Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G USB Network Adapter... User manual

BELKIN Wireless A+G USB Network Adapter
Connect your desktop or notebook
computer to a FAST wireless network
User Manual

Table of Contents
1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …………………………………
…………..…………….. . . . . . .1
Benefits of a Home
Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………... . . . . . . . . . .
1
Advantages of setting up a Belkin Wireless
Network . . . . . …………………………………………. . . . . 1
Placement of your Wireless Networking
Hardware for Optimal
Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………… . . . . . . 2
Important Factors for Placement and
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . …………………………………………. . . . . 2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …………
……………………………. . . . . . . . . . 6
Applications and
Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …………………………………………. . . . . . . . .
6
Product
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………... . . . . . . .
7
System
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………… . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
2 Knowing your Wireless USB Network
Adapter . . . . . ……………………………………………………. . . . . .8
3 Installing and Setting Up the USB Network
Adapter . . . ……………………………………………………. . . .9
Step 1: Install the
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………………………… . . . . . . .9
Step 2: Connect your USB Adapter to your PC . ……………………………………………………….. . .
10
Step 3: Let Windows Finish the
Installation . . . ……………………………………………………….. . . . 11
4 Uninstalling the Software and
Drivers. . . . . . . . . . ……………………………………………………... . . . . . 13
5 Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor
Utility . . . ……………………………………………………… . . . . . 14
6 Securing your Wireless
Network . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………………………. . . . . . . 26
7
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………………
……….. . . . . . . . . . 30
8
Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………………………………... . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
..

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Wireless A+G USB Network Adapter (the Adapter). Now you can take advantage
of this great new technology and gain the freedom you need around the home or office without using cables. The
Wireless USB Network Adapter works like a conventional network adapter, but without the wires. 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. By following our simple setup instructions 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 e-mail, and chat
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 Wizard makes 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

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 further 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 ten feet from the Wireless Router, in order to see if distance is the problem. If
difficulties persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.
IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR PLACEMENT AND SETUP
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 Networking Hardware
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 Network Cards, Wireless Desktop Network Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):
• Ensure that your Wireless Router (or Access Point) networking 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.

Introduction
• 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 Router 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. Dense 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 Wireless Routers (or Access Points) and your wireless-enabled computers
• Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that operates on the 2.4GHz band (check manufacturers
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 furthest channel from your
wireless network, as possible. For example, change the phone to channel 1 and move your Wireless Router to channel
11. See your phone’s user manual for detailed instructions.
• If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz 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
LAN Utility to locate any other wireless networks (see page 16 of this manual), 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.
5. Secure connections, VPNs, and AOL
Secure connections are connections that 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 on-line banking websites
• Many commercial websites which 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 web site.
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 under Windows, see
the “Power Options” item in the Control Panel.

Introduction
If you continue to have difficulty with Secure Connection, 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, please go to the networking product section on (www.belkin.com/networking) for more
details on Belkin’s Wireless Range Extender/Access Point.
For more information regarding our networking products, visit our website at www.belkin.com/networking or call
our Technical Support.

Introduction
Product Features
The adapter complies with the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g standards in order to communicate with other 802.11a- and
802.11g-compliant wireless devices at 108Mbps. The adapter is compatible with 802.11b devices at 11Mbps. 802.11g
and 802.11b products operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency and 802.11a operates on the 5.0GHz band.
• Integrated 802.11g and 802.11a wireless technology
• 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Science, and Medical) and 5.0GHz band operation
• 108 A+G Technology achieves data rates up to 108Mbps
• XR Technology doubles the coverage area compared to standard 802.11g and 802.11a networks.
• Integrated easy-to-use Wireless Network Utility
• USB 2.0 interface, for operation in virtually any notebook ordesktop computer
• WPA, 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), 128-bit encryption, and 802.1x authentication
• Wireless access to networked resources
• Support for both Infrastructure (Access Point) and Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer)
• Easy installation and use
• 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
.• Compatible with 802.11b
802.11g wireless LAN solutions are backward-compatible with existing Wi-Fi (802.11b) products and with other
802.11g 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.

Introduction
• Temporary LANs for special projects or peak time
Sets up temporary networks such as at trade shows, exhibitions, and constructions 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: USB 2.0
This product is compatible with the USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specification. To achieve maximum networking speeds (54Mbps),
this device must be connected to a USB 2.0 host port on a PC. Connection of this device to a USB 1.1 host port
will yield a maximum of 11Mbps networking speed.
Power Consumption: Tx/Rx peak 490/290 @ 5V (max)
Certification: FCC Class B, CE Mark, C-Tick
Operating Temperature: 0 – 40° C
Storage Temperature: -20 – 80°
Operating Humidity: 10% – 85% non-condensing
StorageHumidity: 5% - 90% non-condensing°
System Requirements
• PC with one available USB port
• Windows® 2000, or XP
Package Contents
• Belkin Wireless USB Network Adapter with Desktop Stand
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual

Knowing your Wireless USB Network Adapter

Installing and setting up the USB Network Adapter
Step 1 Install the Software
WARNING: Install the software before inserting the Adapter
1.1 Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.
1.2
The Belkin Wireless USB Network Adapter Setup Utility screen will automatically appear. If it does not appear
within 15–20 seconds, then select your CD-ROM drive and double-click on the folder named “Files”. Next
double-click on the icon named “setup.exe”.
1.3 In the menu window, drag your mouse over the “Install” button then select “Click here” to start the
software installation program.
1.4 The installer will start. Click “Next” to continue.
1.5 Choose an installation location then click “Next” to accept the default location or click “Browse”
to select a different location before clicking “Next.”

