Avoid Obstacles and Interference
Avoid placing your Router (or Access Point) 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 signals path (between your computers and Router or Access Point)

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 Routers (or access points) and your wireless-enabled computers. Unplug and remove the battery from any cordless phone that operates on the 2.4GHz band (check manufacturers 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 (or Access Point) to channel 11. See your phones user manual for detailed instructions. If necessary, consider switching to a 900MHz or 5GHz cordless phone.
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 adapters user manual), and move your 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 with your wireless network card. See your network cards user guide for more information. These guidelines should allow you to cover the maximum possible area with your Router (or Access Point). Should you need to cover an even wider area, we suggest the Belkin Wireless Range Extender/Access Point.

NAT IP Address Sharing

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.

SPI Firewall

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 Switch
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.
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 Dynamic 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.

Easy Install Wizard

The 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: Easy Install Wizard software is compatible with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, and Mac OS 9.X and Mac OS X. If you are using another operating system, the Router can be set up using the Alternative Method described in this User Manual (see page 24)
Integrated Pre-N Wireless Access Point
Pre-N is an exciting new wireless technology that achieves data rates up to 108Mbps.
Integrated Parental Control Web Content Filter
Belkin has teamed with Cerberian, a leading content-filtering company, to bring you this unique feature. Your Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router is the first home networking solution with an integrated web content filter that allows you to block unwanted or offensive web content before it makes it to your network. Unlike similar access-control products, Belkin Parental Control is built into our Router, so there is no software to install on any computer and you will never be charged a per-computer fee for the service. Your Router comes with a free six-month subscription, with no credit card required for this trial period. This lets you take advantage of Parental Controls capabilities right away. Belkin Parental Control allows you to set up your own policies and block any website you want. There is also an optional reporting feature (fee-based) that allows you to get a report showing you every website that was visited from your network (refer to your Parental Control User Manual for more information).

MAC Address Filtering

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.

Knowing your Router

Package Contents
Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router Quick Installation Guide Belkin Easy Install Wizard Software CD Belkin RJ45 Ethernet Networking Cable Power Supply User Manual

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 browser
Easy Install Wizard Software System Requirements
A PC running Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP, or a Mac computer running Mac OS 9.x or OS X Minimum 64MB RAM Internet browser
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 LED indicators are easily visible on the TOP of the Router to provide you with information about network activity and status.

Top Panel

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 LED indicators are easily visible on the front of the Router to provide you with information about network activity and status.
Router is OFF Router is powered ON

Power/Ready LED

Indicates that power is applied to the Router OFF ON
Wireless: Wireless Network
OFF Green Blinking Wireless network is OFF Wireless network is ready Indicates wireless activity

Internet LED

This LED lights in GREEN to indicate that your modem is connected properly to the Router. It blinks rapidly when information is being sent over the port between the Router and the modem. OFF Solid Green Blinking Green No connection to the modem Good connection to the modem Data is being sent from the Router to the modem

LAN Port-Status LEDs

These LEDs are labeled and correspond to the numbered ports on the rear of the Router. When a computer is properly connected to one of the LAN ports on the rear of the Router, the LED will light. GREEN means a 10Base-T device is connected, AMBER means a 100Base-T device is connected. When information is being sent over the port, the LED blinks rapidly. OFF Green Blinking No device is linked to the port 10Base-T or 100Base-Tx device connected Network activity

Rear Panel

Power Jack GRAY
Connect the included 12V DC power supply to this jack
Connections to Computers (LAN Ports) BLUE
Connect your wired (non-wireless) computers to these ports. These ports are RJ45, 10/100 auto-negotiation, auto-uplinking ports for standard UTP category 5 or 6 Ethernet cable. The ports are labeled 1 through 4. These ports correspond to the numbered LEDs on the top of the Router.

Configuring your WAN Media Access Controller (MAC) Address
All network components including cards, adapters, and routers, have a unique serial number called a MAC address. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may record the MAC address of your computers adapter and only let that particular computer connect to the Internet service. When you install the Router, its own MAC address will be seen by the ISP and may cause the connection not to work. Belkin has provided the ability to clone (copy) the MAC address of the computer into the Router. This MAC address, in turn, will be seen by the ISPs system as the original MAC address and will allow the connection to work. If you are not sure whether your ISP needs to see the original MAC address, simply clone the MAC address of the computer that was originally connected to the modem. Cloning the address will not cause any problems with your network.

Cloning your MAC Address

To clone your MAC address, make sure that you are using the computer that was ORIGINALLY CONNECTED to your modem before the Router was installed. Click the Clone button (1). Click Apply Changes (3). Your MAC address is now cloned to the Router.
Entering a Specific MAC Address
In certain circumstances you may need a specific WAN MAC address. You can manually enter one in the MAC Address page. Type in a MAC address in the spaces provided (2) and click Apply Changes (3) to save the changes. The Routers WAN MAC address will now be changed to the MAC address you specified

(2) (1) (3)

Using the Web-Based Advanced User Interface
Using your Internet browser, you can access the Routers Web-Based Advanced User Interface. In your browser, type 192.168.2.1 (do not type in anything else such as http:// or www) then press the Enter key. You will see the Routers home page in your browser window.

