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Certifications
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement
The device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operations.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Copyright3
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
3 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
4 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Notice 1
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This product has been designed for the WLAN 2.4 GHz network throughout the EC region and
Switzerland, with restrictions in France.
Caution
1 The 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter has been tested to the FCC exposure requirements
(Specific Absorption Rate).
2 The equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d)(2).
3 This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
Viewing Certifications
1 Go to http://www.zyxel.com.
2 Select your product from the drop-down list box on the
ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.
3 Select the certification you wish to view from this
ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects
in materials or workmanship for a period of up to two (2) years from the date of purchase.
During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications
of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or
replace the defective products or components without charge for either parts or labor, and to
whatever extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or components to proper
operating condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured functionally
equivalent product of equal or higher value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL.
This warranty shall not apply if the product has been modified, misused, tampered with,
damaged by an act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.
Note
Repair or replacement, as provided under this warranty, is the exclusive remedy of the
purchaser. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ZyXEL shall in
no event be held liable for indirect or consequential damages of any kind to the purchaser.
To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center for your Return
Material Authorization number (RMA). Products must be returned Postage Prepaid. It is
recommended that the unit be insured when shipped. Any returned products without proof of
purchase or those with an out-dated warranty will be repaired or replaced (at the discretion of
ZyXEL) and the customer will be billed for parts and labor. All repaired or replaced products
will be shipped by ZyXEL to the corresponding return address, Postage Paid. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from country to
country.
Online Registration
Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information
at www.zyxel.com for global products, or at www.us.zyxel.com for North American products.
ZyXEL Limited Warranty5
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Please have the following information ready when you contact customer support.
• Product model and serial number.
• Warranty Information.
• Date that you received your device.
• Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.
Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL AG-225H v2 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Finder &
Wireless USB Adapter. Your AG-225H v2 allows you to locate and access wireless networks.
Your AG-225H v2 is easy to install and configure.
About This User's Guide
This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your AG-225H v2 for its
various applications.
Related Documentation
• Supporting Disk
Refer to the included CD for support documents.
• Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains
hardware installation/connection information.
• ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site
Please refer to www.zyxel.com for an online glossary of networking terms and additional
support documentation.
User Guide Feedback
Help us help you. E-mail all User Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for
improvement to techwriters@zyxel.com.tw or send regular mail to The Technical Writing
Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park,
Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan. Thank you.
Syntax Conventions
• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. “Select” or “Choose” means for
you to use one predefined choice.
• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “In Windows, click
Start, Settings and then Control Panel” means first click the Start button, then point
your mouse pointer to Settings and then click Control Panel.
• “e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other words”.
• The ZyXEL AG-225H v2 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Finder & Wireless USB Adapter may be
referred to as the AG-225H v2 in this user’s guide.
Preface17
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Graphics Icons Key
Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer
Server Modem or Router Wireless Signal
Internet Cloud
18Preface
This chapter introduces the AG-225H v2 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility.
1.1 About Your AG-225H v2
The AG-225H v2 is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g compliant wireless LAN adapter that connects to the
USB port on your computer and allows you to search for and connect to wireless networks.
You can also turn your AG-225H v2 into an access point (AP) using the ZyXEL utility. The
ZyXEL utility is a tool that helps you configure your AG-225H v2. See the appendix for
detailed product specifications.
When the AG-225H v2 is not connected to a computer, you can locate wireless networks and
see their details on the AG-225H v2’s LCD screen. For more information about using the AG225H v2 when it is not connected to a computer, see the Quick Start Guide.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
CHAPTER1
Getting Started
1.2 Application Overview
This section describes some network applications for the AG-225H v2.
1.2.1 Station Mode
The AG-225H v2 is in wireless station mode by default. When the AG-225H v2 works as a
wireless station (wireless client), you can either set the network type to Infrastructure and
connect to an AP or use Ad-Hoc mode and connect to a peer computer (another wireless
device in Ad-Hoc mode).
1.2.1.1 Infrastructure
To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the AG-225H v2 network type to
Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the
AP.
Chapter 1 Getting Started19
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure
1.2.1.2 Ad-Hoc
To set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use Ad-Hoc.
Ad-Hoc does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients
communicate directly with each other.
Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc
20Chapter 1 Getting Started
1.2.2 Access Point Mode
You can also set the AG-225H v2 to access point mode. This allows you to set up your
wireless networks without using a dedicated AP. The following figure shows a network
example.
Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode
In the example, the AG-225H v2 is installed on computer A and set to operate in access point
mode. Computer A provides an Internet connection to the wireless LAN, so wireless stations
B and C can access the Internet.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
1.2.3 Changing AG-225H v2 Mode
To change between the modes, select either Station Mode or AP Mode in any ZyXEL utility
screens.
Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes
Note: Wait for about five seconds for the ZyXEL utility to complete the mode change.
The current mode is indicated by the color of the check box.
Chapter 1 Getting Started21
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
1.3 AG-225H v2 Hardware and Utility Installation
Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL utility and make
hardware connections.
1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon
After you install and start the ZyXEL utility, an icon for the ZyXEL utility appears in the
system tray.
Note: The ZyXEL utility system tray icon displays only when the AG-225H v2 is
installed properly.
When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC).
Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the AG-225H v2. Refer
to the following table for details.
Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
COLORDESCRIPTION
RedThe AG-225H v2 is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a wireless
network.
GreenThe AG-225H v2 is operating in wireless station mode and is connected to a wireless
network.
Pale BlueThe AG-225H v2 is operating in access point mode.
1.4 Configuration Methods
To configure your AG-225H v2, use one of the following applications:
• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (the Windows XP wireless configuration tool)
• ZyXEL Utility (required when you want to use the AG-225H v2 as an access point)
1.4.1 Enabling WZC
Note: When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables WZC.
If you want to use WZC to configure the AG-225H v2, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility
by right-clicking the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and selecting Exit.
22Chapter 1 Getting Started
Figure 6 Enable WZC
Refer to the appendices for information on how to use WZC to manage the AG-225H v2.
To re-activate the ZyXEL utility, double-click the ( ) icon on your desktop or click Start,
Double-click on the ZyXEL wireless LAN utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyXEL
utility.
The ZyXEL utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for
Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the online help
window.
Chapter 1 Getting Started23
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
24Chapter 1 Getting Started
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
CHAPTER2
Tutorial
The following sections show you how to join a wireless network using the ZyXEL utility, as in
the following diagrams. The wireless client is labeled C and the access point is labeled AP.
Figure 7 Infrastructure Network
There are three ways to connect the wireless client (the AG-225H v2 in station mode) to a
network.
• Configure nothing and leave the wireless client to automatically scan for and connect to
any available network that has no wireless security configured.
• Manually connect to a network (see Section 2.1 on page 25).
• Configure a profile to have the wireless client automatically connect to a specific network
or peer computer (see Section 2.2 on page 27).
This chapter also includes a simple example of how to configure the AG-225H v2 as an AP
using the ZyXEL utility. See Section 2.3 on page 31 for more information.
2.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN
This example illustrates how to manually connect your wireless client to an access point (AP)
configured for WPA-PSK security and connected to the Internet. Before you connect to the
access point, you must know its Service Set IDentity (SSID) and WPA-PSK pre-shared key. In
this example, the AP’s SSID is “SSID_Example3” and its pre-shared key is “ThisismyWPAPSKpre-sharedkey”.
After you install the ZyXEL utility and then insert the wireless client, follow the steps below
to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.
1 Open the ZyXEL utility and click the Site Survey tab to open the screen shown next.
Chapter 2 Tutorial25
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey
2 The wireless client automatically searches for available wireless networks. Click Scan if
you want to search again. If no entry displays in the Available Network List, that means
there is no wireless network available within range. Make sure the AP or peer computer is
turned on, or move the wireless client closer to the AP or peer computer. See Table 5 on
page 42 for detailed field descriptions.
3 To connect to an AP or peer computer, either click an entry in the list and then click
Connect or double-click an entry (SSID_Example3 in this example).
