Huawei HG231f User Manual

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router Wireless-N Router

User Guide

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

V100R001

User Guide

Issue 01

Date 2010-04-01

Part Number 202201

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. provides customers with comprehensive technical support and service. For any assistance, please contact our local office or company headquarters.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Address: Huawei Industrial Base

Bantian, Longgang

Shenzhen 518129

People's Republic of China

Website: http://www.huaweidevice.com

Email: terminal@huawei.com

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

The product described in this manual may include copyrighted software of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd and possible licensors. Customers shall not in any manner reproduce, distribute, modify, decompile, disassemble, decrypt, extract, reverse engineer, lease, assign, or sublicense the said software, unless such restrictions are prohibited by applicable laws or such actions are approved by respective copyright holders under licenses.

Trademarks and Permissions

, , and

Technologies Co., Ltd.

Other trademarks, product, service and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

are trademarks or registered trademarks of Huawei

Notice

Some features of the product and its accessories described herein rely on the software installed, capacities and settings of local network, and may not be activated or may be limited by local network operators or network service providers. Thus the descriptions herein may not exactly match the product or its accessories you purchase.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd reserves the right to change or modify any information or specifications contained in this manual without prior notice or obligation.

NO WARRANTY

THE CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”. EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAWS, NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE MADE IN RELATION TO THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY OR CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO CASE SHALL HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS, REVENUE, DATA, GOODWILL OR ANTICIPATED SAVINGS.

Import and Export Regulations

Customers shall comply with all applicable export or import laws and regulations and will obtain all necessary governmental permits and licenses in order to export, re-export or import the product mentioned in this manual including the software and technical data therein.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Contents

About This Document ............................................................................................... 1

1 Warnings and Precautions ..................................................................................1-1

2 Product Overview................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 Product Features.......................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Hardware..................................................................................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Interfaces and Buttons..................................................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Indicators......................................................................................................... 2-2

3 Hardware Installation ..........................................................................................3-1

3.1 Selecting a Position for the Router.............................................................................. 3-1

3.2 Knowing Cable Connections....................................................................................... 3-1

3.3 Powering On the Router.............................................................................................. 3-2

3.4 Installing the Router on an ADSL Broadband Network.............................................. 3-3

3.5 Installing the Router on a CATV Broadband Network................................................3-6

3.6 Installing the Router on a Community Broadband Network ....................................... 3-7

4 Configuration of Internet Access Parameters.................................................. 4-1

4.1 Logging In to the Web-Based Configuration Utility................................................... 4-1

4.2 Using the Setup Wizard............................................................................................... 4-1

5 Configuration of WLAN Parameters................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Setting Up a Wireless Connection Through the WPS Button...................................... 5-1

5.2 Setting Up a Wireless Connection Through the AP PIN Mode................................... 5-1

5.3 Setting Up a Wireless Connection Manually............................................................... 5-2

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions..........................................................6-1

6.1 Configuring Multiple PCs to Access the Internet Simultaneously .............................. 6-1

6.2 Enabling or Disabling the WLAN Function................................................................ 6-2

6.3 Improving the Security of a WLAN............................................................................ 6-2

6.3.1 Hiding the Name of a WLAN ......................................................................... 6-2

6.3.2 Changing the Name of a WLAN..................................................................... 6-3

6.3.3 Using Secure Encryption................................................................................. 6-4

6.3.4 Allowing Only Specified PCs to Be Connected to a WLAN .......................... 6-5

6.4 Controlling the Internet Access Rights of PCs............................................................ 6-7

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

Contents

User Guide

6.5 Prohibiting PCs from Accessing Specified Web Sites ................................................ 6-9

6.6 Setting the Available Bandwidth of a PC.................................................................. 6-10

6.7 Preventing Attacks on the Internet ............................................................................ 6-11

6.8 Removing the Restriction Caused by the Binding of the Internet Access Account to the MAC Address

................................................................................................................. 6-14

6.9 Allowing Internet Users to Access an Internal Resource Server ............................... 6-15

6.10 Expanding the Coverage of a WLAN...................................................................... 6-17

7 Maintenance Guide ..............................................................................................7-1

7.1 Changing the Administrator Password of the Web-based Configuration Utility......... 7-1

7.2 Changing the Login IP Address of the Web-based Configuration Utility ................... 7-2

7.3 Backing Up or Importing a Configuration File ........................................................... 7-2

7.4 Restoring Default Settings........................................................................................... 7-3

7.5 Upgrading Software ....................................................................................................7-4

8 FAQs........................................................................................................................ 8-1

A Technical Specifications.................................................................................... A-1

B Default Settings................................................................................................... B-1

C Acronyms or Abbreviations.............................................................................. C-1

ii Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Figures

Figure 3-1 Cable connections between the router and other devices ................................ 3-2

Figure 3-2 Cable connections of an ADSL broadband network before the router is installed

on the network

Figure 3-3 Cable connections of an ADSL broadband network after the router is installed on

the network

Figure 3-4 Cable connections of a CATV broadband network before the router is installed on

the network

Figure 3-5 Cable connections of a CATV broadband network after the router is installed on

the network

Figure 3-6 Cable connection of a community broadband network before the router is

installed on the network

Figure 3-7 Cable connections of a community broadband network after the router is installed

on the network

Figure 6-1 MAC address cloning ...................................................................................6-14

......................................................................................................... 3-4

.............................................................................................................. 3-5

.............................................................................................................. 3-6

.............................................................................................................. 3-7

........................................................................................... 3-8

......................................................................................................... 3-8

Figures

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) iii

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Tables

Table 2-1 Interfaces and buttons of the router................................................................... 2-2

Table 2-2 Indicators of the router...................................................................................... 2-3

Table 3-1 Indicators that turn on after the router is powered on .......................................3-2

Table 6-1 Rules for setting the password used for accessing a WLAN............................. 6-5

Table 6-2 Protective effects of the preset protective levels of the firewall...................... 6-11

Table 6-3 WDS working modes...................................................................................... 6-17

Tab le s

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Purpose

This document describes the functions, features, and configuration methods of the HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router (hereinafter referred to as the router).

By reading this document, you can understand the functions and features of the router and the procedures for installing and configuring the router.

Related Versions

The following table lists the product versions related to this document.

Product Name Version

HG231f V100R001

About This Document

Intended Audience

This document is intended for small office or home office (SOHO) users.

Conventions

Symbol Conventions

The symbols that may be found in this document are defined as follows.

Symbol Description

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in equipment damage, data loss, performance degradation, or unexpected results.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 1

Indicates a tip that may help you solve a problem or save time.

Provides additional information to emphasize or supplement important points of the main text.

About This Document

General Conventions

The general conventions that may be found in this document are defined as follows.

Convention Description

Times New Roman Normal paragraphs are in Times New Roman.

Boldface

Italic Book titles are in italics.

Courier New

GUI Conventions

The GUI conventions that may be found in this document are defined as follows.

Convention Description

Boldface

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

Names of files, directories, folders, and users are in boldface. For example, log in as user root.

Examples of information displayed on the screen are in Courier New.

Buttons, menus, parameters, tabs, windows, and dialog titles are in boldface. For example, click OK.

Multi-level menus are in boldface and separated by the ">" signs. For example, choose File > Create > Folder.

Keyboard Operations

The keyboard operations that may be found in this document are defined as follows.

Format Description

Key

Key 1+Key 2

Key 1, Key 2

Press the key. For example, press Enter and press Tab.

Press the keys concurrently. For example, pressing Ctrl+Alt+A means the three keys should be pressed concurrently.

Press the keys in turn. For example, pressing Alt, A means the two keys should be pressed in turn.

Mouse Operations

The mouse operations that may be found in this document are defined as follows.

2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Action Description

Click

Double-click

About This Document

Select and release the primary mouse button without moving the pointer.

Press the primary mouse button twice continuously and quickly without moving the pointer.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 3

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

To use the device properly and safely, read these warnings and precautions carefully and strictly observe them during operation. Unless otherwise specified, the term "device" refe

rs to the device and its accessories.

1 Warnings and Precautions

Basic R

Enviro

equirements

During storage, transportation, and operation of the device, keep it dry and prevent it from colliding with other objects.

Do not dismantle the device. In case of any fault, contact an authorized service center for assistance or repair.

Without authorization, no organization or individual can change the mechanical, safety, or performance design of the device.

When using the device, observe all applicable laws and regulations and respect the legal rights of other people.

nmental Requirements for Using the Device

Before connecting and disconnecting cables, stop using the device, and then disconnect it from the power supply. Ensure that your hands are dry du operation.

Keep the device far from sources of heat and fire, such as a heater or a candle.

Keep the device far from electronic electric fields, such as a microwave oven or a refrigerator.

Place the device on a stable surface.

Place the d

evice in a cool and well-ventilated indoor area. Do not expose the device to direct sunlight. Use the device in an area with a temperature ranging from 0°C to 40°C.

Do not block the openings on the device with any object. Reserve a minimum space of 10 cm around the device for heat dissipation.

Do not place any object (such as a candle or a water container) on the device. If any foreign object or

liquid enters the device, stop using the device immediately, power it off, remove all the cables connected to it, and then contact an authorized service center.

During thunderstorms, power off the device, and then remove all the cables connected to it to prevent it from getting damaged due to lightning strikes.

appliances that generate strong magnetic or

ring

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 1-1

1 Warnings and Precautions

Precautions for Using Wireless Devices

When using the device, ensure that the antenna of the device is at least 20 cm away from all persons.