Viewing the LAN Settings

Clicking on the header of the LAN tab (1) will take you to the LAN tabs header page. A quick description of the functions can be found here. To view the settings or make changes to any of the LAN settings, click on LAN Settings (2) or to view the list of connected computers, click on DHCP client list (3).

Select the Allow radio button (1) to begin setting up a list of computers allowed to connect to the wireless network. Next, in the MAC Address field that is blank (3), type in the MAC address of the wireless computer you want to be able to access the wireless network, then click <<Add (4). Continue to do this until all of the computers you want to add have been entered. Click Apply Changes (5) to finish.
Setting up a Deny Access List
The Deny Access list lets you specify computers that you DO NOT want to access the network. Any computer in the list will not be allowed access to the wireless network. All others will.
Select the Deny radio button (2) to begin setting up a list of computers to be denied access to the wireless network. Next, in the MAC Address field that is blank (3), type in the MAC address of the wireless computer you want to deny access to the wireless network, then click <<Add (4). Continue to do this until all of the computers you want to deny access to have been entered. Click Apply Changes (5) to finish.

Configuring the Firewall

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 Fragment flooding
The firewall also masks common ports that are frequently used to attack networks. These ports appear to be stealth meaning that for all intents and purposes, they do not exist to a would-be hacker. You can turn the firewall function off if needed; however, it is recommended that you leave the firewall enabled. Disabling the firewall protection will not leave your network completely vulnerable to hacker attacks, but it is recommended that you leave the firewall enabled.
Configuring Internal Forwarding Settings
The Virtual Servers function will allow you to route external (Internet) calls for services such as a web server (port 80), FTP server (Port 21), or other applications through your Router to your internal network. Since your internal computers are protected by a firewall, computers outside your network (over the Internet) cannot get to them because they cannot be seen. A list of common applications has been provided in case you need to configure the Virtual Server function for a specific application. If your application is not listed, you will need to contact the application vendor to find out which port settings you need.

Choosing an Application

Select your application from the drop-down list. Click Add. The settings will be transferred to the next available space in the screen. Click Apply Changes to save the setting for that application. To remove an application, select the number of the row that you want to remove then click Clear.
Manually Entering Settings into the Virtual Server
To manually enter settings, enter the IP address in the space provided for the internal (server) machine, the port(s) required to pass (use a comma between multiple ports), select the port type (TCP or UDP), and click Apply Changes. You can only pass one port per internal IP address. Opening ports in your firewall can pose a security risk. You can enable and disable settings very quickly. It is recommended that you disable the settings when you are not using a specific application.
Setting Client IP Filters
The Router can be configured to restrict access to the Internet, e-mail, or other network services at specific days and times. Restriction can be set for a single computer, a range of computers, or multiple computers.
To restrict Internet access to a single computer for example, enter the IP address of the computer you wish to restrict access to in the IP fields (1). Next, enter 80 in both the port fields (2). Select Both (3). Select Block (4). You can also select Always to block access all of the time. Select the day to start on top (5), the time to start on top (6), the day to end on the bottom (7), and the time to stop (8) on the bottom. Select Enable (9). Click Apply Changes. The computer at the IP address you specified will now be blocked from Internet access at the times you specified. Note: Be sure you have selected the correct time zone under Utilities> System Settings> Time Zone.

(8) (9)

Enabling the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
The DMZ feature allows you to specify one computer on your network to be placed outside of the firewall. This may be necessary if the firewall is causing problems with an application such as a game or video conferencing application. Use this feature on a temporary basis. The computer in the DMZ is NOT protected from hacker attacks.
To put a computer in the DMZ, enter the last digits of its IP address in the IP field and select Enable. Click Apply Changes for the change to take effect. If you are using multiple static WAN IP addresses, it is possible to select which WAN IP address the DMZ host will be directed to. Type in the WAN IP address you wish the DMZ host to direct to, enter the last two digits of the IP address of the DMZ host computer, select Enable and click Apply Changes.

Using Dynamic DNS

The Dynamic DNS service allows you to alias a dynamic IP address to a static host name in any of the many domains DynDNS.org offers, allowing your network computers to be more easily accessed from various locations on the Internet. DynDNS.org provides this service, for up to five host names, free to the Internet community. The Dynamic DNSSM service is ideal for a home website, file server, or to make it easy to access your home PC and stored files while youre at work. Using the service can ensure that your host name always points to your IP address, no matter how often your ISP changes it. When your IP address changes, your friends and associates can always locate you by visiting yourname.dyndns.org instead! To register free for your Dynamic DNS host name, please visit http://www.dyndns.org.
Setting up the Routers Dynamic DNS Update Client
You must register with DynDNS.orgs free update service before using this feature. Once you have your registration, follow the directions below.
Enter your DynDNS.org user name in the User Name field (1). Enter your DynDNS.org password in the Password field (2). Enter the DynDNS.org domain name you set up with DynDNS.org in the Domain Name field (3). Click Update Dynamic DNS to update your IP address.
Whenever your IP address assigned by your ISP changes, the Router will automatically update DynDNS.orgs servers with your new IP address. You can also do this manually by clicking the Update Dynamic DNS button (4).

