ZyXEL B-220 User Manual

ZyAIR
Wireless LAN Utility
User's Guide
Version 4.0
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Copyright

Copyright ©2004 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation
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 ZyXEL Communications Corporation.
Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
ZyXEL 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. ZyXEL 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
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

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 value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL. This warranty shall not apply if the product is 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 of character to the purchaser.
To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center for your Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. 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 online at www.zyxel.com
for free future product updates and information.
ZyXEL Limited Warranty iii
ZyAIR 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
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Federal Communications Commission
1
(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.
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.
Caution
1. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Certifications
Refer to the product page at www.zyxel.com
1
Refer to the Quick Installation Guide for model specific FCC statement(s) and the procedure to view the
product’s certification(s).
FCC Statement v
.
ZyAIR 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
WORLDWIDE
AMERICA
SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE2 WEB SITE METHOD
SALES E-MAIL FAX2 FTP SITE
support@zyxel.com.tw +886-3-578-3942 www.zyxel.com
ZyXEL Communications
sales@zyxel.com.tw
support@zyxel.com +1-800-255-4101
sales@zyxel.com
support@zyxel.de +49-2405-6909-0 www.zyxel.de GERMANY
sales@zyxel.de
support@zyxel.es +34 902 195 420 SPAIN
sales@zyxel.es
support@zyxel.dk +45 39 55 07 00 www.zyxel.dk DENMARK
sales@zyxel.dk
support@zyxel.no +47 22 80 61 80 www.zyxel.no NORWAY
sales@zyxel.no
+886-3-578-2439 ftp.europe.zyxel.com
+1-714-632-0882
+1-714-632-0858 ftp.us.zyxel.com
+49-2405-6909-99
+33 (0)4 72 52 97 97 FRANCE info@zyxel.fr
+33 (0)4 72 52 19 20
+34 913 005 345
+45 39 55 07 07
+47 22 80 61 81
www.europe.zyxel.com ftp.zyxel.com
www.us.zyxel.com NORTH
www.zyxel.fr ZyXEL France
www.zyxel.es
REGULAR MAIL
ZyXEL Communications Corp. 6 Innovation Road II Science Park Hsinchu 300 Taiwan
ZyXEL Communications Inc. 1130 N. Miller St. Anaheim CA 92806-2001 U.S.A.
ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH. Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146 Wuerselen Germany
1 rue des Vergers Bat. 1 / C 69760 Limonest France
Alejandro Villegas 33 1º, 28043 Madrid Spain
ZyXEL Communications A/S Columbusvej 5 2860 Soeborg Denmark
ZyXEL Communications A/S Nils Hansens vei 13 0667 Oslo Norway
2
“+” is the (prefix) number you enter to make an international telephone call.
Customer Support vii
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE2 WEB SITE METHOD
LOCATION
FINLAND support@zyxel.fi +358-9-4780-8411 www.zyxel.fi ZyXEL Communications Oy
SALES E-MAIL FAX2 FTP SITE
support@zyxel.se +46 31 744 7700 www.zyxel.se SWEDEN
sales@zyxel.se
+46 31 744 7701
REGULAR MAIL
ZyXEL Communications A/S Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg Sweden
Malminkaari 10 00700 Helsinki Finland
viii Information for Canadian Users
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Table of Contents
Copyright.......................................................................................................................................................ii
ZyXEL 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 ...............................................................................................................................................xii
Preface.........................................................................................................................................................xiii
Chapter 1 Getting Started.........................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 About Your ZyAIR ......................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation.....................................................................................1-1
1.3 Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool ...........................................................1-1
1.4 Accessing the ZyAIR Utility........................................................................................................1-4
1.5 ZyAIR Modes ..............................................................................................................................1-5
1.5.1 Change ZyAIR Modes .........................................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network............................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1.1 SSID.....................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1.2 Channel ................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)................................................................................................2-1
2.1.4 Wireless Network Application .............................................................................................2-2
2.1.5 Roaming...............................................................................................................................2-4
2.2 Wireless LAN Security ................................................................................................................2-5
2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP ..................................................................................................2-5
2.3 Fragmentation Threshold .............................................................................................................2-5
2.4 RTS/CTS Threshold.....................................................................................................................2-5
2.5 Authentication Type.....................................................................................................................2-6
2.6 Preamble Type .............................................................................................................................2-7
Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration....................................................................................3-1
3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 The Link Info Screen ...................................................................................................................3-1
3.3 The Configuration Screen ............................................................................................................3-2
