GemTek Technology R921212G User Manual

802.11g Wireless Broadband Router User's Guide

Contents

Technical Specifications and Regulatory Information Introduction Using Your Router

Technical Specifications and Regulatory Information

Technical Specifications

Regulatory Information

Wireless Interoperability

The products are designed to be interoperable with any wireless LAN product that is based on direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radio technology and to comply with the following standards:

• IEEE Std. 802.11b Standard on Wireless LAN

• IEEE Std. 802.11g Standard on Wireless LAN

• Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) certification, as defined by the WECA (Wireless Ethernet

Compatibility Alliance)

Wireless 802.11 and Your Health

The Wireless Broadband Router, like other radio devices, emits radio frequency electromagnetic energy. The level of energy emitted by this device, however, is less than the electromagnetic energy emitted by other wireless devices such as mobile phones. The

wireless device operates within the guidelines found in radio frequency safety standards and recommendations. These standards and recommendations reflect the consensus of the scientific community and result from deliberations of panels and committees of scientists who continually review and interpret the extensive research literature. In some situations or environments, the use of the wireless devices may be restricted by the proprietor of the building or responsible representatives of the applicable organization. Examples of such situations include the following:

• Using the Dell TrueMobile equipment on board airplanes, or

• Using the Dell TrueMobile equipment in any other environment where the risk of

interference with other devices or services is perceived or identified as being harmful.

If you are uncertain of the policy that applies to the use of wireless devices in a specific organization or environment (an airport, for example), you are encouraged to ask for authorization to use the wireless device before you turn it on.

Technical Specifications

Standards supported

• IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g

Protocols

• TCP/ IP, IPX, UDP, DHCP Client, DHCP Server

Environment

• Operating Humidity 10% to 85% (Non-Condensing)

• Storage Humidity 5% to 90% (Non-Condensing)

• Operating Temperature 0° to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)

• Storage Temperature 0° to 70° C (32° F to 158° F)

Power specification

Receive Sensitivity

• 11Mbps: 10-5 BER @ -80 dBm, typical

• 54Mbps: 10-5 BER @ -65 dBm, typical

Transmit Power

• Normal Temp Range: ±12 dBm

DC power supply

• Input: DC 100-250 50-60 Hz 1A

• Output: 5V DC 2A

Radio specification

Range: "Up to 100m" indoors and "Up to 450m" outdoors (open range)

Frequency range: 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz, direct sequence spread spectrum

Number of Channels:

• Europe: 11 (1-11)

• US: 11 (1-11)

• France: 2 (10-11)

• Japan: 11 (1-11)

Mobility: Seamless roaming across cell boundaries with handover

Specific features

Supported bit rates:

For 802.11g:

• 54 Mbps

• 48 Mbps

• 36 Mbps

• 24 Mbps

• 18 Mbps

• 12 Mbps

• 9 Mbps

• 6 Mbps

For 802.11b:

• 11 Mbps

• 5.5 Mbps

• 2 Mbps

• 1 Mbps

Data Encryption: WEP (64/128 bit) and WPA

Utility Software

• Setup Wizard software

• Control Utility software

Regulatory Information

The wireless network device must be installed and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as described in the user documentation that comes with the product. For country-specific approvals, see Radio approvals. Dell Inc is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized modification of the devices included with this kit, or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than that specified by Dell Inc. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment is the responsibility of the user. Dell Inc and its authorized resellers or distributors are not liable for any damage or violation of government regulations that may arise from the user failing to comply with these guidelines.

For the latest regulatory information, documentation, and other updates, please visit the Dell website at support.dell.com

Canada -- Industry Canada (IC)

This device complies with RSS210 of Industry Canada.

Europe -- EU Declaration of Conformity

This equipment complies with the essential requirements of the European Union directive 1999/5/EC.