Do not use the device where using wireless devices is prohibited or may cause interference or danger.

The radio waves generated by the device may interfere with the operation of electronic medical devices. If you are using any electrical medical device, contact its manufacturer for the restrictions on the use of the device.

Do not take the device into operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), or coronary care units (CCUs).

Areas with Inflammables and Explosives

Do not use the device where inflammables or explosives are stored, for example, in a gas station, oil depot, or chemical plant. Otherwise, explosions or fires may occur. In addition, follow the instructions indicated in text or symbols.

Do not store or transport the device in the same box as inflammable liquids, gases, or explosives.

Accessory Requirements

Use only the accessories supplied or authorized by the device manufacturer. Otherwise, the performance of the device may get affected, the warranty for the device or the laws and regulations related to telecommunications terminals may become null and void, or an injury may occur.

Do not use the power adapter if its cable is damaged. Otherwise, electric shocks or fires may occur.

Ensure that the power adapter meets the specifications indicated on the device nameplate.

Ensure that the power adapter meets the requirements of Clause 2.5 in IEC60950-1/EN60950-1 and it is tested and approved according to national or local standards.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

Safety of Children

Keep the device and its accessories out of the reach of children. Otherwise, they may damage the device and its accessories by mistake, or they may swallow the small components of the device, causing suffocation or other dangerous situations.

Maintenance

If the device is not used for a long time, power it off, and then remove all the cables connected to it.

If any exception occurs, for example, if the device emits any smoke or unusual sound or smell, stop using the device immediately, power it off, remove all the cables connected to it, and then contact an authorized service center.

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Do not trample, pull, or overbend any cable. Otherwise, the cable may get damaged, causing malfunction of the device.

Before cleaning the device, stop using it, power it off, and then remove all the cables connected to it.

Use a clean, soft, and dry cloth to clean the device shell. Do not use any cleaning agent or spray to clean the device shell.

1 Warnings and Precautions

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 1-3

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

2 Product Overview

2.1 Pr

oduct Features

The router is a network access device designed for home users and small or home office (SOHO) users. It supports the wireless local area network (WLAN) function on the user side and provides four Ethernet interfaces through which you can connect v terminal devices, such boxes (STBs), to the I

WLAN function

− High-performance built-in antenn

− Wireless data rate of 150 Mbit/s

− Compatibility with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n

− Establishment of a secure wireless connection by pressing th

Setup (WPS) button

− Easy and secure configuration and management of a WLAN

− 64-bit and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption

− Security modes of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) and hybrid

cryptosystem

− Wireless Distrib

− Low radiation

− Certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance

Integration of the functions of wireless access points (APs), routers, four-port switches, and firewalls

WLAN standards (IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n) and Ethernet standard (IEEE 802.3u)

One 10/100 Mbit/s adaptive uplink Ethe network (WAN) and four 10/100 Mbit/s adaptive downlink Ethernet interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN)

Multiple networking applications, such as accessing a broadband network in Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) dial-up mode, obtaining an IP address through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and configuring a static IP address

Routing Information Protoc Protocol

IP quality of service (QoS)

as personal computers (PCs) and Internet

nternet. It supports the following functions:

a with extra strong penetration

ution System (WDS) through which a WLAN can be expanded

rnet interface connected to a wide area

ol (RIP) version 1, RIP version 2, and Static Routing

Protocol (IP) set-top

arious home

e Wi-Fi Protected

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 2-1

2 Product Overview

Traffic control through which you can manage the downloading rate of peer (P2P) software

Local and remote conf

iguration through a Web-based configuration utility

2.2 Hardware

2.2.1 Interfaces and Buttons

Table 2-1 describes the interfaces and buttons of the router.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

-to-peer

Table 2-1 uttons of

Interfaces and b the router

Interface or Button Description

POWER In

RESET

LAN1–LAN4

terface used to connect the power adapter to the router.

OTE

To power on the router, connect the power a POWER interface of the router and then to a power socket. Then supply the power socket with electricity.

To restore the factory setting

press and hold the RESET button for at least 3s,

router, an

d then release the button.

OTE

When the factory settings are restored, your custom data is lost. Therefore, use the RESET button with

s of the router, power on the

Ethernet interfaces used to connect Ethernet devices, such as PCs and switches, to the router.

WAN

Ethernet in

terface used to connect Ethernet devices that provide Internet access interfaces, such a switches.

WPS Button used to enable the WPS function.

WPS is a standard for easy and you can access a and passw

WLAN on your wireless terminal devices securely without entering the name

ord of the WLAN.

secure establishment of a WLAN. Through the WPS function,

dapter to the

caution.

s modems and

2.2.2 In

dicators

Table 2-2 describes the indicators of the router.

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

T icator rouable 2-2 Ind s of the ter

Indicator Color Status Indicates

White On The router is powered on. POWER

- Off The router is powered off.

INTERNET

White Blinking

White On

Orange On

- Off

WLAN

White Blinking

White On

- Off The WLAN function is disabled.

WPS

White Blinking

White On

- Off

2 Product Overview

A connection is set up between the Internet and the WAN interface of the router and data is being transmitted on the WAN interface.

A connection is set up between the Internet and the WAN interface of the router, but no data is being transmitted on the WAN interface.

A physical connection is set up between the WAN interface of the router and the Ethernet interface of an Ethernet device (such as an ADSL mode

m) through a network cable, but the router is not connected to the Internet.

No network cable is connected to the WAN interface of the router, or the router is powered off.

The WLAN function is enabled and data is being transmitted on the WLAN.

The WLAN function is enabled,

but no

data is being transmitted on the WLAN.

The router is attempting to set up a wireless connection with a wireless client (such as a adapter is fu

NOTE

A wireless conn the rout W

NOTE

PC on which a wireless network

installed) through the WPS

nction.

This state lasts no more than two minutes.

ection is set up between

er and a wireless client through the

PS function.

This state lasts 300s.

The WPS function is disabled.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 2-3

2 Product Overview

Indicator Color Status Indicates

LAN1–LAN4

NOTE

ADSL = asymmetrical digital subscriber line

White Blinking

White On

- Off

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

A connection is set up between the corresponding LAN interface of the router and an Ethernet device (such as a PC) through a network cable and data is being transmitted.

A connection is set up between the corresponding LAN interface of the router and an Ethernet device (such as a PC

) through a network cable, but no data is being transmitted.

No connection is set up between the corresponding LAN interface of the router and an Ethernet device (such as a PC).

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3 Hardware Installation

3.1 Se

3.2 Kn

lecting a Position for the Router

Place the router in a stable and well-ventilated place and do not expose it to direct sunlight, as described in chapter WLAN function of the router, you also need to pay attention to the following precautions for a better performance of the WLAN:

Place the router in an open space and en wooden wall, exists between your PC and the router. Otherwise, the transmission of radio signals on the WLAN is affected.

Ensure that the router and your PC are far from the electric appliances (such as a microwave oven) that generate strong magnetic or electric fields.

1 "Warnings and Precaution." If you want to use the

sure that no obstacle, such as a cement or

owing Cable Connections

Figure 3-1 shows the cable connections between the router and other devices.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 3-1

3 Hardware Installation

Figure 3-1 Cable connections between the router and other devices

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

Internet

LAN4 LAN3 LAN2 LAN1 WAN

POWER

444

RESET

1. Desktop computer installed with a wireless network adapter 2. Router

3. Switch 4. PC

5. Laptop installed with a wireless network adapter 6. ADSL modem

As the interface that connects your home or SOHO network to the Internet, the WAN interface of the router is used to connect the router to a network access device, such as an ADSL modem. The PCs and switches on your home or SOHO network are connected through the WLAN that is set up through the router and the LAN interfaces of the router. For the cable connections of the router on other types of networks, see the descriptions in the other sections of this chapter.

3.3 Powering On the Router

To power on the router, connect the power adapter to the POWER interface of the router and then to a power socket. Then supply the power socket with electricity. If the router works properly, the indicators on the front panel turn on. Table 3-1 describes the indicators that turn on after the router is powered on. You can check whether the router works properly according to the descriptions in Table 3-1. For details about the indicators of the router, see

Table 2-2.

Table 3-1 Indicators that turn on after the router is powered on

Indicator Color Status Indicates

POWER White On The router is powered on.

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Indicator Color Status Indicates

INTERNET

White On

Orange On

WLAN White On The WLAN function is enabled.

LAN1–LAN4 White On

3 Hardware Installation

A physical connection is set up between the WAN interface of the router and the Ethernet interface of an Ethernet device (such as an ADSL modem) through a network cable and you can access the Internet through the router.

A physical connection is set up between the WAN interface of the router and the Ethernet interface of an Ethernet device (such as an ADSL modem) through a network cable, but you cannot access the Internet through the router.

NOTE

In this case, you need to configure the router as described in chapter Access Parameters

4 "Configuration of Internet

A connection is set up between the corresponding LAN interface of the router and an Ethernet device (such as a PC) through a network cable.

3.4 Installing the Router on an ADSL Broadband Network

Figure 3-2 shows the cable connections of an ADSL broadband network before the router is installed on the network. On this network, the ADSL modem provides an Ethernet interface used to connect a PC to the Internet.

