Belkin F5D9000 User Manual

F5D9000

Wireless G Plus MIMO

Desktop Card

User Manual

Table of Contents

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

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

Advantages of a Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for

Optimal Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Installing and Setting up the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1

A: Install. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 1

B: Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 1

C: Configure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Step 2

A: Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Step 2

B: Insert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Step 2C: Configure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4 Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

from the Windows System Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Setting Wireless Network Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Configuring your Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO

Desktop Card to use Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Introduction

section

Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card (the Card). Now you can take advantage of this great new technology and gain the freedom to network your home and office computers wirelessly. This Card allows you to connect a desktop 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 lets 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

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 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 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.

Introduction

section

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:

• 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.

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 Networking 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.

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

section

Product Features

The Card complies with the IEEE 802.11g standard in order to communicate with other 802.11g-compliant wireless devices at 54Mbps. The Card is compatible with all 802.11g devices as well as other 802.11b products at 11Mbps. 802.11g products operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as 802.11b Wi-Fi® products.

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

• Integrated easy-to-use Wireless Networking Utility

• PCI interface, for operation in virtually any desktop computer

• WPA, WPA2, 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), or 128-bit encryption

• Wireless access to networked resources

• Support for both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer) networking modes

• Data rate of up to 54Mbps (802.11g), or 11Mbps (802.11b)

• Easy installation and use

• External antenna

• LED power and network link indicators

Overview

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: 32-bit PCI interface Power Consumption: Continuous Tx: 350±10mA @ 802.11b

Continuous Tx: 320±10mA @ 802.11g Continuous Rx: 360±10mA @ 802.11b/g Standby: 200±10mA @ 3.3VDC (max.)

Operating Temperature: 0 ~ 65°C Storage Temperature: -20~85°C Humidity: Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% Non-Condensing

Storage Humidity: 5% to 90% Non-Condensing Typical Operating Range: Up to 1,000 ft. (304.8m)*

*Wi reless p erfo rmance m ay vary depending on th e networking environment .

Overview

section

(a) Link/Activity LED

Lights up when the Card links to a wireless network and flashes when the Card is active

(b) Card Connector

Fits securely into your computer’s PCI slot

System Requirements

• PC-compatible desktop computer with one available PCI slot and CD-ROM drive

• Windows

2000, XP, or Vista

• Mac OS® X v10.4.x

Package Contents

• Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card

• Two Dipole 2 dBi Antennas

• Quick Installation Guide

• Installation Software CD containing User Manual

(c)

(d)

Installing and Setting up the Card

For users of Windows Vista, refer to the following installation steps: Step 1A Install

IMPORTANT

: INSTALL THE SOFTWARE BEFORE INSERTING THE CARD. 1A.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive. 1A.2 Select the “Run Installer.exe” option.

1A.3

You may see a window titled, “A program needs your

permission to continue”. Click “Continue”.

1A.4 Click “Next” to begin the installation process.

Installing and Setting up the Card

section

1A.5 Click “Next”.

1A.6 Select the location of the

installation. Click “Next” to continue.

1A.7 A window may appear with the

message, “Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software” across the top. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system.

1A.8 When prompted, turn off

your computer and plug in your Card.

1A.9 Depending on your computer’s

operating system version, a window may appear with the message, “An unidentified program wants access to your computer” across the top. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system. Please click “Allow”.

Installing and Setting up the Card

Step 1B Insert

Insert the Card into an Available PCI Slot on your Desktop Computer

1B.1 Shut down your computer and disconnect the power cord. 1B.2 Remove the screws that secure your computer case cover, and remove

the cover.

Note: Touch any metal part of the case to discharge static electricity to

avoid damage to the product or your computer.

1B.3 Locate an empty PCI expansion slot, usually white in color.

Confirm that the Card will fit into it. Keep in mind that the included antenna needs to be oriented with the top pointing up. If there are cables and other connectors in the way, choose the PCI

slot that has the fewest obstructions to the correct positioning of the antenna.

1B.4 Remove the metal port cover from the

back of the computer that corresponds to the PCI slot you selected. If there is a screw, put it in a safe place, as you will be using it to attach the Card to the computer later.