Blocking an ICMP Ping

Computer hackers use what is known as pinging to find potential victims on the Internet. By pinging a specific IP address and receiving a response from the IP address, a hacker can determine that something of interest might be there. The Router can be set up so it will not respond to an ICMP ping from the outside. This heightens your Routers security level.
To turn off the ping response, select Block ICMP Ping (1) and click Apply Changes. The Router will not respond to an ICMP ping.

Utilities

The Utilities screen lets you manage different parameters of the Router and perform certain administrative functions.

Parental Control

See the included Parental Control User Manual for more information on the Parental Control feature.

Restarting the Router

Sometimes it may be necessary to restart or reboot the Router if it begins working improperly. Restarting or rebooting the Router will NOT delete any of your configuration settings.
Restarting the Router to Restore Normal Operation 1.
Click the Restart Router button.
The following message will appear. Click OK.
The following message will appear. Restarting the Router can take up to 60 seconds. It is important not to turn off the power to the Router during the restart.

A 60-second countdown will appear on the screen. When the countdown reaches zero, the Router will be restarted. The Router home page should appear automatically. If not, type in the Routers address (default = 192.168.2.1) into the navigation bar of your browser.
Restoring Factory Default Settings
Using this option will restore all of the settings in the Router to the factory (default) settings. It is recommended that you back up your settings before you restore all of the defaults.
Click the Restore Defaults button.
The following message will appear. Restoring the defaults includes restarting the Router. It can take up to 60 seconds. It is important not to turn the power to the Router off during the restart. A 60-second countdown will appear on the screen. When the countdown reaches zero, the Routers defaults will be restored. The Router home page should appear automatically. If it does not, type in the Routers address (default = 192.168.2.1) into the navigation bar of your browser.
Saving a Current Configuration
You can save your current configuration by using this feature. Saving your configuration will allow you to restore it later if your settings are lost or changed. It is recommended that you back up your current configuration before performing a firmware update.
Click Save. A window called File Download will open. Click Save.
A window will open that allows you to select the location where you want to save the configuration file. Select a location. You can name the file anything you want, or use the default name Config. Be sure to name the file so you can locate it yourself later. When you have selected the location and name of the file, click Save.
Restoring a Previous Configuration
This option will allow you to restore a previously saved configuration.
When the save is complete, you will see the window below. Click Close. The configuration is now saved.
Click Browse. A window will open that allows you to select the location of the configuration file. All configuration files end with a.bin. Locate the configuration file you want to restore and double-click on it.

Browse to the firmware file you downloaded. Select the file by double-clicking on the file name.
The Update Firmware box will now display the location and name of the firmware file you just selected. Click Update.
You will be asked if you are sure you want to continue. Click OK.
You will see one more message. This message tells you that the Router may not respond for as long as one minute as the firmware is loaded into the Router and the Router is rebooted. Click OK.
A 60-second countdown will appear on the screen. When the countdown reaches zero, the Router firmware update will be complete. The Router home page should appear automatically. If not, type in the Routers address (default = 192.168.2.1) into the navigation bar of your browser.

Changing System Settings

The System Settings page is where you can enter a new administrator password, set the time zone, enable remote management, and turn on and off the NAT function of the Router.
Setting or Changing the Administrator Password
The Router ships with NO password entered. If you wish to add a password for greater security, you can set a password here. Write down your password and keep it in a safe place, as you will need it if you need to log into the Router in the future. It is also recommended that you set a password if you plan to use the remote management feature of your Router.
Changing the Login Timeout Setting
The login timeout option allows you to set the period of time that you can be logged into the Routers advanced setup interface. The timer starts when there has been no activity. For example, imagine you have made some changes in the advanced setup interface, then left your computer alone without clicking Logout. Assuming the timeout is set to 10 minutes, 10 minutes after you leave, the login session will expire. You will have to log into the Router again to make any more changes. The login timeout option is for security purposes and the default is set to 10 minutes. Note: Only one computer can be logged into the Routers advanced setup interface at one time.
Setting the Time and Time Zone
The Router keeps time by connecting to a Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) server. This allows the Router to synchronize the system clock to the global Internet. The synchronized clock in the Router is used to record the security log and control client filtering. Select the time zone that you reside in. If you reside in an area that observes daylight saving, then place a check mark in the box next to Enable Daylight Saving. The system clock may not update immediately. Allow at least 15 minutes for the Router to contact the time servers on the Internet and get a response. You cannot set the clock yourself.

