ZyXEL B-120 Installation guide

Wireless LAN Utility

User's Guide

Version 2.0

September 2003

Note to OEMs: ZyXEL provides this document as a sample User’s Guide. This User’s Guide may require customization to reflect your own company name, product name and/or document style.

Possible words you may want to change: OEM, WLAN Adapter, WLAN Utility

Wireless LAN Utility

Copyright

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part or as a whole, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, photocopying, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the OEM.

Disclaimer

The OEM does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, or software described herein. Neither does it convey any license under its patent rights nor the patents' rights of others. The OEM further reserves the right to make changes in any products described herein without notice. This publication is subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

Trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for identification purposes only and may be properties of their respective owners.

ii Copyright

Wireless LAN Utility

Limited Warranty

Limited Warranty iii

Wireless LAN Utility

Information for Canadian Users

The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective operation and safety requirements. The Industry Canada does not guarantee that the equipment will operate to a user's satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the company's inside wiring associated with a single line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly. The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

For their own protection, users should ensure that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Caution

Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.

Note

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry.

iv Information for Canadian Users

Wireless LAN Utility

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) Interference Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

2. 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.

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:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

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

connected.

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

Caution

This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following conditions:

1. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna (installed to end product) shall not be less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation.

2. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter

As long as the 2 conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed (for example, digital device emission, PC peripheral requirements, etc.).

Notice 1

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Additional Information to OEM Integrators

FCC Statement v

Wireless LAN Utility

The end user should NOT be provided any instructions on how to remove or install the device.

End Product Labeling

This transmitter module is authorized only for use in devices where the antenna may be installed such that 20 cm may be maintained between the antenna and users (for example access points, routers, wireless ASDL modems, and similar equipment). The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following: Contains TX FCC ID: I88B-120

IMPORTANT NOTE

1. In the event that these conditions can not be met (for example certain laptop configurations or colocation with another transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid and the FCC ID can not be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.

2. To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be colocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter."

Certifications

Refer to the product page at OEM web site.

vi FCC Statement

Wireless LAN Utility

Customer Support

When contacting your Customer Support Representative, please have the following information ready:

 Product model and serial number.

 Warranty Information.

 Date you received your product.  Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.

LOCATION

METHOD

E-MAIL

SUPPORT/SALES

TELEPHONE/FAX WEB SITE/ FTP SITE REGULAR MAIL

Customer Support vii

Wireless LAN Utility

Table of Contents

Copyright.......................................................................................................................................................ii

Limited Warranty........................................................................................................................................iii

Information for Canadian Users.................................................................................................................iv

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement....................................................v

Customer Support.......................................................................................................................................vii

List of Figures...............................................................................................................................................xi

List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................xi

Preface..........................................................................................................................................................xii

Chapter 1 Wireless Network Basics .........................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Benefits of a Wireless LAN .........................................................................................................1-1

1.3 Applications .................................................................................................................................1-1

1.3.1 Ad-hoc..................................................................................................................................1-1

1.3.2 Infrastructure........................................................................................................................1-2

Chapter 2 Disable Windows XP Configuration Tool ..............................................................................2-1

Chapter 3 Using the Wireless LAN Utility...............................................................................................3-1

3.1 Accessing the WLAN Utility .......................................................................................................3-1

3.2 Viewing Current Configuration ...................................................................................................3-1

3.2.1 Common Screen Command Buttons....................................................................................3-3

3.3 The About Screen.........................................................................................................................3-3

3.4 Wireless LAN Parameters............................................................................................................3-5

3.4.1 SSID.....................................................................................................................................3-5

3.4.2 Channel ................................................................................................................................3-5

3.4.3 Tx Rate.................................................................................................................................3-5

3.5 Wireless Network Type................................................................................................................3-5

3.5.1 Ad-Hoc (IBSS).....................................................................................................................3-5

3.5.2 Infrastructure........................................................................................................................3-6

3.6 Roaming.......................................................................................................................................3-7

3.7 The Site Survey Screen ................................................................................................................3-8

3.7.1 Connecting to a Network....................................................................................................3-10

3.8 Configuring the Wireless Parameters.........................................................................................3-11

3.9 Network Configuration Profile Setting ......................................................................................3-12

3.9.1 Resetting to Factory Default Values ..................................................................................3-12

3.9.2 Saving the Current Setting to a Profile...............................................................................3-13

3.9.3 Using a Pre-configured Profile...........................................................................................3-13

3.9.4 Deleting a Profile ...............................................................................................................3-13

Chapter 4 Wireless LAN Security ............................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................4-1

4.2 Data Encryption with WEP..........................................................................................................4-1

Table of Contents ix

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4.2.1 Authentication Mode ...........................................................................................................4-1

4.2.2 Configuring the WEP Encryption ........................................................................................ 4-1

Chapter 5 Advanced Configuration.........................................................................................................5-1

5.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Threshold Control................................................................................................................ 5-1

5.1.2 Authentication Mode ...........................................................................................................5-2

5.1.3 Preamble Type ..................................................................................................................... 5-2

5.2 The Advanced Screen .................................................................................................................. 5-3

Chapter 6 Removing and Upgrading the WLAN Utility........................................................................6-1

6.1 Removing the WLAN Utility.......................................................................................................6-1

6.2 Upgrading the WLAN Utility ......................................................................................................6-1

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................7-1

7.1 Problems Starting the WLAN Utility Program............................................................................ 7-1

