Zyxel G-102 user manual

ZyXEL G-102

802.11g Wireless CardBus Card

User's Guide

Version 1.0

September 2004

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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.us.zyxel.com

for free future product updates and information.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty iii

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

1

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.

This product has been designed for the WLAN 2.4 GHz network throughout the EC region and Switzerland,
with restrictions in France.

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 Start Guide for model specific FCC statement(s) and the procedure to view the

product’s certification(s).

FCC Statement v

.

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Customer Support

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

¾ Product model and serial number.
¾ Warranty Information.
¾ Date you received your product.
¾ 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

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.com

ZyXEL Communications

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.de GERMANY

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] SPAIN

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.dk DENMARK

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.no NORWAY

[e-mail]

[phone] ftp.europe.zyxel.com

[phone]

[phone] ftp.us.zyxel.com

[phone]

[phone] FRANCE [e-mail]

[phone]

[phone]

[phone]

[phone]

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.

vi Customer Support

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE2 WEB SITE METHOD

LOCATION

FINLAND [e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.fi ZyXEL Communications Oy

SALES E-MAIL FAX2 FTP SITE

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.se SWEDEN

[e-mail]

[phone]

REGULAR MAIL

ZyXEL Communications A/S
Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

Malminkaari 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland

Customer Support vii

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

Customer Support........................................................................................................................................vi

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

List of Tables ...............................................................................................................................................xii

Preface.........................................................................................................................................................xiii

Chapter 1 Getting Started.........................................................................................................................1-1

1.1 About Your ZyXEL G-102 ............................................................................................................1-1

1.2 ZyXEL G-102 Hardware and Utility Installation.........................................................................1-1

1.3 Ways to Configure the ZyXEL G-102...........................................................................................1-1

1.4 Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool .............................................................1-2

1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility.........................................................................................................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 (Transfer Rate).......................................................................................2-1

2.1.4 Wireless Network Application .............................................................................................2-2

2.1.5 Roaming ...............................................................................................................................2-3

2.2 Wireless LAN Security..................................................................................................................2-4

2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP..................................................................................................2-5

2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x .........................................................................................................................2-5

2.2.3 WPA.....................................................................................................................................2-6

2.2.4 WPA-PSK Application Example .........................................................................................2-7

2.2.5 WPA with RADIUS Application Example..........................................................................2-7

2.3 Fragmentation Threshold.............................................................................................................2-8

2.4 RTS/CTS Threshold......................................................................................................................2-8

2.5 Authentication Type .....................................................................................................................2-9

Chapter 3 Using the ZyXEL Utility..........................................................................................................3-1

3.1 The Link Info Screen ....................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 Trend Chart ..........................................................................................................................3-3

3.2 The Site Survey Screen.................................................................................................................3-3

3.2.1 Connecting to a Network......................................................................................................3-5

3.2.2 Security Settings...................................................................................................................3-6

3.3 The Profile Screen......................................................................................................................3-12

3.3.1 Adding a New Profile.........................................................................................................3-14

3.4 The Adapter Screen....................................................................................................................3-21

Table of Contents ix

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Chapter 4 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 The About Screen ......................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ....................................................................................................4-2

4.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility....................................................................................................... 4-2

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................5-1

5.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program............................................................................ 5-1

5.2 Problem with the Link Status .......................................................................................................5-2

5.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers.......................................................................5-2

Appendix A Product Specifications.............................................................................................................. i

Appendix B Types of EAP Authentication ................................................................................................iii

Appendix C Index......................................................................................................................................... v

x Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

List of Figures

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

Figure 1-2 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Status ..................................................................1-3

Figure 1-3 Windows XP: Connect to Wireless Network..............................................................................1-4

Figure 1-4 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Properties............................................................1-5

Figure 1-5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ..............................................................................................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 Roaming Example......................................................................................................................2-4

Figure 2-5 Wireless LAN Security Levels ...................................................................................................2-5

Figure 2-6 WPA-PSK Authentication ..........................................................................................................2-7

Figure 2-7 WPA with RADIUS Application Example .................................................................................2-8

Figure 2-8 RTS Threshold............................................................................................................................2-9

Figure 3-1 Link Info.....................................................................................................................................3-1