3.4 The Site Survey Screen ................................................................................................................3-5
3.4.1 Connecting to a Network......................................................................................................3-6
3.5 The Security Screen .....................................................................................................................3-7
3.6 The Advanced Screen ..................................................................................................................3-9
Table of Contents ix
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration..........................................................................................4-1
4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 Additional Setup Requirements ...........................................................................................4-1
4.2 The Link Info Screen ...................................................................................................................4-1
4.3 The Configuration Screen............................................................................................................4-3
4.4 The Link Status Screen ................................................................................................................ 4-6
4.5 The Security Screen..................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.6 The MAC Filter Screen................................................................................................................4-8
Chapter 5 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................5-1
5.1 The About Screen ........................................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Removing the ZyAIR Utility .......................................................................................................5-2
5.3 Upgrading the ZyAIR Utility.......................................................................................................5-2
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................6-1
6.1 Problems Starting the ZyAIR Utility Program.............................................................................6-1
6.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point...................................................................................... 6-2
6.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers ......................................................................6-2
6.4 Problem with the Link Status.......................................................................................................6-3
Appendix A Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address ............................................................................. A
Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example ......................................................................................M
Index .............................................................................................................................................................Q
x Table of Contents
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Windows XP: System Tray Icon.................................................................................................1-2
Figure 1-2 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Status ..................................................................1-2
Figure 1-3 Windows XP: Connect to Wireless Network..............................................................................1-3
Figure 1-4 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Properties............................................................1-4
Figure 1-5 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon...............................................................................................1-4
Figure 1-6 ZyAIR Utility: Switch Modes ....................................................................................................1-5
Figure 2-1 IBSS Example ............................................................................................................................2-2
Figure 2-2 BSS Example..............................................................................................................................2-3
Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example ................................................................................................2-3
Figure 2-4 ZyAIR as an Access Point Example...........................................................................................2-4
Figure 2-5 Roaming Example......................................................................................................................2-4
Figure 2-6 RTS Threshold............................................................................................................................2-6
Figure 3-1 Station Mode: Link Info.............................................................................................................3-1
Figure 3-2 Station Mode: Configuration......................................................................................................3-3
Figure 3-3 Station Mode: Site Survey..........................................................................................................3-5
Figure 3-4 Station Mode: Site Survey Warning ...........................................................................................3-6
Figure 3-5 Station Mode: Security...............................................................................................................3-7
Figure 3-6 Station Mode: Advanced ............................................................................................................3-9
Figure 4-1 Access Point Mode: Link Info....................................................................................................4-2
Figure 4-2 Access Point Mode: Configuration.............................................................................................4-4
Figure 4-3 Access Point Mode: Link Status.................................................................................................4-6
Figure 4-4 Access Point Mode: Security......................................................................................................4-7
Figure 4-5 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ................................................................................................4-8
Figure 5-1 About ..........................................................................................................................................5-1
Figure 5-2 Confirm File Deletion ................................................................................................................5-2
List of Figures xi
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

