Belkin F5U004 User Manual

Belkin USB Direct Connect

Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Device Specifications

2.1. Environmental Conditions

2.2. Data Rate

2.3. Operating Systems

2.4. Power Consumption

2.5. Dimensions

2.6. LEDs

2.7. Compliance

3. Network Topology

4.0 Belkin USB Direct Connect Installation

4.1.1

Installation of USB Driver for Win 98

4.1.2

Installation of USB Driver for Win 95

4.2.0

Installation of Network Drivers

4.3.0

Sharing resources between computers

5. Setting Up Network Support Manually

5.1. Determining Your Existing Configuration

5.2. Determining Your New Configuration

5.3. Installing Network Components

5.3.1. Installing the USB Direct Connect Network Adapter

5.3.2. Installing Client for Microsoft Networks

5.3.3. Installing TCP/IP

5.3.4 Installing File and Print Sharing (optional)

5.3.5. Installing IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol (optional)

5.4.0 Setting Up Communications

6. Uninstalling the Belkin USB Direct Connect

1. Introduction

The USB Direct Connect provides a convenient way to connect stand-alone PCs and gain the
benefits of networking without having to install network cards. Two or more USB computers can
share programs, files, peripheral equipment and more. The USB Direct Connect is ideal for small
offices, home users, multiplayer gaming, and taking work on the road.

2. Device Specifications

2.1. Environmental Conditions

0 to 70’C (32 to 158’F)
Humidity 10% to 90%, non-condensing

2.2. Data Rate

12 Megabytes/second

2.3. Operating Systems

Windows 98

2.4. Power Consumption

Powered from USB Bus
Normal Operation: -7OmA

Suspend: ~300qA

2.5. Dimensions

0.87’ H x 2.6” W x 4.25”

L

2.6. LEDs

Left: Status
Center and Right: Activity

2.7. Compliance

FCC Class B, USB specification v 1.0

3. Network Topology

The USB Direct Connect can be used to connect two or more computers. There is a maximum
distance limit between computers, or hosts, of 1 0 meters. This limit is due to the USB cable
length maximum of 5 meters. Therefore each host can be up to 5 meters away from the USB
Direct Connect. Figure 1 below shows the different ways that the USB Direct Connect(s) can be
connected to host computers.

Ch.i@

D.i.y

Figure 1. Network Topology

Note from the “Tree” Configuration in the previous section that it is possible to connect more
than two

Direct Connects to a host, however, only eight

USB

Direct Connects may be

USB

connected per host.
Another restriction is the following: the hosts must NEVER be connected in such a way that any
two hosts in the network have more than one USB Direct Connect connecting them. Doing this
will form a “ring” which will crash the network. Figure 2 below illustrates what not to do.
Figure 2. How NOT to connect a USB Direct Connect

In this diagram the USB Direct Connect that connects the laptop back to the first computer will
cause the network to crash.

4. Belkin USB Direct Connect Installation

There are two stages to the installation of the USB Direct Connect. The first part installs the USB
Direct Connect drivers. The second stage is Network installation and setup.

The procedure below should be followed on all the computers that will be connected on the
network.

4.1.1. Installation of USB Driver for Win 98:

1. Insert the disk labeled “USB Direct Connect Installation Disk” into your floppy drive
(typically drive A:).

2. Insert the flat (type A) connector into an available USB port on your PC or USB hub
attached to your PC.

3. Insert the square connector (type B) into either of the two ports on the USB Direct
Connect device. You will see an “Add New Hardware” Wizard.

4. A window saying: 'This wizard searches for new drivers for:
USB Direct Connect 'appears.

5.Click Next

6.A windows saying: 'What do you want to do?' appears

.

7.Make sure 'Search for the best driver...' is selected and click Next.

8.On the next window that appears, check the box marked: 'Specify a Location ' and uncheck the
other boxes. Type A:\win98 on the big rectangular box right below ‘Specify a Location’. Click
Next.

9.A Window saying ‘Belkin USB Direct Connect’ and 'Location of driver:
A:\WIN98\BUSDC.INF 'will appear. Click Next.

10.A window might appear titled: Copying Files...If this window does appear, type
A:\WIN98 at the bottom of the window and click OK.

11.Click 'Finish' on the next window that appears. You may be asked to put in the win 98 CD­ROM. After the files have been copied, you can go now to section 4.2.0 of the manual
(Installation of Network drivers).

4.1.2 Installation of USB Driver for Win 95:

1. Insert the disk labeled “USB Direct Connect Installation Disk” into your floppy drive
(typically drive A:).

2. Insert the flat (type A) connector into an available USB port on your PC or USB hub
attached to your PC.

3. Insert the square connector (type B) into either of the two ports on the USB Direct
Connect device.

.

4. A window titled 'Update Device Driver Wizard' appears.

5.Click Next

6.A windows saying:'Please wait while Windows searches...'appears. DO NOT click 'Next' on
this window, wait until the next window is displayed.

7.On the next window that appears, click the 'Other Locations' button.

8.A Window titled:'Select Other Location' will appear.

9. Type 'A:\ win95 '. Click OK.

10.Click 'Finish' on the next window that appears.