4 When you try to connect to an AP with security configured, a window will pop up
prompting you to specify the security settings. Enter the pre-shared key and leave the
encryption type at the default setting.
Use the Next button to move on to the next screen. You can use the Back button at any
time to return to the previous screen, or the Exit button to return to the Site Survey
screen.
Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings
5 The Confirm Save window appears. Check your settings and click Save to continue.
26Chapter 2 Tutorial
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm Save
6 The ZyXEL utility returns to the Link Info screen while it connects to the wireless
network using your settings. When the wireless link is established, the ZyXEL utility icon
in the system tray turns green and the Link Info screen displays details of the active
connection. Check the network information in the Link Info screen to verify that you
have successfully connected to the selected network. If the wireless client is not
connected to a network, the fields in this screen remain blank. See Table 3 on page 40 for
detailed field descriptions.
Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info
7 Open your Internet browser and enter http://www.zyxel.com or the URL of any other web
site in the address bar. If you are able to access the web site, your wireless connection is
successfully configured. If you cannot access the web site, check the Troubleshooting
section of this User's Guide or contact your network administrator if necessary.
2.2 Creating and Using a Profile
A profile lets you automatically connect to the same wireless network every time you use the
ZyXEL utility. You can also configure different profiles for different networks, for example if
you connect a notebook computer to wireless networks at home and at work.
Chapter 2 Tutorial27
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
This example illustrates how to set up a profile and connect the wireless client to an access
point configured for WPA-PSK security. In this example, the AP’s SSID is “SSID_Example3”
and its pre-shared key is “ThisismyWPA-PSKpre-sharedkey”. You have chosen the profile
name “PN_Example3”.
1 Open the ZyXEL utility and click the Profile tab to open the screen as shown. Click Add
to configure a new profile.
Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Profile
2 The Add New Profile screen appears. The wireless client automatically searches for
available wireless networks, which are displayed in the Scan Info box. You can also
configure your profile for a wireless network that is not in the list.
Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile
3 Give the profile a descriptive name (of up to 32 printable ASCII characters). Select
Infrastructure and either manually enter or select the AP's SSID in the Scan Info table
and click Select.
4 Choose the same encryption method as the AP to which you want to connect (In this
example, WPA-PSK).
28Chapter 2 Tutorial
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security
5 This screen varies depending on the encryption method you selected in the previous
screen. In this example, enter the pre-shared key and leave the encryption type at the
default setting.
Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption
6 In the next screen you can select which radio frequency to use. The 2.4GHz frequency
allows you to connect to a network using IEEE 802.11b or g only, and the 5GHz
frequency allows you to connect to a network using IEEE 802.11a only.
Leave both boxes checked to connect to a network using either IEEE 802.11a, b or g and
click Next.
Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Wireless Frequency Settings
7 Verify the profile settings in the ready-only screen. Click Save to save and go to the next
screen.
Chapter 2 Tutorial29
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 17 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Confirm Save
8 Click Activate Now to use the new profile immediately. Otherwise, click the Activate
Later button to go back to the Profile List screen.
If you clicked Activate Later you can select the profile from the list in the Profile screen
and click Connect to activate it.
Note: Only one profile can be activated and used at any given time.
Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate
9 When you activate the new profile, the ZyXEL utility goes to the Link Info screen while
it connects to the AP using your settings. When the wireless link is established, the
ZyXEL utility icon in the system tray turns green and the Link Info screen displays
details of the active connection.
10Make sure the selected AP in the active profile is on and connected to the Internet. Open
your Internet browser, enter http://www.zyxel.com or the URL of any other web site in
the address bar and press ENTER. If you are able to access the web site, your new profile
is successfully configured.
11If you cannot access the Internet, go back to the Profile screen. Select the profile you are
using and click Edit. Check the details you entered previously. Also, refer to the
Troubleshooting section of this User's Guide or contact your network administrator if
necessary.
30Chapter 2 Tutorial
2.3 Configuring the AG-225H v2 as an AP
In access point mode, your AG-225H v2 allows you to set up your wireless network without
using a dedicated AP. Refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 21 and Chapter 5 on page 57 for more
information.
Note: With WZC, you cannot use the AG-225H v2 as an access point.
After you install the ZyXEL utility and then insert the AG-225H v2, follow the steps below to
set up your AG-225H v2 as an AP.
1 Select AP Mode in any utility screen and wait for five seconds. The screen changes and
displays as follows. Under Status, you can view the current settings on the AG-225H v2.
In the Association List, you can see if any wireless clients have connected to your AG225H v2.
Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Link Info
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
2 If you want to change the SSID and enable wireless security for your AG-225H v2, click
the Configuration tab and refer to Section 5.3 on page 59 for detailed field descriptions.
Note: Only WEP security is available when the AG-225H v2 is in AP mode
Chapter 2 Tutorial31
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 20 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Configuration
32Chapter 2 Tutorial
Wireless LAN Network
This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN networks.
3.1 Wireless LAN Overview
The following figure provides an example of a wireless network with an AP. See Figure 2 on
page 20for an Ad Hoc network example.
Figure 21 Example of a Wireless Network
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
CHAPTER3
The wireless network is the part in the blue circle. In this wireless network, devices A and B
are called wireless clients. The wireless clients use the access point (AP) to interact with other
devices (such as the printer) or with the Internet
Every wireless network must follow these basic guidelines.
• Every device in the same wireless network must use the same SSID.
The SSID is the name of the wireless network. It stands for Service Set IDentity.
• If two wireless networks overlap, they should use a different channel.
Like radio stations or television channels, each wireless network uses a specific channel,
or frequency, to send and receive information.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network33
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
• Every device in the same wireless network must use security compatible with the AP or
peer computer.
Security stops unauthorized devices from using the wireless network. It can also protect
the information that is sent in the wireless network.
3.2 Wireless LAN Security
Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communications.
Configure the wireless LAN security using the Configuration or the Profile Security Setting
screen. If you do not enable any wireless security on your AG-225H v2, the AG-225H v2’s
wireless communications are accessible to any wireless networking device that is in the
coverage area.
Note: You can only use WEP encryption if you set the AG-225H v2 to Ad-hoc or AP
mode.
See the appendices for more detailed information about wireless security.
3.2.1 Hide SSID
Normally, the AG-225H v2 in AP mode acts like a beacon and regularly broadcasts the SSID
in the area. You can hide the SSID instead, in which case the AG-225H v2 in AP mode does
not broadcast the SSID. In addition, you should change the default SSID to something that is
difficult to guess.
This type of security is fairly weak, however, because there are ways for unauthorized wireless
devices to get the SSID. In addition, unauthorized wireless devices can still see the
information that is sent in the wireless network.
3.2.2 MAC Address Filter
Every device that can use a wireless network has a unique identification number, called a
MAC address.
example, 00A0C5000002 or 00:A0:C5:00:00:02. To get the MAC address for each device in
the wireless network, see the device’s User’s Guide or other documentation.
You can use the MAC address filter to tell the AG-225H v2 in AP mode which devices are
allowed or not allowed to use the wireless network. If a device is allowed to use the wireless
network, it still has to have the correct information (SSID, channel, and security). If a device is
not allowed to use the wireless network, it does not matter if it has the correct information.
1
A MAC address is usually written using twelve hexadecimal characters2; for
1.Some wireless devices, such as scanners, can detect wireless networks but cannot use wireless
networks. These kinds of wireless devices might not have MAC addresses.
2.Hexadecimal characters are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
34Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network
This type of security does not protect the information that is sent in the wireless network.
Furthermore, there are ways for unauthorized wireless devices to get the MAC address of an
authorized device. Then, they can use that MAC address to access the wireless network.
3.2.3 User Authentication and Encryption
You can make every user log in to the wireless network before they can use it. This is called
user authentication. However, every wireless client in the wireless network has to support
IEEE 802.1x to do this.
Wireless networks can use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the wireless
network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot
understand the message.
3.2.3.1 WEP
3.2.3.1.1 Data Encryption
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between
the AG-225H v2 and the AP or other wireless stations to keep network communications
private. Both the wireless stations and the access points must use the same WEP key for data
encryption and decryption.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
There are two ways to create WEP keys in your AG-225H v2.