List of Tables

Table 1-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon ................................................................................................1-5
Table 3-1 Station Mode: Link Info ..............................................................................................................3-2
Table 3-2 Station Mode: Configuration .......................................................................................................3-3
Table 3-3 Station Mode: Site Survey ........................................................................................................... 3-5
Table 3-4 Color Indicator for Link Quality/Link Strength...........................................................................3-6
Table 3-5 Station Mode: Security ................................................................................................................3-7
Table 3-6 Station Mode: Advanced............................................................................................................ 3-10
Table 4-1 Access Point Mode: Link Info .....................................................................................................4-2
Table 4-2 Access Point Mode: Configuration ..............................................................................................4-4
Table 4-3 Access Point Mode: Link Status ..................................................................................................4-6
Table 4-4 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter..................................................................................................4-9
Table 5-1 About ...........................................................................................................................................5-2
Table 6-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyAIR Utility Program .......................................................................6-1
Table 6-2 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem.................................................................... 6-2
Table 6-3 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ................................................................................6-2
Table 6-4 Troubleshooting Link Quality......................................................................................................6-3
xii List of Tables
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Preface

Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZyAIR!
About This User's Guide
This manual provides information about the ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility.
This guide is for ZyAIR wireless LAN adapters that use the ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility for configuration, thus the model name shown in the screens may vary from what you actually purchased.
Syntax Conventions
“Type” or “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. "Select" or "Choose" means for
you to use one of the predefined choices.
Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “click the Apple icon, Control
Panels and then Modem” means first click the Apple icon, then point your mouse pointer to Control Panels and then click Modem.
Window and command choices are in Bold Times New Roman font. Predefined field choices are
in Bold Arial font.
The ZyXEL ZyAIR wireless LAN adapter is referred to as the ZyAIR in this guide.
The ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility may be referred to as the ZyAIR WLAN Utility or, simply, as
the ZyAIR Utility in this guide.
Related Documentation
Support Disk
Refer to the included CD for support documents and device drivers.
Quick Installation Guide
Our Quick Installation Guide is designed to help you get your ZyAIR up and running right away. It contains a detailed easy-to-follow connection diagram and information on installing your ZyAIR.
ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site
Please refer to www.zyxel.com documentation.
User Guide Feedback
Help us help you. E-mail all User’s 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.
for an online glossary of networking terms and additional support
Preface xiii
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Graphics Icons Key
ZyWALL
Server
Telephone
DSLAM
Computer
Modem
Switch
Wireless Access Point
Notebook computer
Firewall
Router
Wireless Signal
xiv Preface
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Chapter 1

Getting Started

This chapter introduces the ZyAIR and prepares you to use the ZyAIR Utility.

1.1 About Your ZyAIR

The ZyAIR is an IEEE 802.11b compliant wireless LAN adapter. With the ZyAIR, you can enjoy the wireless mobility within the coverage area.
The following lists the main features of your ZyAIR.
Your ZyAIR can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/Wi-Fi compliant wireless devices.
Automatic rate selection.
Offers 64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network security.
Proprietary SoftAP feature turns your ZyAIR into an access point (AP).
Low CPU utilization allowing more computer system resources for other programs.
A built-in antenna
Driver support for Windows XP/2000/Me/98 SE

1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation

Follow the instructions in the Quick Installation Guide to install the ZyAIR driver and utility and make hardware connections.

1.3 Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

Windows XP includes a configuration tool for wireless devices.
DO NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool and the ZyAIR Utility at the same
time. It is recommended that you use the ZyAIR Utility to configure the ZyAIR.
Follow the steps below to disable the configuration tool in Windows XP after you install the ZyAIR Utility. Refer to the Quick Installation Guide for more information.
Getting Started 1-1
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Step 1. Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray. If the icon is not
present, proceed to Step 2. Otherwise skip to Step 5.
Figure 1-1 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 Network Connections.
Step 3. Double-click on the icon for wireless network connection to display a status window as shown
next.
Figure 1-2 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Status
Step 4. Click Properties and click the Wireless Networks tab. Then skip to Step 6.
1-2 Getting Started
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Step 5. When a Connect to Wireless Network window displays, click Advanced….
Figure 1-3 Windows XP: Connect to Wireless Network
Getting Started 1-3
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Step 6. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, make sure the Use Windows to
configure my wireless network settings check box is not selected. Click OK.
Figure 1-4 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Properties