11.A window titled:'Copying Files...'may appear asking for the location of 'KLNETSET.EXT,
type 'A:\win95’ and click OK.

12. On some systems, you may be asked to insert your Windows 95 CD-ROM. After the files
have been copied, you can go now to section 4.2.0 of the manual (Installation of Network
drivers).

4.2.0 Installation of Network Drivers

1.During the USB install, a shortcut was placed on the desktop called:
this Short Cut.

Netsetup

, double-click

2.A window will appear asking for 'Typical Installation' or 'Advanced Installation'. It is
recommended that you select ‘Typical Installation’. If you select 'Typical Installation' proceed
with the following steps below. If you select ‘Advanced installation’, the Windows 98/95
Network Control Panel will be launched and you will need to install the Belkin Direct Connect
Network Adapter drivers manually.To install the Network adapters manually see
OK.

3.A window will appear asking for a Computer Name. The Computer Name is user defined. The
Computer Name that you assign should be unique for each computer (e.g. Computer 1, Computer
2, PC1, PC2, PC3, Jonathan, Winston, Majid, Chris, Melody, Justin, Derek or Ferdi). Type one in
and click next.

Section 5

. Click

4.A window will appear asking for a Workgroup name. The Workgroup Name is user defined .
Use only one Workgroup name for all computers( e.g. Home Computers , Office Computers or
Tech Support ) . That is, the Workgroup name on all the computers should be exactly the same .
Type one in and click Next.

5

.A window will appear asking for a PC description. Type one in and click next. You can type

anything on the computer description or you can just leave it blank .

6.A window will appear asking if you want to assign your own IP address. It is recommended that
you choose ‘Yes’. If you choose 'Yes', proceed to the next step.You can choose to let Windows
pick an IP address but this will lengthen the time it takes for your computer to boot.

7.Enter the IP address for this computer on in the four entry boxes. The first three should be the
same for all computers. The one at the bottom should be unique. Click 'Continue'.

8.The network drivers for your computer will now be installed. There may be periods of
inactivity up to ten seconds. You may be asked to insert your Windows 95/98 CD or for the
location of your Windows 95/98 CAB files. When the driver installation is finished, you will be
asked to reboot. Eject the driver diskette on Drive A then click 'Yes'.

9.After reboot your computer should be ready to go .

4.3.0 Sharing resources between computers

After installing the services necessary for networking, you can share your resources between
each computer e.g. Hard Drives and CD-ROMs, so the user can do file transfer.
The following procedure outlines the steps on how to share Hard Drives (also applicable to
CD-ROMs):

1) Double click on the MY COMPUTER Icon on your Desktop.

2) Left click on the hard drive available on your computer (e.g. C drive), to highlight it. From the
menu bar click on

. On the pull down menu that appears, select

File

Sharing

.

3)A window like the one below will appear. Select ‘Shared As’, Share name is ‘C’, set the Access
Type to ‘Full then click Apply. Click OK .

4.When you go back to My Computer, you will see a ‘small hand’ underneath the C drive
signifying that the drive is now shared.

The Installation is now complete on the first computer

. Go back to section 4.0 and

commence installation on the rest of the computers connected to the network.

Once the installation is done on all the computers, on your Desktop (main screen) you can
double click on the Network Neighborhood Icon. Once it is open, you should see all the
computers connected to the network. If you get an error saying “ Not able to browse the
network “, wait for a minute or two then press the

F5 key

on your keyboard to refresh the

network connections.

5. Setting Up Network Support Manually

IF you choose

‘Advanced Installation’

on Netsetup under section 4.2.0, you will need to setup
the network manually. Setting up the network manually will also enable you to troubleshoot the
network if it does not work right after running Netsetup using ‘Typical Installation’. This section
gives instructions for installing various network components that you will need depending on
how you intend to use the Belkin USB Direct Connect. You will need to determine how your
network is currently set up and what you will need to add to your configuration for proper
functionality.

5.1. Determining Your Existing Configuration

1. Click the “Start” button, select “Settings”,
and then click “Control Panel”.

2. Double-click “Network”.

3. Click the “Configuration” tab.

You will see the words: “The following network components are installed:” with a list box
underneath. Inside the list box are adapters, protocols, clients and services that have already

been added. Read the next section to determine the proper configuration for your intended use(s).

5.2. Determining Your New Configuration

The USB Direct Connect requires certain components in order to function. These components
are:

• USB Direct Connect Network Adapter - Adapter

• Client for Microsoft Networks – Client

• TCP/IP -> USB Direct Connect Network Adapter - Protocol

• File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks - Service

any of the above components are not listed in your existing configuration, add the missing

If

components in the order listed above. See Section 5.3 for details on installing the missing
components.

In addition, you may need other components depending on
how you intend to use the USB Direct Connect. Below is a list of common activities you may
want to use your USB Direct Connect for. Each activity has an additional component you will
need to have for proper functionality.

• Sharing your files/printers with another –computer
File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks

• Playing multi-player games which support IPX/SPX- compatible Protocol -> USB
Direct Connect Adapter

Check your current configuration (see section 5.1) for
existing components. If there are components missing from
your configuration, follow the instructions in the next sections to add the proper components for
your intended use.