Enabling Remote Management
Before you enable this advanced feature of your Belkin Router, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SET THE ADMINISTRATOR PASSWORD. Remote management allows you to make changes to your Routers settings from anywhere on the Internet. There are two methods of remotely managing the Router. The first is to allow access to the Router from anywhere on the Internet by selecting Any IP address can remotely manage the Router. By typing in your WAN IP address from any computer on the Internet, you will be presented with a login screen where you need to type in the password of your Router. The second method is to allow a specific IP address only to remotely manage the Router. This is more secure, but less convenient. To use this method, enter the IP address you know you will be accessing the Router from in the space provided and select Only this IP address can remotely manage the Router. Before you enable this function, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you set your administrator password. Leaving the password empty will potentially open your Router to intrusion.
Enabling/Disabling NAT (Network Address Translation)
Note: This advanced feature should be employed by advanced users only. Before enabling this function, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SET THE ADMINISTRATOR PASSWORD. Network Address Translation (NAT) is the method by which the Router shares the single IP address assigned by your ISP with the other computers on your network. This function should only be used if your ISP assigns you multiple IP addresses or you need NAT disabled for an advanced system configuration. If you have a single IP address and you turn NAT off, the computers on your network will not be able to access the Internet. Other problems may also occur. Turning off NAT will not affect your firewall functions.

Enabling/Disabling UPnP

UPnP (Universal Plug-and-Play) is yet another advanced feature offered by your Belkin Router. It is a technology that offers seamless operation of voice messaging, video messaging, games, and other applications that are UPnP-compliant. Some applications require the Routers firewall to be configured in a specific way to operate properly. This usually requires opening TCP and UDP ports, and in some instances, setting trigger ports. An application that is UPnP-compliant has the ability to communicate with the Router, basically telling the Router which way it needs the firewall configured. The Router ships with the UPnP feature disabled. If you are using any applications that are UPnP-compliant, and wish to take advantage of the UPnP features, you can enable the UPnP feature. Simply select Enable in the UPnP Enabling section of the Utilities page. Click Apply Changes to save the change.

How to Set Up your Network
How to set up your network to operate with AOL for Broadband and your new Belkin Router
There are two types of AOL connections availableeither AOL DSL or AOL Cable. A third service is called AOL BYOA (Bring Your Own Access). This is used along with an existing broadband connection, supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you have AOL DSL, please refer to Directions for AOL DSL Users below for setup instructions. If you have either AOL Cable or the AOL BYOA service, please go to the Directions for AOL Cable Users section of this guide, on page 104.
Directions for AOL DSL Users
STEP 1: Create AOL screen names for the Router and for each
computer that will be using your AOL service.
STEP 2: Configure the Router for AOL for Broadband. STEP 3: Configure your computers with the new AOL screen names

you just created.

AOL DSL Users: Creating new AOL screen names
If your Router is currently connected to the network, remove it from the network and connect it directly to your broadband modem. Then, log on to AOL as you normally do. Log on to your AOL master account.
Perform a keyword search on names by clicking Keyword, and then Go to Keyword.
You will see the AOL Screen Names window. Click CREATE a Screen Name.
In the Keyword window, type in names then click Go.
A window will appear that asks whether the screen name is for a child. If you are creating the screen name for the Router, click Yes or No (it doesnt matter which you select). If you are creating a screen name for an additional computer, select the appropriate answer.
The Choose a Screen Name window will appear. Type in a screen name, and click Continue. If this screen name is for the Router, the name you choose should be something like your master screen name followed by the word Router. For instance JohnSmithRouter. If the screen name is for a computer, type in the screen name of the computer for which you are creating this screen name. Click Continue. The Choose a password screen will appear. Enter the password for this screen name twice, and click Continue.

10. The Confirm your

Settings window will appear. Select Accept Controls.
The Select a Parental Controls setting window will appear. If this screen name is for the Router, choose any one of the settings (it doesnt matter which). If this screen name is for a computer, choose the desired setting and click Continue.

11. The AOL Screen

Names window appears. This window will include all the screen names you have created to this point.

12. Repeat steps 1-11

to add an additional screen name for each computer that will be using AOL and that will be connected to the Router. When you are finished adding screen names, go to Step 2.
Step 1 AOL DSL Users: Creating new AOL screen names Follow this step only if you use AOL DSL. Connect your Router to your network per the instructions in your User Manual. 1. 2.
Open your web browser. In the address bar of your browser, type http://192.168.2.1 and click Go. You will be directed to the Routers home page. Click on Connection Type in the left-hand column under the Internet WAN heading.
You will see the Routers login page. Leave the Password field blank and click Submit. You will now see the PPPoE setup page.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

In the User Name field, type in the screen name that you created for your Router. In the Password fields, type in the password you created for the Routers screen name. Leave the Service Name field blank. Do not change the MTU setting. Click on Apply Changes. Click on the Home link at the top of the screen. The Internet Status indicator should read Connected.
10. Go to AOL DSL Users STEP 3.
AOL DSL Users: Configure your computers with the AOL Screen names you just created
This step consists of installing the AOL software on each computer and configuring it to use one of the screen names you created in STEP 1. Remember that each computer MUST use a different screen name. For help installing and configuring the AOL software, contact AOLs technical support department.