1.4 Accessing the ZyAIR Utility

After you install and start the ZyAIR Utility, an icon for the ZyAIR Utility appears in the system tray.
When the ZyAIR Utility system tray icon displays, the ZyAIR is installed properly.
Figure 1-5 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon
The color of the ZyAIR Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyAIR. Refer to the following table for details.
1-4 Getting Started
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Table 1-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon
COLOR DESCRIPTION
Red The ZyAIR is working properly but is not connected to any AP or wireless station.
Blue The ZyAIR is connected to a wireless network.
Double click on the ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyAIR Utility. The ZyAIR Utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for Windows 2000 are shown.
1.5 ZyAIR Modes
You can set your ZyAIR to operate in either wireless station or access point (AP) modes.
In wireless station mode, your ZyAIR must connect to a peer wireless station or an AP to take part in your wireless network.
In access point mode, your ZyAIR functions as an access point. This allows you to set up your wireless network without using a dedicated AP device. Up to 16 wireless stations can associate to the ZyAIR to form a wireless network. Refer to Section 4.1 for more information.
1.5.1 Change ZyAIR Modes
To change between the modes, select either the Station or Access Point option in the Link Info screen.
Figure 1-6 ZyAIR Utility: Switch Modes
Wait for about five seconds for the ZyAIR Utility to complete the mode change.
The current mode is indicated on the title bar of the ZyAIR Utility.
When you use the Windows XP configuration tool and the ZyAIR Utility to
configure the ZyAIR at the same time, the ZyAIR automatically operates in station
mode.
Getting Started 1-5
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Chapter 2

Wireless LAN Network

This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network.
2.1 Overview
This section describes the wireless LAN network terms and applications.
2.1.1 SSID
The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.
2.1.2 Channel
A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.
2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)
The ZyAIR provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options include Fully Auto, 1 M bit/sec, 2 M bit/sec, 5.5M bit/sec, 11M bit/sec, 16.5M bit/sec and 27.5M bit/sec
networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your ZyAIR to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyAIR automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the communication quality improves again, the ZyAIR gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate.
You can select any of the above options. If you wish to balance speed versus reliability, select 11M bit/sec or 5.5M bit/sec in a networking environment where you are certain that all wireless devices can communicate at the highest transmission (data) rate. 1M bit/sec or 2M bit/sec are used often in networking environments where the range of the wireless connection is more important than speed.
3
. In most
3
The transmission rate of 27.5M bit/sec is not available at the time of writing.
Wireless LAN 2-1
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
For ZyAIR B122 and ZyAIR B-320, you may select the proprietary transmission rates of 16.5M bit/sec or 27.5M bit/sec if you are connecting to another ZyAIR B-
320, ZyAIR B-122 client or ZyAIR B-500 AP and vice versa. 4
2.1.4 Wireless Network Application
Wireless LAN works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure.
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using Access Points (APs), set the ZyAIR operation mode to Infrastructure(BSS). An AP acts as a bridge between the wireless stations and the wired network. In case you do not wish to connect to a wired network, but prefer to set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use the Ad-hoc (IBSS) (Independent Basic Service Set) mode.
Ad-Hoc (IBSS)
Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).
Figure 2-1 IBSS Example
4
At the time of writing, the proprietary transmission rates are only available for ZyAIR B-122, ZyAIR B-
320 and ZyAIR B-500.
2-2 Wireless LAN
ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility
Figure 2-2 BSS Example
A series of overlapping BSS and a network medium, such as an Ethernet forms an Extended Service Set (ESS) or infrastructure network. All communication is done through the AP, which relays data packets to other wireless clients or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless clients can then access resource, such as the printer, on the wired network.
Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example
Access Point Mode
The following figure depicts a network example in which you set the ZyAIR in access point mode.
Wireless LAN 2-3
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