ADSL is a technology that uses telephone lines to provide broadband access services. To access an ADSL network through your PC, you need to use an ADSL modem.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 3-3

3 Hardware Installation

Figure 3-2 Cable connections of an ADSL broadband network before the router is installed on the network

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

POWER

LAN

RESET

ADSL

MODEM

###

PHONE

LINE

1. Power adapter of the ADSL modem 2. PC

3. Telephone 4. Splitter

5. Telephone line interface on the wall 6. ADSL modem

Figure 3-2 takes the Huawei SmartAX MT880d ADSL customer-premises equipment (CPE) as an example of the ADSL modem on the ADSL broadband network. Other models of ADSL modems might vary in appearance. Their interface types and cable connections, however, are similar to those of the modem as shown in

Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-3 shows the cable connections of an ADSL broadband network after the router is installed on the network.

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Figure 3-3 Cable connections of an ADSL broadband network after the router is installed on the network

3 Hardware Installation

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

POWER

RESET

LAN4 L AN3 LAN2 LAN1 WAN

MODEM

PHONE

POWER

LAN

RESET

ADSL

###

LINE

1. Router 2. Power adapter of the router

3. PC 4. Telephone

5. Splitter 6. Telephone line interface on the wall

7. ADSL modem 8. Power adapter of the ADSL modem

To install the router on an ADSL broadband network, do as follows:

Connect the ADSL modem as described in its user guide.

Use a network cable to connect the WAN interface of the router to the Ethernet interface of the ADSL modem.

Use a network cable to connect any of the four LAN interfaces of the router to the Ethernet interface of a PC.

Use the power adapter of the router to connect the POWER interface of the router to a power socket.

----End

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

3 Hardware Installation

User Guide

3.5 Installing the Router on a CATV Broadband Network

Figure 3-4 shows the cable connections of a cable television (CATV) broadband network before the router is installed on the network. On this network, the cable modem provides an Ethernet interface used to connect a PC to the Internet.

A CATV broadband network is a network that uses the coaxial cables of CATV to provide broadband access services. To access such a network through your PC, you need to use a cable modem. Typically, CATV companies provide broadband access services through CATV broadband networks.

Figure 3-4 Cable connections of a CATV broadband network before the router is installed on the network

1. PC 2. Cable modem

3. Power adapter of the cable modem 4. CATV network interface on the wall

Cable modems provided by different manufacturers might vary in appearance and interface layout. The cable modem in

Figure 3-4 is for your reference only.

Figure 3-5 shows the cable connections of a CATV broadband network after the router is installed on the network.

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HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Figure 3-5 Cable connections of a CATV broadband network after the router is installed on the network

LAN4 L AN3 LAN2 LAN1 WAN

POWER

RESET

3 Hardware Installation

1. Router 2. Power adapter of the router

3. PC 4. CATV network interface on the wall

5. Power adapter of the cable modem 6. Cable modem

3.6 Installing the Router on a Community Broadband Network

In some communities, network service providers use Ethernet interfaces as Internet interfaces. In such a community, you can access the Internet through your PC if a network adapter is installed on the PC. community broadband network before the router is installed on the network. On this network, your PC is directly connected to the Internet through the Ethernet interface provided by the network service provider.

Figure 3-6 shows the cable connection of a

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 3-7

3 Hardware Installation

Figure 3-6 Cable connection of a community broadband network before the router is installed on the network

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

1. Community broadband network interface on the wall (Ethernet interface)

2. PC

Figure 3-7 shows the cable connections of a community broadband network after the router is installed on the network.

Figure 3-7 Cable connections of a community broadband network after the router is installed on the network

LAN4 LAN3 LAN2 LAN1 WAN

POWER

RESET

1. Router 2. Power adapter of the router

3. PC

4. Community broadband network interface on the wall (Ethernet interface)

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4 Configuration of Internet Access Parameters

4.1 Lo

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

gging In to the Web-Based Configuration Utility

The router provides an easy-to-use Web-based configuration utility set the parameters of the router through this utility.

To log in to the Web-based configuration utility, do as follows:

Set the network automatically.

By default, the DHCP function of the router is enabled. In this case, the router assigns an IP address to your PC automatically and you do not need to configure the IP address of your PC.

Start the Internet Explorer on your PC and ensure that the Internet Explorer does not use any proxy server.

Take the Internet Explorer 6.0 as an example. To ensure that the Internet not use any proxy server, do as follows:

1. Start the Internet Explorer. Choose Tools > Internet Options.

2. On the Connect tab of the Internet Options dialog box, click LAN Settings.

In the Proxy Server

3. area, ensure that Use the proxy server for LAN is cleared. If

Use the proxy server for LAN is selected, clear Use the proxy server for LA and then click OK.

In the address bar of the Internet Explorer, enter

In the

password

----End

connection of your PC and ensure that your PC obtains an IP address

hg231f.com

dialog box, enter the administrator account (

gin

(

by default), and then click OK.

admin

. You can view and

Explorer does

, and then press

by default) and the

admin

Enter

You can use hg231f.com to access the Web-based configuration utility only when the IP address of your PC is dynamically assigned by t using hg213f.com, you can enter the IP address of the LAN interface of the router (192.168.1.100 by default) to access the utility.

4.2 Us

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 4-1

ing the Setup Wizard

After logging in to the Web-based configuration utility, you can use the setup wizard provided by the utility to configure the router quickly.

he router. If you cannot access the utility by

4 Configuration of Internet Access Parameters

When you configure the router for the first time, you can see the setup wizard page after logging in to the utility. To configure the router through the setup wizard, do as follows:

If you have configured the router before, you will not see the setup wizard page after logging in to the Web-based configuration utility. In this case, you can click Installation in the upper right corner to display the setup wizard page.

Step 1

Check the connections between your PC and the router and between the router and the network access device (such as an ADSL modem) as prompted, ensure that these connections are proper, and then click

If a message is displayed, indicating that the connection between your PC and the router or between the router and the network access device (such as an ADSL modem) is improper, you need to check the cable connections as described in chapter ensure that the hardware are properly installed and that all the connected devices are powered on.

Step 2

Set

Connection Type

based on your network type, set the other parameters

corresponding to this type, and then click

Step 3 Step 4

Set WLAN parameters, and then click

Click

Submit

----End

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

3 "Hardware Installation" and

4-2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

5 Configuration of WLAN Parameters

5.1 Setting Up a Wireless Connection Through the WPS

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Button

The router supports the WPS function. If your network adapter also su function, you can use the WPS function to set up a wireless connection between your PC and the router quickly. To set up a wireless connection, do as follows:

Set the WLAN parameters of router, and then set the

WPA2-PSK

"Configuration

The WPS function can be used only when the security mode of the WLAN is set to WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

Press the WPS button of the router to enable the router to enter the WPS negotiation state.

The WPS indicator that the WPS function cannot be enabled. For the solutions to other WPS problems, see chapter 8 "FAQs."

Enable the WPS negotiation function of the wireless network adapter on your PC within two minutes, and then wait for a moment (typically 10s and at most 120s).

The WPS indicator router is indicator

----End

connected to your PC through the WLAN. This state lasts 300s. Then the WPS turns off.

WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

of Internet Access Parameters."

of the router blinks. If the WPS indicator does not blink, it indicates

of the router becomes on from the blinking state, indicating that the

as prompted. For details, see chapter 4

Security Mode

pports the WPS

WPA-PSK

After finishing the configuration, if the other PCs need to set a wireless connection through the WPS button, please repeat Step 2 to Step 3.

5.2 Setting U PIN M

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 5-1

ode

The router supports the AP PIN mode of the WPS function. If your network adapter also supports the AP PIN mode o

p a Wireless Connection Through the AP

f the WPS function; you can use the AP PIN mode to set up

5 Configuration of WLAN Parameters

a wireless connection between your PC and the router quickly. To set up connection, do as follows:

Step 1

Set the WLAN parameters of router, and set the

1. Log in to the Web-based configu

To log in to the Web-based configuration utility, s Web-Based Configuration Utility”.

In the navigation tree, cho

2. ose Basic > WLAN.

Set the following parameters as planned.

− SSID: MyNewSSID

− Security Mode: WPA-PS

− WPA Pre-Shared Key

− WPA Encryption:

− WPS Mode

: AP PIN

4. Click Reset PIN.

5. Click Submit.

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Record the WPS PIN in the

Detect a WLAN throu

In the Wireless Network Adapter's software configuration utility, select from the WLAN list.

Step 5

Step 6

e WPS PIN in the Wireless Network Adapter's software configuration utility.

Enter th

Click the corresponding connection as prompted.

---End

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

a wireless

WPS mode

AP PIN

ration utility.

ee section 4.1 “Logging In to the

K/WPA2-PSK

: MyPassword@2009

AES

text box.

AP PIN

gh the configuration software of the wireless network adapter.

MyNewSSID

z After finishing the configuration, if the other PCs need to set a wireless connection

through the AP PIN mode, please repeat Step 3 to Step 6.

z Click Reset PIN, the WPS PIN are restored to the default settings. You can check the

label on the back panel of the router for the default WPS PIN.

z Click Generate PIN, the router will generate a new WPS PIN randomly.

5.3 Se

tting Up a Wireless Connection Manually

If your network adapter does not support the WP connection between your PC and the router manua

nection, use either of the following methods:

con

Use the tool provided by your network adapter. For d

etails, see the user guide of your network adapter.

Use the wireless configuration software provided by the operating system of your

S function, you can set up a wireless

lly. To manually set up a wireless

PC.

5-2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

If your PC runs on Windows XP, you can use the wireless configuration software that is provided by Windows XP to set up a wireless connection between your PC and the router.