AOL DSL

Network Configuration
AOL Cable or AOL BYOA (Bring Your Own Access) Users Directions
AOL Cable users need to follow these directions. If you have AOL DSL, go to the Directions for AOL DSL section beginning on page 84.

AOL Cable Users STEP 1:

Create AOL screen names for each computer that will be using your AOL service.

AOL DSL Users STEP 2:

Configure your computers with the new AOL screen names you just created.
Directions for AOL Cable or AOL BYOA Users
Step 1 Creating new AOL screen names
Note: Your AOL connections must be set to operate on the TCP/IP

2. Select 128-bit WEP from the drop-down menu. 3. After selecting your WEP encryption mode, you can type in
your hex WEP key manually, or you can type in a passphrase in the Passphrase field and click Generate to create a WEP key from the passphrase. Click Apply Changes to finish. You must now set all of your clients to match these settings. A hex (hexadecimal) key is a mixture of numbers and letters from A-F and 0-9. For 128-bit WEP, you need to enter 26 hex keys. For example: C3030FAF4BB2C3D44BC3D4E7E4 = 128-bit key
4. Click Apply Changes to finish. Encryption in the Wireless
Router is now set. Each of your computers on your wireless network will now need to be configured with the same security settings.
WARNING: If you are configuring the Wireless Router or Access
Point from a computer with a wireless client, you will need to ensure that security is turned on for this wireless client. If this is not done, you will lose your wireless connection.
Note to Mac users: Original Apple Airport products support 64bit encryption only. Apple Airport 2 products can support 64-bit or 128-bit encryption. Please check your Apple Airport product to see which version you are using. If you cannot configure your network with 128-bit encryption, try 64-bit encryption.
I am having difficulty setting up Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security on a Belkin client card
The client card must use the same key as the Wireless Router or Access Point. For instance, if your Wireless Router or Access Point uses the key 00112233445566778899AABBCC, then the client card must be set to the exact same key.
1. Double-click the Signal Indicator icon to bring up the Wireless
Network screen. The Advanced button will allow you to view and configure more options of your card.
2. The Advanced button will allow you to view and configure
more options of the card.
3. Once the advanced button is clicked the Belkin Wireless LAN
Utility will appear. This Utility will allow you to manage all the advanced features of the Belkin wireless card.
4. Under the Wireless Network Properties tab, select a
network name from the Available networks list and click the Properties button
5. Under Data Encryption select WEP 6. Ensure the check box The key is provided for me automatically
at the bottom is unchecked. If you are using this computer to connect to a corporate network, please consult your network administrator if this box needs to be checked.
7. Type you WEP key in the Network key box. Important: A WEP key is a mixture of numbers and letters from A-F and 0-9. For 128-bit WEP, you need to enter 26 keys. This Network key needs to match the key you assign to your Wireless Router or Access Point.

TO L LY

G R O U P

No. 204134 December 2004

Belkin Corp.
Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card (F5D8010)
Competitive Wireless LAN Performance Evaluation
Premise: Buyers of wireless network equipment understand that current products can sustain maximum throughput of 54 Mbps imposed by the IEEE's 802.11g standard. However, a new technology called MIMO will raise the ceiling on 802.11b/g throughput. MIMO stands for multiple input-multiple output and describes a technology that can boost the capacity and coverage area of wireless networks. The future IEEE 802.11n standard will be based on MIMO. Products based upon MIMO should offer significant throughput gains over traditional 802.11b/g offerings. Belkin markets these new MIMO products as Pre-11n, and while the final IEEE 802.11n standard is still undecided, buyers can take advantage of this core technology improvement now. elkin Corp. commissioned The Tolly Group to evaluate a wireless router and wireless client network interface card that are based on Airgo Networks' True MIMO antenna and chipset design. True MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) is the most advanced form of smart radio technology that promises to increase speed, coverage, and reliability for wireless systems. The Belkin products tested represent a prestandard implementation of MIMO technology. MIMO technology will drive the key performance improvements in the upcoming 802.11n standard. Engineers measured the upstream and downstream effective throughput of the

Test Summary

Test Highlights
Provides increased throughput and improved coverage area when compared with 802.11g broadband routers tested Demonstrates effective throughput six times greater than the average of competitive devices tested Support Ethernet-speed communications across an area that is eight times greater than the average of rival devices tested Effective Throughput and Coverage Area of 802.11g Broadband Routers Tested
as Reported by IPERF ver. 1.7 Relative coverage area (sq. ft.)1 Devices under test
1 Effective coverage area results were based on the area of a circle (A = pi * r2); r represents the distance (in feet) that each device was able to send 10-Mbps throughput. For example, for the Belkin product the 10-Mbps range was 278 ft., so [A = 3.141 (pi) * 2782 ] 242,749 square feet.
Source: The Tolly Group, July 2004
Effective throughput (Mbps)