• Automatic WEP key generation based on a “password phrase” called a passphrase. The
passphrase is case sensitive. You must use the same passphrase for all WLAN adapters
with this feature in the same WLAN.
For WLAN adapters without the passphrase feature, you can still take advantage of this
feature by writing down the four automatically generated WEP keys from the Security Settings screen of the ZyXEL utility and entering them manually as the WEP keys in the
other WLAN adapter(s).
• Enter the WEP keys manually.
Your AG-225H v2 allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 256-bit WEP keys
and only one key is used as the default key at any one time.
3.2.3.1.2 Authentication Type
The IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless
stations and AP. Two authentication types are defined: Open and Shared.
• Open mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue. The
wireless station and the AP or peer computer do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless
stations can associate with any AP or peer computer and listen to any transmitted data
that is not encrypted.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network35
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
• Shared mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP or
peer computer. This requires you to enable the wireless LAN security and use same
settings on both the wireless station and the AP or peer computer.
3.2.3.2 IEEE 802.1x
The IEEE 802.1x standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of
wireless stations and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using an
external RADIUS server.
3.2.3.2.1 EAP Authentication
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the
IEEE 802.1x transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By
using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a
wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication.
The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server and an intermediary AP(s)
that supports IEEE 802.1x. The AG-225H v2 supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.
Refer to Appendix D on page 87 for descriptions.
For EAP-TLS authentication type, you must first have a wired connection to the network and
obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). A certificate (also called digital IDs)
can be used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of
each certificate owner.
3.2.3.3 WPA and WPA2
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE
802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and
key management than WPA.
Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user
authentication.
Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
(TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. WPA and WPA2 use Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message
authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption than TKIP.
If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS
server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server,
you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical)
password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the
passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN.
If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending
on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.
36Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is
less secure than WPA or WPA2.
Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network37
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
38Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network
CHAPTER4
Wireless Station Mode
Configuration
This chapter shows you how to configure your AG-225H v2 in wireless station mode. See
Chapter 5 on page 57 for how to configure the AG-225H v2 in access point mode.
4.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview
To set your AG-225H v2 to wireless station mode, select Station Mode in any utility screen
(refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 21).
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
4.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary
This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens when the AG-225H v2 is in station mode.
Figure 22 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode
The following table describes the menus.
Table 2 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode
TABDESCRIPTION
Station Mode
Link InfoUse this screen to see your current connection status, configuration and data rate
statistics.
Site SurveyUse this screen to
•scan for a wireless network
•configure wireless security (if activated on the selected network).
•connect to a wireless network.
ProfileUse this screen to add, delete, edit or activate a profile with a set of wireless and
security settings.
AdapterUse this screen to configure a transfer rate and enable power saving.
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration39
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
4.2 The Link Info Screen
When the ZyXEL utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current
configuration and connection status of your AG-225H v2.
Figure 23 Station Mode: Link Info
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info
LABELDESCRIPTION
AP Mode
Station Mode
Wireless Network
Status
Profile NameThis is the name of the profile you are currently using.
Network Name
(SSID)
AP MAC AddressThis field displays the MAC address of the AP or peer computer to which the AG-
Network TypeThis field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless
Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the AG-225H v2 in megabits per
Security This field displays whether data encryption is activated (WEP, 802.1x, TKIP (WPA/
ChannelThis field displays the radio channel the AG-225H v2 is currently using.
Stat istics
Transmit RateThis field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).
Receive Rate This field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).
Use the check box to set the AG-225H v2 to operate in wireless station or access
point mode. Refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 21 for more information.
The SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated.
This field displays the name of the wireless device to which the AG-225H v2 is
associated.
225H v2 is associated.
network.
second (Mbps).
WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-PSK), AES (WPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-PSK)) or
inactive (DISABLE).
40Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
Authentication This field displays the authentication method of the AG-225H v2.
Network Mode This field displays the wireless standard (A, B or G) of the AP or peer computer.
Total Transmit This field displays the total number of data frames transmitted.
Total Receive This field displays the total number of data frames received.
Link Quality This field displays the signal strength of the AG-225H v2.
Trend Chart Click this button to display the real-time statistics of the data rate in kilobits per
Signal Strength The status bar shows the strength of the signal. The signal strength mainly
Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of wireless connection. This refers to the
4.2.1 Trend Chart
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
second (Kbps).
depends on the antenna output power and the distance between your AG-225H v2
and the AP or peer computer.
percentage of packets transmitted successfully. If there are too many wireless
stations in a wireless network, collisions may occur which could result in a loss of
messages even though you have high signal strength.
Click Trend Chart in the Link Info screen to display a screen as shown below. Use this
screen to view real-time data traffic statistics.
Figure 24 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart
LABELDESCRIPTION
TransmitThis field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).
ReceiveThis field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration41
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
4.3 The Site Survey Screen
Use the Site Survey screen to scan for and connect to a wireless network automatically.
Figure 25 Station Mode: Site Survey
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey
LABELDESCRIPTION
Available Network
List
,denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless
,denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless
ordenotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless
.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless
SSIDThis field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.
ChannelThis field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.
SignalThis field displays the signal strength of each wireless device.
ScanClick Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.
ConnectClick Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.
Site InformationClick an entry in the Available Network List table to display the information of the
Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the wireless
ChannelThis field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.
Click a column heading to sort the entries.
security is activated.
security is deactivated.
security is activated.
security is deactivated.
selected wireless device.
device.
42Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
EncryptionThis field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x),
WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (DISABLE).
MAC address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device.
Surveyed at This field displays the time when the wireless device was scanned.
4.3.1 Security Settings
When you configure the AG-225H v2 to connect to a network with wireless security activated
and the security settings are disabled on the AG-225H v2, the screen varies according to the
encryption method used by the selected network.
4.3.1.1 WEP Encryption
Figure 26 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP
LABELDESCRIPTION
Security Settings
WEPSelect 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 256 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the
related fields.
Authentication
Type
Pass PhraseEnter a passphrase of up to 63 case-sensitive printable characters. As you enter
Transmit KeySelect a default WEP key to use for data encryption. The key displays in the field
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration43
Select an authentication method. Choices are Open or Shared. Refer to Section
3.2.3.1.2 on page 35 for more information.
the passphrase, the AG-225H v2 automatically generates four different WEP keys
and displays it in the key field below. Refer to Section 3.2.3.1.1 on page 35 for
more information.
At the time of writing, you cannot use the passphrase function to generate 256-bit
WEP keys.
below.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
Key x (where x is a
number between 1
and 4)
Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys. Enter the WEP key
in the field provided.
If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.
Enter either 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type.
or
Enter 5 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”
(for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type.
If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,
Enter either 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 00112233445566778899AABBCC) for HEX key type
or
Enter 13 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”
(for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.
If you select 256 Bits in the WEP field,
Enter either 58 hexadecimal digits in the range of "A-F", "a-f" and "0-9" (for
example,
00001111222 23333444455556666777788889999AAAABBBBCCCC000011)
for HEX key type
or
Enter 29 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from "a-z", "A-Z" and "0-9"
(for example, MyKey111122223333444455556678) for ASCII key type.
Note: The values for the WEP keys must be set up exactly the
same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.
BackClick Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another
network.
NextClick Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.
Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 47.
ExitClick Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
4.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
Figure 27 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.
44Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 7 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
LABELDESCRIPTION
Encryption TypeThe encryption mechanisms used for WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK are
Pre-Shared KeyType a pre-shared key (same as the AP or peer device) of between 8 and 63 case-
BackClick Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another
NextClick Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.
ExitClick Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses
a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials.
Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 3.2.3.2.1 on page 36 for more information.
sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols) or 64 hexadecimal
characters.
network.
Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 47.
Figure 28 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2
LABELDESCRIPTION
Encryption TypeThe encryption mechanisms used for WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK are
the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses
a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials.
Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 3.2.3.2.1 on page 36 for more information.
Authentication
Type
Login NameEnter a user name.