This section takes Windows XP as an example and describes how to set up a wireless connection between your PC and the router manually.

To set up a wireless connection between your PC and the router manually, do as follows:

Step 1

Set the WLAN parameters of router, and set the Security Mode to WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK. You can set the WLAN parameters through the Web-based configuration utility. For details, see chapter

Step 2

Access Parameters

Enable the wireless configuration service provided by Windows XP.

1. Right-click My Computer, and then choose Manage from the shortcut menu.

2. In the Computer Management window, choose Computer Management (Local)

> Services and Applications >Services.

3. From the services listed in the right pane of the Computer Management window,

right-click Wireless Zero Configuration, and then choose Properties from the shortcut menu.

4. In the Wireless Zero Configuration Properties (Local Computer) dialog box,

check whether Service status is Started. If not, click Start.

5. Click OK to close the dialog box, and then close the Computer Management

window.

Step 3

Configure the wireless network connection on your computer.

1. Choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Network

Connections.

2. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network Connection,

and then choose Properties from the shortcut menu.

3. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, select Wireless

Networks.

4. Select Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings.

5. Click View Wireless Networks.

6. In the Wireless Network Connection dialog box, select the WLAN with the same

name as the WLAN name that you have recorded from the WLAN list, and then click Connect in the lower right corner of the dialog box.

7. In the displayed dialog box, enter the WLAN access password that you have

recorded, and then click Connect.

After the password is authenticated, Connected is displayed in the upper right corner of the WLAN icon in the WLAN list, indicating that a wireless connection is set up between you PC and the router.

8. Close the Wireless Network Connection dialog box.

9. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, click OK.

----End

5 Configuration of WLAN Parameters

4 "Configuration of Internet

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 5-3

5 Configuration of WLAN Parameters

After finishing the configuration, if the other PCs need to setting up a wireless connection manually, please repeat

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

Step 3.

5-4 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

6.1 Configuring Multiple PCs to Access the Internet Simultaneously

Functio

Config

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

n Overview

The router provides four Ethernet interfaces and the WLAN function. Thus, you ca connect multiple PCs to the router wirelessly or through the Ethernet interfaces. Then the PCs can access the Inte

rnet simultaneously through the routing function of the router.

uration Example

For example, you have a desktop computer that is used for accessing the Internet, a new desktop computer, and a new laptop with a wireless network adapter in configure the desktop computers and the laptop to access the Internet simultaneously. In this example, the laptop is configured to access the Internet wirelessly.

Most configurations of the router are completed befor connect the desktop computers and the laptop to the router and set certain In parameters of the router as follows:

Connect the two desktop computers to the router by

For details, see chapter 3 "Hardware Installation."

Connect the laptop to the router wirelessly by configuring the lapt

For details, see chapter 5 "Configuration of WLAN Parameters."

Set the Internet access parameters of the router to connect the router to the

For details, see chapter 4 "Configuration of Internet Access Parameters."

Configur PCs can

----End

e network connections on the desktop computers and the laptop so that these obtain IP addresses automatically.

e delivery. You only need to

using network cables.

stalled. You can

ternet access

op.

Internet.

If the desktop computers and the laptop cannot access the Internet after the preceding configuration, the network service provider might have bound your Internet access account to the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the network a computer. To remove the restriction, see section 6.8 "Removing the Restriction Caused by the Binding of the Internet Access Account to the MAC Address."

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-1

dapter of your old desktop

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

6.2 Enabling or Disabling the WLAN Function

Function Overview

The router supports enabling or disabling the WLAN function. Thus, you can enable or disable the WLAN function as required.

Configuration Example

To disable the WLAN function, do as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3

In the navigation tree, choose

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

Clear

Enable WLAN

----End

To enable the WLAN function, select Enable WLAN, and then click Submit.

, and then click

Basic

WLAN

Submit

6.3 Improving the Security of a WLAN

The signals of a WLAN are transmitted in the air. Therefore, unauthorized persons can receive the wireless signals easily. If the wireless signals are not encrypted, unauthorized persons may use your WLAN or obtain the data transmitted on the WLAN. To ensure the security of the data transmitted on the WLAN, the router provides multiple security-related settings for the WLAN function. You can change these settings as required to protect your WLAN from unauthorized access.

User Guide

6.3.1 Hiding the Name of a WLAN

Function Overview

When accessing a WLAN, the user of a wireless client needs to enter the correct name of the WLAN, that is, the service set identifier (SSID) of the WLAN. Generally, the wireless signals transmitted from a wireless router carries the SSID. The wireless adapter of a PC can find and display the SSID for selection and confirmation. Thus, manual operations for selecting and configuring the WLAN can be simplified. The SSID, however, is not encrypted. Therefore, anyone can find the WLAN, and then view the SSID, and the security of the WLAN is reduced.

The router provides the function of hiding the SSID. After this function is enabled, the wireless signals transmitted from the router do not carry the SSID. Thus, it is not possible for unauthorized people to obtain the SSID from the wireless signals. In addition, the user of a PC needs to enter the correct SSID manually to add the PC to the WLAN. Thus, the security of the WLAN is increased.

6-2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

The router also provides the multi-SSID function. You can configure multiple SSIDs, and then enable one or multiple of them.

Through the multi-SSID function, multiple virtual access points of a WLAN can be established. For a wireless client, each virtual access point can be used as a physical access point. In addition, each virtual access point has its SSID.

You can disable the SSIDs that are not required. After an SSID is disabled, a wireless client cannot connect to the WLAN that is indicated by this SSID. Note that all the external connection channels of a WLAN are closed if all the SSIDs of the WLAN are disabled. To use the WLAN, you need to enable the WLAN function and at least one SSID. In addition, to use the WPS function, you should enable SSID1.

Configuration Example

To use and hide SSID1 and disable the other SSIDs (so that the WLAN cannot be found by others), do as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8

In the navigation tree, choose

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

Select

Set

Enable SSID

Set

Hide Broadcast

Select

Clear

Repeat

for

SSID1

SSID Index

Enable

for

SSID2

Enable

SSID Index

for

Enable SSID

Step 6 and Step 7 to disable other SSIDs.

----End

Enable

Basic

WLAN

, and then click

. Then click

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Submit

If you consider the use of a WLAN as inconvenient after the SSID of the WLAN is hidden, you can restore the function of broadcasting the SSID as follows: For Hide Broadcast, clear Enable. Then click Submit.

6.3.2 Changing the Name of a WLAN

Function Overview

If the router has hidden the SSID of a WLAN, you need to enter the SSID of the WLAN manually when you use a PC to access the WLAN. If you enter a wrong SSID, the PC cannot connect to the WLAN. Therefore, the security of the WLAN can be improved if the SSID is difficult to be predicted.

An SSID consists of 1–32 American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) characters. When the router is delivered, the SSID is preset. You can find this preset SSID on the label on the real panel of the router. In addition, the router supports the change of the SSID. You can change the SSID as required.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-3

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Configuration Example

If your current SSID index is SSID1 and if you have used this SSID for a certain period, to change this SSID to MyNewSSID, do as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

In the navigation tree, choose

Basic

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Select

SSID

Click

SSID1

, enter

Submit

for

SSID Index

MyNewSSID

----End

6.3.3 Using Secure Encryption

Function Overview

To ensure the security of a WLAN, an important solution is to select an optimum security mode for the WLAN. After this security mode is used, a wireless client should provide the corresponding password when connecting to the WLAN and data is being transmitted after secure encryption. Thus, only authorized persons can use the WLAN and the data transmitted on the WLAN is protected against unauthorized access.

The router supports WEP encryption and multiple security modes, such as WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK, thus meeting security requirements in diversified network environments.

It is recommended that you set the security mode to WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK and the encryption mode to AES. Thus, the WLAN works efficiently and the security of the WLAN is ensured. In addition, if a wireless adapter does not support a certain security mode, it cannot be connected to the WLAN in this security mode. If you use the recommended security and encryption modes, this problem can be avoided.

WLAN

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

z The WPS function can be used only when the security mode is set to WPA-PSK,

WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

z AES = Advanced Encryption Standard

Table 6-1 lists the rules for setting the password used for accessing a WLAN in different security modes.

6-4 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Table 6-1 Rules for setting the password used for accessing a WLAN

Security

Password Setting Rule

Mode

WEP encryption

It uses 64-bit encryption (also referred to as 40-bit encryption). The password consists of five visible ASCII characters entered through a keyboard or 10 hexadecimal characters.

It uses 128-bit encryption (also referred to as 104-bit encryption). The password consists of 13 visible through a keyboard or 26 hexadecimal

WPA-PSK or

The password consists of 8–63 visible ASCII characters entered through a keyboard or 64 hexadecimal characters.

WPA2-PSK

Configuration Example

If you use the router at home, to select an optimum security mode, plan the parameters as follows:

Set the security mode to WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

Set the encryption mode to AES.

Set the password used for accessing the WLAN to MyPassword@2009.

To set the preceding parameters, do as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

In the navigation tree, choose

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

Select

WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

WPA Pre-Shared Key

Select

Click

AES

Submit

for

WPA Encryption

----End

Basic

for

Security Mode

, enter

MyPassword@2009

WLAN

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

ASCII characters entered

characters.

After the password used for accessing a WLAN is changed, you need to enter the new password when connecting a PC to the WLAN.

