Belkin F5D7050_v3 User manual

User Manual
F5D7050
Wireless G
USB Network Adapter

Table of Contents
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 .............................7
System Requirements..............................8
Package Contents ................................8
3. Knowing your Wireless G USB Network Adapter .........9
4. Installing and Setting Up the Adapter ................10
A. Installation Process for Windows Vista..............10
Step 1: Install ................................10
Step 2: Connect and Configure ...................12
B. Installation Process for Windows Operating Systems
other than Windows Vista........................15
Step 1: Install ................................15
Step 2: Connect and Configure ...................17
5. Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility ..........18
Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility from
the Windows System Tray..........................18
Setting Wireless Network Profiles ....................21
Securing your Wi-Fi Network .......................21
Configuring your Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter
to use Security ..................................26
6. Troubleshooting .................................35
7. Information ....................................43

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Introduction
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1
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Wireless G USB Network
Adapter (the 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 desktop or
notebook computer to your network. 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.
Benefits of a Home Network
•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 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

Introduction
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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 300 and 400 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 away 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
Cards, Wireless Desktop Cards, and Wireless USB Adapters):
 • 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

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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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.

Introduction
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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 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.
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.

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Introduction
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If you continue to have difficulty with Secure Connections, VPNs,
andAOL,pleasereviewsteps1–4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 or call Belkin Technical Support at:
US: 877-736-5771
800-223-5546 ext. 2263
310-898-1100 ext. 2263
UK: 0845 607 77 87
Australia: 1800 235 546
New Zealand: 0800 235 546
Singapore: 65 64857620
Europe: www.belkin.com/support

Overview
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Product Features
The Wireless G USB Network Adapter 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.
• 2.4GHzISM(Industrial,Science,andMedical)bandoperation
• Integrated,easy-to-useprofilemanagerforstoringmultiplewireless
network settings for work, school, home, or any other setup
• USB2.0interface,forPlug-and-Playinstallationandconveniencein
virtually any desktop or notebook computer
• WPA™,WPA2™,64-bitWEP(WiredEquivalentPrivacy),or128-bit
encryption,andWi-FiProtectedSetup™(WPS)
• Wirelessaccesstonetworkedresources
• Supportforbothinfrastructureandad-hoc(peer-to-peer)
networking modes
• Packettransferrateofupto54Mbps
• Easyinstallationanduse
• LEDlink/activityindicator
• DesktopstandallowsyoutopositionyourAdapterfor
optimal wireless performance

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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
Provides immediate 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™logo
•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
Set 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
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: 500mA (max)
Certification: FCC Class B, CE Mark, C-Tick
Operating Temperature: 32 ~ 131° F (0 ~ 55° C)
Storage Temperature: 68 ~ 176° F (20 ~ 80° C)
Humidity:  Operating–10~85%non-condensing
Storing–5~90%non-condensing
Typical Operating Range: Up to 200 ft.*
*Distance and connection speeds will vary depending on
your networking environment

Overview
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System Requirements
•PCwithoneavailableUSBport
•Windows®2000, XP with SP2, or Vista®**
Package Contents
•WirelessGUSBNetworkAdapterwithDesktopStand
(and attached USB cable)
•QuickInstallationGuide
•InstallationSoftwareCD
•UserManual

8 98
Knowing your Wireless G USB Network Adapter
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(a) Protective Cap
(b) Activity LED
LightsupandflasheswhentheAdapterisactive
Blinking Green: Active
Off: Not connected to network
On: Connected to network
(c) USB Adapter
Fits securely into your computer’s USB slot or into the Desktop Adapter
Base (included).
(d) Desktop Adapter Base
LetsyouextendtheUSBAdapterawayfrominterferingobjectsaround
your computer.
The cap can be stored on the
opposite end of the USB connector.
The cap snaps over the USB
connector for protection.
(a) Protective Cap (b) Activity LED
(d) Desktop Adapter Base
(Optional Use)
(c) USB Adapter

