Belkin Wireless Gplus Notebook Card User manual

Belkin Ltd.
7 Bowen Crescent, West Gosford
NSW 2250, Australia
[phone]
[phone] fax
Belkin B.V.
Boeing Avenue 333
1119 PH Schiphol-Rijk, The Netherlands
[phone]
[phone] fax
Belkin Tech Support
US: 877-736-5771
310-898-1100 ext. 2263
Europe: 00 800 223 55 460
Australia: 1800 235 546
New Zealand: 0800 235 546
Singapore: 800 616 1790
Belkin Corporation
501 West Walnut Street
Los Angeles, CA 90220-5221, USA
310-898-1100
310-898-1111 fax
Belkin Ltd.
Express Business Park, Shipton Way
Rushden, NN10 6GL, United Kingdom
[phone]
[phone] fax
© 2006 Belkin Corporation. All rights reserved. All trade names are registered trademarks of
respective manufacturers listed. 54g is a trademark of Broadcom Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries. The mark Wi-Fi is a registered mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The
“Wi-Fi CERTIFIED” logo is a certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
P74488uk-C
Wireless G+
Notebook Card

User Manual
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Connect your notebook computer to a
wireless network
Wireless G+
Notebook Card
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1 Introduction ....................................................................................1
Benefits of a Home Network ............................................................ 1
Advantages of a Wireless Network .................................................. 1
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for
Optimal Performance ........................................................................ 2
2 Overview .........................................................................................5
Product Features .............................................................................. 5
Applications and Advantages ........................................................... 6
Product Specifications ...................................................................... 6
System Requirements ..................................................................... 7
Package Contents ........................................................................... 7
3 Installing and Setting up the Card ..................................................8
Step 1: Install the Software .............................................................. 8
Step 2: Plug the Card into an Available CardBus Slot on your
Notebook Computer ......................................................................... 9
Step 3: Use the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility ....................... 10
4 Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility ..............................11
Accessing the WNU from the Windows System Tray .................. 11
Network Status ............................................................................... 12
Available Networks ......................................................................... 12
Network Status and Solution Tips ................................................. 13
Setting Wireless Network Profiles .................................................. 14
Securing your Wi-Fi Network ........................................................ 14
Configuring your Wireless G Plus Notebook Card to
use Security .................................................................................... 18
5 Troubleshooting ............................................................................24
6 Information ...................................................................................32
Table of Contents

Introduction
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Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Wireless G Plus Notebook
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 notebook
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”.
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 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
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
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. 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 and connected devices
increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move
farther from your wireless router, 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 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
Place your wireless router, 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 Wireless Notebook Cards,
Wireless Desktop Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):
• Ensure that your wireless router’s antennas are parallel to each
other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If your
wireless router itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas
as much as possible in an upward direction.
• In multistory homes, place the wireless router on a floor that is as
close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing
the wireless router on an upper floor.
• Try not to place the wireless router near a cordless 2.4GHz
phone.

3
Introduction
Introduction
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Introduction
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2. Avoid Obstacles and Interference
Avoid placing your wireless router 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.
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
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 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 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.

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For more wireless networking products from Belkin, 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 DSL or cable 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.
For more information regarding our networking products, visit our
website at www.belkin.com/networking or call Belkin Technical
Support at:
US: 877-736-5771
310-898-1100 ext. 2263
Europe: 00 800 223 55 460
Australia: 1800 235 546
New Zealand: 0800 235 546
Singapore: 800 616 1790
Introduction

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Introduction
Product Features
The Card complies with the IEEE 802.11g standard in order to
communicate with other 802.11g-compliant wireless devices at
54Mbps or the faster G Plus. The Card is compatible with all 802.11g
devices as well as other 802.11b products at 11Mbps. 802.11g
products run at speeds of up to 54Mbps (or 125Mbps* using G Plus)
and 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 Configuration Utility
• CardBus interface, for operation in virtually any notebook 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 125Mbps* in G Plus, 54Mbps (802.11g), or
11Mbps (802.11b)
• Easy installation and use
• External antenna
• LED power and network link indicators
*When operating in G Plus, this Wi-Fi device may achieve an actual
throughput of up to or greater than 34.1Mbps, which is the equivalent
throughput of a system following 802.11g protocol and operating at a
signaling rate of 125Mbps. Actual throughput will vary depending on
environmental, operational, and other factors.
Overview