6.3.4 Allowing Only Specified PCs to Be Connected to a WLAN

Function Overview

After the SSID is hidden and an optimum security mode is used, your WLAN is in a secure state. You can prohibit certain PCs from being connected to the WLAN or allow

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-5

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

only specified PCs to be connected to the WLAN, thus preventing unauthorized users from accessing the WLAN.

Through the wireless MAC filtering function of the router, the preceding functions can be used after you enter the MAC addresses of the PCs to be controlled.

The wireless MAC filtering function can be implemented in the following modes:

Blacklist: The PCs whose MAC addresses are listed in the filtering list are prohibited from being connected to the WLAN.

Whitelist: The PCs whose MAC addresses are listed in the filtering list are allowed to be connected to the WLAN.

You can select either of the preceding modes for the wireless MAC filtering function.

The wireless MAC filtering function controls the option of allowing a PC to be connected to the router through a WLAN. The MAC address filtering function described in section "Controlling the Internet Access Rights of PCs" controls the option of allowing a PC connected to the router to access the Internet.

You can set the maximum number of the devices that are allowed to be connected to a WLAN, thus increasing the security of the WLAN. This maximum number ranges from 1 to 32. For example, you have only one laptop that needs to be connected to the WLAN. You can set this maximum number to 1. After your laptop is connected to the WLAN, other PCs cannot be connected to the WLAN.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

6.4

Configuration Example

For example, you have a desktop computer and a laptop at home. The SSID of your WLAN is MyNewSSID. The desktop computer is connected to the router through a network cable. A wireless network adapter is installed on the laptop. To allow only the laptop to be connected to the WLAN and prohibit other unauthorized users from accessing the WLAN, you can use the whitelist mode of the wireless MAC filtering function. To create a whitelist and allow only your laptop to be connected to the WLAN, do as follows:

Step 1

Step 2 Step 3

6-6 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

View and record the MAC address of the laptop.

Take the Windows XP operating system as an example. To view the MAC address of a PC, do as follows:

1. Choose Start > Run.

2. In Open, enter cmd. Then press Enter.

3. In the displayed command line window, enter ipconfig /all. Then press Enter.

Multiple lines of information is displayed. You can find a line of information that is

similar to Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-11-09-11-04-DD. 00-11-09-11-04-DD is

the MAC address of the PC.

In the navigation tree, choose

Basic

WLAN

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

Step 7 Step 8 Step 9

Click

WLAN Filtering

Select

Click

Select

Source MAC address

Enable

Whitelist

MyNewSSID

for

Select SSID

, enter the MAC address of the laptop.

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

For example, the MAC address can be 00:11:09:11:04:DD.

The format of the MAC address entered in Source MAC address is different from that of the MAC address displayed in the command line window of a Windows XP operating system. The colons (:) replace the hyphens (-).

Step 10

Click

Submit

----End

6.4 Controlling the Internet Access Rights of PCs

Function Overview

You can prohibit certain PCs from accessing the Internet or allow only certain PCs to access the Internet. In addition, you can set the period during which the PCs are not allowed to access the Internet.

Through the MAC address filtering function of the router, the preceding requirements can be met after you enter the MAC addresses of the PCs to be controlled.

The MAC address filtering function can be implemented in the following modes:

Blacklist: The PCs whose MAC addresses are listed in the filtering list are prohibited from accessing the Internet.

Whitelist: The PCs whose MAC addresses are listed in the filtering list are allowed to access the Internet.

You can select either of the preceding modes for the MAC address filtering function.

The MAC address filtering function controls the option of allowing a PC connected to the router to access the Internet. The wireless MAC filtering function controls the option of allowing a PC to be connected to the router through a wireless network.

Configuration Example

For example, you have bought a PC for your child who is in a primary school. To restrict the Internet access period of the child to from 19:00 to 20:00 in each evening and to protect your PC from being restricted, you can use the blacklist mode of the MAC address filtering function.

Suppose the MAC address of the PC of your child is 00:11:09:11:04:DD.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-7

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

After the function of automatically synchronizing the time of the router with the network time is enabled, you need to create the following two filtering rules:

Rule 1: From 00:00 to 18:59 each day, prohibit the PC whose MAC address is

00:11:09:11:04:DD from accessing the Internet. The name of this rule is Internet access is prohibited before 19:00 in the evening.

Rule 2: From 19:59 to 23:59 each day, prohibit the PC whose MAC address is

00:11:09:11:04:DD from accessing the Internet. The name of this rule is Internet access is prohibited after 20:00 in the evening.

The configuration procedure is as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

In the navigation tree, choose

The network time configuration page is displayed.

Step 3 Step 4

Select

Enable auto synchronization with network time

Select a time service address for

For example, you can select clock.fmt.he.net.

Step 5

Select your time zone for

For example, if you are in China, you can select (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi.

Step 6 Step 7

Click

In the navigation tree, choose

Submit

The parent control page is displayed.

Step 8 Step 9

Step 10 Step 11 Step 12

Step 13

Step 14 Step 15 Step 16

Click

MAC Filter

Select

Blacklist

Click

Set

Time control

Set the following parameters based on rule 1.

Rule name: Internet access is prohibited before 19:00 in the evening

Source MAC address: 00:11:09:11:04:DD

Start time: 00:00

End time: 18:59

Effective day: Select from Monday to Sunday.

Click

Submit

Click

Set

Time control

Set the following parameters based on rule 2.

Rule name: Internet access is prohibited after 20:00 in the evening

Source MAC address: 00:11:09:11:04:DD

Start time: 19:59

End time: 23:59

Enable

Advanced

Time server 1

Time zone

Advanced

SNTP

Parent Control

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

6-8 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Step 17

Click

----End

Effective da

To del ru

click

y: Select from Monday to Sunday.

bmit

ete a le, select the rule from the rule list. In the Remove column, select the rule. Then

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

6.5 Pro Sites

Functio

Config

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

Step 5 Step 6 Step 7

uration Example

hibiting PCs from Accessing Specified Web

n Overview

You can prohibit PCs from only specified Web sites.

Through the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) filtering function of the router, the preceding re controlled.

The URL filtering function can be implemented in the following modes:

Blacklist: Users cannot access the Web sites in the filtering rule list.

Whitelist: Users can access only the Web sites in the filtering rule list.

You can select either of the preceding modes for the URL filtering function.

For example, the contents of the Web site whose address is www.yyy.com are not suitable for browsing. To prevent your family from browsing this Web site, you can use the URL filtering func from being accessed.

The configuration procedure is as follows:

In the navigation tree, choose

The parent control p

Click

Select

Click

URL

Click

----End

quirements can be met after you enter the addresses of the Web sites to be

URL Filter

Blac

, enter

bmit

list

www.

accessing specified Web sites or restrict PCs to accessing

tion and create a blacklist rule used for prohibiting this Web site

Advanc

age is displayed.

yyy.com

Parent Control

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-9

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

To delete a rule, select the rule from the rule list. In the Remove column, select the rule. Then

click

6.6 Setting the Available Bandwidth of a PC

Function Overview

The router provides traffic management function to control the bandwidth used by a PC for accessing the Internet. Through different bandwidth control rules, the router can implement the following bandwidth control functions:

Ensuring the bandwidth used by a specified PC for accessing the Internet is not less than a specified bandwidth so that the PC can access the Internet at a required rate

Restricting the bandwidth used by a specified PC for accessing the Internet to a specified bandwidth so that this PC cannot use excessive bandwidth and the Internet access rates of other PCs are not affected

You can configure a maximum of eight bandwidth control rules for eight PCs. The eight PCs can be connected to the router through a wired Ethernet network or a WLAN.

Each PC can be configured with only one bandwidth control rule.

A bandwidth control rule distinguishes different PCs based on the IP addresses of the PCs. It is recommended that you configure your PC to obtain an IP address from the router automatically. After the IP address of your PC is obtained, you can configure the bandwidth control rule based on this IP address. The router can record the mapping between the MAC address and IP address of a PC and thus ensure that the same IP address can be assigned to the same PC every time.

User Guide

Configuration Example

For example, you use a PC for video communications with your friend over the Internet and the name of your PC is myPC. To ensure a fast data transmission rate and smooth video quality, you can use the traffic control function of the router and configure a bandwidth control rule for the PC named myPC. The parameters of the rule are as follows:

Mode: Assure Minimum Bandwidth

Download: 500 kbit/s

Upload: 500 kbit/s

The configuration procedure is as follows:

Step 1

Step 2 Step 3

6-10 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

Connect the PC named

to the router through a wired network or a WLAN.

myPC

Ensure that the PC can access the Internet.

In the navigation tree, choose

Advanced

IP QoS

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Step 4

Click

Enable P2P Traffic Management

check box.

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

The configuration page for the traffic control function is displayed.

Step 5 Step 6

Step 7

Under

LAN Host

In the displayed dialog box, set the following parameters:

Mode: Assure Minimum Bandwidth

Download: 500 kbit/s

Upload: 500 kbit/s

Click

Apply

, click the PC icon indicated by

myPC

----End

z To restrict the available bandwidth of a PC, select Restrict Maximum Bandwidth for

Mode.

z To configure more than four rules, you can perform adding, deleting, and editing

operations in the Bandwidth list in the lower area of the page.

6.7 Preventing Attacks on the Internet

Function Overview

The Internet is an open network that is connected to PCs all over the world. Therefore, the PCs on the Internet may be attacked anytime. The router provides powerful firewall functions. By using the firewall, a protective shelter is established between your home network and the Internet, thus protecting your PC from attacks on the Internet.

