Belkin F5D6231-4 User Manual - Page 24

USING THE WEB-BASED ADVANCED USER INTERFACE Configuring the Wireless Network Settings The Wireless tab lets you make changes to the wireless network settings. From this tab you can make changes to the wireless network name (SSID), operating channel, encryption security settings, and configure the Router to be used as an access point. Changing the Wireless Network Name (SSID) To identify your wireless network, a name called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) is used. The default SSID of the Router is "WLAN". You can change this to anything you want to or you can leave it unchanged. If there are other wireless networks operating in your area, you will want to make sure that your SSID is unique (does not match that of another wireless network in the area). To change the SSID, type in the SSID that you want to use and click "Apply Changes". The change is immediate. If you make a change to the SSID, your wireless-equipped computers may also need to be reconfigured to connect to your new network name. Refer to the documentation of your wireless network adapter for information on making this change. 44 USING THE WEB-BASED ADVANCED USER INTERFACE Changing the Wireless Channel There are a number of operating channels you can choose from. In the United States, there are 11 channels. In the United Kingdom and most of Europe, there are 13 channels. In a small number of other countries, there are other channel requirements. Your Router is configured to operate on the proper channels for the country you reside in. The default channel is 11. The channel can be changed if needed. If there are other wireless networks operating in your area, your network should be set to operate on a channel that is different than the other wireless networks. For best performance, use a channel that is at least five channels away from the other wireless network. For instance, if another network is operating on channel 11, then set your network to channel 6 or below. To change the channel, select the channel from the drop-down list. Click "Apply Changes". The change is immediate. Using the Broadcast SSID Feature Note: This advanced feature should be employed by advanced users only. For security, you can choose not to broadcast your network's SSID. Doing so will keep your network name hidden from computers that are scanning for the presence of wireless networks. To turn off the broadcast of the SSID, remove the check mark from the box next to "Broadcast SSID", then click "Apply Changes". The change is immediate. Each computer now needs to be set to connect to your specific SSID; an SSID of "ANY" will no longer be accepted. Refer to the documentation of your wireless network adapter for information on making this change. 45