Belkin F6D301 User manual

Connect your notebook computer
to a wireless network
Dual-Band
Wireless A+G
Notebook Network Card
F6D3010
User Manual
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User Manual
Dual-Band
Wireless A+G
Notebook Network Card

1
Table of Contents
1
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
4. Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
How to Access the Belkin Wireless Network Utility . . . . . . . .12
Monitoring the Status of your Network Connection . . . . . . . .12
Finding Available Networks in your Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Setting up Wireless Network Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Securing your Wi-Fi Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Configuring your Belkin Wireless Card to use Security . . . . .27
5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6. Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

1
Introduction
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Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook
Network 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 (XR), 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 your
network up 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
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32
Introduction
32
Introduction
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 Network Cards, Wireless Desktop
Network 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.

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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

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Introduction
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Introduction
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 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.

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For more information regarding our networking products, visit our website
at www.belkin.com/networking or call Belkin Technical Support at:
US: 877-736-5771
310-898-1100 ext. 2263
Europe: 00 800 223 55 460
Australia: 1800 235 546
New Zealand: 0800 235 546
Singapore: 800 616 1790

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Overview
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
• XR Technology doubles the coverage area compared to standard
802.11g and 802.11a networks.
• Integrated easy-to-use Wireless Network Utility
• CardBus interface, for operation in virtually any notebook
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
• Internal antenna
• LED power and network link indicators

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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 CardBus
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
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(a) Power LED
Lights when the Card is on.
(b) Link LED
Lights solid when the Card is linked to a wireless network,
flashes when the Card is actively transferring data.
(c) Card Connector
The 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, and XP
Package Contents
• Belkin Dual-Band Wireless A+G Notebook Network Card
• Quick Installation Guide
• Installation Software CD
• User Manual
Overview
(c)
(a)
(b)

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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,
click “Next” to accept the default
location or click “Browse” to select
a different location before
clicking “Next”.
Installing and Setting Up the Card

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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 CD from the
CD-ROM drive and insert the
Card, label side UP, into your
computer’s CardBus slot firmly
until it stops. Click “OK”
to continue.
2.2 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.
2.3 The installation is now complete.
Click “Finish” to exit.
Installing and Setting Up the Card

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Installing and Setting Up the Card
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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 Belkin
Wireless Network Utility.
If the “Signal Indicator” icon does not
appear, double-click on the Belkin
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!

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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 Belkin
Wireless Network Utility. The color of the 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 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 “Internet 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.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
(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)

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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).
(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.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(h)
(i)

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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(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 see the “Mac address” tab.)
(h) Connect
Connects to the selected network.
(i) Refresh
Refreshes the status of the networks in the area.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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(a)
(b)
(c)
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, 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.

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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
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Using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility
Step 3. The next screen allows you to input security encryption
settings for the network. If the network you are connecting
to is not encrypted, leave the “Authentication Mode” in “Off”
and click the “Complete” button to save the profile. If your
network is encrypted, please see page 27 to continue.
Step 4. To begin using your new profile, highlight the profile name
by clicking on the name one time, then click “Connect”.