Figure 3-2 Link Info: Trend Chart ...............................................................................................................3-3

Figure 3-3 Site Survey .................................................................................................................................3-4

Figure 3-4 Site Survey: Security Settings: WEP..........................................................................................3-6

Figure 3-5 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA-PSK .................................................................................3-8

Figure 3-6 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA..........................................................................................3-9

Figure 3-7 Site Survey: Security Settings: 802.1x .....................................................................................3-11

Figure 3-8 Profile.......................................................................................................................................3-13

Figure 3-9 Profile: Add New Profile ..........................................................................................................3-15

Figure 3-10 Profile: Select a Channel ........................................................................................................3-17

Figure 3-11 Profile: Wireless Settings........................................................................................................3-18

Figure 3-12 Profile: Security Settings........................................................................................................3-19

Figure 3-13 Profile: Confirm New Settings ...............................................................................................3-20

Figure 3-14 Profile: Activate the Profile ....................................................................................................3-21

Figure 3-15 Adapter ...................................................................................................................................3-22

Figure 4-1 About ..........................................................................................................................................4-1

Figure 4-2 Confirm Uninstall.......................................................................................................................4-2

List of Figures xi

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1-1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon................................................................................................1-6

Table 3-1 Link Info ......................................................................................................................................3-2

Table 3-2 Link Info: Trend Chart.................................................................................................................3-3

Table 3-3 Site Survey...................................................................................................................................3-4

Table 3-4 Site Survey: Security Settings: WEP ...........................................................................................3-6

Table 3-5 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA-PSK ..................................................................................3-8

Table 3-6 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA ...........................................................................................3-9

Table 3-7 Site Survey: Security Settings: 802.1x....................................................................................... 3-11

Table 3-8 Profile ........................................................................................................................................3-13

Table 3-9 Profile: Add New Profile ...........................................................................................................3-15

Table 3-10 Profile: Select a Channel.......................................................................................................... 3-17

Table 3-11 Adapter.....................................................................................................................................3-22

Table 4-1 About ...........................................................................................................................................4-1

Table 5-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program.......................................................................5-1

Table 5-2 Troubleshooting Link Quality...................................................................................................... 5-2

Table 5-3 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ................................................................................5-2

xii List of Tables

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZyXEL G-102!

About This User's Guide

This manual provides information about the ZyXEL Wireless LAN Utility.

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 G-102 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card is referred to as the ZyXEL G-102 in this

guide.

• The ZyXEL Wireless LAN Utility may be referred to as the ZyXEL WLAN Utility or, simply, as

the ZyXEL Utility in this guide.

Related Documentation

¾ Support Disk

Refer to the included CD for support documents and device drivers.

¾ Quick Start Guide

Our Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get your ZyXEL G-102 up and running right away.
It contains a detailed easy-to-follow connection diagram and information on installing your
ZyXEL G-102.

¾ ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site

Please refer to www.us.zyxel.com
support documentation.

User Guide Feedback

Help us help you. E-mail all User’s Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for improvement to
[e-mail] 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

Preface xiii

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point

Server

Telephone

Computer

Modem

Switch

Notebook computer

Wireless Signal

Router

xiv Preface

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Chapter 1

Getting Started

This chapter introduces the ZyXEL G-102 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.

1.1 About Your ZyXEL G-102

The ZyXEL G-102 is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN adapter. With the ZyXEL G-102, you can
enjoy the wireless mobility within the coverage area.

The following lists the main features of your ZyXEL G-102.

• Your ZyXEL G-102 can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless devices.

• Automatic rate selection.

• Data transmission rates up to 54 Mbps.

• Offers 64-bit, 128-bit and 256-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network

security.

• Supports IEEE802.1x and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).

• 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 ZyXEL G-102 Hardware and Utility Installation

Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL Utility and make hardware
connections.

1.3 Ways to Configure the ZyXEL G-102

To configure your ZyXEL G-102, use one of the following applications:

In Windows XP:

¾ ZyXEL Utility
¾ Zero Configuration
¾ Funk Odyssey Client

In Windows 98 SE/Me/2000

¾ ZyXEL Utility
¾ Funk Odyssey Client

Getting Started 1-1

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

DO NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool or the Funk Odyssey Client and

the ZyXEL Utility at the same time.

