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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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 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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Introduction
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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
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
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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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Overview
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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)