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In order to determine if wireless issues are related to range, we suggest temporarily moving the computer, if possible, to five to 10 feet
from the wireless router or access point. If issues persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.
Signal strength is poor
Wireless technology is radio-based, which means connectivity and the throughput performance between devices decreases when the
distance between devices increases. Other factors that will cause signal degradation (metal is
Troubleshooting
generally the worst culprit) are obstructions such as walls and metal appliances. As a result, the typical indoor range of your wireless
devices will be between 100 to 200 feet. Note also that connection speed may decrease as you move farther from the wireless router or
access point.
In order to determine if wireless issues are related to range, we suggest temporarily moving the computer, if possible, to five to 10 feet
from the wireless router or access point.
Changing the wireless channel – Depending on local wireless traffic and interference, switching the wireless channel of your network
can improve performance and reliability. You may choose from several other channels depending on your region; see your router or
access point user manual for instructions on how to choose other channels.
If issues persist even at close range, please contact Belkin Technical Support.
Why are there two wireless utilities in my system tray? Which one do we use?
There are several features and advantages of using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility over the Windows XP Wireless Zero
Configuration Utility. We offer link status, detailed link information plus an available networks site survey, to name a few.
It's essential to know which utility is managing your adapter. We recommend using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility.
To use the Belkin Wireless Network Utility follow the steps below:
Step 1 Right-click on the network status icon in the system tray and select the "Status" tab.
Step 2 From the "Status" tab, uncheck the "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" check box. Once the box is
unchecked, click the "Close" button to close the window.
You are now using the Belkin Wireless Network Utility to configure the adapter.
Adapter does not perform or connection is unstable when computer has a second built-in wireless network adapter (such as a
mini PCI or Intel® Centrino™)
This condition occurs if your computer has a built-in wireless adapter while your Belkin Wireless adapter is also active. This happens
because Windows must now handle two active wireless connections.
You need to disable the built-in wireless adapter from your computer under "Network Adapters" in the Device Manager.
Adapter does not perform, or connection is slow when computer has a built-in wired Ethernet adapter
This condition occurs if your computer has an active Ethernet card while your Wireless adapter is also active. This happens because
Windows must now handle two active network connections.
You need to disable the Ethernet adapter from your computer under "Network Adapters" in the Device Manager.
Troubleshooting
What's the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a, and Pre-N?
Currently there are four levels of wireless networking standards, which transmit data at very different maximum speeds. Each is based on
the designation 802.11(x), so named by the IEEE, the board that is responsible for certifying networking standards. The most common
wireless networking standard, 802.11b, transmits information at 11Mbps; 802.11a and 802.11g work at 54Mbps. Pre-N, the precursor to
the upcoming 802.11n release, promises speeds that exceed 802.11g, and up to twice the wireless coverage area. See the following chart
for more detailed information.
Wireless Comparison Chart
Wireless Technology
802.11b
Speed
11Mbps
Frequency
Common household
devices, such as
cordless phones and
802.11g
802.11a
54Mbps
54Mbps
Common household
5GHz – uncrowded
devices, such as
band
cordless phones and
Belkin Pre-N
108Mbps
Common household
devices such as cordless
phones and microwave
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