It is recommended you use the ZyXEL Utility to configure your ZyXEL G-102.

The bundled Funk Odyssey Client only works for your ZyXEL G-102. Do NOT use

the Funk Odyssey Client to configure non-ZyXEL WLAN adapters.

Refer to the User’s Guide of your Funk Odyssey Client for details on how to uninstall (or remove) it.

1.4 Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

Windows XP includes a configuration tool for wireless devices.

Follow the steps below to disable the configuration tool in Windows XP after you install the ZyXEL Utility.
The screen varies depending on the version of Windows XP service pack.

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.

1-2 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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.

Getting Started 1-3

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Step 5. When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click Advanced….

Figure 1-3 Windows XP: Connect to Wireless Network

1-4 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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

1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility

After you install and start the ZyXEL Utility, an icon for the ZyXEL Utility appears in the system tray.

When the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon displays, the ZyXEL G-102 is installed

properly.

Figure 1-5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyXEL G-102. Refer to the
following table for details.

Getting Started 1-5

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Table 1-1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The ZyXEL G-102 is not connected to a wireless network or is searching for an available

wireless network.

Green The ZyXEL G-102 is connected to a wireless network.

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 2000 are
shown.

Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the on-line help

window.

1-6 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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 (Transfer Rate)

The ZyXEL G-102 provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options include

Fully Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36
Mbps, 48 Mbps, and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting

proves the most efficient. This setting allows your ZyXEL G-102 to operate at the maximum transmission
(data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-102 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 ZyXEL G-102 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 54 Mbps in
a networking environment where you are certain that all wireless devices can communicate at the highest
transmission (data) rate. 1 Mbps or 2 Mbps are used often in networking environments where the range of
the wireless connection is more important than speed.

Wireless LAN Network 2-1

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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 ZyXEL G-102
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 stations 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

To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all wireless stations in ad-hoc network

type and use the same SSID and channel.

Infrastructure (BSS)

When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single AP, you have a Basic Service Set (BSS).

2-2 Wireless LAN Network

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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 stations or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless stations can then access
resource, such as the printer, on the wired network.

Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example

2.1.5 Roaming

In an infrastructure network, wireless stations are able to switch from one BSS to another as they move
between the coverage areas. During this period, the wireless stations maintain uninterrupted connection to
the network. This is roaming. As the wireless station moves from place to place, it is responsible for
choosing the most appropriate AP depending on the signal strength, network utilization or other factors.

Wireless LAN Network 2-3

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

The following figure depicts a roaming example. When wireless station B moves to position X, the ZyXEL
G-102 in wireless station B automatically switches the channel to the one used by access point 2 in order to
stay connected to the network.

Figure 2-4 Roaming Example

2.2 Wireless LAN Security

Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communication between wireless
stations and the wired network.

The figure below shows the possible wireless security levels on your ZyXEL G-102. EAP (Extensible
Authentication Protocol) is used for authentication and utilizes dynamic WEP key exchange. It requires
interaction with a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server either on the WAN or
your LAN to provide authentication service for wireless stations.

2-4 Wireless LAN Network

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Figure 2-5 Wireless LAN Security Levels

Configure the wireless LAN security using the Profile Security Settings screen. If you do not enable any
wireless security on your ZyXEL G-102, the ZyXEL G-102’s wireless communications are accessible to
any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area.

2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between the ZyXEL G­102 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.

There are two ways to create WEP keys in your ZyXEL G-102.

• 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 ZyXEL G-102 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.

2.2.2 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.

EAP Authentication

EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE802.1x
transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By using EAP to interact

Wireless LAN Network 2-5

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

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
IEEE802.1x. The ZyXEL G-102 supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP. Refer to the Types of
EAP Authentication appendix 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.

2.2.3 WPA

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i security specification draft. Key differences
between WPA and WEP are user authentication and improved data encryption.

User Authentication

WPA applies IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate wireless clients
using an external RADIUS database.

Therefore, if you don’t have an external RADIUS server, you should use WPA-PSK (WPA -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 client will be granted access to a WLAN.

Encryption

WPA improves data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Message Integrity
Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x.

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and distributed
by the authentication server. It includes 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.