5.3. Installing Network Components

Once you have determined what components you need to
add, use the instructions below for help with installing each component.

5.3.1. Installing the USB Direct Connect Network Adapter

If USB Direct Connect Network Adapter is already in the installed component list from section

5.1 (Determining Your Existing Configuration), go on to the next section.

1. Display the “Configuration” tab in the Network dialog from the Control Panel (see
directions in section 5.1).

2. Click “Add”.

3. Double-click “Adapter’.

4. Click “Have Disk....”

5. Insert the USB Direct Connect installation disk.

6. Make sure the edit box contains the name of your
Floppy drive (typically A:). A:\Win 95 or A:\Win98

7. Click “OK”.

8. Click “OK” again in the last dialog box.

9. After exiting the Network Configuration, Windows may also ask for the location of
‘KLNETSET.EXT’, just type the path A:\win95 or A:\win98 then click OK.

5.3.2. Installing Client for Microsoft Networks

If Client for Microsoft Networks is already in the installed component list from section 5.1
(Determining Your Existing Configuration), go on to the next section.

1 . Display the “Configuration” tab in the Network dialog from the Control Panel (see

directions in section 5.1).

2. Click “Add”.

3. Double-click “Client”.

4. On the left side, in the “Manufacturers” box,
click “Microsoft”.

5. On the right side, in the “Network Clients” box,
click “Client for Microsof t’ Ne tworks”.

6. Click on “OK”.

Installing

5.3.3.

If TCP/IP -> USB Direct Connect Network Adapter is already in the installed component

TCP/IP

list from section 5.1 (Determining Your Existing Configuration), skip to step number 7.

1. Display the “Configuration” tab in the Network dialog from the Control Panel (see
directions in section 5.1).

2. Click “Add”.

3. Double-click on “Protocol”.

4. On the left side, in the “Manufacturers” box,

click “Microsoft’’.

5. On the right side, in the “Network Protocols” box,

click “TCP/IP”.

6. Click “OK”.

7. Click “TCP/IP -> USB Direct Connect Network Adapter”.

8. Click “Properties”.

9. Click on the circle next to “Specify IP Address:”

10. Change the “IP Address:” edit box to read:
“

l92.168.201.X

each computer. Also, change the Subnet Mask to

”, with X as a number between 0 and

“255.255.255.0”.

should be unique on between

225. X

11. Click “OK”.

5.3.4. Installing File and

Print

Sharing (optional)

If File and Print Sharing are already in the installed component list from section 5.1
(Determining Your Existing Configuration),
you do not need to follow these instructions.

1. Display the “Configuration” tab in the Network dialog from the “Control Panel” (see
directions in section 5.1).

2. Click “File and Print Sharing”.

3. Click in either or both boxes, and click on “OK”.

5.3.5. Installing IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol (optional)

IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol -> USB Direct Connect Network Adapter is already in the

If

installed component list from section 5.2 (Determining Your Existing Configuration), you do not
need to follow these instructions.

1. Display the “Configuration” tab in the Network dialog from the “Control Panel” (see
directions in section 5.1).

2. Click “Add”.

3. Double-click “Protocol”

4. On the left side, in the “Manufacturers” box,

click “Microsoft’’.

5. On the right side, in the “Network Protocols” box,

click IPX/SPX- compatible Protocol.

6. Click “OK”.

7. Click “IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol -> Dial-Up Adapter”.

8. Click “Remove”.

5.4. Setting up Communications

In order to share files or printers between computers, you will need to set up a workgroup to
which these computers belong. Follow the instructions below to set up a workgroup and
identification for each computer.

1. Display the “Configuration” tab in the Network dialog from the Control Panel (see
directions in section 5.1).

2. Click the “Identification” tab at the top of the dialog.

3. In the Computer name: edit box, type in a unique name for the computer.

4. In the Workgroup edit box, type in the workgroup name that you would like to use for all
of the computers.

5. Click “OK”.

Belkin Components has made their best effort to ensure that all the information contained in this
document is accurate and reliable. However, the information is subject to change without notice.
No responsibility is assumed by Belkin Components for the use of this information, or for
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties.

6. Un-installtion of Belkin USB Direct Connect

1. Make sure the Belkin Direct Connect Adapter (s) is disconnected. Click the 'Start' button.

2.Select 'Settings...'

3.Select 'Control Panel'

4.Double-click on 'Add/Remove Programs'

5.Select ‘Belkin USB Direct Connect ‘from the list.

6.Click the "Add/Remove" button.

7.A windows will appear asking to reboot. Click 'Yes'.

8.After reboot, the Belkin USB Direct Connect Adapter is completely un-installed.

Belkin Components

Corporate Headquarters
501 West Walnut * Compton. CA - 90220-5221
301-898-1100 * 800-223-5546 Fax. [phone]
Belkin Components, LTD.
Clarke Road - Mount Farm - Bletchley - Milton Keynes * MKI 1 LG
[phone] * Fax [phone]
0 1998 Belkin Components. All Rights Reserved. All Names Are Registered Trademarks Of
Respective Manufacturers Listed. P72533