Cet équipement est conforme aux principales caractéristiques définies dans la Directive européenne RTTE 1999/5/CE. Die Geräte erfüllen die grundlegenden Anforderungen der RTTE-Richtlinie 1999/5/EG. Questa apparecchiatura è conforme ai requisiti essenziali della Direttiva Europea R&TTE 1999/5/CE. Este equipo cumple los requisitos principales de la Directiva 1999/5/CE de la UE, "Equipos de Terminales de Radio y Telecomunicaciones". Este equipamento cumpre os requisitos essenciais da Directiva 1999/5/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho (Directiva RTT). Deze apparatuur voldoet aan de noodzakelijke vereisten van EU-richtlijn betreffende radioapparatuur en telecommunicatie-eindapparatuur 1999/5/EG. Dette udstyr opfylder de Væsentlige krav i EU's direktiv 1999/5/EC om Radio- og teleterminaludstyr. Dette utstyret er i overensstemmelse med hovedkravene i R&TTE-direktivet (1999/5/EC) fra EU. Utrustningen uppfyller kraven för EU-direktivet 1999/5/EC om ansluten teleutrustning och ömsesidigt erkännande av utrustningens överensstämmelse (R&TTE). Tämä laite vastaa EU:n radio- ja telepäätelaitedirektiivin (EU R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC) vaatimuksia.

France

Some areas of France have a restricted frequency band. The worst-ca se maxim um authorized power indoors is:

10 mW for the entire 2.4 GHz band (2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz)

100 mW for frequencies between 2446.5 MHz and 2483.5 MHz (NOTE - Channels 10 through 13 inclusive operate in the band 2446.6 MHz - 2483.5 MHz)

There are few possibilities for outdoor use: On private property or on the private property of public persons, use is subject to a preliminary authorization procedure by the Ministry of Defence, with maximum authorized power of 100 mW in the 2446.5 - 2483.5 MHz band. Use outdoors on public property is not permitted.

In the departments listed below, for the entire 2.4 GHz band:

Maximum authorized power indoors is 100 mW

Maximum authorized power outdoors is 10 mW

Departements in which the use of the 2400 - 2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100 mW indoors and less than 10 mW outdoors:

Ain

36 Indre 66 Pyrénées

Orientales 02 Aisne 37 Indre et Loire 67 Bas Rhin 03 Allier 41 Loir et Cher 68 Haut Rhin 05 Hautes Alpes 42 Loire 70 Haute Saône

Saône et

08 Ardennes 45 Loiret 71

Loire

09 Ariège 50 Manche 75 Paris

Tarn et

11 Aude 55 Meuse 82

Garonne 12 Aveyron 58 Nièvre 84 Vaucluse 16 Charente 59 Nord 88 Vosges 24 Dordogne 60 Oise 89 Yonne

Territoire de 25 Doubs 61 Orne 90

Belfort 26 Drôme 63 Puy du Dôme 94 Val de Marne

Pyrénées

32 Gers 64

Atlantique

This requirement is likely to change over time, allowing you to use your wireless LAN card in more areas within France. Please check with ART for the latest information (www.art-telecom.fr

)

NOTE: Your Wireless Broadband Router transmits less than 100 mW, but more than 10 mW.

Italia

A license is required for indoor use. Outdoor use is prohibited. E' necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l'uso interno. Verificare con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. L'uso per installazione in esterni non e' permessa.

USA -- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution:

To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

NOTE: DELL declares that WRTB-107GD340 (FCC ID: MXF-R921212G) is limited in CH1~CH11 by specified firmware controlled in USA.

Introduction

Overview

Wireless Networking Overview

A Look at the Hardware

Overview

The Wireless Broadband Router is an 802.11b/g wireless access point with a built-in Internet router. Connecting to a DSL or cable modem, the router can offer both wired and wireless computers simultaneous access to the Internet. The router can be configured the following ways:

• Internet router: Connects to a cable or DSL modem providing Internet connectivity to

both wired and wireless computers. The firewall features included in the router control Internet access and protect your network.

• Wireless hub (Access Point): Connects wireless computers for file and print sharing.

• 4-port Ethernet switch: Connects four wired computers for file and print sharing.

• Ethernet bridge: Enables file and print sharing between wired and wireless

computers. In addition, connects to an Ethernet hub, extending Internet connectivity and sharing to more wired computers.

