Belkin Router F5D8236-4 User Manual

							N Wireless Router
User Manual
8820-00097-A        F5D8236-4  
						

							N Wireless Router
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Table of Co NTeNT s
8 Recommended Web  browser  settings  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 74 
9 Troubleshooting � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 76
10 Information   � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 88
1 Introduction  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
1
Advantages of a Wireless Network  1
Placement of your N Wireless Router  2
2 Product  over view  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
Product Features  5
3 Knowing your Router    � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
Package Contents  7
System Requirements  7
Setup Assistant Software System Requirements  7
4 Connecting and Configuring your Router  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �11
5  alternate  setup Method  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26
6 Using the Web- based  advanced User Inter face  � � � � � � � � � � � � 37
Changing L AN Settings  37
Viewing the DHCP Client List Page  39
Configuring the Wireless Network Settings  40
Setting WPA / WPA2-Personal (PSK )  46
Setting WEP Encryption    47
Using the Access Point Mode     48
Setting MAC Address Control     49
Configuring the Firewall       50
Using Dynamic DNS  54
Utilities  55
Restarting the Router  56
Updating the Firmware  62
7 Manually Configuring Network  settings  � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 69 
						

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INTR odUCTI oN 
1
Thank you for purchasing the Belkin N 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 N 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 Setup Assistant 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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INTR odUCTI oN 
superhighway in this example. The rate of traffic flow is multiplied by the 
number of lanes that are opened.
Placement of your N 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.
 
Revolutionary N Wireless Technology with MIM o  
(N MIMo )
Your Belkin N Wireless Router uses a new smart-antenna technology 
called Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO). N 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 N 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 N MIMO, on the other hand, uses two antennas. 
This design helps combat distortion and interference. Belkin’s N 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 N MIMO is the use of 
aggregation as specified in the draft 802.11n specification. By shortening 
the space between packets and combining multiple smaller packets 
into one larger packet, Belkin’s N 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 N MIMO helps 
traffic move at the speed limit and opens more lanes—to become the  
						

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INTR odUCTI oN 
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 cordless phone.
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). 
•	 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 �  a void  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). 
						

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INTR odUCTI oN 
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.
5 �  s ecure 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:
U s: 877-736-5771
UK: 0845 607 77 87
a ustralia: 1800 235 546
New Zealand: 0800 235 546
s ingapore: 65 64857620
e urope: www �belkin�com/support 
						

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PR od UCT oV eRVI eW  
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 N 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 s tatus 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-b ased a dvanced 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. N
aT IP a ddress s haring
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. 
s PI f irewall
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.
Integrated 10/100 4-Port s witch
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. 
						

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PR od UCT oV eRVI eW  
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 d ynamic 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.
s etup  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, 
XP, and Vista; and Mac OS X v10.x. 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 26).
Integrated N Wireless  access Point 
N 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.*  *N
oT e: The standard transmission rate—300Mbps—is the physical data 
rate. Actual data throughput will be lower.
Ma C a ddress f iltering
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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KN o WIN g yo UR Ro UTeR 
3
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.
Package Contents
•	Belkin N Wireless Router
•	 Quick Installation Guide
•	 Belkin Setup Assistant Software CD
•	 RJ45 Ethernet Networking Cable
•	 Power Supply
•	 User Manual on the Setup Assistant CD
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 browserr
setup  assistant  software  system Requirements
•	 A computer running Windows® 2000, XP, 
or Vista®; or Mac OS® X v10.x
•	 Minimum 1GHz processor and 128MB RAM
•	 Internet browser (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G) 
						

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KN o WIN g yo UR Ro UTeR 
d�  Wired-Computer s tatus   
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 
e�  Router/Power s tatus 
 
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
a�
 Wireless s ecurity  
OFF Wireless security is off
Solid Blue Wireless security is on
b�  Wi- fi Protected s etup (WPs) button 
WPS
This button is used for the Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature. Please refer to 
the “Changing the Wireless Security Settings” section.
C�  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