The firewall of the router provides multiple preset protective levels. Thus, you can configure the firewall quickly as required. their protective effects.

Table 6-2 lists the preset protective levels and

Table 6-2 Protective effects of the preset protective levels of the firewall

Operation

Protective Effects Corresponding to the Preset Protective Levels of the Firewall

Block-All High Medium Standard Low Disable

The user of a

√ √ √ √ √ √

PC on a LAN configures the router by using the Web-based configuration utility.

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6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Operation

Protective Effects Corresponding to the Preset Protective Levels of the Firewall

Block-All High Medium Standard Low Disable

The user of a

× √ √ √ √ √

PC on a LAN browses Web pages.

The user of a

× √ √ √ √ √

PC on a LAN downloads files from an FTP server.

The user of a

× × √ √ √ √

PC on a LAN accesses the shared folder of another PC in a different network segment through the router.

The user of a

× × × √ √ √

PC on a LAN performs other accessing operations on the Internet.

An Internet

× × × × √ √

user runs the ping command to test the connectivity between the PC and your router.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

6-12 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Operation

Protective Effects Corresponding to the Preset Protective Levels of the Firewall

Block-All High Medium Standard Low Disable

An Internet

× × × × × √

user performs other accessing operations on your router.

NOTE

z A tick (√) indicates that the firewall at this level allows the operation.

z A cross (×) indicates that the firewall at this level prohibits the operation.

z FTP = File Transfer Protocol

When the router is delivered, the level of the firewall is set to Standard. Normally, it is recommended that you set the level of the firewall to Standard. Thus, the network security can be ensured and most requirements for using the network can be met.

If you have special requirements for using the network, you can set the protective level as required or define more firewall rules.

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Configuration Example

For example, you have stringent requirements on network security. To allow the PCs on a LAN to only browse Web pages and prohibit Internet users from accessing the router, you can set the firewall level of the router to High as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-13

In the navigation tree, choose

Advanced

Firewall

The firewall page is displayed.

Select

Click

High

Submit

for

Firewall level

----End

You cannot modify a predefined firewall level. To define a firewall level, select Custom for Firewall level. Then set the level name and protective rules.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

User Guide

6.8 Removing the Restriction Caused by the Binding of the Internet Access Account to the MAC Address

Function Overview

Certain network service providers bind your Internet access account to the MAC address of the network adapter of your PC. Thus, only the PC with that MAC address can be connected to the Internet. In this case, the MAC address of the router cannot be found in the network devices of a network service provider. Therefore, the router cannot be connected to the Internet and the PCs connected to the router cannot access the Internet also.

You can use the MAC address cloning function of the router to remove the restriction caused by the binding of the Internet access account and the MAC address. Through this function, the MAC address used during the communications between the router and the network devices of a network service provider is the MAC address that is bound to the Internet access account. Thus, the router can be connected to the Internet properly.

Configuration Example

For example, you use PC 1 for accessing the Internet. Your network service provider binds your Internet access account to the MAC address of the network adapter of PC 1. Now, multiple PCs are added to your home and you need to use the router for accessing the Internet. You can use the MAC address cloning function of the router. Thus, the MAC address of the router is the same as that of the network adapter of PC 1.

Figure 6-1 shows the network connection of the devices.

Figure 6-1 MAC address cloning

Internet

3. PC 1 4. PC 2 5. PC n

6. Laptop

6-14 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

z 1. Through the MAC address cloning function, the router has the same MAC address as that

of PC 1 and this MAC address can be used for accessing the Internet.

z 2. The MAC address of PC 1 can be used for accessing the Internet.

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

The configuration procedure is as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

In the navigation tree, choose

Basic

WAN

The WAN interface configuration page is displayed.

Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Set

MAC Address Clone

Click

Clone My PC's MAC

Click

Submit

Enable

----End

6.9 Allowing Internet Users to Access an Internal Resource Server

Function Overview

Without special settings, Internet users cannot access the Web or FTP servers on a LAN. By using the network address translation (NAT) function of the router, Internet users are allowed to access the Web and FTP servers on the LAN.

In addition, the IP addresses used by most users for accessing the Internet are dynamically assigned by network service providers. Thus, Internet users cannot use fixed IP addresses to access the resources provided on servers. Through the Dynamic Domain Name Service (DDNS) function of the router, Internet users can use fixed domain names to access the resources provided on servers.

After the DDNS function is enabled, the router automatically submits the new IP address obtained each time to the server of a DDNS provider. On the DDNS server, the IP address that corresponds to the domain name is updated to the latest IP address. When a PC on the Internet accesses the domain name, the DDNS server provides the latest IP address to the PC.

Configuration Example

For example, you deploy a Web server on a LAN. You want Internet users to be able to access the Web site on the Web server through a fixed domain name. The IP addresses of the relevant devices are as follows:

The IP address of the LAN interface of the router is 192.168.1.100.

The IP address of the Web server is 192.168.1.166.

You can use the port relay function of the NAT and the DDNS function to implement the preceding requirement.

Before configuration, you need to complete the following preparations:

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-15

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Apply for the DDNS to a DDNS provider. Suppose you apply for the DDNS to China Telecom. China Telecom provides you with the DDNS user name, namely yourDDNSUserName and the DDNS password, namely yourDDNSPassword.

Apply for a domain name for the Web site to the institution for managing the domain names of Web sites. Suppose you have applied for the domain name, namely bbs.myweb.com.

After the preceding preparations, plan the parameters of the router as follows:

Configure a port mapping rule, and then map the IP address of the Web server (192.168.1.166:80) to the 80 port of the WAN interface.

Configure the DDNS. Ensure that the router can submit IP addresses to the DDNS server automatically.

The configuration procedure is as follows:

Step 1 Step 2

In the navigation tree, choose

The NAT page is displayed.

Step 3

Step 4 Step 5

Step 6

Step 7 Step 8

Click

Port Mapping

Click

Select

Application

The port mapping function of the router provides parameter setting templates of multiple applications. After a template is selected, the router sets certain parameters automatically. You can change the parameter settings as required. You can also set all the parameters manually based on the requirements of other applications.

Set the following parameters as planned.

External port: 80

External end port: 80

Internal host: 192.168.1.166

Internal port: 80

Click

Submit

In the navigation tree, choose

. Then select

The DDNS configuration page is displayed.

Step 9

Step 10

Select

China Telecom

The DDNS function of the router provides parameter setting templates of multiple DDNS providers. After a template is selected, the router sets certain parameters automatically. You can change the parameter settings as required. You can also set all the parameters again as required.

Set the following parameters as planned.

Host: bbs

Domain: myweb.com

User name: yourDDNSUserName

for

Advanced

NAT

Security Web server (HTTPS)

Advanced

Service provider

DDNS

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

for

User Guide

Application

6-16 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Step 11

Password: yourDDNSPassword

Server port: 80

Click

Submit

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

----End

Host and Domain constitute a complete Web site address.

6.10 Expanding the Coverage of a WLAN

Function Overview

The router supports the WDS function. Through the WDS function, two routers can be connected wirelessly, thus expanding the coverage of a WLAN.

Table 6-3 lists three WDS working modes, functions in each working mode, and relevant setting requirements.

Table 6-3 WDS working modes

Working Mode

Bridge

Repeater

Lazy

When configuring the WDS function, you should comply with the following principles:

Both wireless routers should support the WDS function.

The WDS function should be enabled on both wireless routers.

On each router, add the wireless MAC address of the peer router to the WDS MAC list. No WDS MAC list is required to be configured on the router in lazy mode but a WDS MAC list should be configured on the peer router.

Function Setting Requirements

Two WLANs can be connected wirelessly in this mode but other wireless clients cannot be

On each router, add the wireless MAC address of the peer router to the WDS MAC list.

connected to the router.

It is used to expand the coverage of a WLAN. The router can set up a connection

On each router, add the wireless MAC address of the peer router to

the WDS MAC list. with another wireless router or wireless client.

The function in this mode is the same as that in repeater mode. No WDS MAC list, however, is required to be configured on the router in lazy mode.

No WDS MAC list is required to be

configured on the router in lazy

mode. The MAC address of the

router in lazy mode, however, needs

to be added to the WDS MAC list of

the peer router.

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-17

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

The settings of the following parameters on both wireless routers should be the same:

− Wireless channel

− Encryption mode

− Encryption password

z The security modes set on the two wireless routers can be different but the encryption

modes should be the same.

z The SSIDs of the two WLANs can be different but it is recommended that the two WLANs

use the same SSID. Thus, wireless terminals can use one SSID to connect to the WLAN that is expanded.

If the repeater mode is used for expanding the coverage of a WLAN, note that:

− The IP addresses of the LAN interfaces of the two routers should be in the same

network segment. In addition, the IP addresses should be different.

− Enable the DHCP server function only on the wireless router that is used to

connect to uplink devices. Disable the DHCP function and enable the DHCP relay function on other wireless routers.

Configuration Example

For example, you have router A in your spacious house. The signals of router A cannot cover the area that is far from the router. In this case, you can add another router, that is, router B. By configuring the WDS function on the two routers, you can expand the coverage of a WLAN.

The parameters of the routers are planned as follows:

Router A:

Set the IP address of the LAN interface to 192.168.1.100 (default value).

Set the subnet mask of the LAN interface to 255.255.255.0 (default value).

Enable the DHCP server function (default value).