The router supports up to 252 clients. Up to 16 of the 252 clients can be wireless. The Network Address Translation (NAT) feature allows 64 clients to simultaneously communicate out to the Internet. It runs at speeds up to 54 Megabits per second (Mbps), an d the LAN (wired) port runs at 10/100 Mbps. The maximum distance between the router and each computer is 300 feet. This distance may be less depending on your environment.

By default, you can use the router in the following ways:

• a wireless access point using wireless as the wireless network name.

• a DHCP server that provides IP addresses to wireless and wired clients.

• a bridge to an Ethernet hub.

Wireless Networking Overview

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Identifying a WLAN

Encryption

Automatic Rate Selection and Rate Scaling

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network in one location. Users at that location can share files, printers, and other services. In a LAN, a networked computer that requests services is called a client. A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of LAN that uses high frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate and transmit data among the networ k clients and devices. It is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN.

In a WLAN, wireless adapters are installed in clients, also called wireless clients. The adapter allows the wireless client to communicate with the WLAN without cables. Instead, wireless clients send and receive information through a path in the air called a channel.

The standards for a WLAN are based on the IEEE 802.11b standard and proposed 802.11g standard. All Dell 802.11b/g-compliant devices interoperate with other 802.11b/g -compliant wireless devices from other vendors. The WiFi certification logo indicates that the wireless device has been tested by an independent organization.

A wireless client operates in either infrastructure mode or peer-to-peer mode.

Identifying a WLAN

An ESSID and BSSID are both Service Set Identifiers (SSID) that identify and control the wireless client’s access to a given WLAN. The SSID is sometimes referred to as the network name. The SSID indicates what WLAN you are referring to. In most cases, the user interface displays the SSID.

When installing an access point or wireless adapter in a wireless client, the installation program asks you to enter the SSID. Dell cannot provide you with this information, as it is specific to your network; but you may choose to use the default SSID, wireless, for your Router. All wireless clients and access points in a WLAN must use the same network name.

Encryption

In a WLAN, wireless clients and access points send and receive information through the air. Without implementing security, it is possible for an unauthorized person to intercept the information.

A common way of implementing security and protecting information is encryption. Encryption applies a set of instructions, called an algorithm, to information. The instructions combine the plain or clear text of information with a sequence of hexadecimal numbers, called an encryption key.

Before transmitting information over the airwaves, the wireless client or access point encrypts or scrambles the information. The access point or wireless client receiving the information uses the same key to decrypt or unscramble the information. The information is only readable to WLAN devices that have the correct encryption key. The longer the key is, the stronger the encryption.

The Router supports both Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA).

WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) provides a way of creating an encrypted key that is shared between a wireless client (such as a notebook with a wireless PC card) and the router. In the Router, WEP is an optional feature that can be enabled or disabled. When WEP encryption is enabled, you must set the WEP key in the client to match the WEP key used by the access point because you can ONLY connect to access points that have a matching WEP Key.

NOTE:

It is better to change keys frequently. The same algorithm is used for all the communications that should be protected. If the same key is used, the same message will give exactly the same cipher text. Then, it will be possible for an eavesdropper to break the encrypted data. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to change keys often.

There are two WEP encryption methods:

• 40(64)-bit Encryption

• 104(128)-bit Encryption

40-bit and 64-bit encryption are identical. Some vendors use the term 40-bit; others use 64-bit. A wireless device that claims to have 40-bit encryption interoperates with a device that claims to have 64-bit encryption; the same is true for the reverse. A 40(64)-bit key consists of 10 hexadecimal numbers, arrayed as follows:

Key #1: 1011121314

Key #2: 2021222324

Key #3: 3031323334

Key #4: 4041424344

A 104(128)-bit key has several trillion times as many possible combinations than a 40(64)-bit key. It consists of 26 hexadecimal numbers, arrayed as follows:

Key (#1): 101112131415161718191A1B1C

All wireless clients and access points in a WLAN must use the same encryption method and key. The following two examples stress how important this point is.