7.2 Problems Communicating With Other Computers ......................................................................7-2

7.3 Problem with the Link Status....................................................................................................... 7-2

Index ............................................................................................................................................................. A

x Table of Contents

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List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Ad-hoc Application Example .....................................................................................................1-2

Figure 1-2 Infrastructure Application Example............................................................................................1-2

Figure 2-1 Windows XP: System Tray Icon.................................................................................................2-1

Figure 2-2 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Status ..................................................................2-2

Figure 2-3 Windows XP: Connect to Wireless Network..............................................................................2-2

Figure 2-4 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Properties............................................................2-3

Figure 3-1 WLAN Utility System Tray Icon................................................................................................3-1

Figure 3-2 WLAN Utility: WLAN Status....................................................................................................3-2

Figure 3-3 WLAN Utility: About.................................................................................................................3-4

Figure 3-4 Ad-hoc Network Example..........................................................................................................3-6

Figure 3-5 BSS Example..............................................................................................................................3-6

Figure 3-6 Infrastructure Network Example ................................................................................................3-7

Figure 3-7 Roaming Example......................................................................................................................3-8

Figure 3-8 WLAN Utility: Site Survey........................................................................................................3-9

Figure 3-9 Site Survey Warning .................................................................................................................3-10

Figure 3-10 WLAN Utility: Network Configuration .................................................................................3-11

Figure 4-1 WLAN Utility: Security .............................................................................................................4-2

Figure 5-1 RTS Threshold............................................................................................................................5-1

Figure 5-2 WLAN Utility: Advanced...........................................................................................................5-3

List of Tables

Table 3-1 System Tray Icon Description......................................................................................................3-1

Table 3-2 WLAN Utility: WLAN Status......................................................................................................3-2

Table 3-3 Common Screen Command Buttons............................................................................................3-3

Table 3-4 WLAN Utility: About ..................................................................................................................3-4

Table 3-5 WLAN Utility: Site Survey..........................................................................................................3-9

Table 3-6 Color Indicator for Link Quality/Link Strength .........................................................................3-10

Table 3-7 WLAN Utility: Network Configuration .....................................................................................3-12

Table 4-1 WLAN Utility: Security...............................................................................................................4-2

Table 5-1 WLAN Utility: Advanced ............................................................................................................5-4

Table 7-1 Troubleshooting Starting WLAN Utility Program .......................................................................7-1

Table 7-2 Troubleshooting Communication Problems.................................................................................7-2

Table 7-3 Troubleshooting Link Quality ......................................................................................................7-2

List of Figures/Tables xi

Wireless LAN Utility

Preface

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Wireless LAN Adapter!

About This User's Guide

A practical and comprehensive tool, this guide provides information about the Wireless LAN Utility operation.

This guide is for wireless devices that uses the Wireless LAN Utility program, thus the model name shown in the screens may vary from what you actually purchased.

Familiarize yourself with the Syntax Conventions listed for better and faster understanding.

Wireless Network Basics

This chapter gives you an overview of what a wireless network is, its advantages and

applications.

1.1 Introduction

A wireless LAN (WLAN) provides a flexible data communication system that you can use to access various services (navigating the Internet, email, printer services, etc.) on the wired network without additional expensive network cabling infrastructure. In effect, a wireless LAN environment provides you the freedom to stay connected to the wired network while moving in the coverage area.

1.2 Benefits of a Wireless LAN

 Access to network services in areas otherwise hard or expensive to wire, such as historical

buildings, buildings with asbestos materials and classrooms.

 Doctors and nurses can access a complete patient’s profile on a handheld or notebook computer

upon entering a patient’s room.

 It allows flexible workgroups a lower total cost of ownership for networks that are frequently

reconfigured.

 Conference room users can access the network as they move from meeting to meeting- accessing

up-to-date information that facilitates the ability to communicate decisions “on the fly”.

 It provides campus-wide networking coverage, allowing enterprises the roaming capability to set

up easy-to-use wireless networks that transparently covers an entire campus.

1.3 Applications

Unlike wired networks, you can set up wireless networks in two different modes: infrastructure and ad-hoc. Set up your wireless network depending on your network needs. The following sections describe each network mode.

1.3.1 Ad-hoc

An ad-hoc network consists of two or more computers communicating with one another through the wireless network. No access points (APs) or existing wired networks are needed. An access point acts as a bridge between the wireless and wired networks

Wireless Network Basics 1-1

Wireless LAN Utility

Figure 1-1 Ad-hoc Application Example

1.3.2 Infrastructure

When wireless clients wish to access and share resources on the wired network, they should use infrastructure mode. Wireless clients may move from one coverage area to another seamlessly without network interruption. This is called roaming.

The figure below depicts an infrastructure network example

Figure 1-2 Infrastructure Application Example

1-2 Wireless Network Basics

Wireless LAN Utility

Chapter 2

Disable Windows XP Configuration Tool

Windows XP includes a basic configuration tool for wireless devices.

DO NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool together with the WLAN Utility. It

is recommended you use the WLAN Utility to configure the WLAN Adapter.

Follow the steps below to disable the configuration tool in Windows XP after you install the WLAN Utility.

Step 1. Double-click on the network icon for wireless connection in the system tray. Proceed to Step 2

if the icon is not present. Otherwise go to Step 5.

Figure 2-1 Windows XP: System Tray Icon

Step 2. If the icon for the wireless network connection is not in the system tray, click start, Control

Panel and double-click on Network Connections.

Disable Windows XP 2-1

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