Belkin F5D8055 User manual

N+ Wireless USB Adapter
User Manual
PM00730-A F5D8055

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N+ Wireless USB Adapter
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Using the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility .............25
Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility from
the Windows System Tray 25
Network Status 25
Available Networks 26
Network Status and Solution Tips 26
Setting Wireless Network Profiles 27
Securing your Wi-Fi Network 27
Configuring your Adapter to use Security 31
5 Troubleshooting .....................................40
6 Information ........................................ 47
Introduction ...........................................1
Benefits of a Home Network 1
Advantages of a Wireless Network 1
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for
Optimal Performance 2
Overview .............................................5
Product Features 5
Applications and Advantages 6
Product Specifications 6
System Requirements 7
Package Contents 7
Installing and Setting up the Adapter .....................8
A. Installation Process for Windows Vista 8
B. Installation Process for Windows Operating Systems other
than Windows Vista 18
C. Configuration 24

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin N+ Wireless USB 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 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
• 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 – The Belkin Setup Assistant
software 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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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 Adapters or Cards):
• 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.
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 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 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
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance

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INTRODUCTION
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.

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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 in the previous pages 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 call Belkin Technical Support.
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 Belkin 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

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OVERVIEW
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Product Features
The Adapter complies with the IEEE draft-802.11n specification to
communicate with other draft-802.11n-compliant wireless devices at up
to 300Mbps*. The Adapter is also compatible with 802.11g devices at
54Mbps as well as 802.11b products at 11Mbps. The Adapter operates
on the same 2.4GHz frequency band as 802.11b/g Wi-Fi®products.
• 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Science, and Medical) band operation
• Integrated easy-to-use Belkin Wireless Networking Utility
• USB 2.0 interface, for operation in virtually any computer with a
USB 2.0 bus-power port
• WPA, WPA2, 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), or
128-bit encryption
• Wireless access to networked resources
• Data rate of up to 300Mbps* (draft 802.11n), 54Mbps (802.11g), or
11Mbps (802.11b)
• Easy installation and use
• LED power and network link/activity indicator

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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300Mbps*Provides immediate high-
speed wireless connectivity at home, work, and hotspot locations
without compromising the use of existing 802.11b/g products
• Compatibilitywith802.11b/gproducts The Adapter is backward-
compatible with existing Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g) 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
• 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
Operating Temperature: 32–131 degrees F (0–55 degrees C)
Storage Temperature: -4–149 degrees F (-20–65 degrees C)
Humidity: Max. 90% (non-condensing)
Typical Operating Range: Up to 1,200 ft.**
*NOTE: The standard transmission rate—300Mbps—is the physical data
rate. Actual data throughput will be lower.
**Wireless performance may vary depending on the
networking environment.

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a) Power/ActivityLED
Lights when the Adapter is powered on and flashes when it is active.
(b) WPS/SecurityLED
Indicates security status and provides feedback during Wi-Fi
Protected Setup™ handshaking.
(c) WPS Push Button
Used for Wi-Fi Protected Setup handshaking with routers (on
Windows XP and 2000 systems with the Belkin utility only). This
button is functional on Windows Vista only when the software
application is installed.
(d) USB Connector
Part of the Adapter that fits into your computer’s USB port.
(e) Desktop Stand
Lets you move the Adapter away from interfering
objects around your computer.
SystemRequirements
• PC-compatiblelaptopwithoneavailableUSB2.0bus-powerport
• Windows®2000, XP with SP2, or Vista®***
Package Contents
•N+WirelessUSBAdapter
•QuickInstallationGuide
•CDwithInstallationSoftwareandUserManual
•DesktopStand
(b) (a)
(c)

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INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
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A. Installation Process for Windows Vista
***NOTE:For information on updated drivers, please visit the Belkin
website at www.belkin.com/support
IMPORTANT: INSTALL THE SOFTWARE BEFORE INSERTING THE
ADAPTER.
A.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
A.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 “Setup.exe”.

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INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE ADAPTER
A.4 Select a destination folder for the software installation by clicking
“Browse”; or, simply click “Next” to select a default location.
A.3 The InstallShield Wizard starts the installation process.

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A.6 Your Adapter has a physical push button that allows it to easily
connect to a WPS-enabled access point. On some operating
systems, you may be asked to install an app to enable this button.
A.5 A Setup Status screen will let you know
where you are in the setup process.

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A.8 When prompted, turn off your computer and plug in
your Adapter. Your installation is now complete.
A.7 A window may appear a second time showing the message,
“Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software”.
This DOES NOT indicate a problem. Our software has been
fully tested and is compatible with this operating system.

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A.9 When the installation completes, click on “Finish”. A.10 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.

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A.11 You might see a screen similar to the one pictured below. 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.
Next, a screen appears indicating
that hardware installation is taking
place; then, another indicates that
the process is complete.
A.12 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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A.13 In the Control Panel, click on “View network status and tasks”. A.14 In the Network and Sharing Center, click
on “Connect to a network”.

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A.15 In the next screen, select an available wireless
network and click “Connect”.
A.16 Your Adapter will attempt to connect to the selected network.

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A.17 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.
A.18 After connecting to the network, you can choose to save this
network and connect automatically when your Adapter is in range.

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A.19 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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B. Installation Process for Windows Operating Systems other than Windows Vista
IMPORTANT: INSTALL THE SOFTWARE BEFORE INSERTING THE
ADAPTER.
B.1 Insert the Installation Software CD into your CD-ROM drive.
B.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
“Setup.exe”.