Example 1

The encryption method for an access point is 40(64)-bit. The method for a wireless client is 104(128)-bit encryption. The client and access point cannot communicate with each other, even though the selected key is the same. To resolve this problem, set the access point to use 104(128)-bit encryption.

Example 2

The encryption method is the same for the access point and wireless client. You select key 1 for the access point and key 2 for the wireless client. The wireless client cannot communicate with the WLAN. To resolve this problem, select key 1 for the wireless client.

NOTE:

Use the same key and encryption method for the wireless devices in the WLAN. Otherwise, they cannot communicate with each other.

The Router uses either hexadecimal digits or ASCII characters to create encryption keys. Hexadecimal digits include the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A to F. For example, the decimal number 15 is represented as F in the hexadecimal numbering system.

ASCII is the acronym for the American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Pronounced ask-ee, ASCII is a code for representing English characters as numbers, with each letter assigned a number from 0 to 127. For example, the ASCII code for uppercase M is

77. Most computers use ASCII codes to represent text, which makes it possible to transfer data from one computer to another.

WPA

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is an upgrade to the WEP standard for securing your wireless network. WPA is derived from and will be forward-compatible with the future IEEE 802.11i standard. It provides improved data encryption and user authentication.

To enhance the level of security, WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) encryption to address the vulnerabilities of the static keys used in WEP. TKIP includes four algorithms: message integrity check (MIC), to protect packets from tampering; Per-Packet Key (PPK) hashing, to prevent weak key attacks; extended initialization vector (IV), to reduce IV reuse and the possibility that a hacker will collect sufficient packets to crack the encryption; and a re-keying mechanism, to change the temporal key dynamically. TKIP is the most commonly used encryption method; however, if your wireless clients do not support TKIP, the Router also supports Advanced Encryption Security (AES) encryption. AES will replace

802.11's RC4-based encryption under the 802.11i specification. AES, the gold-standard encryption algorithm, provides maximum security for wireless network.

For user authentication, WPA adopts an authentication scheme through 802.1x. 802.1x provides a framework for user authentication and a key distribution management method.

802.1x consists of three main elements: an Authentication Server (typically a RADIUS server), WPA-enabled router or AP (called Authenticator), and a WPA-enabled client (called Supplicant). 802.1x ensures only authorized users can access the network.

In enterprises, WPA will be used in conjunction with both a wireless router and authentication server. In a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) environment, where there is no authentication server, users can use pre-shared key (PSK) mode in place of the authentication server. The Router offers you WPA running in PSK mode. The mutual authentication and improved encryption technology of WPA allows wireless communication to achieve greater security.

Automatic Rate Selection and Rate Scaling

In 802.11g, wireless network adapters and access points can transmit data at one of the following rates: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, or 6 Mbps. In 802.11b, the data can be transmitted at a rate of 11, 5.5, 2, or 1 Mbps. As the distance between an adapter and access point increases or decreases, the data rate automatically changes. Other factors, like interference, also affect the data rate. The Router uses automatic rate selection and rate scaling to determine the most efficient rate of communication. Rate scaling maintains optimal communication between wireless clients and the WLAN.

A Look at the Hardware

Front Panel

Back Panel

Front Panel

The Wireless Broadband Router has seven Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), or link lights, on its front side. The following table defines the behavior for each LED:

Front Panel

LED Represents Activity

Power Power The Power LED will light up when the device is powered on.

It will blink when the device is reset.

Wireless Wireless

LAN

Internet DSL or

cable modem

LAN 1 LAN 2 LAN 3 LAN 4

Local Area Network

Back Panel

The LED is steady on when there is at least one wireless link connecting to the Router.

A steady green light indicates the connection is active, and blinks with data activity. A steady amber light indicates data collision.

A steady green light indicates the connection is active and transfer rate is at 100Mbps. A steady greenish amber light indicates the connection is active and transfer rate is at 10Mbps.

Back Panel

Connector Description

Lock This accepts locking devices for protecting the Router from theft.

Reset Use an object, such as a stretched paper clip, to press the button for at

least 3 seconds. The Power LED will be off for a short time and then light up again. You can then release the button to reset the device to its factory-default settings.

