Belkin F5D9000B User Manual

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Belkin
Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card

User Manual
F5D9000

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 Installing and Setting up the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X

Step 1A: Install. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X

Step 1B: Insert. . . . . . XX

Step 1C: Configure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XX

Step 2A: Install. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X

Step 2B: Insert. . . . . . X

Step 2C: Configure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XX

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

Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility from the Windows System
Tray.16
Setting Wireless Network Profiles……………… X

Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XX

Configuring your Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card to use

Security. . . . . . . . . . XX

5 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XX

6 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XX

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Introduction

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

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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

2. Avoid Obstacles and Interference

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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.

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.

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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

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

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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

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

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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)*
*Wireless performance

may vary depending on the
networking environment.

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(Designer we need a new image)

(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

(d) Two Antennas

System Requirements

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

®

- Windows

2000, XP, or Vista™

- Mac OS® X v10.3.x or v10.4.x

Package Contents

- Wireless G Plus MIMO Desktop Card

- Two Dipole 2 dBi Antennas

- Quick Installation Guide

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- Installation Software CD containing User Manual

-

Installing and Setting up the Card
For users of Windows Vista, refer to the following installation steps:
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.
[***Insert screen shot***]

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. [Insert screen shot]

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1A.5 Click “Next”.

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1A.6 Select the location of the installation. Click “Next” to continue.

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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. (Insert screen shot)

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”.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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1B.10 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.12 Click “Finish” to complete the installation.

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1.C 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. (Insert screen shot)

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1C.2 In the Control Panel, click on “View network status and tasks”.
(Insert screen shot)

1C.3 In the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Connect to a network”.
(Insert screen shot)

1C.4 Select an available wireless network and click “Connect”. (Insert
screen shot)

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1C.5 Your Card will attempt to connect to the selected network. (Insert
screen shot)

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. (Insert screen shot)

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1C.7 After connecting to the network, you may choose to save this
network and connect automatically once your Card is in range. (Insert screen
shot)

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. (Insert screen shot)