TKIP regularly changes and rotates 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 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.
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), TKIP makes it much more difficult to decode data on a Wi-Fi network than WEP,
making it difficult for an intruder to break into the network.

The encryption mechanisms used for WPA and WPA-PSK are the same. The only difference between the
two is that WPA-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials. The common-

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password approach makes WPA-PSK susceptible to brute-force password-guessing attacks but it’s still an
improvement over WEP as it employs an easier-to-use, consistent, single, alphanumeric password.

2.2.4 WPA-PSK Application Example

A WPA-PSK application looks as follows.
Step 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 (including spaces and symbols).

Step 2. The AP checks each client’s password and (only) allows it to join the network if it matches its

password.

Step 3. The AP derives and distributes keys to the wireless clients.
Step 4. The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP encryption process to encrypt data exchanged

between them.

Figure 2-6

WPA-PSK Authentication

2.2.5 WPA 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 application example with an external RADIUS server looks as follows. “A” is the RADIUS
server. “DS” is the distribution system.

Step 1. The AP passes the wireless client’s authentication request to the RADIUS server.
Step 2. The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants or

denies network access accordingly.

Step 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

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data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the
AP and the wireless clients.

Figure 2-7 WPA with RADIUS Application Example

2.3 Fragmentation Threshold

A Fragmentation Threshold is the maximum data fragment size (between 256 and 2432 bytes) that can be
sent in the wireless network before the ZyXEL G-102 will fragment the packet into smaller data frames.

A large Fragmentation Threshold is recommended for networks not prone to interference while you
should set a smaller threshold for busy networks or networks that are prone to interference.

If the Fragmentation Threshold value is smaller than the RTS/CTS Threshold value (see previously)
you set then the RTS (Request To Send)/CTS (Clear to Send) handshake will never occur as data frames
will be fragmented before they reach RTS/CTS Threshold size.

2.4 RTS/CTS Threshold

A hidden node occurs when two stations are within range of the same access point, but are not within range
of each other. The following figure illustrates a hidden node. Both stations are within range of the access
point (AP) or wireless gateway, but out-of-range of each other, so they cannot “hear” each other, that is

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they do not know if the channel is currently being used. Therefore, they are considered hidden from each
other.

Figure 2-8 RTS Threshold

When station A sends data to the AP, it might not know that the station B is already using the channel. If
these two stations send data at the same time, collisions may occur when both sets of data arrive at the AP
at the same time, resulting in a loss of messages for both stations.

RTS/CTS Threshold is designed to prevent collisions due to hidden nodes. An RTS/CTS Threshold
defines the biggest size data frame you can send before an RTS (Request To Send)/CTS (Clear to Send)
handshake is invoked.

When a data frame exceeds the RTS/CTS Threshold value you set (between 0 to 2432 bytes), the station
that wants to transmit this frame must first send an RTS (Request To Send) message to the AP for
permission to send it. The AP then responds with a CTS (Clear to Send) message to all other stations within
its range to notify them to defer their transmission. It also reserves and confirms with the requesting station
the time frame for the requested transmission.

Stations can send frames smaller than the specified RTS/CTS Threshold directly to the AP without the
RTS (Request To Send)/CTS (Clear to Send) handshake.

You should only configure RTS/CTS Threshold if the possibility of hidden nodes exists on your network
and the “cost” of resending large frames is more than the extra network overhead involved in the RTS
(Request To Send)/CTS (Clear to Send) handshake.

If the RTS/CTS Threshold value is greater than the Fragmentation Threshold value (see next), then the
RTS (Request To Send)/CTS (Clear to Send) handshake will never occur as data frames will be fragmented
before they reach RTS/CTS Threshold size.

Enabling the RTS Threshold causes redundant network overhead that could

negatively affect the throughput performance.

2.5 Authentication Type

The IEEE 802.11b standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless stations and AP.
Two authentication modes are defined: Open and Share.

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Open authentication mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue. The wireless
station and the AP do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless stations can associate with any AP and listen
to any data transmitted plaintext.

Share authentication mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP. This
requires you to enable the wireless LAN security and use same settings on both the wireless station and the
AP.

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Chapter 3

Using the ZyXEL Utility

This chapter shows you how to configure the ZyXEL G-102 using the ZyXEL Utility.

