Belkin Range Extender/ Access Point manual Secure Connections, VPNs, and AOL, Introduction

Introduction

wireless router (or 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 in your User Manual. These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum possible area with your wireless router (or 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 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 the computer to “go to sleep.”

The simplest solution to avoid this is to simply reconnect by re-running 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 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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