Belkin 8820-00034-A Introduction, Placement of your Enhanced Wireless Router, Router Placement

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Introduction

Table of Contents

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Placement of your Enhanced 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.

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 antenna is positioned vertically (toward the ceiling).

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).

Enhanced Wireless Router

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Contents Enhanced Wireless Router Table of Contents Advantages of a Wireless Network IntroductionPlacement of your Enhanced Wireless Router Important Factors for Placement and SetupRouter Placement IntroductionChoose the Quietest Channel for your Wireless Network Cordless PhonesSecure Connections, VPNs, and AOL Product Features Product OverviewProduct Overview Package Contents Setup Assistant Software System RequirementsKnowing your Router System RequirementsWireless Security Wireless-Computer StatusWired-Computer Status Router/Power StatusModem Status Internet StatusConnections to Wired Computers Gray Reset Button RedResetting the Router Ii. Restoring the Factory DefaultsSetup Assistant Ethernet USB Connecting and Configuring your RouterModem Requirements Connecting and Configuring your Router Setup CD Connecting and Configuring your Router Confirmation Screen Progress Screen Checking Settings Verifying Hardware Connections Naming your Wireless Network Requesting Internet Account Info if neededConfiguring the Router Checking Internet Connection Congratulations Troubleshooting Connecting and Configuring your Router Alternate Setup Method Hardware Connections Follow the Quick Installation GuideAlternate Setup Method Logging into the Router Logging out of the RouterUnderstanding the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Login/Logout Button Internet-Status IndicatorQuick-Navigation Links Home ButtonLAN Settings Internet SettingsFeatures LanguageSetting your Connection Type Host Name Change WAN MAC AddressSubnet Mask IP AddressISP Gateway Address Setting your ISP Connection Type to PPPoE Password Service NameUser Name IP Assigned by ISPAlternate Setup Method Pptp Password Service IP AddressPptp Account Connection ID OptionalL2TP Account L2TP PasswordDisconnect after X minutes… Setting Custom Domain Name Server DNS Settings Cloning your MAC Address Configuring your WAN Media Access Controller MAC AddressEntering a Specific MAC Address Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Viewing the LAN SettingsUsing the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Changing LAN SettingsDhcp Server IP PoolLease Time Local Domain NameViewing the Dhcp Client List Configuring the Wireless Network Settings Changing the Wireless Network Name SsidChanging the Wireless Channel Using the Wireless Mode SwitchExtension Channel OffUsing the Broadcast Ssid Feature Protected Mode Switch Using the Bandwidth Switch802.11e/WMM QoS Switch 20MHz onlyUsing the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface WPA2 Requirements Setting WPA/WPA2 Encryption Setting WEP Encryption Using a Hexadecimal Key Using the Access Point Mode Setting MAC Address Control Setting up an Allow Access ListSetting up a Deny Access List Configuring the Firewall Manually Entering Settings into the Virtual Server Configuring Internal Forwarding SettingsChoosing an Application Setting Client IP Filters Enabling the Demilitarized Zone DMZ Using Dynamic DNS Setting up the Router’s Dynamic DNS Update ClientUtilities Restarting the Router to Restore Normal Operation Restarting the RouterRestoring Factory Default Settings Saving a Current Configuration Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Restoring a Previous Configuration Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Checking for a New Version of Firmware Updating the FirmwareDownloading a New Version of Firmware Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Updating the Router’s Firmware Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface Setting or Changing the Administrator Password Changing System SettingsChanging the Login Time-Out Setting Setting the Time and Time Zone Enabling Remote ManagementEnabling/Disabling Auto Firmware Update Enabling/Disabling UPnPManually Configuring Network Settings Manually Configuring Network Settings in Mac OS up toManually Configuring Network Settings Manually Configuring Network Settings Manually Configuring Network Settings Manually Configuring Network Settings in Windows 98SE or Me Recommended Web Browser Settings Internet Explorer 4.0 or HigherRecommended Web Browser Settings Netscape Navigator 4.0 or HigherProblem TroubleshootingSolution Troubleshooting Setup Assistant cannot find my Router Setup Assistant cannot connect my Router to the Internet Troubleshooting Can’t connect to the Internet wirelessly Troubleshooting Troubleshooting C3 03 0F AF 4B B2 C3 D4 4B C3 D4 E7 E4 = 128-bit key Click OK, and then Apply to save the settings Do Belkin products support WPA/WPA2? Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Troubleshooting What’s the difference between 802.11g and draft 802.11n? Wireless Comparison ChartTechnical Support Information FCC StatementF6D4230-4 Federal Communications Commission NoticeInformation ModificationsEurope-European Union Notice Canada-Industry Canada ICBelkin International, Inc., Limited 1-Year Product Warranty How state law relates to the warranty