Belkin F5D8231-4 - N1 Wireless Router User manual

User Manual
F5D8231-4
N1 Wireless
Router

Table of Contents
1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Advantages of a Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Placement of your N1 Wireless Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. Knowing your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Setup Assistant Software System Requirements . . . . . . . . . 9
4. Connecting and Configuring your Router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5. Alternate Setup Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6. Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface . . . . . . . . . 38
Changing LAN Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Viewing the DHCP Client List Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Configuring the Wireless Network Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting WPA Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Setting WEP Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Using the Access Point Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Setting MAC Address Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Configuring the Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Using Dynamic DNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Restarting the Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Updating the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
7. Manually Configuring Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
8. Recommended Web Browser Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
9. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
10. Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

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Introduction
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Thank you for purchasing the Belkin N1 Wireless Router (the Router).
Following are two short sections—the first discusses the benefits of home
networking, and the other outlines best practices that maximize your
wireless home network range and performance. Please be sure to read
through this User Manual completely, and pay special attention to the
section entitled “Placement of your N1 Wireless Router” on the next page.
By following our simple setup instructions you will be able to use your
Belkin Home Network 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
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’s Easy Installation Wizard 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 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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Revolutionary N1 Wireless Technology with MIMO (N1 MIMO)
Your Belkin N1 Wireless Router uses a new smart-antenna technology
called Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO). N1 MIMO complies
with the IEEE draft 802.11n specification. It increases speed, range,
reliability, and spectral efficiency for wireless networking systems.
The element that makes Belkin’s N1 MIMO technology different
from a conventional radio is the use of multiple antennas and two
simultaneous data streams to deliver wireless transfers around your
home or office. A conventional radio uses one antenna to transmit
a data stream. Belkin’s N1 MIMO, on the other hand, uses three
antennas. This design helps combat distortion and interference.
Belkin’s N1 MIMO is multidimensional. It builds on one-dimensional
smart-antenna technology by simultaneously transmitting two data
streams through the same channel, which increases wireless capacity.
Another element that enhances Belkin’s N1 MIMO is the use of aggregation
as specified in the draft 802.11n standard. By shortening the space between
packets and combining multiple smaller packets into one larger packet,
Belkin’s N1 MIMO can transmit more data through available bandwidth.
Think of conventional radio transmission as a two-lane highway. The
speed limit governs the maximum allowable flow of traffic through
that lane. Compared with conventional radios, one-dimensional smart-
antenna systems help move traffic through that lane faster and more
reliably—analogous to a four-lane road on which traffic consistently
moves at a rate closer to the speed limit. Belkin’s N1 MIMO helps
traffic move at the speed limit and opens more lanes—to become the
superhighway in this example. The rate of traffic flow is multiplied by
the number of lanes that are opened.
Placement of your N1 Wireless Router
Important Factors for Placement and Setup
Your wireless connection will be stronger the closer your computer is
to your Router. 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 and connected devices
increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move further
from your Router, 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.

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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 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. Router Placement
Place your Router, 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 networking antennas are parallel
to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the
ceiling). If your Router itself is positioned vertically, point the
antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.
• In multistory homes, place the Router on a floor that is as
close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean
placing the Router on an upper floor.
• Try not to place the Router near a cordless 2.4GHz phone.
2. Avoid Obstacles and Interference
Avoid placing your Router 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).

Introduction
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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 your Router 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. For example, change the phone to channel 1 and
move your Router to channel 11. See your phone’s user manual
for detailed instructions.
• If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz
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 Utility of
your wireless adapter to locate any other wireless networks that
are available (see your wireless adapter’s user manual), and move
your Router 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 your
wireless network card. See your network card’s user guide for
more information.
These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum
possible area with your Router. Should you need to cover an even
wider area, we suggest the Belkin Wireless Range
Extender/Access Point.

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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 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.
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
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

Product Overview
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Product Features
In minutes you will be able to share your Internet connection and
network your computers. The following is a list of features that make
your new Belkin N1 Wireless Router an ideal solution for your home or
small office network.
Works with Both PCs and Mac® Computers
The Router supports a variety of networking environments including
Mac OS® 8.x, 9.x, X v10.x, Linux®, Windows® 98, Me, NT®, 2000, XP,
Vista™, and others. All that is needed is an Internet browser and
a network adapter that supports TCP/IP (the standard language of
the Internet).
Patent-Pending Network Status Display
Lighted LEDs on the front of the Router indicate which functions
are in operation. You’ll know at-a-glance whether your Router is
connected to the Internet. This feature eliminates the need for
advanced software and status-monitoring procedures.
Web-Based Advanced User Interface
You can set up the Router’s advanced functions easily through your
web browser, without having to install additional software onto the
computer. There are no disks to install or keep track of and, best
of all, you can make changes and perform setup functions from any
computer on the network quickly and easily.
NAT IP Address Sharing
Your Router employs Network Address Translation (NAT) to share the
single IP address assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider
while saving the cost of adding additional IP addresses to your
Internet service account.
SPI Firewall
Your Router is equipped with a firewall that will protect your network
from a wide array of common hacker attacks including IP Spoofing,
Land Attack, Ping of Death (PoD), Denial of Service (DoS), IP with
zero length, Smurf Attack, TCP Null Scan, SYN flood, UDP flooding,
Tear Drop Attack, ICMP defect, RIP defect, and fragment flooding.

