Belkin AC Wi-Fi User manual

User Manual
F9L1109V1 8820-01381 Rev. A00
AC Wi-Fi®
DUAL-BAND
USB ADAPTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .............................................. 1
Benefits of a Home Network.................................... 1
Advantages of a Wireless Network .............................. 2
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal
Performance................................................. 3
Overview................................................. 7
Product Features ............................................ 7
Applications and Advantages................................... 8
Product Specifications ........................................ 9
System Requirements........................................ 10
Package Contents ........................................... 10
Installing and Setting up the Adapter....................... 11
A. Installation Process for Windows Vista, Windows 7 and 8 ....... 11
B. Installation Process for Windows XP .........................20
Connecting to a Secure Wi-Fi®Network......................... 25
Troubleshooting ......................................... 26
Information.............................................. 33

1
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin AC Wi-Fi Dual-Band USB Adapter. Now you can take advantage of this great new
technology and gain the freedom to network your home and office computers wirelessly. This Adapter allows you to connect
a notebook or desktop computer to your network. Please be sure to read through this User Manual completely, and pay
special attention to the section titled, “Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance.”
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
INTRODUCTION

2
INTRODUCTION
Advantages of a 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letyouexpandyour
network to include devices such as printers and gaming consoles
 •Nocablingrequired–youcansparetheexpenseandhassleofretrofittingEthernetcablingthroughoutthehomeoroffice
 •Widespreadindustryacceptance–choosefromawiderangeofinteroperablenetworkingproducts

3
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.

4
INTRODUCTION
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 Adapters or Cards):
 •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
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
 •Microwaves
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).

5
INTRODUCTION
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 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.

6
INTRODUCTION
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.

7
Product Features
TheAdaptercomplieswiththeIEEE802.11acdraftspecificationto
communicate with other 802.11ac-compliant wireless devices up to
867Mpbs*.TheAdaptercomplieswiththeIEEE802.11nspecification
to communicate with other 802.11n-compliant wireless devices at up
to300Mbps*.TheAdapterisalsocompatiblewith802.11a/gdevices
at 54Mbps as well as 802.11b products at 11Mbps. The Adapter can
operateonthesame2.4GHzfrequencybandas802.11b/gWi-Fi
productsor5GHzfrequencybandas802.11aWi-Fiproducts.
 •2.4GHzor5GHzbandoperation
 •USB3.0interface,foroperationinvirtuallyanycomputer
with a USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 bus-power port
 •WPA,WPA2,64-bitWEP(WiredEquivalent
Privacy),or128-bitWEPencryption
 •Wirelessaccesstonetworkedresources
 •Datarateofupto867Mbps*(802.11ac),300Mbps*
(802.11n),54Mbps(802.11a/g),or11Mbps(802.11b)
 •Easyinstallationanduse
 •LEDpowerandnetworklink/activityindicator
OVERVIEW

8
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867Mbps*
Provides immediate high-speed wireless connectivity
at home, work, and hotspot locations without
compromisingtheuseofexisting802.11b/gproducts
 •Compatibilitywith802.11a/b/gproducts
TheAdapterisbackward-compatiblewithexisting
Wi-Fi(IEEE802.11a/b/g)products
 •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
 •SOHO(SmallOffice/HomeOffice)networkingneeds
Provides the easy and quick, small network
installation SOHO users need

9
OVERVIEW
Product Specifications
Host Interface: USB3.0
OperatingTemperature:32–131degreesF(0–55degreesC)
StorageTemperature:-4–149degreesF(-20–65degreesC)
Humidity:Max.90%(non-condensing)
MaximumOperatingRange:Upto1,200ft.**
*NOTE:Thestandardtransmissionrate—867Mbps—isthe
physical data rate. Actual data throughput will be lower.
**Wireless performance may vary depending
on the networking environment.
(a)Power/StatusLED
Lights when the Adapter is powered on and flashes when it is active.
(b)WPS/SecurityLED
Indicates security status and provides feedback
during Wi-Fi Protected Setup handshaking.
(c) WPS Push Button
Used for Wi-Fi Protected Setup handshaking with routers.
(d) USB Connector
PartoftheAdapterthatfitsintoyourcomputer’sUSBport.
(a)
(b)
(d)
(c)

10
OVERVIEW
PackageIncludes:
AC Wi-Fi Dual-Band USB Adapter
Setup CD with User Manual
SystemRequirements
 •PCwithavailableUSBport
 •PCrunningWindows®XP (SP2 or greater***),
Windows Vista®, Windows 7, or Windows 8
 •CD-ROMdrive
Specifications
 •USB3.0Interface
***Some WPS functionality will be limited on XP service
pack 2 without installing some Windows updates.
For full function, use XP service pack 3.

11
A. Installation Process for Windows
Vista, Windows 7 and 8
NOTE:For information on updated drivers, please visit
theBelkinwebsiteatwww.belkin.com/support
IMPORTANT:INSTALLTHESOFTWARE
BEFOREINSERTINGTHEADAPTER.
A.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
A.2Click“Next”tobegintheinstallationprocess.
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
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. If the Installer does not
startautomatically,double-clickontheiconnamed“Installer.exe”.

12
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.3TheInstallShieldWizardwillstarttheinstallationprocess. A.4

13
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.5 A.6

14
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.7 A.8 A window may appear showing the message, “Windows
can’tverifythepublisherofthisdriversoftware”.This
DOESNOTindicateaproblem.Oursoftwarehasbeenfully
tested and is compatible with this operating system. Click
on “Install this driver software anyway” to continue.

15
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.9 When prompted, plug in your Adapter.
A.10 When the installation completes, you will see the
following pop-up message on your Windows taskbar.
A.11 Click “Finish” to restart your computer.

16
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.12 To connect to the Internet, open the Network and Sharing Center
by first opening the Control Panel from the “Start” menu.
A.13 In the Control Panel, click on “View network status and tasks”.

17
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.14 In the Network and Sharing Center,
click on “Connect to a network”.
A.15Inthenextscreen,selectanavailable
wireless network and click “Connect”.

18
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.16 Your Adapter will attempt to connect to the selected network. A.17 Depending on the security settings of your wireless network,
you may be prompted to enter a network security key or a
passphrase. Click “Connect” after you have done so.