Belkin DESKTOP CARD F5D7001 User manual

F5D7001
Connect your desktop computer to a
FASTER wireless network
User Manual
High-Speed Mode
Wireless G Desktop
Network 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Applications and Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Installing and Setting Up the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 1: Install the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 2: Insert the Card into your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 3: Let Windows Finish the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4 Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting Wireless Network Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Monitoring the Status of your Network Connection. . . . . . . . . . . 32
Monitoring Data Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Finding Available Networks in your Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Performing Diagnostic Tests on your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Table of Contents

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin High-Speed Mode Wireless
G Desktop Network Card (the Card). 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 Card works
like a conventional network card, 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”. 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 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

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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) 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 (or
Access Point), in order to see if distance is the problem. If difficulties
persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware
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 Network
Cards, Wireless Desktop Network Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):
• Ensure that your Wireless Router (or Access Point) 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.

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Introduction
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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
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 your Wireless Router
or Access Point and your wireless-enabled computers
• Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone
that operate 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 or 5GHz
cordless phone.
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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, 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.
Use the detailed Site Survey and wireless channel information
included in your User Guide for more information.
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 username 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.

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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, we suggest Belkin’s 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.
Introduction
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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 125 High-Speed Mode (HSM). 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
HSM) 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
• PCI interface, for operation in virtually any desktop computer
• WPA, 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 125Mbps* in High-Speed Mode (802.11g
125HSM), 54Mbps (802.11g), or 11Mbps (802.11b)
• Easy installation and use
• External antenna
• LED power and network link indicators
*When operating in High-Speed Mode, this Wi-Fi device may achieve an
actual throughput of up to or greater than 34.1 Mbps, which is the equivalent
throughput of a system following 802.11g protocol and operating at a signaling
rate of 125 Mbps. 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 HSM
Provides immediate, higher-speed wireless connectivity at home,
work, and hot spot locations without compromising the use of
existing 802.11b and 802.11g products
• Compatibility with 802.11b products
802.11g and 125HSM wireless LAN solutions are backward-
compatible with existing Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) products and with
other products that display the 54g and/or 125HSM 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 constructions sites, which need networks on a short-term
basis; also companies who need additional workstations for a
peak activity
• SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) networking needs
Provides the easy and quick, small network installation SOHO
users need
*When operating in High-Speed Mode, this Wi-Fi device may achieve an
actual throughput of up to or greater than 34.1 Mbps, which is the equivalent
throughput of a system following 802.11g protocol and operating at a signaling
rate of 125 Mbps. Actual throughput will vary depending on environmental,
operational and other factors.
Overview
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(a) Activity LED (green)
Indicates wireless activity when blinking.
(b) Link LED (orange)
Lights up when the Card links to a wireless network.
(c) Card Connector
Indicates the side of the Card that fits into your computer’s PCI slot.
(d) Detachable Antenna
Product Specifications
Host Interface: 32-bit PCI
Power Consumption: Tx/Rx peak 550/[email protected] (max.)
Certification: FCC Class B, CE Mark, C-Tick
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 200 feet (Wireless performance
may vary depending on the
networking environment)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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System Requirements
• PC-compatible desktop with one available PCI slot
• Windows® 98SE, 2000, Me, XP
Package Contents
• High-Speed Mode Wireless G Desktop Network Card
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
Overview
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Step 1 Install the Software
WARNING: Install the software before inserting the Card.
1.1 Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.
1.2 The Belkin Setup Utility screen will automatically appear.
Note: If the Setup Utility screen does not appear within 20 seconds,
open up your CD-ROM drive by double-clicking on the “My Computer”
icon. Then, 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 click on the words “Click here” located to the right side of the
“Install” button to start the software installation program.
Installing and Setting Up the Card

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1.4 The installer will now start. Click
“Next” and follow the
on-screen instructions.
1.5 After the installation is complete,
click “Finish” to shut down
your computer.
Step 2 Insert the Card into the Computer
WARNING: Be sure to power off your computer and
disconnect your power cord before opening up your computer.
2.1
Remove the screws behind your computer case that secure the
computer cover and remove cover.
2.2 Touch any metal part of the case to discharge static
electricity, to avoid damage your product or
your computer.
2.3 Locate an empty PCI expansion
slot. It is usually white in color.
Installing and Setting Up the Card
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2.4 Confirm that the Card will fit into the slot you have chosen. Keep in
mind that the included antenna needs to be oriented with the top
pointing up. If there are cables and other connectors in the way, try
to pick the PCI slot that has the fewest obstructions to the correct
positioning of the antenna.
2.5 Remove the metal port cover 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.
Apply pressure as needed until the connector is fully seated.
2.7 Now secure the Card with the screw that you previously
placed in a safe place.
2.8 Carefully screw the antenna onto the threaded connector on the
Card. Turn the antenna until it is vertical and pointing up.
2.9 Replace the computer’s cover. Now that the Card is installed, you
can reconnect the power cord, and turn it back on.
Installing and Setting Up the Card