The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP.
Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and
PEAP.
This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration45
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2
LABELDESCRIPTION
PasswordThis field is not available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.
Enter the password associated with the user name above.
CertificateThis field is only available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.
Click Browse to select a certificate.
Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and
Server CASelect a certificate authority (CA) from the drop-down box to have the AG-225H v2
trust certificates from that CA only. Select Trust Any to accept certificates from any
CA.
PEAP Inner EAPThis field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type field.
The PEAP method used by the RADIUS server or AP for client authentication is
MS CHAP v2.
BackClick Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another
network.
NextClick Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.
Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 47.
ExitClick Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.
4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1x
Configure IEEE 802.1x security with various authentication methods in this screen.
Figure 29 Station Mode: Security Setting: 802.1x
46Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: IEEE 802.1x
LABELDESCRIPTION
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Authentication
Type
Login NameEnter a user name.
PasswordThis field is not available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.
CertificateThis field is only available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.
The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP.
Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and
PEAP.
This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.
Enter the password associated with the user name above.
Click Browse to select a certificate.
Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and
obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.
Server CASelect a certificate authority (CA) from the drop-down box to have the AG-225H v2
trust certificates from that CA only. Select Trust Any to accept certificates from any
CA.
PEAP Inner EAPThis field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type field.
The PEAP method used by the RADIUS server or AP for client authentication is
MS CHAP v2.
BackClick Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another
network.
NextClick Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.
Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 47.
ExitClick Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
4.3.2 Confirm Save Screen
Use this screen to confirm and save the security settings.
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration47
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 30 Confirm Save Screen
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 10 Confirm Save Screen
LABELDESCRIPTION
Security Setting
Network NameThis field displays the SSID previously entered.
Network TypeThis field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless
ChannelThis field displays the channel number used by the profile.
SecurityThis field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x), WPA,
BackClick Back to return to the previous screen.
SaveClick Save to save the changes to the AG-225H v2 and display the Link Info
ExitClick Exit to discard changes and return to the Site Survey screen.
device.
WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (DISABLE).
screen.
4.4 The Profile Screen
A profile is a set of wireless parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network. With a
profile activated, each time you start the AG-225H v2, it automatically scans for the specific
SSID and joins that network with the pre-defined wireless security settings. If the specified
network is not available, the AG-225H v2 cannot connect to a network.
If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the AG-225H v2, the AG225H v2 uses the default profile to connect to any available network that has no security
enabled.
The default profile is a profile that allows you to connect to any SSID that has no security
enabled.
48Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Click the Profile tab in the ZyXEL utility program to display the Profile screen as shown next.
The profile function allows you to save the wireless network settings in this screen, or use one
of the pre-configured network profiles.
Figure 31 Station Mode: Profile
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 11 Station Mode: Profile
LABELDESCRIPTION
Profile ListClick a column heading to sort the entries.
,denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless
security is activated.
,denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless
security is deactivated.
ordenotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless
.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless
Profile NameThis is the name of the pre-configured profile.
SSIDThis is the SSID of the wireless network to which the selected profile associate.
Connect To use and activate a previously saved network profile, select a pre-configured
profile name in the table and click Connect.
Add To add a new profile into the table, click Add.
DeleteTo delete an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table
and click Delete.
EditTo edit an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and
click Edit.
Profile InfoThe following fields display detailed information of the selected profile in the
Profile List table.
Network TypeThis field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the profile.
security is activated.
security is deactivated.
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration49
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Table 11 Station Mode: Profile (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
SSIDThis field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the profile.
ChannelThis field displays the channel number used by the profile.
SecurityThis field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA, WPA-PSK,
Transfer RateThis field displays the transmission speed of the selected profile in megabits per
WPA2, WPA2-PSK, 802.1x) or inactive (DISABLE).
second (Mbps).
4.4.1 Adding a New Profile
Follow the steps below to add a new profile.
1 Click Add in the Profile screen. An Add New Profile screen displays as shown next.
Click Next to continue.
Figure 32 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile
LABELDESCRIPTION
Add New Profile
Profile NameEnter a descriptive name in this field.
SSIDSelect an available wireless device in the Scan Info table and click Select, or enter
the SSID of the wireless device to which you want to associate in this field
manually. Otherwise, enter Any to have the AG-225H v2 associate to any AP or
roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.
Network TypeSelect Infrastructure to associate to an AP. Select Ad-Hoc to associate to a peer
NextClick Next to go to the next screen.
ExitClick Exit to go back to the previous screen without saving.
50Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
computer.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
Scan InfoThis table displays the information of the available wireless networks within the
transmission range.
,denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless
security is activated.
,denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless
security is deactivated.
ordenotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless
security is activated.
.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security
SSIDThis field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each AP or peer device.
ScanClick Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.
SelectSelect an available wireless device in the table and click Select to add it to this
is deactivated.
profile.
Whenever you activate this profile, the AG-225H v2 associates to the selected
wireless network only.
2 If you select the Infrastructure network type in the previous screen, skip to step 3. If you
select the Ad-Hoc network type in the previous screen, a screen displays as follows.
Select a wireless frequency and channel number and click Next to continue.
Note: To associate to an ad-hoc network, you must use the same channel and
wireless frequency as the peer computer.
Figure 33 Station Mode: Profile: Select Wireless Mode and Channel
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration51
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel
LABELDESCRIPTION
Wireless Settings
Wireless ModeChoose a wireless frequency: 2.4GHz or 5GHz. The 2.4GHz frequency is used by
the IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g wireless standards, and the 5GHz frequency
is used by the IEEE 802.11a wireless standard.
ChannelSelect a channel number from the drop-down list box. To associate to an ad-hoc
network, you must use the same channel as the peer computer.
3 If you selected Infrastructure network type in the first screen, select WEP, WPA,
WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x from the drop-down list box to enable data
encryption. If you selected Ad-Hoc network type in the first screen, you can use only
WEP encryption method. Otherwise, select DISABLE to allow the AG-225H v2 to
communicate with the access points or other peer wireless computers without any data
encryption, and skip to step 5.
Figure 34 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings
4 The screen varies depending on the encryption method you select in the previous screen.
The settings must be exactly the same on the APs or other peer wireless computers as
they are on the AG-225H v2. Refer to Section 4.3.1 on page 43 for detailed information
on wireless security configuration.
52Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 35 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings
5 If you selected the Ad-Hoc network type previously, skip to step 6. If you selected the
Infrastructure network type previously, a screen displays as follows. Choose which
radio frequencies to set. If you select 2.4GHz you will be able to communicate with
wireless devices in IEEE 802.11b mode and IEEE 802.11g modes only, and if you select
5GHz you will be able to communicate with wireless devices in IEEE 802.11a mode
only. Leave both boxes checked to communicate with wireless devices in a, b and g
modes.
6 This read-only screen shows a summary of the new profile settings. Verify that the
settings are correct. Click Save to save and go to the next screen. Click Back to return to
the previous screen. Otherwise, click Exit to go back to the Profile screen without saving.
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration53
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 36 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings
7 To use this network profile, click the Activate Now button. Otherwise, click the Activate
Later button. You can activate only one profile at a time.
Note: Once you activate a profile, the ZyXEL utility will use that profile the next time it
is started.
Figure 37 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile
4.5 The Adapter Screen
To set the other advanced features on the AG-225H v2, click the Adapter tab.
54Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
Figure 38 Station Mode: Adapter
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter
LABELDESCRIPTION
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Adapter Setting
Transfer RateIn most networking scenarios, the factory default Auto setting is the most efficient
and allows your AG-225H v2 to operate at the highest possible transmission (data)
rate.
If you want to select a specific transmission rate, select one that the AP or peer
wireless device supports.
Note: With USB1.0/1.1, the AG-225H v2 can only transmit at up to
11Mbps.
Preamble TypePreamble is used to signal that data is coming to the receiver. Select the preamble
type that the AP uses. Short and Long refer to the length of the synchronization
field in a packet.
Short preamble increases performance as less time sending preamble means
more time for sending data. All IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless adapters
support Long preamble, but not all support short preamble.
