Belkin F5D7011 manual Introduction, Placement of your Wireless Router or Access Point

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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 Wireless Router (or Access Point). Typical indoor operating range for your 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 Wireless Router (or Access Point) connected devices increases. This may or may not be noticeable to you. As you move further 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.

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 ten feet from the Wireless 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.Placement of your Wireless Router or Access Point

Place your Wireless 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 Wireless Router (or Access Point) antennas are parallel to each other, and are positioned vertically (toward the ceiling). If your Wireless Router (or Access Point) itself is positioned vertically, point the antennas as much as possible in an upward direction.

In multistory homes, place the Wireless Router (or Access Point) on a floor that is as close to the center of the home as possible. This may mean placing the Wireless Router (or Access Point) on an upper floor.

Try not to place the Wireless Router (or Access Point) near a cordless 2.4GHz phone.

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Contents High-Speed Mode Wireless G Notebook Network Card Table of Contents Advantages of a wireless network IntroductionPlacement of your Wireless Router or Access Point IntroductionChoose the quietest channel for your wireless network Cordless Phone PlacementAvoid Obstacles and Interference Secure connections, VPNs, and AOL Product Features OverviewOverview Product SpecificationsApplications and Advantages Package Contents System RequirementsInstalling and Setting up the Card Install the SoftwarePlug the Card in an Available CardBus Slot of your Laptop Installing and Setting up the Card Let Windows Finish the InstallationInstallation is now complete Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility How to Access the Belkin Wireless LAN UtilitySetting Wireless Network Preferences Click on the Wireless Networks tabEnable Radio Available NetworksUsing the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility Add, RemoveSystem Tray Icon PropertiesAccess Point Infrastructure Networks Only Any Available Network access point preferredComputer-to-Computer Ad-Hoc Networks Only Securing your Wi-FiNetwork WEP Wired Equivalent PrivacyEncryption Methods Bit WEPEncryption Keys Bit EncryptionC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit key WPA Wi-Fi Protected Access Changing the Wireless Security Settings Network key= Wrong PasswordWEP Setup Bit WEP EncryptionC3 03 0F AF 0F 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 = 128-bit WEP key WPA-PSK no server WPA with server Settings Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility Using the Belkin Wireless LAN Utility Monitoring the Status of your Network Connection Signal Client IP AddressNetwork Connection Type Radio StateMonitoring Data Transfer Click on the Statistics tabFinding Available Networks in your Area Performing Diagnostic Tests on your Connection Click on the Diagnostics tabControl Registers Sprom Format VersionLoopback Test Interrupt TestLED Test Troubleshooting Can’t connect to the Internet wirelesslyName of your wireless network appears in Available Networks Installation CD-ROM does not start Setup Utility TroubleshootingPower LED does not come on Card is not working Link LED is solid but cannot connect to the Internet Signal strength is poor Data transfer is sometimes slowTroubleshooting Troubleshooting Wireless Comparison What’s the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a?Technical Support Europe 00 800 223 55 Australia 1800 666Information Information Section Belkin Tech Support Belkin Corporation Belkin Components B.V