Select SSID1 for SSID (default value).

Set the name of SSID1 to mySSID.

Set the WLAN channel to 1.

The WLAN encryption settings are as follows:

− Set the security mode to WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

− Set the encryption mode to AES.

− Set the password used for accessing the WLAN to MyPassword@2009.

Enable the WDS function and set the WDS mode to Repeater.

Add the wireless MAC address of router B to the WDS MAC list.

Router B:

Set the IP address of the LAN interface to 192.168.1.101.

Set the subnet mask of the LAN interface to 255.255.255.0.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

6-18 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Disable the DHCP server function.

Enable the DHCP relay function.

Select SSID1 for SSID (default value).

Set the name of SSID1 to my SSID that is the same as the setting on router A.

Set the WLAN channel to 1 that is the same as the setting on router A.

The WLAN encryption settings are as follows (the same as the settings on router A):

− Set the security mode to WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.

− Set the encryption mode to AES.

− Set the password used for accessing the WLAN to MyPassword@2009.

Enable the WDS function and set the WDS mode to Repeater.

Add the wireless MAC address of router A to the WDS MAC list.

The configuration procedure is as follows:

The following procedure describes how to change the parameter settings as required. You can retain the default settings of the parameters that do not need to be changed.

Step 1

Find and record the wireless MAC addresses of router A and router B.

1. Log in to the Web-based configuration utility of a router.

2. In the navigation tree, choose Status > Device Information > WLAN.

The WLAN status page is displayed.

3. Record the value of Wireless MAC.

The value of Wireless MAC is a character string that is similar to 00-11-09-11-04-DD. This value is the wireless MAC address of the router. Suppose the wireless MAC address of router A is AA:AA:AA:AA:AA:AA and that of router B is BB:BB:BB:BB:BB:BB.

Step 2

Set the WLAN parameters of router A.

1. Log in to the Web-based configuration utility of router A.

2. In the navigation tree, choose Basic > WLAN.

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

3. Set the following parameters.

− Country Code: 1

− SSID Index: SSID1

− SSID: mySSID

− Enable SSID: Enable

− Security Mode: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

− WPA Encryption: AES

− WPA Pre-Shared Key: MyPassword@2009

4. Click Submit.

Step 3

Configure the WDS function of router A.

1. In the navigation tree, choose Basic > WLAN.

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-19

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

2. Click WLAN WDS.

3. Select Enable.

4. Select Repeater for WDS Mode.

5. Click

6. Select mySSID for Select SSID.

7. In MAC Address, enter BB:BB:BB:BB:BB:BB.

This MAC address is the wireless MAC address of router B and is recorded in

8. Click Submit.

Step 4

Set the WLAN parameters of router B.

1. Log in to the Web-based configuration utility of router B.

2. In the navigation tree, choose Basic > WLAN.

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

3. Set the following parameters.

− Country Code: 1

− SSID Index: SSID1

− SSID: mySSID

− Enable SSID: Enable

− Security Mode: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

− WPA Encryption: AES

− WPA Pre-Shared Key: MyPassword@2009

4. Click Submit.

Step 5

Configure the WDS function of router B.

1. In the navigation tree, choose Basic > WLAN.

The WLAN configuration page is displayed.

2. Click WLAN WDS.

3. Select Enable.

4. Select Repeater for WDS Mode.

5. Click

6. Select mySSID for Select SSID.

7. In MAC Address, enter AA:AA:AA:AA:AA:AA.

This MAC address is the wireless MAC address of router A and is recorded in

8. Click Submit.

Step 6

Change the IP address of the LAN interface of router B.

1. In the navigation tree, choose Basic > LAN.

The LAN configuration page is displayed.

2. Under LAN Host Settings, enter 192.168.1.101 in IP address.

3. Under LAN Host Settings, click Submit.

Step 7

Disable the DHCP server function of router B.

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

Step 1.

6-20 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

1. In the navigation tree, choose Basic > LAN.

The LAN configuration page is displayed.

2. Under DHCP Server, clear Enable.

3. Under DHCP Server, click Submit.

Step 8

Enable the DHCP relay function of router B.

1. In the navigation tree, choose Advanced > Link Interface.

The link interface configuration page is displayed.

2. Click Port Relay.

3. Click

4. Select LAN1 for LAN port.

5. Set DHCP relay to Enable.

6. Click Submit.

7. Repeat 3 to 6 to enable the DHCP relay function for each port in the LAN port

drop-down list box.

----End

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 6-21

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

7 Maintenance Guide

7.1 Changing the Administrator Password of the Web-based Configuration Utility

Functio

Config

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Step 6

n Overview

You can configure all the parameters of the router through the Web-based configuration utility. To prevent unauthorized personnel from changing these parameters, you need to use the administrator name and password to log in to the Web-based configuration utility.

After logging in to the Web-based configuration utility, you can change the administrator password.

If you cannot remember the password that has been changed, you can restore the default settings of the router by pressing and holding the RESET button for more than 3s. In this case, the login pass default settings are restored, your customized data is lost. Therefore, use the RESET button with caution.

word of the Web-based configuration utility is restored to admin. When the

uration Example

For example, the administrator password is MyWebPassword, do as follows:

In the navigation tree, choose management page.

Select

Current password

New passwo

enter the new

Click

----End

admin

bmit

from the

password

User Name

, enter the currently used password

enter the new password

rd,

MyWebPassword

Maintenance

drop-down list box.

admin. To change the password to

Acc

MyWebPassword

again.

to display the account

ount

admin

. In

Confirm password,

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 7-1

7 Maintenance Guide

7.2 Ch Confi

anging the Login IP Address of the Web-based

guration Utility

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

Functio

n Overview

You figuration utility by using either of the following

can access the Web-based con

methods:

1. By acces

assigned dynamically by the router.

2. By accessing the IP address of the LAN interface of the router 192.168.1.100 (the

subnet mask is 255.255.255.0).

The IP address is used by the router to communicate with your PC on the current network.

You can also change th IP address of the LAN address of the LAN interface of the router are in the same network segment to enable the computer to access the Web-based configuration utility. In this case, to access the Web-based configuration utility, you need to enter the new IP addr

sing hg231f.com. This method can be used only when your IP address is

Configuration Example

For example, the login IP address of the Web-based configuration utility is

192.168.1.100 and the subne

192.168.1.88 (the subnet mask remains the

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Step 4

In the navigation tree, choose

192.168.1.88

Under

----End

the Web-based configuration utility.

IP address

LAN Host Settings

under the

IP address

e IP address according to actual requirements. If you change the

interface, ensure that the IP address of the computer and the IP

ess in the address bar.

t mask is 255.255.255.0. To change the IP address to

same), do as follows:

Basic

LAN Host Settings

, click

Submit

to display the LAN configuration page.

LAN

group box, enter the new IP

address

7.3 Ba a Configuration File

cking Up or Importing

Function Overview

By using the parameter backup function, you can save a backup of the configuration file of the router to a PC. If the configuration file of the router is modified by mistake, you can import the backup file to the router.

Configuration Example

For example, you have modified multiple ad requirements; and you need to modify the param a network access failure due to misoperations, you can

7-2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

nced parameters according to actual

eters ag

ain for some reasons. To prevent back up the configuration file of

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

the router. Once the modification of the parameters fails, you can qu router to the normal state.

To back up the configuration

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

In the navigation tree, choose

On the

In the displayed dialog box, set the name and sto Then click OK.

----End

the Web-based configuration utility.

Configuration File

file, do as follows:

Maintenance

tab, click

Download

7 Maintenance Guide

ickly restore the

Device

Configuration File

rage location of the configuration file.

To import the configuration file, do

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

7.4 Re

In the navigation tree, choose

On the

In the displayed dialog box, select the backup

Click

----End

storing Default Settings

the Web-based configuration utility.

Configuration File

Upload Co

Function Overview

The router provides powerful functions and rich parameters. Many parameters default when the router is manuf most of network environments. In the follow settings of the router: You cannot access the parameters or you have for utility.

You can restore the default settings by using either of the following methods:

Pressing the RESET button

Using the Web-based configuration utility

Config

uration Example

For example, you have changed the login password of the Web-based configuration utility and you have forgotten the login password. You can press the RESET button to quickly restore the default settings of the router.

When the router is powered on, press and hold then release it. Then the router automatically restarts and

If your operations fail after multiple configuration preceding config

as follows:

Maintenance

tab, click

nfiguration File

urations, you can use the Web-bas

actured. Those parameters enable the router to work in

gotten the login password of the Web-based configuration

Device

Browse

configuration file. Then click OK.

ing cases, you can restore the default network after you have changed the

the RESET button for more than 3s, and

are set by

the default settings are restored.

s and if you need to cancel all the

ed configuration utility to restore the

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 7-3

7 Maintenance Guide

default settings. To restore the default settings utility, do as follows:

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

In the navigation tree, choose

On the

--End

Reset

-based configuration utility.

tab, click

Maintenance

Restore Default Settings

7.5 Upgrading Software

Function Overview

By using the software the latest version.

During the upgrade, do not power off the router; otherwise, the router may get damaged.

Configuration Example

You

can download the latest software from the technical support Web site:

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

http://ww

To upgrade the software of the router, do as follows:

In the navigation tree, choose

On the

In the displayed dialog box, select the upgrade file. Then click OK.

Click

----End

w.huaweidevice.com.