Figure 1

2004 The Tolly Group

Page 1

The Tolly Group
Wireless Pre-N Router/Network Card
Throughput Rates at Measured Ring Distances
Downstream throughput Ring distance ft Ring distance ft 38.8 13.5 14.10.8 Ring distance ft 36.2 12.3 12.2 10.9 6.3 Ring distance ft 27.4 6.6 3.3 3.4 1.3 Ring distance ft 20.3 4.4 2.8 2.2 0.3 Ring distance ft 12.8 3.3 2.4 1.9 0.8
Belkin (F58230-4) D-Link (Dl-624) Netgear (WGT624) Linksys (WRT54G) US Robotics (USR5450)

39.2 18.2 15.8 14.1 18

Upstream throughput Ring distance ft Belkin (F58230-4) D-Link (Dl-624) Netgear (WGT624) Linksys (WRT54G) US Robotics (USR5450)

Ring distance ft 43.1 13.9 16.5 12.2 14.1
Ring distance ft 41.12.8 8.8 7.2
Ring distance ft 34 7.9 3.7 3.6 1.1
Ring distance ft 23.6 5.7 2.3 2.3 0.3
Ring distance ft 15.1 4.3 2.3 1.7 1.3

Figure 2

39.6 21.8 16.7 18.1 16
Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card (F5D8010) installed in a Dell Inspiron 8500 and measured the range at which the pair could communicate at a minimum of 10 Mbps across variable distances from an access point in an effort to establish a credible effective coverage area metric. Effective throughput is a metric that combines throughput with coverage area. Both the Belkin router and wireless client network interface were tested against a bevy of popular 802.11b/g products from D-Link Systems Inc., Linksys Corp., Netgear, Inc. and U.S. Robotics Corp. (A complete list of the products tested and their software versions can be found on page 6 in the Project Profile section.) Each of the rival product pairings tested consisted of a broadband wireless router, or access point, along with a client net-
work interface on a downstream laptop. The rival product pairings were subjected to the same upstream/downstream throughput tests applied to the Belkin products. Tests show that the Belkin Pre-N products tested deliver eight times greater effective network coverage and up to six times greater effective throughput, as calculated by a metric that factors in both performance and range, than standard 802.11g devices tested.
ple, or walls) also have a significant effect. Throughput does not depend upon distance alone. Moreover, the peak data rate measured at short distances may or may not be the most important factor in the user's experience. Rather, the rate the user experiences at a variety of distances and locations is also likely a very important factor. Therefore, it is critical to measure WLAN throughput at a variety of locations, including some far from the access point. Tolly Group engineers measured the average downstream and upstream throughput of the tested devices at various distances and then calculated a performance metric, developed in circa October 2003 by Atheros Communications, Inc., a chip manufacturer not directly involved in this test. This metric factors in both throughput and range to provide a single, composite effective throughput

Results

WLAN Performance
The throughput of WLANs depends heavily on the nature of the environment, including the distance between the client and the access point. Throughput generally falls off as distance increases, but factors such as obstructions (like furniture, peo-

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number that seeks to characterize overall throughput across various distances. "The performance metric is truly a function of both average throughput and range. At the far edges of coverage, extra range contributes greatly to the performance metric, due to the squared dependency. What the performance metric is truly quantifying is system capacity, that is, a system's ability to deliver high data rates across as wide an area as possible," according to the Atheros white paper, "Methodology for Testing Wireless LAN Performance with Chariot." Multiple measurements were taken at distances of 30, 60, 100, 132, 206 and 278 feet from the access points/broadband routers under test. These measurements yielded raw throughput results which engineers used to compute a composite metric, or score, of throughput and coverage. Purely from a raw throughput standpoint, the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and associated client NIC achieved an average of 31 Mbps of upstream/downstream throughput. Competing products averaged raw throughput ranging from a low of 6.3 Mbps for a U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo Access Point (USR5450) to 10.4 Mbps for a D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G Router (DI-624). See Figure 2 for complete upstream/downstream throughput measurements. Raw throughput, alone, though is not an accurate indicator of wireless performance since it does not take into account distance and other wireless variables. Tolly Group engineers utilized the Atheros metric to express "effective throughput" to express combined throughput and distance performance as a relative score to compare products. Details of the Atheros wireless performance metric can be found in the Test Methodology section below. The Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and associated client
NIC achieved an effective throughput of 21.4 Mbps, which was six times greater than the average of the rival products tested. Among the competitive products tested, effective throughput was 1.9 Mbps for the U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo Access Point (USR5450), 3.4 Mbps for a Linksys WRT54G, 4.0 Mbps for a Netgear WGT624 and 5.8 Mbps for the D-Link DI-624.
Belkin Corp. Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card (F5D8010) Functionality and Performance
Belkin Corp. Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and Notebook Network Card (F5D8010) Product Specifications* Feature Based on MIMO antenna technology which improves the reliability, coverage, and robustness of the wireless connection 8X the coverage of standard 802.11g 6X the speed of standard 802.11g Improved resistance to interference from neighboring devices in the 2.4GHz frequency band Improves performance of connecting 802.11b and 802.11g client devices Does not drop to the lowest common networking speed in mixed-mode environments Seamless compatibility with 802.11b and 802.11g Features Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) as well as 64-bit and 128-bit WEP security Sets up in three minutes with Belkin Easy Install Wizard Offers six months free of 50 configurable Web Content/Parental Control Filters Offers six months of a free pop-up, adware, and spyware stopper Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty and free, 24-hour technical support For more information contact: Belkin Corporation 501 West Walnut Street Compton, CA 90220 Phone: (800) 223-5546 Fax: (310) 898-1111 URL: http://www.belkin.com *Vendor-supplied information not verified by The Tolly Group

