Page 1 of 45 Belkin Wireless G Desktop Card User Manual Table of Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Benefits of a Home Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Advantages of a Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Placement of your Wireless Networking Hardware for Optimal Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page 2 of 45 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Belkin Wireless G Desktop Card (the Card). Now you can take advantage of this great new technology and gain the freedom to network your home and office computers wirelessly. This Card allows you to connect a desktop computer to your network. The easy installation and setup will have you networking wirelessly in minutes.
Page 3 of 45 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.
Page 4 of 45 • 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.
Page 5 of 45 Secure connections typically require a user name and password, and are used where security is important.
Page 6 of 45 • Support for both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc (peer-to-peer) networking modes • Data rate of up to 54Mbps (802.11g), or 11Mbps (802.
Page 7 of 45 [insert F5D700023.
Page 8 of 45 - Wireless G Desktop Card - Quick Installation Guide - Installation Software CD - User Manual 3 Installing and Setting up the Card 1. Install Important Note: 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.) Click “install” to start the installation.
Page 9 of 45 1.4 You might see a screen similar to this one. This DOES NOT mean there is a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system. Select “Continue Anyway” and follow the on-screen instructions. 1.5 Once the software is installed, you will be prompted to shut down your computer. Click “Yes”.
Page 10 of 45 2. Insert Insert the Card into an Available PCI Slot on your Desktop Computer 2.1 Shut down your computer and disconnect your power cord. 2.2 Remove the screws behind your computer case that secure the computer cover and remove cover. Note: 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.
Page 11 of 45 2.4 Remove the metal port 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. 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.
Page 12 of 45 2.9 The Found New Hardware Wizard will appear. (This may take 15–20 seconds.) Select “Install the software automatically” and then click “Next”. 2.10 You might see a screen similar to this one. This DOES NOT mean there is a problem. Our software has been fully tested and is compatible with this operating system. Select “Continue Anyway” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Page 13 of 45 2.11 The Wizard will now install your software. 2.12 The Belkin Wireless Networking Utility installation is now complete. Click “Finish” to close the Wizard and restart your computer.
Page 14 of 45 3. Configure Use the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility 3.1 After restarting your computer, double-click the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility icon located on the desktop screen. [insert F5D7000 QIG 06.jpg] 3.2 The Wireless Networking Utility screen will appear. Select a network to connect to by selecting a network from the “Available Networks” list. Then, click “Connect”. [insert F5D7000 QIG 09.
Page 15 of 45 Note: In order to see your available networks, you must be near a working wireless router or access point. 3.3 The Belkin Wireless Networking Utility icon can also be found on the system tray. [insert F5D7000 QIG 10.jpg] Note: Double-clicking on the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility icon on the system tray will bring up the “Utility” screen. Installation is now complete.
Page 16 of 45 Accessing the Belkin Wireless Networking Utility from the Windows System Tray To access the WNU, simply place your mouse pointer and right-click over the WNU icon on the Windows system tray on the lower right-hand corner of your computer’s desktop. [insert F5D7000-10.jpg] [insert F5D7000-11.jpg] If the icon is not present, click on “Start > Programs > Belkin > Wireless Networking Utility”. [insert F5D7000 22.
Page 17 of 45 The WNU’s default screen is the “Current Status” tab. The “Current Status” tab displays the current network status and available networks. Network Status This window displays the connectivity status of the current network, between the computer and router, and between the router and the Internet. In the event of a problem, use the “Network Status” window to determine the source (e.g., computer, router, or Internet/modem).
Page 18 of 45 Network Status and Solution Tips To further understand the current Network Status, click “Open Wireless Utility”. The default screen will be the “Current Status” tab and the “Network Status” section determines which connections are good and/or faulty. [insert F5D7000-12.