Installing and setting up the USB Network Adapter
1.5 You will see a message twice similar to the one below during the installation process. This DOES NOT mean
there is a problem. Click “Continue Anyway” each time the warning message is encountered..
Installing and setting up the USB Network Adapter

Step 2 Connect the USB Adapter to your PC2.1
After the software installation is finished, the message “You
can plug in your WLAN adapter now” will appear. Plug the Adapter into an available USB port on your desktop or
notebook computer.
Product Placement
The best location for your adapter is on top of your computer’s monitor. Placing the Adapter on your desktop
is acceptable, however, avoid placing the Adapter near metal objects such as a computer case or speakers. Any
object that is metal has the ability to block the radio signals from the Adapter
.

Installing and setting up the USB Network Adapter
Step 3 Let Windows Finish the Installation
3.1 After connecting your Adapter, Windows will detect that new hardware has been installed. Depending on your
version of Windows, a window similar to the one pictured here will appear. Select the option “Install the software
automatically (Recommended)” and click “Next”.
3.2 You will see a warning message twice similar to this one. This DOES NOT mean there is a problem. Click “Continue
Anyway” each time the warning message is encountered..
3.3 You will see a window similar to this one. Click “Finish”.

3.4 Double-click on the “Signal Indicator” icon located in the lower right corner of your screen (in the system
tray) to bring up the Wireless Network Utility

Uninstalling the Software and Drivers
If you need to remove the software and drivers for any reason, you can easily accomplish this in one of two ways.
You can insert the software CD and click on the “Uninstall” option in the menu, or you can go to the Windows
Control Panel and select the “Add/Remove Programs” option. The Belkin Wizard will walk you through the removal
process.

Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility
When you launch the Wireless LAN Monitor Utility (the Utility), you will be presented with the screen below. The
following small icon will also be present in your system tray.
Double-clicking on the icon in the system tray will open the Wireless Monitor window.
USING THE BELKIN WIRELESS MONITOR UTILITY
Status Tab
When the utility is on your desktop, you can control your USB adapter through the utility. The first tab you will
see is the “Status” tab. From this tab you can see your current connection status on the screen. The example
below shows that there is a connection between the computer and the Wireless Router (or Access Point) by displaying
1’s and 0’s between the two. The diagram below also shows there is a connection between your computer, the Wireless
Router (or Access Point), and the Internet by displaying 1’s and 0’s between the Wireless Router (or Access
Point) and the Internet.
If there is no connection between the computer and Wireless Router (or Access Point), an “X” will be displayed.
This is the same for the Internet connection.

Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility
(a) Signal Strength
Displays the signal strength of the related router (or access point).
(b) Connect to Network
Displays the current network SSID, the network name of the router (or access point) you are connected to.
(c) Network Type
Displays either “Infrastructure” if connected to a router (or access point) or “Ad-Hoc” when connected to another computer.
(d) Channel
Displays the channel the network is on.
(e) Encryption
Displays “Off” when encryption is disabled, “WEP” when either 64-bit or 128-bit is enabled, or “WPA” when WPA is enabled.
(f) Link Speed
Displays the data rate of the current connection.
(g) More…
Clicking the “More…” button lets you see detailed specifics about the network you are connected to such as DHCP Status, Current IP,
Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS Server IP information.

Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility
Network Available Tab
Click on the Available Networks tab to display a list of all available wireless routers (and/or access
points) in your area. To connect to an available network, click on the network you would like to connect
to from the “Available Networks” list, and then click on the “Connect” button.
(a) Network Name
The SSID of the router or access point.
(b) Signal
The signal strength of the related router (or access point).
(c) Security
Will display “Off” when encryption is disabled, “WEP” when either 64-bit or 128-bit is enabled, or “WPA” when WPA is enabled.
(d) Type
Will display the network type of either “Infrastructure” if connected to a router (or access
point) or “Ad-Hoc” when connected to another computer.
Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Monitor Utility
(e) Band
The wireless band the network is on.
(f) Channel
The wireless channel the network is using.

(g) Mac Address
The Mac address of the router or access point.
(h) Connect
Connects to the selected network.
(i) Refresh
Refreshes the status of the networks in the area.