The following screenshots are all extracted from ZyXEL G-162 cardbus adapter,

which applies the same installation process as G-102.

3.1 The Link Info Screen

When the ZyXEL Utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current configuration and
connection status of your ZyXEL G-102.

Figure 3-1 Link Info

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The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-1 Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Network Status

Profile Name This is the name of the profile you are currently using.

Network Name
(SSID)

AP MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device to which the ZyXEL G-102

Network Type

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the ZyXEL G-102 in megabits per

Security

Channel This field displays the radio channel the ZyXEL G-102 is currently using.

Statistics

Transmit Rate This 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).

Authentication This field displays the authentication method of the ZyXEL G-102.

Wireless Mode This field indicates the wireless standard (802.11b or 802.11g) of the wireless device.

Total Transmit This field displays the total number of data frames transmitted.

Total Receive This field displays the total number of data frames received.

Signal Strength This field displays the signal strength of the ZyXEL G-102.

Trend Chart Click this button to display the real-time statistics of the data rate in kilobits per second

Signal Strength The status bar shows the strength of the signal.

Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of the signal.

The SSID identifies the Service Set to which a wireless station is associated. This field
displays the name of the wireless device to which the ZyXEL G-102 is associated.

is associated.

This field displays the network type (Infrastructure(BSS) or Ad Hoc) of the wireless
network.

second (Mbps).

This field displays whether WEP data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA-
RADIUS or WPA) or inactive (Disabled).

This field displays G Mode, B Mode or Mixed Mode.

(Kbps).

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3.1.1 Trend Chart

Figure 3-2 Link Info: Trend Chart

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-2 Link Info: Trend Chart

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Transmit This field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

Receive This field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

3.2 The Site Survey Screen

Use the Site Survey screen to scan for and connect to a wireless network automatically.

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ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Figure 3-3 Site Survey

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-3 Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Available Network List

The device information in bold indicates the wireless network to which the ZyXEL G-102 is associated.

Click a column heading to sort the entries. A triangle indicates ascending or descending sort order.

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Table 3-3 Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

,

security is activated.

,

or

SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.

Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.

Signal This field displays the signal strength of each wireless device.

Scan

Connect

Site Info

Click an entry in the Available Network List table to display the information of the selected wireless device.

Network Type

Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.

Encryption

MAC address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device.

Surveyed at This field displays the time when the wireless device is scanned.

deactivated.

activated.

deactivated.

Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.

Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.

This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the wireless device.

This field shows whether WEP data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA-
RADIUS or WPA) or inactive (Disabled).

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is

3.2.1 Connecting to a Network

Follow the steps below to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.

Step 1. Click Scan to search for all available wireless networks within range.
Step 2. To join a network, either click an entry in the table to select a wireless network and then click

Connect or double-click an entry.

Step 3. If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security Settings

screen displays. You must set the related fields in the Security Settings screen to the same

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security settings as the associated AP. Refer to Section 3.2.2 for more information. Otherwise
click the close (

) button and connect to another wireless network without data encryption.

Step 4. Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the network

information in the Link Info screen.

3.2.2 Security Settings

When you configure the ZyXEL G-102 to connect to a network with wireless security activated and the
security settings are disabled on the ZyXEL G-102, the screen varies according to the encryption method
used by the selected network.

WEP Encryption

Figure 3-4 Site Survey: Security Settings: WEP

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-4 Site Survey: Security Settings: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

WEP

Authentication

Select 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 256 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the
related fields.

Select an authentication method. Choices are Share and Open.

Refer to Section 2.5 for more information.

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Table 3-4 Site Survey: Security Settings: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Pass Phrase As you enter the passphrase, the ZyXEL G-102 automatically generates four different

WEP keys and displays it in the key field below.

Refer to Section 2.2.1 for more information.

Transmit Key Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption. The key displays in the field below.

Key x
(where x is a
number
between 1 and

4)

If you want to manually set 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,
0000111122223333444455556666777788889999AAAABBBBCCCC000011)
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.

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.

Save

Click Save to save the changes back to ZyXEL G-102 and display the Link Info screen.

Otherwise, click the close (
Survey screen.

) button to discard changes and go back to the Site

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WPA-PSK

Figure 3-5 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA-PSK

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-5 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA-PSK

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Encryption Type WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to improve data encryption.