Internet This accepts an RJ-45 connector for network cabling.

LAN 1 LAN 2 LAN 3 LAN 4

Power Connect the power adapter to this Power port, and then plug the other

This accepts RJ-45 connectors for connecting up to 4 computers to the Router's 4-port switch.

end of the power cable into a power outlet.

Using Your Router

Overview

Factory Default Settings

Setup Wizard

Control Utility

Web-Based Configuration Tool

Overview

Factory Default Settings: Your Wireless Broadband Router ca me with factory default settings

that should work for the majority of the network usage scenarios. However, there are cases where your network environment may require a different router configuration.

Setup Wizard: Setup Wizard is a Windows-based software program included on your CD. You can use this program to 1) install the router on your network and create an environment for multiple computers to share Internet access, 2) add additional computers to the network, and 3) provide links to the user's guide and the Dell support website

Control Utility: Control Utility is a Windows-based software program included on your CD. This utility is usually installed at the end of the router installation. It provides you with a useful configuration tool to manage your Router. Refer to the section Control Utility information.

Web-Based Configuration Tool: The web-based configuration tool is for advanced configuration of the Wireless Broadband Router. It is a tool provided inside the router which

for detailed

can be accessed via the web browser on your computer. This tool includes every basic and advanced configuration option for the Router. For instance, you can allow other Internet users to access a Web server hosted on your local private network, or disable your wireless net work.

NOTE:

Setup Wizard or Control Utility must be run on Windows 2000 and Windows XP

computers. Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher or Netscape 4.0 or high er must be used for the web-based configuration tool.

Factory Default Settings

Dell pre-configures the Router with the following settings:

NOTE:

If you lose track of the device settings, you can reset the router by pushing the reset button to restore these settings back to your router.

Setting Default User Name admin

Password admin

Device Name my router

IP Address 192.168.2.1

Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0

10 Mbps Ethernet WAN IP <obtain from ISP via DHCP>

WAN DHCP Client Enabled

ESSID (wireless network name) wireless

Channel 6

Encryption No Encryption

DHCP Server Enabled

NAT Routing Enabled

NOTE:

Your Wireless Broadband Router came with factory default settings that should work for the majority of the network usage scenarios. However, there are cases where your network environment may require a different router configuration.

Setup Wizard

Introduction

Launch the Setup Wizard

Setup Wizard Screens

Introduction

Setup Wizard is an easy-to-use program included on your CD. It provides simplified configuration procedures for establishing Internet connectivity on the Router. The Setup Wizard first extracts the connection settings from your active ISP connection on your computer with a cable/DSL modem. It then displays a series of graphical illustrations on how to connect the router to the network. Finally it applies the extracted settings on your router and validates its installation. If the installation cannot be completed successfully, the Setup Wizard will display troubleshooting instructions to guide you through the installation process.

In addition, the Setup Wizard also provides links to the user's guide on the CD and the Dell support website.

Launch the Setup Wizard

To run the Setup Wizard, perform the following steps:

Insert the CD

1. Insert the Wireless Broadband Router Setup CD into the CD drive on a computer that is connected directly to the Internet. Your CD should automatically launch the Setup Wizard. If it does not, complete the following steps to start the Wizard.

a. Click the Start button, and then click Run. b. Type the following text in the Open: field:

X:\setup.exe where X is the drive letter of your CD drive.

Once the Setup Wizard has been launched, you will be guided through a series of windows. These windows are illustrated below along with an explanation on their functionalities.

Setup Wizard Screens

Welcome Menu

This menu offers several options to select from.

• Installation Begin installing your router and configure computers for Internet connectivity

• User's Guide View the user's guide (this document)

• Exit End the Setup Wizard

Welcome

Set Up Your Computer

• Click Setup First Computer if you want to install the router on the computer that is used to connect to the Internet with a cable or DSL modem.

• To connect additional computers to your network after you have successfully installed the router using the Setup First Computer option, place the CD in each additional computer and run the Setup Wizard. Click Setup Additional Computers to add each additional computer to your network.

Setup your computer