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Integrated 10/100 4-Port Switch
The Router has a built-in, four-port network switch to allow your
wired computers to share printers, data and MP3 files, digital photos,
and much more. The switch features automatic detection so it will
adjust to the speed of connected devices. The switch will transfer
data between computers and the Internet simultaneously without
interrupting or consuming resources.
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
UPnP is a technology that offers seamless operation of voice
messaging, video messaging, games, and other applications that
are UPnP-compliant.
Support for VPN Pass-Through
If you connect to your office network from home using a VPN
connection, your Router will allow your VPN-equipped computer to
pass through the Router and to your office network.
Built-In Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
Built-In Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) on-board makes
for the easiest possible connection of a network. The DHCP server
will assign IP addresses to each computer automatically so there is
no need for a complicated networking setup.
Setup Assistant
The Setup Assistant, second generation of Belkin’s renowned Easy
Install Wizard, takes the guesswork out of setting up your Router.
This automatic software determines your network settings for you
and sets up the Router for connection to your Internet Service
Provider (ISP). In a matter of minutes, your Router will be up and
running on the Internet.
Note: Setup Assistant software is compatible with Windows 2000 and
XP. If you are using another operating system, the Router can be set
up using the Alternate Setup Method described in this User Manual
(see page 22).

Product Overview
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Integrated N1 Wireless Access Point
N1 MIMO is an exciting new wireless technology based on the draft
IEEE 802.11n specification. It employs MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple
Output) smart-antenna technology that achieves data rates of up to
300Mbps.* Actual throughput is typically lower than the connected
data rate and will vary depending on your networking environment.
*NOTE: The standard transmission rate—300Mbps—is the physical
data rate. Actual data throughput will be lower.
MAC Address Filtering
For added security, you can set up a list of MAC addresses (unique
client identifiers) that are allowed access to your network. Every
computer has its own MAC address. Simply enter these MAC
addresses into a list using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface
and you can control access to your network.

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Knowing your Router
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Package Contents
• Belkin N1 Wireless Router
• Quick Installation Guide
• Belkin Setup Assistant Software CD
• RJ45 Ethernet Networking Cable
• Power Supply
• User Manual
• Network Status Display Guide
• Wireless Security Setup Guide
System Requirements
• Broadband Internet connection such as a cable or DSL modem
with RJ45 (Ethernet) connection
• At least one computer with an installed network interface adapter
• TCP/IP networking protocol installed on each computer
• RJ45 Ethernet networking cable
• Internet browser
Setup Assistant Software System Requirements
• A PC running Windows® 2000, XP, or Vista™
• Minimum 500MHz processor and 128MB RAM
• Internet browser
2

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The Router has been designed to be placed on a desktop. All of the
cables exit from the rear of the Router for better organization and
utility. The Network Status Display is easily visible on the FRONT
of the Router to provide you with information about network activity
and status. See the Network Status Display Guide for more
detailed information.
(A) (B) (C) (D/E) (F) (G)
A. Wireless Security
OFF Wireless security is off
Solid Blue Wireless security is on
B. Wireless-Computer Status
OFF Wireless computer is not present
Solid Blue Wireless computer is connected to
the Router
Blinking Amber Problem with wireless computer
connecting properly to the Router
C. Wired-Computer Status
OFF Wired computer is not present
Solid Blue Wired computer is connected to
the Router
Blinking Amber Problem with wired computer connecting
properly to the Router

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D. Router/Power Status
When you apply power to the Router or restart it, a short period of
time elapses while the Router boots up. During this time, the “router”
icon blinks. When the Router has completely booted up, the “router”
icon becomes a solid light, indicating the Router is ready for use.
OFF Router is off
Blinking Blue Router is booting up
Solid Blue Router is on and ready
E. Wireless Status
OFF Wireless is off
Solid Blue Wireless is on
F. Modem Status
This icon lights in blue to indicate that your modem is connected
properly to the Router. It turns amber when problem is detected.
OFF Router is NOT connected to modem
Solid Blue Router is connected to modem and
functioning properly
Blinking Amber Problem with modem
G. Internet Status
This unique icon shows you when the Router is connected to the
Internet. When the light is off, the Router is NOT connected to the
Internet. When the light is blinking amber, the Router is attempting
to connect to the Internet. When the light is solid blue, the Router
is connected to the Internet. When using the “Disconnect after x
minutes” feature, this icon becomes extremely useful in monitoring
the status of your Router’s connection.
OFF Router is NOT connected to the Internet
Blinking Amber Router is attempting to connect to
the Internet
Solid Blue Router is connected to the Internet