Select Auto to have the AG-225H v2 automatically use short preamble when all
access point or wireless stations support it; otherwise the AG-225H v2 uses long
preamble.
Note: The AG-225H v2 and the access point or wireless stations
MUST use the same preamble mode in order to
communicate.
Power Saving
Mode
SaveClick Save to save the changes to the AG-225H v2.
Select Maximum Power Save or Fast Power Save to save power (especially for
notebook computers). This forces the AG-225H v2 to go to sleep mode when it is
not transmitting data.
When you select Continuous Access Mode, the AG-225H v2 will never go to
sleep mode.
Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration55
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
56Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration
CHAPTER5
Access Point Mode
Configuration
This chapter shows you how to configure your AG-225H v2 in access point mode.
5.1 Access Point Mode Introduction
To set your AG-225H v2 to access point (AP) mode, select AP Mode in any utility screen
(refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 21).
Access point mode allows you to set up your wireless networks without using a dedicated AP.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
5.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary
This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens when the AG-225H v2 is in AP mode.
Figure 39 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode
The following table describes the menu.
Table 15 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode
TABDESCRIPTION
AP Mode
Link InfoUse this screen to see your current connection status, configuration and data rate
statistics.
Configuration Use this screen to configure wireless LAN settings.
MAC FilterUse this screen to configure which computer(s) you want access to the wireless
LAN through the AG-225H v2.
Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration57
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
5.1.2 Additional Setup Requirements
To bridge your wired and wireless network using the AG-225H v2, the following requirements
must be met:
1 The AG-225H v2 must be installed on a computer connected to the wired network.
2 Either bridge the two interfaces (wireless and wired) on the computer (using the
Configuration screen of the ZyXEL utility in Windows XP) or configure network
sharing (refer to Appendix B on page 71 for an example).
3 Set the wireless station’s IP address to be dynamic if you want the wireless stations to
access the wired network or the Internet through the AG-225H v2. Refer to Appendix E
on page 93for how to configure your computer’s IP address.
5.2 The Link Info Screen
Select the AP Mode check box and wait for about five seconds to display the screen as shown.
Figure 40 Access Point Mode: Link Info
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 16 Access Point Mode: Link Info
LABELDESCRIPTION
Status
SSIDThis field displays the name that identifies your AG-225H v2 in the wireless LAN
Current Channel This field displays the radio channel the AG-225H v2 is currently using.
Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the AG-225H v2 in megabits per
58Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration
network.
second (Mbps).
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Table 16 Access Point Mode: Link Info (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
SecurityThis field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP) or inactive
(DISABLE).
MACThis field displays the MAC address of the AG-225H v2.
Output Power This field shows the strength of the AG-225H v2’s antenna gain or transmission
power.
Association ListThis table lists up to 16 wireless clients that are currently connected to the AG-
ordenotes a wireless client without WEP security.
.denotes a wireless client with WEP security enabled.
MAC Address This field displays the MAC addresses of a wireless client that is currently
RefreshClick Refresh to update this screen.
225H v2.
connected to the AG-225H v2.
5.3 The Configuration Screen
Click Configuration in the ZyXEL utility screen to display the screen as shown.
Figure 41 Access Point Mode: Configuration
Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration59
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 17 Access Point Mode: Configuration
LABELDESCRIPTION
Wireless Settings
SSIDThe SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated.
Wireless stations associating with the access point (the AG-225H v2) must have
the same SSID.
Enter a descriptive name (up to 32 printable 7-bit ASCII characters) for the
wireless LAN.
Hide SSIDSelect this check box to hide the SSID so an intruder cannot obtain the SSID
Wireless ModeSet this field to allow wireless stations using different wireless modes to connect to
ChannelSet the operating frequency/channel depending on your geographical region.
Output Power Set this field if you need to conserve power consumption (especially for notebook
Security Settings
WEPSelect 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 256 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the
Authentication
Type
Pass PhraseEnter a passphrase of up to 63 case-sensitive printable characters. As you enter
Transmit KeySelect a default WEP key to use for data encryption. The key displays in the field
through scanning using a site survey tool.
the AP (the AG-225H v2).
Select 802.11b + 802.11g (default) to allow wireless stations using both IEEE
802.11b and IEEE 802.11g modes to connect to the AP.
Select 802.11b to allow only wireless clients using IEEE 802.11b mode to connect
to the AP.
Select 802.11g to allow only wireless clients using IEEE 802.11g mode to connect
to the AP.
Select 802.11a to allow only wireless clients using IEEE 802.11a mode to connect
to the AP.
computers). This control changes the strength of the AG-225H v2’s antenna gain
or transmission power. Antenna gain, measured in dBm (decibel relative units
compared to milliwatts), is the increase in coverage. Higher antenna gain improves
the range of the signal for better communications.
Select High to set the AG-225H v2’s antenna to transmit at 17-dBm.
Select Medium-High to set the AG-225H v2’s antenna to transmit at 15-dBm.
Select Medium-Low to set the AG-225H v2’s antenna to transmit at 13-dBm.
Select Low to set the AG-225H v2’s antenna to transmit at 11-dBm. This allows for
the least power consumption.
related fields.
Select Disable to deactivate the WEP encryption.
Select an authentication method. Choices are Shared and Open.
Refer to Section 3.2.3.1.2 on page 35 for more information.
the passphrase, the AG-225H v2 automatically generates four different WEP key
and displays the first in the key field below. Refer to Section 3.2.3.1 on page 35 for
more information.
At the time of writing, you cannot use passphrase to generate 256-bit WEP keys.
below.
60Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration
Table 17 Access Point Mode: Configuration (continued)
LABELDESCRIPTION
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Key x (where x is a
number between 1
and 4)
Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys.
Enter the WEP key in the field provided.
If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.
Enter either 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type
or
Enter 5 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”
(for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type.
If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,
Enter either 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 00112233445566778899AABBCC) for HEX key type
or
Enter 13 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”
(for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.
If you select 256 Bits in the WEP field,
Enter either 58 hexadecimal digits in the range of "A-F", "a-f" and "0-9" (for
example,
00001111222 23333444455556666777788889999AAAABBBBCCCC000011)
for HEX key type
or
Enter 29 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from "a-z", "A-Z" and "0-9"
(for example, MyKey111122223333444455556678) for ASCII key type.
Note: The values for the WEP keys must be set up exactly the
same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.
ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.
SaveClick Save to save the changes.
CancelClick Cancel to discard the changes.
5.4 The MAC Filter Screen
The MAC Filter screen allows you to configure the AG-225H v2 to give exclusive access to
devices (Accept) or exclude devices from connecting to the AG-225H v2 (Reject). The MAC
address is assigned at the factory and consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters, for
example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02. You need to know the MAC address of the device(s) to
configure this screen. See Section 3.2.2 on page 34 for more information.
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Figure 42 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 18 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter
LABELDESCRIPTION
Filter Type Define the filter action for the list of MAC addresses in the MAC address filter table.
Select Disable to deactivate the MAC filter feature.
Select Reject to block access to the AG-225H v2. MAC addresses not listed will be
allowed to access the AG-225H v2.
Select Accept to permit access to the AG-225H v2. MAC addresses not listed will
be denied access to the AG-225H v2.
Filter MAC
Address 1-16
SaveClick Save to save the changes to the AG-225H v2.
CancelClick Cancel to discard the changes.
Specify the MAC address(es) of the wireless station(s) that is allowed or denied
association to the AG-225H v2.
Enter six pairs of hexadecimal digits (separated by colons) in the range of “A-F”,
“a-f” and “0-9” (for example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02).
If you enter an invalid MAC address, once you click Save to save the values, a
warning screen will be displayed.
62Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration
This chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL utility.
6.1 The About Screen
The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the AG-225H v2. To display
the screen shown below, click the about () button.
Figure 43 About
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
CHAPTER6
Maintenance
The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen.
Table 19 About
LABELDESCRIPTION
Driver VersionThis field displays the version number of the AG-225H v2 driver.
Utility VersionThis field displays the version number of the ZyXEL utility.
