Belkin F5D7011 User manual

F5D7011
High-Speed Mode
Wireless G Notebook
Network Card
Connect your laptop computer to
a FASTER wireless network
User Manual

1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 in an Available CardBus
Slot of your Laptop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 3: Let Windows Finish the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting Wireless Network Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Monitoring the Status of your Network Connection. . . . . . . . . . . 28
Monitoring Data Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Finding Available Networks in your Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Performing Diagnostic Tests on your Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Table of Contents

Introduction
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Thank you for purchasing the Belkin High-Speed Mode Wireless G
Notebook Network Card (the Card). Now you can take advantage
of this great new technology without using cables. The High-Speed
Mode Wireless G Notebook Network 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”.
Advantages of a 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
• 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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Introduction
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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) 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 (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
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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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 your cordless phone:
• Try moving cordless phones away from 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 (or
Access Point) to channel 11. 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 LAN Utility to locate any other wireless

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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.
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 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, 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
• Easy installation and use
• Internal antenna
• LED power and network link indicators
Overview
*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.

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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 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 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), 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 32-bit Cardbus
Power Consumption Tx/Rx peak 550/350mA @
3.3 VDC(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 200 feet (Wireless performance
may vary depending on the
networking environment)
Overview
*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.

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Overview
(a) Power LED
Lights up when the Card receives power
(b) Link LED
Lights up when the Card links to a wireless network
Slowly flashes when not linked to a wireless network
(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® 98SE, Me, 2000, XP
Package Contents
• High-Speed Mode Wireless G Notebook Network Card
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
(a)
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Step 1 Install the Software
WARNING: INSTALL THE SOFTWARE BEFORE INSERTING THE CARD.
1.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
1. 2 The Belkin Setup Utility will automatically appear.
Note: If the Setup Utility screen does not appear within 20 seconds,
open your CD-ROM drive by double-clicking on the “My Computer”
icon and insert the CD. Double-click on the CD-ROM drive that the
installation CD has been placed in to start the installation. 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 select “Click here” to start the software installation program.
Installing and Setting up the Card