Thank you for purchasing the Belkin N1 Wireless Desktop 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.
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”.
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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 no longer need a dedicated “computer
room”—you can work on a networked laptop or desktop
computer anywhere within your wireless range
• 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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Introduction
32
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.
3
Introduction
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
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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.
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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 Belkin
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 in the previous pages 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 draft-802.11n specification to
communicate with other draft-802.11n-compliant wireless devices at
speeds of up to 300Mbps*. The Card is also compatible with 802.11g
devices at 54Mbps as well as 802.11b products at 11Mbps. The Card
operates on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as 802.11b/g
®
Wi-Fi
products.
• 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Science, and Medical) band operation
Provides the easy and quick, small network installation SOHO
users need
Product Specifications
Host Interface: 32-bit PCI
Power Consumption:
802.11b: TX 920mA @ 3.3V, RX 400mA @ 3.3V
802.11g: TX 1000mA @ 3.3V, RX 400mA @ 3.3V
802.11n: 20MHz operation, TX 1000mA @ 3.3V,
40MHz operation, TX 1070mA @ 3.3V,
Operating Temperature: 32—131 degrees F (0—55 degrees C)
Storage Temperature: -4—176 degrees F (-20—80 degrees C)
Humidity: Max. 90% (non-condensing)
Typical Operating Range: Up to 1,400 ft. (426.7m)**
*
NOT E: Th e sta ndard trans mission rate– 300 Mbps–is the physic al data rate.
Act ual d ata t hro ugh put will be lower.
**Wireless perfo rmance may vary dependi ng on the netwo rki ng en vironment.
RX 400mA @ 3.3V
RX 500mA @ 3.3V
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Overview
(a) Power/Activity LED
Lights up when the Card is powered on; flashes when wireless
activity is detected
(b) Card Connector
Part of the Card that fits into your computer’s PCI slot
(c) External Antenna Connector
Lets you connect to the cable from the exter nal antenna
System Requirements
• PC-compatible desktop computer containing:
one available 32-bit PCI slot
• 128MB RAM or greater
• 500MHz processor or greater
• Windows
®
2000 or XP
Package Contents
• N1 Wireless Desktop Card
• External Antenna with Cable
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
(b)
(a)
(c)
Installing and Setting up the Card
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Step 1 Install
IMPORTANT
: Install the software before inserting the Card.
1.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
1.2 The Belkin Wireless Card Installer screen will automatically appear.
(This may take 15–20 seconds.) Click “Install Software” or “Next”
to start the installation.
Note:If the Belkin Wireless Card Installer 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 icon named “Setup.exe”.
1.3 The InstallShield Wizard will now
start. Click “Next” to continue.
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Installing and Setting up the Card
1.4 Choose a destination folder in
which to install the software,
or simply click “Next”.
1.5 The first in a series of
progress-monitoring screens
will let you know where you are
in the setup process.
1.6 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.
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Installing and Setting up the Card
1110
Step 2 Insert
Insert the Card into your Computer
2.1 Shut down your computer and disconnect your computer’s
power cord.
2.2 Remove the screws behind your computer case that secure
the computer cover and remove the cover.
2.3 Touch any metal part of the case to discharge static electricity,
to avoid damage to your product or the computer.
2.4 Locate an empty PCI expansion
slot (usually white in color).
Confirm that the Card will fit
into the slot you have chosen.
2.5 Remove the metal PCI bracket
from the back of the computer that
corresponds to the PCI slot you
selected. If there is a screw, place
it in a safe place, as you will be
using it to attach the Card to the
computer later.
2.6 Push the Card firmly into the PCI
slot that you have chosen
.
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Installing and Setting up the Card
2.7 Now secure the Card with the screw that you previously placed
in a safe place.
2.8 Replace the computer’s cover. Plug in the external antenna cable
to the connector on the back of the Card.
2.9 Now that the Card is installed, you can reconnect the power cord
and turn the computer back on.
Step 3 Finish
Finish Installation of the Card
3.1 The Found New Hardware Wizard
will appear. (This may take 3–15
seconds.) Select “Yes, this time
only” and click “Next” to install
the hardware.
3.2 Select “Install the software
automatically” and “Next” to
install the hardware.
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Installing and Setting up the Card
1312
3.3 The Wizard will now install
your software.
3.4 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
.
3.5 The installation is now complete.
Click “Finish” to exit.
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Installing and Setting up the Card
Step 4 Configure
Use the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
4.1 After restarting your computer,
double-click the Belkin Wireless
Networking Utility icon on the
desktop screen.
4.2 The Belkin Wireless Networking
Utility screen will appear.
4.3 Select a network to connect to from
the “Available Networks” list and
click “Connect”.
In order to see your available
Note:
networks, you must be near a working
wireless router or access point.
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4.4 The Belkin Wireless Networking
Utility icon can also be found on
the system tray
Double-clicking on the Belkin
Note:
Wireless Networking Utility icon on
the system tray will bring up the
“Utility” screen
Installation is now complete.
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.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
1514
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 task tray.
If the icon is not present, click on “Start > Programs > Belkin >
Belkin Wireless Utility”.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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
.
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Lost Wireless Connection
If the current wireless connection is lost, a window will pop up
and the WNU will attempt to reconnect.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
1716
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.
The WNU also features a “Solution Tips” section that provides
troubleshooting guidelines.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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.
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*Note: Types of security
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
1918
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).
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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.
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 adapter’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:
Nam e 64- bit W ire d
Acrony m64- bit W EP128 -bit WEPWPA-TKIP/
Sec urityGoo dBet terBes tBes t
Fea turesSta tic k eys Stat ic ke ys Dyn amic key
Equ ivalent Privacy
Enc ryption keys
bas ed on R C4
alg orithm ( typicall y
40- bit k eys)
128 -Bit Wired
Equ ivalent
Pri vacy
More secure
tha n 64- bit
WEP u sin g a
key l eng th of
104 b its p lus
24 addit ional
bit s of syste mgen erated data
Wi- Fi
Protec ted
Acc ess-TKIP
AES ( or just
WPA)
enc ryption
and m utu al
aut hentication
TKI P
(Tempora l
Key I nte grity
Protoc ol)
add ed so
tha t key s are
rotate d and
enc ryption is
streng the ned
Wi- Fi
Protec ted
Acc ess 2
WPA2-AES ( or
jus t WPA2)
Dyn amic key
enc ryption
and m utu al
aut hentication
AES
(Ad vanced
Enc ryption
Sta ndard)
doe s not
cau se an y
throug hpu t
los s
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
2120
WEP
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.
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 WEP 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 WEP and
128-bit encryption.
Encryption Keys
After selecting either the 64-bit WEP or 128-bit 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. 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:
AF
0F4BC3D4 = 64-bit WEP key
C3
030FAF0F4BB2C3D44BC3D4E7 = 128-bit WEP key
Write down 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.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
WPA
WPA 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.
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.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
2322
Configuring your 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 wireless
connection, you will need to set your N1 Wireless Desktop Card to
use the same security settings.
Changing the Wireless Security Settings
The Belkin N1 Wireless 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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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
WEP Setup
64-Bit WEP Encryption
1. Select “WEP” from the “Data Encryption” drop-down menu.
2. After selecting your WEP encryption mode, you can enter your key
by typing in the hex key manually.
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 instance:
0F4BC3D4 = 64-bit WEP key
AF
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
2524
3. Click “Save” to finish. Encryption in the wireless router
(or access point) is now set. Each of your computers on your
wireless network will now need to be configured with the same
security settings.
WARNING:If you are using a wireless client to turn on the security
settings in your wireless router (or access point), you will temporarily
lose your wireless connection until you activate security on your
wireless client. Please record the key prior to applying changes in the
wireless router (or access point). If you don’t remember the hex key,
your client will be locked out of the wireless router (or access point).
128-Bit WEP Encryption
Select “WEP” from the drop-down menu.
1.
2. After selecting your WEP encryption mode, you can enter your
key by typing in the hex key manually. A hex (hexadecimal) key
is a combination of numbers and letters from A–F and 0–9. For
128-bit WEP, you need to enter 26 hex keys
For instance:
C3
030FAF0F4BB2C3D44BC3D4E7 = 128-bit WEP key
.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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3. Click “Save” to finish. Encryption in the wireless router (or access
point) is now set. Each of the computers on your wireless network
will now need to be configured with the same security settings.
WARNING:If you are using a wireless client to turn on the security
settings in your wireless router (or access point), you will temporarily
lose your wireless connection until you activate security on your
wireless client. Please record the key prior to applying changes in the
wireless router (or access point). If you don’t remember the hex key,
your client will be locked out of the wireless router (or access point).
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
2726
WPA-PSK (no server)
Choose this setting if your network does not use a radius server. WPA-PSK
(no server) is typically used in home and small office networking.
1. From the “Network Authentication” drop-down menu, select
“WPA-PSK (no server)”.
2. Enter your network key. This can be from eight to 63 characters
and can be letters, numbers, or symbols. This same key must be
used on all of the clients (network cards) that you want to include
in your wireless network.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
3. Click “Save” to finish. You must now set all clients (network
cards) to match these settings.
Wireless Networking Utility Options
The “Options” tab on the WNU provides the user the ability
to customize his or her WNU settings
.
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
2928
Wireless Networking Utility Help
The WNU “Help” tab provides users with access to online and
telephone support, a one-click check for software updates, and
advanced diagnostic tools.
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