6.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility
Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyXEL utility from your computer.
Uninstall ZyXEL AG-225H v2 Wireless USB Adapter Utility.
2 When prompted, click OK or Yes to remove the driver and the utility software.
Chapter 6 Maintenance63
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Figure 44 Uninstall: Confirm
3 Click Finish to complete uninstalling the software and restart the computer when
prompted.
Figure 45 Uninstall: Finish
6.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility
Note: Before you uninstall the ZyXEL utility, take note of your current wireless
configurations.
To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.
1 Download the latest version of the utility from the ZyXEL web site and save the file on
your computer.
2 Follow the steps in Section 6.2 on page 63 to remove the current ZyXEL utility from your
computer.
3 Restart your computer when prompted.
4 Disconnect the AG-225H v2 from your computer.
5 Double-click on the setup program for the new utility to start the ZyXEL utility
installation.
64Chapter 6 Maintenance
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
6 Insert the AG-225H v2 and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure
the new utility is installed properly.
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66Chapter 6 Maintenance
CHAPTER7
Troubleshooting
This chapter covers potential problems and the possible remedies. After each problem
description, some instructions are provided to help you to diagnose and to solve the problem.
7.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility
Table 20 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility
PROBLEMCORRECTIVE ACTION
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Cannot start the
ZyXEL Wireless
LAN utility
The ZyXEL utility
icon does not
display.
Make sure the AG-225H v2 is properly inserted and the LED is on. Refer to the
Quick Start Guide for the LED descriptions.
Use the Device Manager to check for possible hardware conflicts. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, Hardware and Device Manager. Verify the
status of the AG-225H v2 under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on
the version of Windows).
Install the AG-225H v2 in another computer.
If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you should
contact your local vendor.
If you have installed the Funk Odyssey Client software on the computer, uninstall
(remove) both the Funk Odyssey Client software and ZyXEL utility, and then install
the ZyXEL utility again after restarting the computer.
7.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point
Table 21 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem
PROBLEMCORRECTIVE ACTION
When using the
Windows XP
configuration tool,
the AG-225H v2
cannot scan for or
connect to any
access points.
The AG-225H v2 might still be operating in access point mode. This results when
you set the AG-225H v2 to operate in access point mode using the ZyXEL utility,
close the ZyXEL utility and then use the Windows XP configuration tool.
Before you use the Windows XP configuration tool, make sure you set the AG225H v2 to operate in station mode before you close and exit the ZyXEL utility.
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7.3 Problem with the Link Quality
Table 22 Troubleshooting Link Quality
PROBLEMCORRECTIVE ACTION
The link quality
and/or signal
strength is poor all
the time.
Search and connect to another AP with a better link quality using the Site Survey
screen.
Move your computer closer to the AP or the peer computer(s) within the
transmission range.
There may be too much radio interference (for example microwave or another AP
using the same channel) around your wireless network. Lower the output power of
each AP.
Make sure there are not too many wireless stations connected to a wireless
network.
7.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers
Table 23 Troubleshooting Communication Problem
PROBLEMCORRECTIVE ACTION
In wireless station
mode, the
computer with the
AG-225H v2
installed cannot
communicate with
the other
computer(s).
In access point
mode, the wireless
station(s) cannot
associate to the
AG-225H v2.
In Infrastructure Mode
•Make sure that the AP and the associated computers are turned on and
working properly.
•Make sure the AG-225H v2 computer and the associated AP use the same
SSID.
•Change the AP and the associated wireless clients to use another radio
channel if interference is high.
•Make sure that the computer and the AP share the same security option and
key. Verify the settings in the Profile Security Setting screen.
•If you are using WPA(2) or WPA(2)-PSK security, try changing your encryption
type from TKIP to AES or vice versa.
In Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode
•Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on.
•Make sure the AG-225H v2 computer and the peer computer(s) are using the
same SSID and channel.
•Make sure that the computer and the peer computer(s) share the same
security settings.
•Change the wireless clients to use another radio channel if interference is high.
Verify that the computer with the AG-225H v2 installed is turned on.
Make sure the wireless station(s) uses the same SSID as the AG-225H v2.
Make sure the wireless station(s) uses the same security settings.
Verify that the wireless station(s) is not blocked in the MAC Filter screen.
68Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
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APPENDIXA
Product Specifications
Table 24 Product Specifications
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Product Name ZyXEL AG-225H v2 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Finder & Wireless USB Adapter
InterfaceUSB 2.0 compatible
StandardsIEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Network ArchitecturesInfrastructure
Ad-Hoc
Operating Temperature0 ~ 50 degrees Centigrade
Storage Temperature-30 ~ 60 degrees Centigrade
Operating Humidity20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)
Storage Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)
Power TX power consumption: < 380mA
RX power consumption: < 200mA
Voltage5V
Weight36g
Dimensions(W) 99 mm × (D) 32 mm × (H) 16 mm
RADIO SPECIFICATIONS
Media Access ProtocolIEEE 802.11
Operating FrequenciesIEEE 802.11a:
North America: 5.15~5.850GHz
Europe: 5.15~5.725GHz
Taiwan: 5.15~5.850GHz
This example uses the network sharing feature in Windows 2000 to bridge the wired and
wireless network when you set the AG-225H v2 in access point (AP) mode.
Refer to Chapter 5 on page 57 for setup methods and requirements.
Steps may vary depending on your Windows version.
Configuring the Computer on Which You Install the AG-225H
v2
1 Refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 21to set the AG-225H v2 to operate in AP mode.
Control Panel and double-click Network and Dial-up Connections).
Figure 46 Windows 2000: Start
3 Right-click on the icon for your wired Ethernet adapter and click Properties.
Appendix B71
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Figure 47 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections
4 A Properties screen displays. Click the Sharing tab and select Enable Internet
Connection Sharing for this connection. Click OK.
Figure 48 Windows 2000: Network Properties
If there is more than one network adapter on the computer, select Enable Internet
Connection Sharing for this connection and select the network adapter to which you
want to share network access.
72Appendix B
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Figure 49 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter
5 A notice screen displays. Click Ye s .
Figure 50 Windows 2000: Local Network
Configuring the Wireless Station Computer
Refer to Appendix E on page 93 for information on how to set up the IP address of a computer
you want to connect wirelessly to the AG-225H v2.
Appendix B73
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74Appendix B
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
APPENDIXC
Management with Wireless Zero
Configuration
This appendix shows you how to manage your AG-225H v2 using the Windows XP wireless
zero configuration tool.
Be sure you have the Windows XP service pack 2 installed on your computer. Otherwise, you
should at least have the Windows XP service pack 1 already on your computer and download
the support patch for WPA from the Microsoft web site.
Windows XP SP2 screen shots are shown unless otherwise specified. Click the help icon (
) in most screens, move the cursor to the item that you want the information about and click to
view the help.
Activating Wireless Zero Configuration
Make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is
selected in the Wireless Network Connection Properties screen. Refer to Appendix C on
page 71.
If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for
information on starting WZC.
Figure 51 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available
Appendix C75
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Connecting to a Wireless Network
1 Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray to open the
Wireless Network Connection Status screen.
Figure 52 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon
The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the AG225H v2. Refer to the following table for details.
Table 25 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon
ICONDESCRIPTION
The AG-225H v2 is connected to a wireless network.
The AG-225H v2 is in the process of connecting to a wireless network.
The connection to a wireless network is limited because the network did not assign a
network address to the computer.
The AG-225H v2 is not connected to a wireless network.
2 Windows XP SP2: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click View
Wireless Networks to open the Wireless Network Connection screen.
Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status
76Appendix C
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties
and the Wireless Networks tab to open the Wireless Network Connection Properties
screen.
Figure 54 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status
3 Windows XP SP2: Click Refresh network list to reload and search for available wireless
devices within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the list and click Connect
to join the selected wireless network.
Figure 55 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection
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The following table describes the icons in the wireless network list.
Table 26 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection
ICONDESCRIPTION
This denotes that wireless security is activated for the wireless network.