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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 or 125Mbps* using G Plus
Provides immediate high-speed 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™ mark
• 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
* When operating in G Plus, this Wi-Fi device may achieve an
actual throughput of up to or greater than 34.1Mbps, which is the
equivalent throughput of a system following 802.11g protocol and
operating at a signaling rate of 125Mbps. Actual throughput will vary
depending on environmental, operational, and other factors.
Product Specifications
Host Interface: 32-bit PCI
Power Consumption: Tx/Rx peak 560/260mA @ 3.3VDC (max.)
Operating Temperature: 32—185 degrees F (0—85 degrees C)
Storage Temperature: -40—194 degrees F (-40—90 degrees C)
Humidity: Max. 95% (non-condensing)
Typical Operating Range: Up to 400 ft. (231m)
(wireless performance may vary depending
on the networking environment)
Overview

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Overview
(a) Power LED
Lights up when the Card is powered on
(b) Activity LED
Lights up when the Card is active
(c) Card Connector
Part of the Card that fits into your computer’s CardBus slot
System Requirements
• PC-compatible laptop with one available CardBus slot
• Windows® 2000 or XP
Package Contents
• Wireless G Plus Notebook Card
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
(a)
(b)
(c)

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Step 1 Install the Software
Important note: Install the software before inserting the Card.
1.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
1.2 The Wireless Networking Utility (WNU) setup screen will automatically
appear (may take 15–20 seconds to appear).
1.3 Click “install” from the menu.
Note: If the WNU setup screen does not appear within 20 seconds,
access your CD-ROM: double-click on the “My Computer” icon and
then double-click on the CD-ROM drive into which you have placed
the installation CD. Double-click on the folder named “Files”, then
double-click on the icon named “setup.exe”.
Installing and Setting up the Card
9

Installing and Setting up the Card
Step 2 Plug the Card into an Available CardBus Slot on your Notebook Computer
2.1 During the install process, you
will be prompted to insert your
Card. Firmly insert the Card, label
side UP, into your computer’s
CardBus slot until it stops. Click
“OK”. The power light on the top
of the Card will light when the
Card is inserted properly.
Note: If your system did not
prompt you to insert your Card
after the installation is completed,
please do so now.
Note: If you are using the
Windows XP operating system,
you will not be prompted to reboot
until after the drivers are installed.
2.2 The wizard will prompt you to
install software for the Card.
Select the “Install the software
automatically (Recommended)”
option. Click “Next”.
2.3 Hardware installation is now
complete. Click “Finish” to close
the wizard.
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Installing and Setting up the Card
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3.1 After restarting your computer,
double-click the Wireless
Networking Utility (WNU) icon
on the desktop screen.
3.2 The WNU screen will appear.
3.3 Select a network to connect to from
the “Available Networks” list and
click “Connect”.
Note: In order to see your available
networks, you must be near a working
wireless router.
3.4 The WNU icon can also be
found on the system tray.
Note:Double-clicking on the WNU icon
on the system tray will bring up the
“Utility” screen.
Installation is now complete.
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Step 3 Use the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility

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After successfully installing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
(WNU), configurations for wireless connection and security are just a
few easy clicks away.
Accessing the WNU 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 >
Wireless Utility”.
The WNU’s default screen is the “Current Status” tab. The “Current
Status” tab displays the current Network Status and Available
Networks.
Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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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.
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
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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
1514
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.
*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 (on the next page).

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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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Note: Types of security
Wireless 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 26-character
hex key. A hex key is a combination of letters, a–f, and numbers, 0–9.
Wi-Fi 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.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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At the time of this User Manual’s publication, there are
four encryption methods available.
Encryption Methods:
Name 64-Bit Wired
Equivalent
Privacy
128-Bit Wired
Equivalent
Privacy
Wi-Fi Protected
Access-TKIP
Wi-Fi
Protected
Access 2
Acronym 64-bit WEP 128-bit WEP WPA-TKIP/AES
(or just WPA)
WPA2-AES (or
just WPA2)
Security Good Better Best Best
Features Static keys Static keys Dynamic key
encryption
and mutual
authentication
Dynamic key
encryption
and mutual
authentication
Encryption
keys based on
RC4 algorithm
(typically 40-bit
keys)
More secure
than 64-bit
WEP using a
key length of
104 bits plus
24 additional
bits of system-
generated data
TKIP (Temporal
Key Integrity
Protocol) added
so that keys
are rotated and
encryption is
strengthened
AES
(Advanced
Encryption
Standard)
does not
cause any
throughput
loss
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.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
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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
wireless products from Belkin 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 0F 4B C3 D4 = 64-bit WEP key
C3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key
Write down the hex WEP key from your wireless router and enter it
manually into the hex WEP key table in your Card’s configuration screen.
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) is a system in which a radius server
distributes the network key to the clients automatically. This is typically
found in a business environment.