10-Mbps Ethernet Range

Engineers also measured the distance at which the tested devices can support Ethernet-speed (10 Mbps) transmissions. Again, the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and associated client NIC outperformed other devices tested. The Belkin products were able to sustain 10-Mbps Ethernet transmission at a distance of 278 feet for both upstream and downstream traffic, which is more than twice the distance of the nearest competitor, the D-Link DI-624, with 118 feet for upstream traffic and 113 feet for downstream traffic. (See Figure 3.) The Belkin 10-Mbps range was as much as four times greater than the U.S. Robotics USR5450.

Coverage Area

Engineers measured the square-foot area supported by the devices tested to deliver 10-Mbps Ethernet coverage to wireless users. The Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) and its related client NIC supported Ethernet-speed transmission across 242,749 square feet of building space. That represents an 8X advantage over the average of the rival devices tested (31,279 sq. ft.). Among the rival product tested, the D-Link DI-624 achieved a 10-Mbps relative coverage area of 41,921 sq. ft., the Netgear WGT624 had a coverage area of 37,321 sq. ft., the Linksys WRT54G demonstrated a coverage area of 28,008 sq. ft.

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Throughput Delivered Across Various Ranges from AP

Figure 3

Analysis
Being "first" into a nascent market often times can help companies build brand identity and a strong product following. Belkin appears to be hoping to capitalize on the push to 802.11n technology by bringing to market pre-standardized products Belkin's Wireless Pre-N Router and Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card that uses the MIMO orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology that will be used in the upcoming 802.11n standard. The 802.11n technology is currently an IEEE 802.11 task group focused on providing high-throughput over wireless. High-throughput is defined as more than 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernetspeed) of wireless performance. MIMO technology from Airgo
Networks is at the heart of Belkin's "Pre-N" products; MIMO has emerged as the most likely way to boost WLAN throughput dramatically. It uses two or more antennas to transmit and to receive data that is sent over multiple pathways on a single channel, multiplying the channel's data capacity. Addition-ally, using multiple receivers results in greater receive sensitivity, giving user a higher wireless link budget, resulting in much larger coverage area. In this test, The Tolly Group compared Belkin's Pre-N offerings to four 802.11g product offerings that do not implement any "pre-N" throughput enhancing features. In every case, the Belkin products delivered greater performance and across a greater coverage area. Not only did the Belkin/Airgo tandem demonstrate the highest

effective throughput of any device tested, but it also achieved the greatest coverage area more than eight times the coverage area when compared to the average of rival devices tested. Test data shows that Belkin's Wireless Pre-N Router and Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card will attract performance-hungry consumers with a desire to set up an extremely fast WLAN in their home or small office.
Test Configuration and Methodology
For performance tests, The Tolly Group tested a Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) Ver. 040624040621-NOSDRAM-TD128 and a Belkin Pre-N Notebook Network Card (F5D8010) Ver. 1.2.0.46

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Wireless Pre-N Router/Network Card Wireless Throughput Test Bed

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Figure 4
designed for wireless clients. The Dell Inspiron 8500 laptop that housed the Belkin Pre-N Notebook Network Card was configured with 512 MBytes of memory and supported Windows XP Pro SP1. The client communicated with an upstream server a Sony VAIO PCG configured with 256 MBytes of memory and supporting Windows XP Pro SP1. The Sony PC was attached to the Belkin Wireless Pre-N Router. The Belkin products were tested against a variety of wireless router/network cards from D-Link Systems, Inc., Linksys Corp., Netgear Corp and U.S. Robotics Corp. (For a complete listing of all the competitive products tested and their software versions, see the Project Profile on page 6.) Each of the product pairings was subjected to a downstream throughput and upstream throughput test.