This denotes that this wireless network is your preferred network. Ordering your preferred
networks is important because the AG-225H v2 tries to associate to the preferred network
first in the order that you specify. Refer to the section on ordering the preferred networks
for detailed information.
This denotes the signal strength of the wireless network.
Move your cursor to the icon to see details on the signal strength.
Windows XP SP1: Click Refresh to reload and search for available wireless devices
within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the Available networks list, click Configure and set the related fields to the same security settings as the associated AP to
add the selected network into the Preferred networks table. Click OK to join the selected
wireless network. Refer to the section on security settings (discussed later) for more
information.
Figure 56 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties
4 4.Windows XP SP2: If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network,
the Wireless Network Connection screen displays. You must set the related fields in the
Wireless Network Connection screen to the same security settings as the associated AP
and click Connect. Refer to the section about security settings for more information.
Otherwise click Cancel and connect to another wireless network without data encryption.
78Appendix C
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If there is no security activated for the selected wireless network, a warning screen
appears. Click Connect Anyway if wireless security is not your concern.
Figure 57 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK
Figure 58 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security
5 Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the
connection status in the wireless network list or the connection icon in the Preferred
networks or Available networks list.
The following table describes the connection icons.
Table 27 Windows XP: Wireless Networks
ICONDESCRIPTION
This denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.
This denotes the AG-225H v2 is associated to the wireless network.
This denotes the wireless network is not available.
Security Settings
When you configure the AG-225H v2 to connect to a secure network but the security settings
are not yet enabled on the AG-225H v2, you will see different screens according to the
authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.
Association
Select a network in the Preferred networks list and click Properties to view or configure
security.
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Figure 59 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association
LABELDESCRIPTION
Network name
(SSID)
Network
Authentication
Data EncryptionThis field automatically shows the encryption type (TKIP, WEP or Disable) used by
Network KeyEnter the pre-shared key or WEP key.
Confirm network
key
Key index
(advanced)
The key is
provided for me
automatically
This is a
computer-tocomputer (ad hoc)
network; wireless
access points are
not used
OKClick OK to save your changes.
CancelClick Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.
This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless network.
This field automatically shows the authentication method (Share, Open, WPA or WPA-PSK) used by the selected network.
the selected network.
The values for the keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in
the same wireless LAN.
Enter the key again for confirmation.
Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption.
This field is available only when the network use WEP encryption method and the
The key is provided for me automatically check box is not selected.
If this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the AG-225H v2 a key.
If this check box is selected, you are connecting to another computer directly.
80Appendix C
Authentication
Click the Authentication tab in the Wireless (network) properties screen to display the
screen shown next. The fields on this screen are grayed out when the network is in Ad-Hoc
mode or data encryption is disabled.
Figure 60 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 29 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication
LABELDESCRIPTION
Enable IEEE
802.1x
authentication for
this network
EAP TypeSelect the type of EAP authentication. Options are Protected EAP (PEAP) and
PropertiesClick this button to open the properties screen and configure certificates. The
Authenticate as
computer when
computer
information is
available
Authenticate as
guest when user
or computer
information is
unavailable
OKClick OK to save your changes.
CancelClick Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.
This field displays whether the IEEE 802.1x authentication is active.
If the network authentication is set to Open in the previous screen, you can choose
to disable or enable this feature.
Smart Card or other Certificate.
screen varies depending on what you select in the EAP type field.
Select this check box to have the computer send its information to the network for
authentication when a user is not logged on.
Select this check box to have the computer access to the network as a guest when
a user is not logged on or computer information is not available.
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Authentication Properties
Select an EAP authentication type in the Wireless (network) properties: Authentication
screen and click the Properties button to display the following screen.
Protected EAP Properties
Figure 61 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 30 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties
LABELDESCRIPTION
Validate server
certificate
Connect to these
servers
Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:
Select the check box to verify the certificate of the authentication server.
Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your
computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain.
Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.
Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and
obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.
Do not prompt
user to authorize
new server or
trusted
certification
authorities.
Select
Authentication
Method:
Select this check box to verify a new authentication server or trusted CA without
prompting.
This field is available only if you installed the Windows XP server pack 2.
Select an authentication method from the drop-down list box and click Configure
to do settings.
82Appendix C
Table 30 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties
LABELDESCRIPTION
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Enable Fast
Reconnect
OKClick OK to save your changes.
CancelClick Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.
Select the check box to automatically reconnect to the network (without reauthentication) if the wireless connection goes down.
Smart Card or other Certificate Properties
Figure 62 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Table 31 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties
LABELDESCRIPTION
Use my smart card Select this check box to use the smart card for authentication.
Use a certificate
on this computer
Validate server
certificate
Connect to these
servers
Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:
Select this check box to use a certificate on your computer for authentication.
Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.
Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your
computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain.
Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.
Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and
obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.
View CertificateClick this button if you want to verify the selected certificate.
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Table 31 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties
LABELDESCRIPTION
Use a different
user name for the
connection:
OKClick OK to save your changes.
CancelClick Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.
Select the check box to use a different user name when the user name in the smart
card or certificate is not the same as the user name in the domain that you are
logged on to.
Ordering the Preferred Networks
Follow the steps below to manage your preferred networks.
1 Windows XP SP2: Click Change the order of preferred networks in the Wireless
Network Connection screen (seeFigure 55 on page 77). The screen displays as shown.
Figure 63 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks
Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties
and the Wireless Networks tab to open the screen as shown.
84Appendix C
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
Figure 64 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks
2 Whenever the AG-225H v2 tries to connect to a new network, the new network is added
in the Preferred networks table automatically. Select a network and click Move up or
Move down to change it's order, click Remove to delete it or click Properties to view the
security, authentication or connection information of the selected network. Click Add to
add a preferred network into the list manually.
Appendix C85
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86Appendix C
Types of EAP Authentication
This section discusses some popular authentication types: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS,
PEAP and LEAP. Your wireless LAN device may not support all authentication types.
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the
IEEE 802.1x transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By
using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a
wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication.
The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server and an intermediary AP(s)
that supports IEEE 802.1x.
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
APPENDIXD
Wireless Security
For EAP-TLS authentication type, you must first have a wired connection to the network and
obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). A certificate (also called digital IDs)
can be used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of
each certificate owner.
EAP-MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5)
MD5 authentication is the simplest one-way authentication method. The authentication server
sends a challenge to the wireless station. The wireless station ‘proves’ that it knows the
password by encrypting the password with the challenge and sends back the information.
Password is not sent in plain text.
However, MD5 authentication has some weaknesses. Since the authentication server needs to
get the plaintext passwords, the passwords must be stored. Thus someone other than the
authentication server may access the password file. In addition, it is possible to impersonate an
authentication server as MD5 authentication method does not perform mutual authentication.
Finally, MD5 authentication method does not support data encryption with dynamic session
key. You must configure WEP encryption keys for data encryption.
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EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security)
With EAP-TLS, digital certifications are needed by both the server and the wireless stations
for mutual authentication. The server presents a certificate to the client. After validating the
identity of the server, the client sends a different certificate to the server. The exchange of
certificates is done in the open before a secured tunnel is created. This makes user identity
vulnerable to passive attacks. A digital certificate is an electronic ID card that authenticates the
sender’s identity. However, to implement EAP-TLS, you need a Certificate Authority (CA) to
handle certificates, which imposes a management overhead.
EAP-TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Service)
EAP-TTLS is an extension of the EAP-TLS authentication that uses certificates for only the
server-side authentications to establish a secure connection. Client authentication is then done
by sending username and password through the secure connection, thus client identity is
protected. For client authentication, EAP-TTLS supports EAP methods and legacy
authentication methods such as PAP, CHAP, MS-CHAP and MS-CHAP v2.
PEAP (Protected EAP)
Like EAP-TTLS, server-side certificate authentication is used to establish a secure connection,
then use simple username and password methods through the secured connection to
authenticate the clients, thus hiding client identity. However, PEAP only supports EAP
methods, such as EAP-MD5, EAP-MSCHAPv2 and EAP-GTC (EAP-Generic Token Card),
for client authentication. EAP-GTC is implemented only by Cisco.