Firmware Upgrade

Software Upgrade

upgrading function, you can upgrade the software of the router to

Maintenance

tab, click

Browse

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

through the web-based configuration

Device

User Guide

7-4 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Q 1: Can I use the router as a DHCP server?

Yes, you can. The router incorporates the DHCP server software.

Q 2:

How can I quickly restore the default settings of the router?

When the router is powered on, press and hold the RESET button for more than 3s, and then release it. Then the router automatically restarts and the default settings are restored.

Q 3:

What can I do if I cannot access the router configuration page?

Step 1

Step 2 Step 3

Check the IP address of your computer and ensure that this network segment as the LAN IP address of the router.

Ensure that your Web browser does not use a proxy server.

Ensure that you have entered the correct user name and user pas accessing the router configuration page.

If the pro

----End

blem persists, restore the default settings of the router.

IP address is in the same

sword that are used for

8 FAQs

Q 4:

Does the WPS function have any s en

cryption settings of the router?

The WPS function can be used only when the security mode of the WLAN is set to WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK and the SSID is set to SSID1. It is recommended that you set the security mode to WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK for the WLAN.

If my PC fails to connect t

Q 5:

o a WLAN after I press and hold the WPS

pecial requirement on the wireless

button, what should I do?

Step 1

Step 2

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 8-1

Ensure that only one computer is trying to connect to the router through the WPS function at a particular moment.

On the router, ensure that the wireless network function and the WPS function implemented throu the WPS function is forcibly disabled if the WEP encryption is used for accessing a wireless network.

gh the PBC method are enabled. Note that on some wireless routers,

8 FAQs

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

Ensure that the security mode of the WLAN is set to SSID is set to WEP encryption is used for accessing a WLAN.

Check the positions of the wireless router and the PCs. Ensure that they are far from electrical appliances, such as a microwave oven, a refrigerator, or a cordless telephone, that generate strong magnetic or electric fields.

It is recom signals can pass through obstacles, passing through too many obstacles such as cement or wooden walls can affect the transmission of radio signals of a WLAN.

----End

mended that you place the router and the PC in an open space. Although radio

. Note that the WPS function of the router is forcibly disabled if the

SSID1

WPA-PSK

WPA2-PSK

User Guide

and the

Q 6:

What can I do if I cannot access the Internet through a wireless network adapter?

Step 1 Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Ensure that the power cables and telephone lines of the router are properly connected.

Check whether the WLAN indicator of the router is on.

If the WLAN indicator is off, you can infer that the wireless local area network (WLAN) function of the router is disabled. In this case, enable the WLAN function.

For details about how to enable the WLAN function, see the manual of the router.

See the description of the wireless network adapter that is installed check whether the wireless network adapter supports the 802.11b and 802.11g protocols.

If the wirel replace it with the network adapter that supports the pro

Check whether the driver for the wireless network adapter is prop computer.

If the driver is improperly installed, install it properly.

Check whether the computer can receive the signals of a WLAN.

Tak P as an example. To check whether the computer can receive the signals of a WLAN, do as follows:

1. ork Connections to display the

2. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network Connection

If the computer cannot detect a WLAN, place the computer close to the router and that no obstacles such as cement or wooden walls are present between the wireless client and the router.

Check whether the computer accesses the WLAN of the router successfully.

Check the list of wireless network connections and ensure that the router is connected to the WLAN.

Try to ac

ess network adapter does not support the 802.11b and 802.11g protocols,

tocols.

e a computer that runs Windows X

In the Control Panel window, double-click Netw Network Connections window.

and choose

View Available Wireless Network.

cess multiple Web sites to check whether the router can access other Web sites.

on the computer and

erly installed on the

ensure

8-2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

If the router cannot access other Web sites, restore the default settings of the router. If the problem persists, contact your network service provider.

----End

Q 7:

What can I do if the router cannot access the Internet through a wireless network adapter sometimes or if the WLAN connection is unsteady?

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4 Step 5

Check the positions of your router and computer. Ensure that they are far from electrical appliances such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, or cordless telephones that generate strong magnetic or

Place your router in a vacant area.

Although radio signals can pass through obstacles, the transmission effects of WLAN radio sign or wooden walls.

Place your computer close to your router.

If your com affected.

Place your router and computer in another direction.

Do not use your router to access a WLAN during thunderstorms.

----End

als are affected if radio signals pass through too many obstacles such as cement

electric fields.

puter is far from your router, the transmission effects of the WLAN are

8 FAQs

What can I do if the WLAN of the

Q 8:

mputer cannot access the WLAN?

Step 1

Step 2

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) 8-3

Del k connections from your computer.

ete the settings of wireless networ

Take a computer that runs Windows XP as an example. To delete the settings of wireless net ollows:

work connections, do as f

1. In the Control Panel window, double-click Network Connections to display the

Network Connections window.

2. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network Connection

and choose Properties.

3. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, click the Wireless

Networks t

4. In the Preferred Networks group box, select the latest w

saved on your computer. Then click Remove.

5. Delete

group box.

6. Click OK.

Create a wireless network connection that is not encrypted.

----End

ab.

all the other wireless network connections from the Preferred Networks

router is not encrypted and the

ireless network connection

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Item Specification

Dimensions (L × W × H)

Weight (including the router support)

Entire-device power consumption

Entire-device power supply

Ambient temperature for operation

Relative humidity operation

WLAN standards 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n (2.4 GHz)

Wireless transmission rates

for

A TTechnical Specifications

A Technical Specifications

144 mm × 31 mm × 88 mm

About 145 g

< 5 W

12 V DC, 0 5 A.

0℃ to 40℃ (32℉ to 104℉)

5% to 95%, non-condensing

802.11b 1 Mbit/s, 2 Mbit/s, 5.5 Mbit/s, and 11 Mbit/s

802.11g

802.11n ( 1T × 1 antenna used)

6 Mbit/s, 9 Mbit/s, 12 Mbit/s, 18 Mbit/s, 24 Mbit/s, 36 Mbit/s, 48 Mbit/s, and 54 Mb it/s

6 Mbit/s, 6.5 Mbit/s, 13.0 Mbit/s, 13.5

Mbit/s, 19.5 Mbit/s, 26.0 Mbit/s, 27.0 Mbit/s, 39.0 Mbit/s, 40.5 Mbit/s, 52.0 Mbit/s, 54.0 Mbit/s, 58.5 Mbit/s, 65.0 Mbit/s, 81.0 Mbit/s, 104.0 Mbit/s, 121.5 M

150.0 Mbit/s

bit/s, 135.0 Mbit/s, and

Mbit/s, 108.0

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) A-1

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

Parameter Default Value

IP address of the LAN interface

Subnet mask of the LAN interface

Administrator name admin

Administrator password admin

DHCP server Enabled

WLAN Enabled

B TDefault Settings

B Default Settings

192.168.1.100

255.255.255.0

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) B-1

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router User Guide

C Acronyms or Abbreviations

C TAcronyms or Abbreviations

ADSL

ASCII

DHCP

DDNS

DNS

TTP

IEE

Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line

merican Standard Code for Information Interchange

Dynamic Host Configuration Pro

Dynamic Domain Nam

Domain Name Server

igital Subscriber Line

ile Transfer Protocol

yper Text Transport Protocol

Institute for Electrica

ternet Protocol

ocal Area Network

edia Access Control

etwork Address Translation

e Service

l and Electronics Engineers

tocol

Issue 01 (2010-04-01) C-1

C TAcronyms or Abbreviations

PPoE

oint to Point Protocol over Ethernet

uality of Service

outing Information Protocol

SID

WAN

WDS

WLAN

WEP

WPA

WPS

ervice Set Identifier

Wide Area Network

Wireless Distribution System

Wireless Local Area Netw

Wired Equivalent Privac

Wi-Fi Protected Acces

Wi-Fi Protected Setup

HUAWEI HG231f Wireless-N Router

User Guide

ork

C-2 Issue 01 (2010-04-01)

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Huawei Industrial Base

Bantian, Longgang

Shenzhen 518129

People's Republic of China

www.huaweidevice.com

Part Number: 202201

Huawei HG231f User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

About This Document

1 Warnings and Precautions

2 Product Overview

2.2 Hardware

2.2.1 Interfaces and Buttons

3 Hardware Installation

3.3 Powering On the Router

3.4 Installing the Router on an ADSL Broadband Network

3.5 Installing the Router on a CATV Broadband Network

3.6 Installing the Router on a Community Broadband Network

4 Configuration of Internet Access Parameters

5 Configuration of WLAN Parameters

6 Configuring Frequently Used Functions

6.1 Configuring Multiple PCs to Access the Internet Simultaneously

6.2 Enabling or Disabling the WLAN Function

6.3 Improving the Security of a WLAN

6.3.1 Hiding the Name of a WLAN

6.3.2 Changing the Name of a WLAN

6.3.3 Using Secure Encryption

6.3.4 Allowing Only Specified PCs to Be Connected to a WLAN

6.4 Controlling the Internet Access Rights of PCs

6.6 Setting the Available Bandwidth of a PC

6.7 Preventing Attacks on the Internet

6.8 Removing the Restriction Caused by the Binding of the Internet Access Account to the MAC Address

6.9 Allowing Internet Users to Access an Internal Resource Server

6.10 Expanding the Coverage of a WLAN

7 Maintenance Guide

7.1 Changing the Administrator Password of the Web-based Configuration Utility

7.5 Upgrading Software

8 FAQs

A Technical Specifications

B Default Settings

C Acronyms or Abbreviations