1B.5 Push the Card firmly into the PCI slot

that you have chosen. Apply pressure as needed until the connector is fully seated.

Installing and Setting up the Card

section

1B.6 Now secure the Card with the screw that you previously put aside.

1B.7 Carefully screw the antenna onto the threaded connector on the

Card. Turn the antenna until it is vertical, pointing up.

1B.8 Replace the computer’s cover. Now that the Card is installed, you

can reconnect the power cord and turn the computer back on.

1B.9 Depending on your computer’s

operating system version, the “Found New Hardware Wizard” might appear within 3–15 seconds. If it does, continue to follow the prompts. Select “Locate and install the driver software” to continue.

1B.1

0 You might see a screen similar to

the one pictured below. This DOES NOT mean there is a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system. Select “Install this driver software anyway” and follow the on-screen instructions.

1B.11 Next, a screen appears indicating

that hardware installation is taking place; then, another indicates that the process is complete.

1B.1

2 Click “Finish” to complete the

installation.

Installing and Setting up the Card

Step 1C Configure

Connect to a Network

1C.

1 To connect to the Internet, open the

Network and Sharing Center by first opening the Control Panel from the “Start” menu.

1C.2 In the Control Panel, click on

“View network status and tasks”.

1C.3 In the Network and Sharing

Center, click on “Connect to a network”.

1C.4 Select an available wireless

network and click “Connect”.

Installing and Setting up the Card

section

1C.5 Your Card will attempt to connect

to the selected network.

1C.6 Depending on the security settings

of your wireless network, you may be prompted to enter in a network security key or a passphrase. Click “Connect” after you have done so.

1C.7 After connecting to the network,

you may choose to save this network and connect automatically once your Card is in range.

1C.8 The Network and Sharing Center

should now show the network connection that you have just made. The links on the left of the window allow you to configure your network connections.

Installing and Setting up the Card

For users of other Windows operating systems, refer to the installation instructions below.

Step 2A Install

IMPORTANT: INSTALL THE SOFTWARE BEFORE INSERTING THE CARD. 2A

.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2A.2 The Belkin Wireless Card Installer

screen will automatically appear. (This may take 15–20 seconds.) Click “install” to start the installation.**

Note: If the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility screen does not appear within 20 seconds, access your CD-ROM by double-clicking on the “My Computer” icon; then, double-click on the CD-ROM drive into which the installation CD has been placed. Double-click on the folder named “Files”, then doubleclick on the icon named “setup.exe”.

2A.3 The InstallShield Wizard will now

start. Click “Next” to continue.

Installing and Setting up the Card

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2A.4 The first in a series of progress-

monitoring screens will let you know where you are in the setup process. Click “Next” to install in the recommended destination folder.

2A.5 You might see a screen similar

to this one. This DOES NOT mean there is a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system. Select “Continue Anyway” and follow the on-screen instructions.

2A.6 The dialogue box will ask to shut

down the computer and insert the Desktop Card. Click the “Shutdown” button to shut down your computer.

Installing and Setting up the Card

Step 2B Insert

Insert the Card into an Available PCI Slot on your Desktop Computer 2B.1

Shut down your computer and disconnect your power cord.

2B.2 Remove the screws behind your computer case that secure the

computer cover and remove the cover.

Note: Touch any metal part of the case to discharge static electricity to avoid damage to the product or your computer.

2B.3 Locate an empty PCI expansion

slot. It is usually white in color. Confirm that the Card will fit into the slot you have chosen. Keep in mind that the included antenna needs to be oriented with the top pointing up. If there are cables and other connectors in the way, try to pick the PCI slot that has the fewest obstructions to the correct positioning of the antenna.

2B.4 Remove the metal port cover from

the back of the computer that corresponds to the PCI slot you selected. If there is a screw, put it aside in a safe place, as you will be using it to attach the Card to the computer later.

2B.5 Push the Card firmly into the PCI slot

that you have chosen. Apply pressure as needed until the connector is fully seated.