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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A1.1 Insert the Installation
Software CD into your
CD-ROM drive.
A1.2 Click “Next” to begin the
installation process.
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”.
A. Installation Process for Windows Vista
Step 1 Install
**NOTE: For information on updated drivers, please visit the Belkin website
atwww.belkin.com/support.
IMPORTANT: INSTALLTHESOFTWAREBEFOREINSERTINGTHEADAPTER.
A1.3 The InstallShield Wizard
starts the installation
process. A Setup Status
screen will let you know
where you are in the
setup process.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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A1.4 When prompted, please plug
in your Adapter on a USB
port on your computer.
A1.5 A Setup Status screen will
let you know where you are
in the setup process.
A1.6 The Found New Hardware
Wizard might appear within
3–15seconds.Ifitdoes,
continue to follow the
prompts.Select“Locateand
install the driver software”
to continue.
A1.7 You might see a screen
similar to this one. This
DOES NOT mean there is
a problem. Our software
has been fully tested and
is compatible with this
operating system. Select
“Install this driver software
anyway” and follow the
on-screen instructions.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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A1.8 When the installation
completes, click on “Finish”.
Next, a screen appears indicating
that hardware installation is taking
place; then, another indicates that
the process is complete.
Installation is now complete.
Step 2 Connect and Configure
A2.1
To connect to the Internet,
open the Network and
Sharing Center by first
opening the Control Panel
from the “Start” menu.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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A2.2 In the Control Panel, click
on “View network status
and tasks”.
A2.3 In the Network and Sharing
Center, click on “Connect
to a network”.
A2.4 In the next screen, select an
available wireless network
and click “Connect”.
A2.5 Your Adapter will attempt
to connect to the
selected network.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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A2.6 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.
A2.7 After connecting to the
network, you can choose
to save this network and
connect automatically when
your Adapter is in range.
A2.8 The Network and Sharing
Center now indicates the
network connection that you
have just made. The links
on the left of the window
allow you to configure your
network connections.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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B1.2 The Belkin Wireless
Card Installer screen will
automatically appear within
up to 20 seconds. Click
“Install Software” or “Next”
to start the installation.
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. Then, double-click on the
icon named “installer.exe”.
B. Installation Process for Windows Operating Systems other
than Windows Vista
Step 1 Install
IMPORTANT: INSTALLTHESOFTWAREBEFOREINSERTINGTHEADAPTER.
B1.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
B1.3 The InstallShield Wizard starts
the installation process.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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B1.5 You might see a screen similar
to this one. This DOES NOT
mean there is a problem.
Our software has been fully
tested and is compatible with
this operating system. Select
“Continue Anyway” and follow
the on-screen instructions.
B1.6 The Wizard will now install
your software.
B1.4 After the software
installation is finished, the
message “Please plug in
your USB Adapter now”
will appear. Connect the
Adapter to your computer.
B1.7 Click “Finish” again to exit
the InstallShield Wizard.

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Installing and Setting Up the Adapter
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B1.8 Depending on which operating system you are using, you
might be required to reboot your computer for the changes to
take effect. Save your data and close all other applications.
Then, reboot.
Installation is now complete.
Step 2 Connect and Configure
B2.1 After successfully installing
the Adapter, double-click the
Belkin Wireless Networking
Utility icon located on the
desktop screen.
B2.2 The Wireless Networking
Utility screen will appear.
Select a network to which
to connect by selecting
a network from the
“Available Networks” list.
Then, click “Connect”.
Note: In order to see your available networks, you must be near a
working wireless router or access point.
B2.3 The Belkin Wireless
Networking Utility icon
can also be found on the
system tray.
Note: Double-clicking on the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility icon on
the system tray will bring up the “Utility” screen.
Installation is now complete.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
1918
After successfully installing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility (WNU),
configurations for wireless connection and security are just a few easy
clicks away.
Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility from
the Windows System Tray
To access the WNU, simply place your mouse pointer and right-click over
the WNU icon on the Windows system tray on the lower right-hand corner of
your computer’s desktop.
If the icon is not present, click on “Start > Programs > Belkin > Belkin
Wireless Networking Utility”.