Page 19 of 45 The WNU also features a “Solution Tips” section that provides troubleshooting guidelines. Setting Wireless Network Profiles The “My Connections” tab on the WNU allows you to add, edit, and delete connection profiles. It also displays signal strength, security, and network type. [insert F5D7000-13.jpg] Securing your Wi-Fi® Network If you choose to connect to a secure network, determine the type of security (WPA or WEP*) and use the appropriate field in the dialog box.
Page 20 of 45 *Note: Types of security Note: When you select a network using encryption, you will first see the simple security screen. Click the “Advanced” button to see other security options (below). [insert F5D7000-14.
Page 21 of 45 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a less secure, but more widely adopted wireless security protocol.
Page 22 of 45 user will be asked to input a 10- or 26-character hex key. A hex key is a combination of letters, a–f, and numbers, 0–9. Wireless Protected Access (WPA) is the new standard in the wireless security. However, not all wireless cards and adapters support this technology. Please check your wireless adapter’s user manual to check if it supports WPA. Instead of a hex key, WPA uses only passphrases, which are much easier to remember.
Page 23 of 45 64-bit WEP was first introduced with 64-bit encryption, which includes a key length of 40 bits plus 24 additional bits of system-generated data (64 bits total). Some hardware manufacturers refer to 64-bit as 40-bit encryption. Shortly after the technology was introduced, researchers found that 64-bit encryption was too easy to decode. 128-Bit Encryption As a result of 64-bit WEP’s potential security weaknesses, a more secure method of 128-bit encryption was developed.
Page 24 of 45 wireless equipment must be upgraded to support it. These updates will be found on your wireless vendor’s website. There are three types of WPA security: WPAPSK (no server), WPA (with radius server), and WPA2 WPA-PSK (no server) uses what is known as a pre-shared key as the network key. A network key is a password that is between eight and 63 characters long. It can be a combination of letters, numbers, or characters. Each client uses the same network key to access the network.
Page 25 of 45 The Card cannot access the network because it uses a different network key than the one configured on the wireless router. IMPORTANT: You must now set all wireless network cards/adapters to match these settings. Configuring your Belkin Wireless G Desktop Card to use Security At this point, you should already have your wireless router (or access point) set to use WPA or WEP.
Page 26 of 45 To access the security settings on your Card, click the “My Connections” tab and point to the connection for which you want to change security settings. Click “Edit” to change settings. WEP Setup 64-Bit WEP Encryption 1. Select “WEP” from the drop-down menu. 2. After selecting your WEP encryption mode, you can enter your key by typing in the hex key manually, or you can type in a passphrase in the “Passphrase” field and click “Generate” to create a key.
Page 27 of 45 3. Click “Save” to finish. Encryption in the wireless router (or access point) is now set. Each of your computers on your wireless network will now need to be configured with the same security settings.
Page 28 of 45 settings in your wireless router (or access point), you will temporarily lose your wireless connection until you activate security on your wireless client. Please record the key prior to applying changes in the wireless router (or access point). If you don’t remember the hex key, your client will be locked out of the wireless router (or access point). 128-Bit WEP Encryption 1. Select “WEP” from the drop-down menu. 2.
Page 29 of 45 3. Click “Save” to finish. Encryption in the wireless router (or access point) is now set. Each of the computers on your wireless network will now need to be configured with the same security settings.
Page 30 of 45 WARNING: If you are using a wireless client to turn on the security settings in your wireless router (or access point), you will temporarily lose your wireless connection until you activate security on your wireless client. Please record the key prior to applying changes in the wireless router (or access point). If you don’t remember the hex key, your client will be locked out of the wireless router (or access point).
Page 31 of 45 3. Click “Save” to finish. You must now set all clients (network cards) to match these settings.
Page 32 of 45 [insert F5D7000-19.jpg] The “Options” tab on the WNU provides the user the ability to customize his or her WNU settings. Wireless Networking Utility Help The WNU “Help” tab provides users with access to online and telephone support, as well as advanced diagnostic tools. [insert F5D7000-20.