2B.6 Now, secure the Card with the screw

that you put aside.

Installing and Setting up the Card

section

2B.7 Carefully screw the antenna onto the threaded connector on

the Card. Turn the antenna until it is vertical, pointing up.

2B.8 Replace the computer’s cover. Now that the Card is installed,

you can reconnect the power cord and turn the computer back

on.

2B.9 After reboot, the system will detect

the new hardware. Click “No, not this time” and “Next” to continue.

2B.10 Depending on your operating system

software, you might see a screen similar to this one. This DOES NOT mean there is a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system. Select “Continue Anyway” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Installing and Setting up the Card

2B.11 Click “Finish” to complete the

software installation.

2B.12 Click “Finish” to end the

installation process.

Installing and Setting up the Card

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Step 2C Configure

Connect to a Network Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

2C.1

After restarting your computer,

double-click the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility icon on the desktop screen.

Note: The Belkin Wireless Networking Utility icon can also be found on the system tray.

2C.2 The Belkin Wireless

Networking Utility screen will appear.

2C.3 Select a network to which to

connect from the “Available Networks” list and click “Connect”.

Note: In order to see your available networks, you must be near a working wireless router or access point.

Installation is now complete.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

After successfully installing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility (WNU), configurations for wireless connection and security are just a few easy clicks away.

Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility from the Windows System Tray

To access the WNU, simply place your mouse pointer and right-click over the WNU icon on the Windows system tray

If the icon is not present, click on “Start > Programs > Belkin > Belkin Wireless Utility”.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

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The WNU’s default screen is the “Current Status” tab. The “Current Status” tab displays the current Network Status and Available Networks.

Network Status

This window displays the connectivity status of the current network. It even displays connectivity between the computer and router, and router and Internet. In the event of a connectivity problem, this window can be used to determine the problem’s source (e.g. computer, router, or Internet/modem).

Available Networks

This window displays the available networks at the current location as well as their SSID, Signal Strength, Security Type, Channel, and Network Type.

Lost Wireless Connection

If the current wireless connection is lost, a window will pop up and the WNU will attempt to reconnect.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

Connection Failure

Other options will appear during attempts to reconnect. To stop connecting, click “Stop” and to reattempt connection, click “Retry”.

Network Status and Solution Tips

To further understand the current Network Status, click “Open Wireless Utility”. The default screen will be the “Current Status” tab and the “Network Status” section determines which connections are good and/or faulty.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

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The WNU also features a “Solution Tips” section that provides troubleshooting guidelines.

Setting Wireless Network Profiles

The “My Connections” tab on the WNU allows you to add, edit, and delete connection profiles. It also displays signal strength, security, and network type.

Securing your Wi-Fi® Network

If you choose to connect to a secure network, determine the type of security (WPA or WEP*) and use the appropriate field in the dialog box

Note: When you select a network using encryption, you will first see the simple security screen. Click the “Advanced” button to see other security options (below).

*Note: Types of security

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a less secure, but more

widely adopted wireless security protocol. Depending on the security level (64- or 128-bit), the user will be asked to input a 10- or 26character hex key. A hex key is a combination of letters, a–f, and numbers, 0–9.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

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Wireless Protected Access (WPA) is the new standard in the

wireless security. However, not all wireless cards and adapters support this technology. Please check your wireless router’s user manual to check if it supports WPA. Instead of a hex key, WPA uses only passphrases, which are much easier to remember.

The following section, intended for the home, home office, and small office user, presents a few different ways to maximize the security of your wireless network.

At the time of publication, four Encryption Methods are available:

Encryption Methods:

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

Name 64-Bit Wired

Equivalent Privacy

128-Bit Encryption

Wi-Fi Protected Access

Wi-Fi Protected

Access 2 Acronym 64-bit WEP 128-bit WPA-TKIP/AES WPA 2-AES Security Good Better Best Best Features Static keys Static keys Dynamic key

encryption and mutual authentication

Dynamic key

encryption

and mutual

authentication

Encryption keys based on RC4 algorithm (typically 40-bit keys)

Added security over 64-bit WEP using a key length of 104 bits, plus 24 additional bits of systemgenerated data

TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) added so that keys are rotated and encryption is strengthened

AES

(Advanced

Encryption

Standard)

does not

cause any

throughput

loss

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

WEP is a common protocol that adds security to all Wi-Fi-compliant

wireless products. WEP gives wireless networks the equivalent level of privacy protection as a comparable wired network.