LEAP
LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a Cisco implementation of IEEE
802.1x.
Dynamic WEP Key Exchange
The AP maps a unique key that is generated with the RADIUS server. This key expires when
the wireless connection times out, disconnects or reauthentication times out. A new WEP key
is generated each time reauthentication is performed.
If this feature is enabled, it is not necessary to configure a default encryption key in the
Wireless screen. You may still configure and store keys here, but they will not be used while
Dynamic WEP is enabled.
Note: EAP-MD5 cannot be used with Dynamic WEP Key Exchange
88Appendix D
For added security, certificate-based authentications (EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and PEAP) use
dynamic keys for data encryption. They are often deployed in corporate environments, but for
public deployment, a simple user name and password pair is more practical. The following
table is a comparison of the features of authentication types.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE
802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and
key management than WPA.
Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user
authentication.
If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS
server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server,
you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical)
password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the
passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN.
If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending
on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.
Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is
less secure than WPA or WPA2.
Encryption
Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
(TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. WPA and WPA2 use Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message
authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption than TKIP.
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TKIP uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and distributed by the authentication
server. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a block cipher that uses a 256-bit
mathematical algorithm called Rijndael. They both include a per-packet key mixing function,
a Message Integrity Check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with
sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism.
WPA and WPA2 regularly change and rotate the encryption keys so that the same encryption
key is never used twice.
The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up
a key hierarchy and management system, using the PMK to dynamically generate unique data
encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP
and the wireless stations. This all happens in the background automatically.
The Message Integrity Check (MIC) is designed to prevent an attacker from capturing data
packets, altering them and resending them. The MIC provides a strong mathematical function
in which the receiver and the transmitter each compute and then compare the MIC. If they do
not match, it is assumed that the data has been tampered with and the packet is dropped.
By generating unique data encryption keys for every data packet and by creating an integrity
checking mechanism (MIC), with TKIP and AES it is more difficult to decrypt data on a Wi-Fi
network than WEP and difficult for an intruder to break into the network.
The encryption mechanisms used for WPA(2) and WPA(2)-PSK are the same. The only
difference between the two is that WPA(2)-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of
user-specific credentials. The common-password approach makes WPA(2)-PSK susceptible to
brute-force password-guessing attacks but it’s still an improvement over WEP as it employs a
consistent, single, alphanumeric password to derive a PMK which is used to generate unique
temporal encryption keys. This prevent all wireless devices sharing the same encryption keys.
(a weakness of WEP)
User Authentication
WPA and WPA2 apply IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to
authenticate wireless stations using an external RADIUS database. WPA2 reduces the number
of key exchange messages from six to four (CCMP 4-way handshake) and shortens the time
required to connect to a network. Other WPA2 authentication features that are different from
WPA include key caching and pre-authentication. These two features are optional and may not
be supported in all wireless devices.
Key caching allows a wireless client to store the PMK it derived through a successful
authentication with an AP. The wireless client uses the PMK when it tries to connect to the
same AP and does not need to go with the authentication process again.
Pre-authentication enables fast roaming by allowing the wireless client (already connecting to
an AP) to perform IEEE 802.1x authentication with another AP before connecting to it.
90Appendix D
WPA(2)-PSK Application Example
A WPA(2)s-PSK application looks as follows.
1 First enter identical passwords into the AP and all wireless clients. The Pre-Shared Key
(PSK) must consist of between 8 and 63 ASCII characters or 64 hexadecimal characters
(including spaces and symbols).
2 The AP checks each client's password and (only) allows it to join the network if it
matches its password.
3 The AP and wireless clients use the pre-shared key to generate a common PMK.
4 The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP or AES encryption process to encrypt data
exchanged between them.
Figure 65 WPA-PSK Authentication
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example
You need the IP address of the RADIUS server, its port number (default is 1812), and the
RADIUS shared secret. A WPA(2) application example with an external RADIUS server
looks as follows. "A" is the RADIUS server. "DS" is the distribution system.
1 The AP passes the wireless client's authentication request to the RADIUS server.
2 The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants
or denies network access accordingly.
3 The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then
sets up a key hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically
generate unique data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly
communicated between the AP and the wireless clients.
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Figure 66 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example
Security Parameters Summary
Refer to this table to see what other security parameters you should configure for each
Authentication Method/ key management protocol type. MAC address filters are not
dependent on how you configure these security features.
Table 33 Wireless Security Relational Matrix
AUTHENTICATION
METHOD/ KEY
MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
OpenNoneNoDisable
OpenWEPNo Enable with Dynamic WEP Key
SharedWEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP Key
WPA TKIP/AESNoEnable
WPA-PSK TKIP/AESYesDisable
WPA2TKIP/AESNoEnable
WPA2-PSK TKIP/AESYe sDisable
ENCRYPTION
METHOD
ENTER
MANUAL KEY
YesEnable without Dynamic WEP Key
YesDisable
YesEnable without Dynamic WEP Key
YesDisable
IEEE 802.1X
Enable without Dynamic WEP Key
92Appendix D
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APPENDIXE
Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address
All computers must have a 10M or 100M Ethernet adapter card and TCP/IP installed.
Windows 2000 and XP usually include TCP/IP.
Configure the TCP/IP settings in order to "communicate" with your network.
Windows 2000/XP
1 For Windows XP, click start, Control Panel. In Windows 2000/NT, click Start,
Settings, Control Panel.
Figure 67 Windows XP: Start Menu
2 For Windows XP, click Network Connections. For Windows 2000/NT, click Network
and Dial-up Connections.
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Figure 68 Windows XP: Control Panel
3 Right-click Local Area Connection and then click Properties.
Figure 69 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties
4 Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (under the General tab in Win XP) and click
Properties.
94Appendix E
Figure 70 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties
ZyXEL AG-225H v2 User’s Guide
5 The Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window opens (the General tab in Windows
XP).
•If you have a dynamic IP address click Obtain an IP address automatically.
•If you have a static IP address click Use the following IP Address
and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway fields.
Click Advanced.
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Figure 71 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings
6 If you do not know your gateway's IP address, remove any previously installed gateways
in the IP Settings tab and click OK.
Do one or more of the following if you want to configure additional IP addresses:
•In the IP Settings tab, in IP addresses, click Add.
•In TCP/IP Address, type an IP address in IP address and a subnet
mask in Subnet mask, and then click Add.
•Repeat the above two steps for each IP address you want to add.
•Configure additional default gateways in the IP Settings tab by
clicking Add in Default gateways.
•In TCP/IP Gateway Address, type the IP address of the default
gateway in Gateway. To manually configure a default metric (the
number of transmission hops), clear the Automatic metric check box
and type a metric in Metric.
•Click Add.
•Repeat the previous three steps for each default gateway you want to
add.
•Click OK when finished.
7 In the Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window (the General tab in Windows XP):
•Click Obtain DNS server address automatically if you do not know
your DNS server IP address(es).
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•If you know your DNS server IP address(es), click Use the following
DNS server addresses, and type them in the Preferred DNS server
and Alternate DNS server fields.
If you have previously configured DNS servers, click Advanced and
then the DNS tab to order them.
Figure 72 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties
8 Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.
9 Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.
10Restart your computer (if prompted).
Verifying Settings
1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories and then Command Prompt.
2 In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and then press [ENTER]. You can
also open Network Connections, right-click a network connection, click Status and then
click the Support tab.
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98Appendix E
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Index
A
About63
About your ZyXEL Device19
Access point (AP)19, 25, 33
Access point mode21, 31, 40, 57
additional setup requirements58
Activating a profile54
Adapter54
Add new profile50
Ad-Hoc20, 51, 53
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)36, 89
Advanced settings54
Antenna gain60
Antenna output power59, 69
AP. See also Access point.
Authentication method
open system35
shared key36
Authentication types35
Available network list42
C
D
Data encryption43
Data traffic statistics41
dBm60
Dimensions69
Disclaimer3
Driver version63
Dynamic WEP Key Exchange88