Page 33 of 45 Advanced Diagnostic Tools The “Advanced Diagnostic Tools” section is the central control panel for all the settings of the hardware and software components of the wireless network. It provides an array of tests and connectivity services to ensure optimal network performance. [insert F5D7000-21.
Page 34 of 45 Troubleshooting I can’t connect to the Internet wirelessly. If you are unable to connect to the Internet from a wireless computer, please check the following items: 1. Look at the lights on your wireless router.
Page 35 of 45 • The “Power” light should be on. • The “Connected” light should be on, and not blinking. • The “WAN” light should be either on or blinking. If your Belkin Wireless Router’s lights match these descriptions, go to number 2, below. If this is NOT the case, please contact Belkin technical support. If you are not using a Belkin Wireless Router, consult that router manufacturer’s user guide. 2.
Page 36 of 45 If the correct network name is not listed under “Available Networks” in the Wireless Networking Utility, please attempt the following troubleshooting steps: 1. Temporarily move computer, if possible, to five to 10 feet away from the Wireless Router (or Access Point). Close the Wireless Networking Utility, and reopen it. If the correct network name now appears under “Available Networks”, you may have a range or interference problem.
Page 37 of 45 problem may be that there is a mismatch between the network name (SSID) settings in your wireless network properties. Check the SSID settings to see if they match. The SSID is case-sensitive and the spelling on each computer must be exactly the same in order for the Card to connect to the wireless router (or access point). Note: To check the SSID settings or look for an available network, double-click the Signal Indicator icon to bring up the “Wireless Networks” screen.
Page 38 of 45 Signal strength is poor. Wireless technology is radio-based, which means connectivity and the throughput performance between devices decreases when the distance between devices increases. Other factors that will cause signal degradation (metal is generally the worst culprit) are obstructions such as walls and metal appliances. As a result, the typical indoor range of your wireless devices will be between 100 to 200 feet.
Page 39 of 45 1. Remove the screws behind your computer case that secure the computer cover and remove cover. 2. Touch any metal part of the case to discharge static electricity, which could damage your product or your computer. 3. Remove the Card. 4. Locate a different empty PCI expansion slot. It is usually white in color. 5. 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.
Page 40 of 45 Compatibility Coverage* Advantage cordless phones and microwave ovens may interfere with the unlicensed band 2.4GHz Compatible with 802.11g cordless phones and microwave ovens may interfere with the unlicensed band 2.4GHz Compatible with 802.11b Depends on interference— typically 100–200 ft. indoors Mature—legacy technology Depends on interference— typically 100–200 ft. indoors Common— widespread use for Internet sharing Incompatible with 802.11b or 802.
Page 41 of 45 FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY We, Belkin Corporation, of 501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220, declare under our sole responsibility that the product, F5D7000, to which this declaration relates, complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Page 42 of 45 The wireless radio of this device complies with RSS 139 & RSS 210 Industry Canada. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B conforme á la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Europe-European Union Notice Radio products with the CE 0682 or CE alert marking comply with the R&TTE Directive (1995/5/EC) issued by the Commission of the European Community.
Page 43 of 45 All above warranties are null and void if the Belkin product is not provided to Belkin Corporation for inspection upon Belkin’s request at the sole expense of the purchaser, or if Belkin Corporation determines that the Belkin product has been improperly installed, altered in any way, or tampered with.
Page 44 of 45 Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT SHALL BELKIN CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR MULTIPLE DAMAGES SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST BUSINESS OR PROFITS ARISING OUT OF THE SALE OR USE OF ANY BELKIN PRODUCT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Page 45 of 45 Belkin B.V. Boeing Avenue 333 1119 PH Schiphol-Rijk, The Netherlands +31 (0) 20 654 7300 +31 (0) 20 654 7349 fax © 2006 Belkin Corporation. All rights reserved. All trade names are registered trademarks of respective manufacturers listed. Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