64-Bit WEP

64-bit WEP was first introduced with 64-bit encryption, which includes a key length of 40 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data (64 bits total). Some hardware manufacturers refer to 64-bit as 40-bit encryption. Shortly after the technology was introduced, researchers found that 64-bit encryption was too easy to decode.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

128-Bit Encryption

As a result of 64-bit WEP’s potential security weaknesses, a more secure method of 128-bit encryption was developed. 128-bit encryption includes a key length of 104 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data (128 bits total). Some hardware manufacturers refer to 128-bit as 104-bit encryption.

Most of the new wireless equipment in the market today supports both 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption, but you might have older equipment that only supports 64-bit WEP. All Belkin wireless products will support both 64-bit and 128-bit WEP.

Encryption Keys

After selecting either the 64-bit or 128-bit WEP encryption mode, it is critical that you generate an encryption key. If the encryption key is not consistent throughout the entire wireless network, your wireless networking devices will be unable to communicate with one another.

You can enter your key by typing in the hex key manually, or you can type a passphrase into the “Passphrase” field and click “Generate” to create a key. A hex (hexadecimal) key is a combination of numbers and letters from A–F and 0–9. For 64-bit WEP, you need to enter 10 hex keys. For 128-bit WEP, you need to enter 26 hex keys.

For instance:

0F 4B C3 D4 = 64-bit WEP key

03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key

The WEP passphrase is NOT the same as a WEP key. Your Card uses this passphrase to generate your WEP keys, but different hardware manufacturers might have different methods on generating the keys. If you have multiple vendors’ equipment in your network, the easiest thing to do is to use the hex WEP key from your wireless router (or access point) and enter it manually into the hex WEP key table in your Card’s configuration screen.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

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WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

WPA WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a new Wi-Fi standard that improves upon the security features of WEP. To use WPA security, the drivers and software of your wireless equipment must be upgraded to support it. These updates will be found on your wireless vendor’s website. There are three types of WPA security: WPA-PSK (no server), WPA (with radius server), and WPA2

WPA-PSK (no server) uses what is known as a pre-shared key as the network key. A network key is a password that is between eight and 63 characters long. It can be a combination of letters, numbers, or characters. Each client uses the same network key to access the network. Typically, this is the mode that will be used in a home environment.

WPA (with radius server) works best in a business environment, in which a radius server automatically distributes the network key to clients.

WPA2

requires Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for encryption of data, which offers much greater security than WPA. WPA uses both Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and (AES) for encryption.

Most Wi-Fi products ship with security turned off. So once you have your network working, you need to activate WEP or WPA and make sure all your wireless devices are sharing the same network key.

Setting up your Belkin Wireless Router (or Access Point) to use Security

To start using security, you need to first enable WEP or WPA for your wireless router (or access point). For Belkin Wireless Routers (or Access Points), these security features can be configured by using the web-based interface. See your wireless router’s (or access point’s) manual for directions on how to access the management interface.

IMPORTANT: You must now set all wireless network cards/adapters to match these settings.

Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

Configuring your Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card to use Security

At this point, you should already have your wireless router (or access point) set to use WPA or WEP. In order for you to gain a wireless connection, you will need to set your Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card to use the same security settings.

Changing the Wireless Security Settings

The Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card supports the latest WPA security feature as well as the legacy WEP security standard. By default, wireless security is disabled.

To enable security, you will first need to determine which standard is used by the router or access point. (See your wireless router’s or access point’s manual for directions on how to access the security settings.)

To access the security settings on your Card, click the “My Connections” tab and point to the connection for which you want to change security settings. Click “Edit” to change settings.

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