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H. Connections to Wired Computers - Gray
Connect your wired (non-wireless) computers to these ports.
These ports are RJ45, 10/100 auto-negotiation, auto-uplinking
ports for standard UTP category 5 or 6 Ethernet cable. The ports
are labeled 1 through 4, with onboard LEDs on the connectors.
I. Connection to Modem - Yellow
This port is for connection to your cable or DSL modem. Use the
cable that was provided with the modem to connect the modem
to this port. Use of a cable other than the one supplied with the
cable modem may not work properly.
(K)
(I)(H) (J)
(L)

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J. Reset Button
The “Reset” button is used in rare cases when the Router may
function improperly. Resetting the Router will restore the Router’s
normal operation while maintaining the programmed settings. You
can also restore the factory default settings by using the “Reset”
button. Use the restore option in instances where you may have
forgotten your custom password.
i. Resetting the Router
Push and release the “Reset” button. The lights on the
Router will momentarily flash. The “Power/Ready” light will
begin to blink. When the “Power/Ready” light becomes solid
again, the reset is complete.
ii. Restoring the Factory Defaults
Press and hold the “Reset” button for at least 10 seconds,
then release it. The lights on the Router will momentarily
flash. The “Power/Ready” light will begin to blink. When
the “Power/Ready” light becomes solid again, the restore
is complete.
K. Power Jack – Black
Connect the included 12V/1A DC power supply to this jack.
L. Push Button
This button is set aside for the Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ feature.
Refer to the “Changing the Wireless Security Settings” section for
more details.

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Verify the contents of your box. You should have the following:
• Belkin N1 Wireless Router
• RJ45 Ethernet Networking Cable
• Power Supply
• Belkin Setup Assistant Software CD
• User Manual
• Network Status Display Guide
• Wireless Security Setup Guide
Modem Requirements
Your cable or DSL modem must be equipped with an RJ45 Ethernet
port. Many modems have both an RJ45 Ethernet port and a USB
connection. If you have a modem with both Ethernet and USB, and
are using the USB connection at this time, you will be instructed to
use the RJ45 Ethernet port during the installation procedure. If your
modem has only a USB port, you can request a different type of
modem from your ISP, or you can, in some cases, purchase a modem
that has an RJ45 Ethernet port on it.
Ethernet USB
Setup Assistant
Belkin has provided our Setup Assistant software to make installing
your Router a simple and easy task. You can use it to get your Router
up and running in minutes. The Setup Assistant requires that your
Windows 2000 or XP computer be connected directly to your cable or
DSL modem and that the Internet connection is active and working
at the time of installation. If it is not, you must use the “Alternate
Setup Method” section of this User Manual to configure your Router.
Additionally, if you are using an operating system other than Windows
2000 or XP, you must set up the Router using the “Alternate Setup
Method” section of this User Manual.

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Connecting and Configuring your Router
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Step 1
Hardware Connections – Follow the Quick Installation
Guide (QIG)



A. Unplug your modem’s power
cord. Put the Router next
to the modem. Raise the
Router’s antennas.
B. Locate the networking cable
that connects your modem and
computer. Unplug that cable
from your modem, and plug it
into any gray port on the back of
the Router.
C. Find your new networking cable
(included in the box with your
Router) and connect it to the
yellow port on the back of the
Router. Connect the other end to
your modem, in the port that’s
now free.
D. Plug in your modem’s power cord.
Wait 60 seconds for the modem to
start up. Plug the Router’s power
supply into the black port on the
back. Plug the other end into the
wall outlet.
E. Wait 20 seconds for the Router to
start up. Look at the display on
the front of the Router. Make sure
the “Wired” and “Router” icons
are lit up in blue. If they are not,
recheck your connections.

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Step 2 Set Up the Router – Run the Setup Assistant Software
A. Shut down any programs that
are running on your computer
at this time.
Turn off any firewall or
Internet-connection-sharing
software on your computer.
B. Insert the CD into your computer.
The Setup Assistant will
automatically appear on your
computer’s screen within 15
seconds. Click on “Go” to run
the Setup Assistant. Follow the
instructions there.
IMPORTANT: Run the Setup Assistant from the computer that is
directly connected to the Router from Step 1 – B.
Select your language of choice
and click “Go” to run the
Setup Assistant.
Note for Windows Users: If the
Setup Assistant does not start
up automatically, select your
CD-ROM drive from “My
Computer” and double-click on
the file named “SetupAssistant”
to start the Setup Assistant.