink. When the “Power/Ready” light becomes solid again, the restore is
complete.

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Connecting and Configuring your Router
Verify the contents of your box. You should have the following:

• Belkin N1 Wireless Router

• Category 5 Networking Cable (for connecting the Router to the computer)

• Power Supply

• Belkin Easy Install Wizard Software CD

• User Manual

Modem Requirements

Your cable or DSL modem must be equipped with an RJ45 Ethernet port. Many
modems have both an RJ45 Ethernet port and a USB connection. If you have a
modem with both Ethernet and USB, and are using the USB connection at this
time, you will be instructed to use the RJ45 Ethernet port during the installation
procedure. If your modem has only a USB port, you can request a different type
of modem from your ISP, or you can, in some cases, purchase a modem that has
an RJ45 Ethernet port on it.

Ethernet USB

Easy Install Wizard

Belkin has provided our Easy Install Wizard software to make installing your
Router a simple and easy task. You can use it to get your Router up and running
in minutes. The Easy Install Wizard requires that your Windows 98SE, Me, 2000,
or XP computer be connected directly to your cable or DSL modem and that the
Internet connection is

active and working at the time of installation. If it is not,
you must use the “Alternate Setup Method” section of this User Manual to
configure your Router. Additionally, if you are using an operating system other
than Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP, you must set up the Router using the
“Alternate Setup Method” section of this User Manual.

IMPORTANT: Run the Easy Install Wizard from the computer that is directly connected to the cable or

DSL modem.

DO NOT CONNECT THE ROUTER AT THIS TIME.

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Step 1 Run the Easy Install Wizard Software

1. Shut down any programs that are running on your computer at this time.

2. Make sure you have the following items at the computer that is now directly

connected to the cable or DSL modem. DO NOT CONNECT THE ROUTER
AT THIS TIME.

• The Easy Install Wizard CD-ROM

• The Router

• The Router Power Supply

• Category 5 Networking Cable

• This User Manual

3. Turn off any firewall or Internet-connection-sharing software on your

computer.

Windows User: Insert the Easy Install Wizard software CD into your CD-ROM
drive. The Network Setup Utility screen will automatically appear on your screen
within 15 seconds. Click on “Run the Easy Install Wizard” to begin.
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Select your region from the drop-down box shown on the screen.
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Note for Windows Users: If the Easy Install Wizard does not start up
automatically, select your CD-ROM drive from “My Computer” and double-click
on the file named “Start” to start the Network Setup Utility.

Mac OS Users: Insert the Easy Install Wizard software CD into your CD-ROM
drive. Click on the CD icon; a folder will pop up. To begin, click on “start.osx” if
you have Mac OS X.

4. Follow the Easy Install Wizard to complete the installation.

Welcome Screen

After you insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive, the Wizard’s welcome screen
will appear. Make sure you have not connected the Router at this point. If you
have connected your Router, please reconnect your computer directly to the
modem. Click “Next” when you are ready to move on.

Progress Screen
Easy Install will show you a progress screen each time a step in the setup has
been completed. Each time you see the progress screen, click “Next” when you
are ready to move to the next step.

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