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Step 3 Let Windows Finish the Installation
3.1 After powering on your computer,
you will see a “Found New
Hardware Wizard” screen. Select
“Install the software automatically
(Recommended)” and click “Next”.
Note: Specific screens differ
depending upon which version of
the Windows OS you are using.
3.2 Depending on the version of
Windows you are using, you might
also see a screen similar to this
one. This DOES NOT mean there is
a problem as the drivers have been
fully tested and are compatible with
this Windows operating system.
Select “Continue Anyway” and
follow the on-screen instructions.
Installing and Setting Up the Card
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3.3 Windows will ask you where
the drivers are located. Make
no changes and click “Next”
until you see the screen that
asks you to click “Finish” to
complete the installation.
Note: Specific screens differ
depending upon which version
of the Windows OS you
are using.
3.4 When the installation is
complete, a small Signal
Indicator icon (red) in your
system tray (bottom right
corner of most screens) will
appear. Double-click the
Signal Indicator icon to
bring up the “Wireless
Network” screen.
3.5 Select the network you want to
connect to under “Available
networks” and click “Connect”.
Installing and Setting Up the Card

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3.6 The Signal Indicator icon in your
system tray should now turn green
(yellow if the signal is weak.)
Installation is now complete!
Double-click the Signal Indicator icon to bring up the “Wireless
Network” screen.
The following screen will appear:
Next, clicking on the “Advanced” button will allow you to view
and configure more options of your Card. The “Advanced”
button will take you to the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility.
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Setting Wireless Network Preferences
Click on the “Wireless Networks” tab.
(a) Enable Radio
Use this option to turn your wireless network radio ON or OFF. You
may want to turn the radio off while in airplanes or to conserve the
battery life of your mobile computer. When the radio is disabled, the
power LED on your Card will turn off and the Windows 2000 or XP
system tray wireless network icon will be depicted with an “X”.
(b) Available Networks
This displays a list of wireless networks in your area. If you don’t see
a name in the box, click on the “Refresh” (j) button to rescan for any
available networks. To connect to a network, select a network name in
the Available Networks list box and click the “Configure” (i) button.
Click “OK” (m) in the “Wireless Network Properties” box to add the
network name to the “Preferred Networks” (c) list.
Wait up to one minute for the network connection to be made. Your
computer is connected to the selected network when you see a blue
bubble (d) on top of the icon for that network.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(l)
(j)
(i)
(k)
Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility

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(c) Preferred Networks
Displays a list of the networks that you have previously configured.
The one with the blue bubble (d) is the network you are currently
connected to.
You may rank the networks by selecting the network name in the
“Preferred Networks” list then clicking on the “Move Up” and “Move
Down” (k) buttons. Networks appearing higher on the list will be
preferred over networks listed lower on the list. If a preferred network
is unavailable, the Card will attempt to connect to the next available
network on the list.
(e, f) Add, Remove
You may “Add” (e) and “Remove” (f) networks from the Preferred
Networks list by using these buttons.
(g) System Tray Icon
Check this box so that the wireless icon appears on your system tray.
(h) Properties
To change the properties and WEP (security) settings of a network,
select a network from the Preferred Networks (c) then click on the
“Properties” (h) button.
(l) Advanced
Allows you to select the type of network you want to connect to. When
the “Advanced” (l) button is checked, the screen on the next page will appear.
Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility
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Any Available Network (Access
Point Preferred)
When this option is selected, the Card
will attempt to connect to any available
network in the area. Wireless router or
access point networks will be preferred
networks over Ad-Hoc networks.
Access Point (Infrastructure) Networks Only
When this option is selected, the Card will attempt to connect to any
available wireless router or access point in the area. Ad-Hoc networks
(computer-to-computer) will be excluded from the list of available
networks when this option is selected.
Computer-to-Computer (Ad-Hoc) Networks Only
When this option is selected, the Card will attempt to connect to
any available computer in the area that’s also configured to be used
in Ad-Hoc mode. The wireless router or access point will be excluded
from the list of available networks when this option is selected.
Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility