Belkin F6D3000-HP User manual

Connect your desktop computer to a
wireless network
F6D3000-HP
User Manual


 



 








Dual-Band Wireless
A+G Desktop Card

Table of Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Installing and Setting Up the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 1: Install the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 2: Insert the Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 3: Connect to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4 Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
How to Access the Belkin Wireless Network Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Monitoring the Status of your Network Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Finding Available Networks in your Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting up Wireless Network Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Configuring your Belkin Wireless Card to Use Security. . . . . . . . . . 28
5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
6 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Introduction
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Desktop
Card (the Card). The Card features 802.11g and 802.11a technology,
which allows you to share networked files and resources wirelessly.
The Card works like a conventional network card, but without the
wires. It uses revolutionary 108 Technology to achieve
data rates up to 108Mbps, when used with 108 Technology routers.
In addition, the Card features eXtended Range (XR™) Technology,
which doubles the coverage area of standard 802.11g and 802.11a
networks when used with XR routers. Belkin’s easy installation and
setup will have you networking 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 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
2
2
Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for
Optimal Performance
Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is to
your router (or access point). Typical indoor operating range for 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 router (or access point) and
connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you.
As you move farther from your 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 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. Wireless Router or Access Point Placement
Place your 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 router’s (or access point’s) networking
antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned
vertically (toward the ceiling). If your router (or access point)
itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as
possible in an upward direction.
• In multistory homes, place the router (or access point) on a floor
that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may
mean placing the router (or access point) on an upper floor.
• Try not to place the router (or access point) near cordless
2.4GHz and 5GHz phones.

3
Introduction
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
2. Avoid Obstacles and Interference
Avoid placing your router (or access point) near devices that may
emit radio “noise”, such as microwave ovens. Dense objects that
can inhibit wireless communication 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 router or access point).
3. Cordless Phones
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 routers (or access
points) and your wireless-enabled computers.
• Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that
operates on the 2.4 or 5GHz band (check the manufacturer’s
information). If this fixes the problem, the phone may
be interfering.
• If your phone supports channel selection, change the
channel on the phone to the farthest channel from your
wireless network. For example, change the phone to channel
1 and move your router (or access point) to channel 11. See
your phone’s user manual for detailed instructions.
• If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz
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 found in the Wireless Network
Utility of this Card to locate any other wireless networks that are
available (see this User Manual), and move your router (or access

Introduction
4
4
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 Belkin wireless networking products, use the detailed Site
Survey and wireless channel information included with this
Card. See this User Manual for more information.
These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum possible
area with your router (or access point). Should you need to cover an
even wider area, we suggest the Belkin Wireless Range Extender/
Access Point.
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 which 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 rerunning 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 under Windows, see the “Power Options” item
in the Control Panel.
If you continue to have difficulty with Secure Connections, VPNs,
and AOL, please review the steps above to be sure you have
addressed these issues.

5
Introduction
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
5
If you need warranty or technical support during the warranty support
period, you can locate the HP support location nearest you on:
http://www.hp.com/support
When you contact HP or an authorized HP service provider, please
have available the product model name and model number, the
applicable error messages, and type of operating system.

6
Overview
6
Product Features
The Card complies with the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g standards in order
to communicate with other 802.11a- and 802.11g-compliant wireless
devices at 108Mbps. The Card is compatible with 802.11b devices at
11Mbps. 802.11g and 802.11b products operate on the same 2.4GHz
frequency and 802.11a operates on the 5.0GHz band.
• Integrated 802.11g and 802.11a wireless technology
• 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Science, and Medical) and 5.0GHz
band operation
• 108 A+G Technology achieves data rates up to 108Mbps for
each network
• XR Technology doubles the coverage area compared to standard
802.11g and 802.11a networks
• Integrated easy-to-use Wireless Network Utility
• PCI interface, for operation in virtually any desktop computer
• WPA, 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), 128-bit encryption,
and 802.1x authentication
• Wireless access to networked resources
• Support for both Infrastructure (Access Point) and Ad-Hoc
(peer-to-peer)
• Easy installation and use
• External antenna
• LED power and network link/activity indicators

7
Overview
7
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
Applications and Advantages
• Wireless roaming with a desktop around the home or office
Offers the freedom of networking without cables.
• Compatibility with 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g products
Compatible with existing Wi-Fi® networks and with other products
that display the Wi-Fi 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) on a short-term basis; also provides a
solution for companies that 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 PCI
Power Consumption Tx/Rx peak 560/250mA @ 3.3V (max.)
Operating Temperature 0 ~ 60 degrees C
Storage Temperature -20 ~ 80 degrees C
Operating Humidity 10% to 85% non-condensing
Storage Humidity 5% to 90% non-condensing

8
8
(a) Link/Activity LED
Lights solid when the Card is linked to a wireless network, flashes
when the Card is actively transferring data.
(b) Card Connector
The part of the Card that fits into your computer’s PCI slot.
System Requirements
• PC-compatible desktop with one available PCI slot
• Windows® 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP
Package Contents
• Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Desktop Card
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
(b)
Overview
(a)

9
Installing and Setting Up the Card
9
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
Step 1 Install
IMPORTANT: 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 screen
will automatically appear. (This
may take 15-20 seconds to
appear). Click “Install” to start the
installation.
Note: If the Wireless Setup Utility screen does not appear within
20 seconds, access your CD-ROM by double-clicking on the “My
Computer” icon and double-click on the CD-ROM drive that the
installation CD has been placed in. Double-click on the folder named
“files” then double-click on the icon named “setup.exe”.
1.3 Click “Next” to install the software.
1.4 Choose an installation location,
then click “Next” to accept the
default location or click “Browse”
to select a different location before
clicking “Next”.

10
Installing and Setting Up the Card
10
Step 2 Insert
Insert the Card into your computer
2.1 You will be prompted to remove the
CD and insert your Card. To do so,
remove the software CD from the
CD-ROM drive then shut down your
computer and disconnect the power.
2.2 Remove the screws behind your
computer case that secure the
computer cover and remove the
cover. Touch any metal part of the
case to discharge static electricity,
to avoid damage to the product or
your computer.
2.3 Locate an empty PCI expansion
slot. It is usually white in color.
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.
2.4 Remove the metal bracket 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.

11
Installing and Setting Up the Card
11
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
2.5 Push the Card firmly into the PCI
slot that you have chosen. Apply
pressure as needed until the
connector is fully seated.
2.6 Now secure the Card with the
screw that you previously placed in
a safe place.
2.7 Turn the antenna until it is vertical
and pointing up.
2.8 Replace the computer’s cover.
Now that the Card is installed, you
can reconnect the power cord, and
turn it back on.
2.9 The Found New Hardware Wizard
will appear. (This may take 15-20
seconds to appear). Select “Install
the software automatically” and
click “Next” to install the hardware.

12
Installing and Setting Up the Card
12
2.10 The installation is now complete.
Click “Finish” to exit.

13
Installing and Setting Up the Card
13
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
Step 3 Connect
Connect to a network using the Wireless Network Utility
3.1 Double-click on the “Signal
Indicator” icon located in the
lower right corner of your screen
(in the system tray) to bring up the
Wireless Network Utility.
If the “Signal Indicator” icon does
not appear, double-click on the
Wireless Network Utility shortcut
icon on your desktop window.
3.2 Click on the “Available Networks”
tab in the Utility. Select a network
to connect to and click “Connect”.
3.3 Click to exit the Utility. The
color of the “Signal Indicator”
icon reflects the connection
link—green indicates that the
Card is connected and red
indicates that the Card is not
connected to a wireless network.
Your setup is now complete!

14
Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
14
How to Access the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
Double-click on the “Signal Indicator” icon located in the lower right
corner of your screen (in the system tray) to bring up the Wireless
Network Utility. The color of the “Signal Indicator” icon reflects the
connection link—green indicates that the Card is connected and red
indicates that the Card is not connected to a wireless network.
You can also double-click on the
Wireless Network Utility shortcut icon
on your desktop window.
If the icon is not present, click on
“Start > Programs > Belkin > Belkin
Wireless A+G Desktop Card >
Wireless Network Utility” to bring
up the Utility.
Monitoring the Status of your Network Connection
Click on the “Status” tab to monitor the link status of your network
connection. From this tab you can see your current connection status on
the screen. The example below shows that there is a connection between
the computer and the wireless router (or access point) by displaying
a wireless signal and the word “connected” in between the two. The
diagram below also shows there is a connection between the wireless
router (or access point) and the Internet, to view the status of the router
to the Internet click on the “Status” button.
(a) Signal Strength
Displays the signal strength of the related router (or access point).
(b) Connect to Network
Displays the current network SSID, the network name of the router
(or access point) you are connected to.
(c) Network Type
Displays either “Access Point” if connected to a router (or access
point) or “Ad-Hoc” when connected to another computer.

15
Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
15
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
(d) Channel
Displays the channel the network is on.
(e) Encryption
Displays “Off” when encryption is disabled, “WEP” when either
64-bit or 128-bit is enabled, or “WPA” when WPA is enabled.
(f) Link Speed
Displays the data rate of the current connection.
(g) More…
Clicking the “More…” button lets you see detailed specifics about
the network you are connected to such as DHCP Status, Current
IP, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS Server IP information.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f) (g)

16
Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
16
Finding Available Networks in your Area
Click on the “Available Networks” tab to display a list of all available
wireless routers (and/or access points) in your area. To connect to an
available network, click on the network you would like to connect to from
the “Available Networks” list, and then click on the “Connect” button.
Note: In order to see your available networks, you must be near a
working wireless router (or access point).
(a) Network Name
The SSID of the router or access point.
(b) Signal
The signal strength of the related router (or access point).
(a)
(b) (c)
(h)
(i)
(d) (e) (f)
(g)

17
Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
17
section
1
2
3
4
5
6
(c) Security
Will display “Off” when encryption is disabled, “WEP” when either
64-bit or 128-bit is enabled, or “WPA” when WPA is enabled.
(d) Type
Will display the network type of either “Access Point” if
connected to a router (or access point) or “Ad-Hoc” when
connected to another computer.
(e) Band
The wireless band the network is on.
(f) Channel
The wireless channel the network is using.
(g) Mac Address
The Mac address of the router or access point
(scroll right in the Utility to view the “Mac Address” tab).
(h) Connect
Connects to the selected network.
(i) Refresh
Refreshes the status of the networks in the area.

18
Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
18
Setting up Wireless Network Profiles
Using Profiles allows you to save configurations for different wireless
networks, for instance at home or at work without having to reconfigure
your connection each time you connect. This allows you to quickly
change from one profile to another profile without having to remember
the particular settings of a certain network.
Step 1 – To create a new wireless
network profile, click on the “Profiles”
tab. Click “Add” to open the new
profile screen. Type in a name for the
profile. You should pick something
easy to remember like “Work” for your
work network or “Home” for your home
network. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 2 – The next screen you will see
allows you to type in the name of the
network you will be connecting to, the
type of network it is, and optionally,
you can set the data rate for that
network. After making the selections,
click “Next” to continue.
(a) Network Name
The exact name of the network you will be connecting to. The
“Network Name” is the same as the network SSID.
(b) Network Type
Select either “Access Point”, if it is a network with a wireless router
(or access point), or “Peer-to-Peer” if this is a direct connection to
another computer.
(c) Transfer Rate
“Automatic” is the suggested “Transfer Rate” unless there is a
specific need to change this setting.
(a)
(b)
(c)