Making meaningful measurements of throughput requires collecting a statistically significant number of samples. Making one measurement (or even just three or four measurements) of throughput at a particular location is not statistically significant. Such a methodology could be subject to reporting anomalies. Therefore, the test methodology used for this benchmark collects hundreds of throughput samples at each location and reports a throughput that represents a 90% confidence level (i.e. a minimum throughput obtained in 90% of the measurements). For the downstream throughput tests, engineers measured the TCP flow from the server to the host computer (client) at different radius distances. The test was conducted across six different distance rings to determine throughput at various intervals from the broadband router. Measurements were taken at
distances of 30, 60, 100, 132, 206 and 278 feet. Engineers placed a host computer and an access point in a stationary position. They also placed a laptop with a client or notebook wireless interface on top of a turntable and moved it along through various radius distances. Tests were conducted in wireless 802.11g standard mode on Channel 11 with no encryption or firewall enabled. The turntable rotated approximately twice per minute. During the test, engineers configured the laptop to launch Iperf server, a TCP throughput measurement tool. With Iperf active, engineers activated the turntable and started the throughput test on the host computer. Throughput measurements were recorded in Mbps. For the upstream throughput test, engineers measured the unidirectional TCP flow between the laptop

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120'-0"
(client) and host computer (server) throughout different radius distances. The test was conducted across the same six distance rings used in the downstream test and the test bed was set up identically to the downstream test. During the test, engineers configured the laptop to launch Iperf server. With Iperf active, engineers activated the turntable and started the throughput test on the host computer. Throughput measurements were recorded in Mbps. For the performance score, engineers collected upstream and downstream

throughput measurements in order to apply the Atheros metric formula (below).(Note: The metric formula is the sum over locations of the throughput achieved (average of upstream and downstream values in Mbps) multiplied by the ring area. A normalization factor (10-3 or 0.001) is used to make the scores more tractable. Belkin decided to replace this normalization factor to 1/R2 big R means the farthest distance achieved, 278 feet to make the scores comparable to Ethernet speed values. Both high throughputs and large coverage areas are desirable to achieve a high score.) Finally, engineers determined relative coverage area based on the area of a circle (A = pi * r2) where 'r' represents the distance in feet that each device was able to send 10Mbps throughput to wireless users.
Equipment Acquisition and Support
All of the competitive products tested were acquired through normal distribution channels since they represent off-the-shelf wireless gear that can be purchased in common retail outlets. Tolly Group engineers configured the devices according to normal information provided to buyers and standard technical support was utilized in the event assistance was required.

Atheros Metric Formula:

Performance Metric = 10 x Mbps (i) [r 2 (i) r 2 (i 1)]
The Tolly Group gratefully acknowledges the providers of test equipment used in this project. Vendor Open-source tool Public domain Product Tool Command Language (TCL) Iperf v.1.7.0 Web address http://www.tcl.tk/ http://dast.nlanr.net/Projects/Iperf/

Tolly Group Services

With more than 15 years of testing experience of leading-edge network technologies, The Tolly Group employs time-proven test methodologies and fair testing principles to benchmark products and services with the highest degree of accuracy. Plus, unlike narrowly focused testing shops, The Tolly Group combines its vast technology knowledge with focused marketing services to help clients better position product benchmarks for maximum exposure. The company offers an unparalleled array of reports and services including: Test Summaries, Tolly Verifieds, performance certification programs, educational Webcasts, white paper production, proof-of-concept testing, network planning, industry studies, end-user services, strategic consulting and integrated marketing services. Learn more about The Tolly Group services by calling (561) 391-5610, or send E-mail to sales@tolly.com.
For info on the Fair Testing Charter, visit: http://www.tolly.com/Corporate/FTC.aspx

Project Profile

Sponsor: Belkin Corp. Document number: 204134 Product class: Wireless LAN router Products under test:
Belkin Corp. Wireless Pre-N Notebook Network Card (F5D8010) Ver. 1.2.0.46 Belkin Corp. Wireless Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4) Ver. 040624040621-NOSDRAM-TD128 D-Link Systems, Inc. Airplus Xtreme G CardBus Adapter (DWL G650) Ver. 2.1.3.1 D-Link Systems Airplus Xtreme G Router (DI-624) Ver 2.28 Linksys Corp. Wireless G Notebook Adapter (WPC54G) Ver. 3.30.15.0 Linksys Corp. Wireless G - Broadband Router (WRT54G) Ver. 2.02.7 Netgear, Inc. 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card (WG 511T) Ver. 2.4.0.7181 Netgear, Inc. 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router (WGT 624) Ver. 4.0.4 U.S. Robotics Corp. 802.11g Wireless Turbo PC Card (USR5410) Ver. 4.0.40.3 U.S. Robotics Corp. 802.11g Wireless Turbo Access Point (USR5450) Ver. 1.31 Testing window: July 2004 Software status: Generally available For more information on this document, or other services offered by The Tolly Group, visit our World Wide Web site at http://www.tolly.com, send E-mail to sales@tolly.com, call (561) 391-5610.

Information technology is an area of rapid growth and constant change. The Tolly Group conducts engineering-caliber testing in an effort to provide the internetworking industry with valuable information on current products and technology. While great care is taken to assure utmost accuracy, mistakes can occur. In no event shall The Tolly Group be liable for damages of any kind including direct, indirect, special, incidental, and consequential damages which may result from the use of information contained in this document. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The Tolly Group doc. 204134 rev. clk 22 Dec 04

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