Pass Phrase

Save

The encryption mechanisms used for WPA and WPA-PSK are the same. The only
difference between the two is that WPA-PSK uses a simple common password,
instead of user-specific credentials.

Type a passphrase from 8 to 63 case-sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces
and symbols).

Click Save to save the changes back to ZyXEL G-102 and display the Link Info

screen. Otherwise, click the close (
the Site Survey screen.

) button to discard changes and go back to

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WPA

Figure 3-6 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA

The following table describes the labels not previously discussed

Table 3-6 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Authentication Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

Password

Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are EAP-TLS,
EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.

This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.

This field is not available when you select EAP-TLS in the Authentication Type
field.

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

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Table 3-6 Site Survey: Security Settings: WPA

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Certificate

This field is only available when you select EAP-TLS in the Authentication Type
field.

Specify the location and name of a certificate in the Certificate field or click

Browse to locate it.

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.

Browse

Validate Server
Certificate

TTLS Protocol

PEAP Inner EAP

Save

This field is only available when you select EAP-TLS in the Authentication Type
field.

Click this button to display the Select Certificate screen, select a certificate and
click OK.

Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.

This field is only available when you select EAP-TTLS in the Authentication
Type field.

Use the drop-down list box to select a TTLS protocol. Options are PAP, CHAP,
MS CHAP, MS CHAP v2 and EAP.

This field is only available when you select EAP-PEAP in the Authentication
Type field.

Use the drop-down list box to select a PEAP protocol. Options are EAP-GTC and
MS CHAP v2.

Click Save to save the changes back to ZyXEL G-102 and display the Link Info

screen. Otherwise, click the close (
the Site Survey screen.

) button to discard changes and go back to

802.1x

The following section describes how to configure IEEE802.1x security with various authentication methods.

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Figure 3-7 Site Survey: Security Settings: 802.1x

The following table describes the labels not previously discussed

Table 3-7 Site Survey: Security Settings: 802.1x

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Authentication Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

Password

Certificate

Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are EAP-TLS,
EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.

This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.

This field is not available when you select EAP-TLS in the Authentication Type
field.

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

This field is only available when you select EAP-TLS in the Authentication Type
field.

Specify the location and name of a certificate in the Certificate field or click

Browse to locate it.

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.

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Table 3-7 Site Survey: Security Settings: 802.1x

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Browse

Validate Server
Certificate

TTLS Protocol

PEAP Inner EAP

Save

This field is only available when you select EAP-TLS in the Authentication Type
field.

Click this button to display the Select Certificate screen, select a certificate and
click OK.

Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.

This field is only available when you select EAP-TTLS in the Authentication
Type field.

Use the drop-down list box to select a TTLS protocol. Options are PAP, CHAP,
MS CHAP, MS CHAP v2 and EAP.

This field is only available when you select EAP-PEAP in the Authentication
Type field.

Use the drop-down list box to select a PEAP protocol. Options are EAP-GTC and
MS CHAP v2.

Click Save to save the changes back to ZyXEL G-102 and display the Link Info

screen. Otherwise, click the close (
the Site Survey screen.

) button to discard changes and go back to

3.3 The Profile Screen

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 pre­configured network profiles.

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Figure 3-8 Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-8 Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile List

Click a column heading to sort the entries. A triangle indicates ascending or descending sort order.

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ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Table 3-8 Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

,

security is activated.

,

or

Profile Name This is the name of the pre-configured profile.

SSID This is the SSID of the wireless network to which the selected profile associate.

Connect To use a previously saved network profile, select a pre-configured profile name in the

Delete To delete an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and click

Profile Info

The following fields display detail information of the selected profile in the Profile List table.

Network Type

Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile.

Security

deactivated.

activated.

deactivated.

table and click Connect.

To add a new profile into the table, click Add.

Add

Delete.

Edit To edit an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and click

Edit.

This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the profile.

This field shows whether WEP data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA-
RADIUS or WPA) or inactive (Disabled).

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is

3.3.1 Adding a New Profile

Follow the steps below to add a new profile.
Step 1. Click Add in the Profile screen to display the screen as shown next. Click Next to continue.

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Figure 3-9 Profile: Add New Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-9 Profile: Add New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile Name Enter a descriptive name in this field.

SSID

Network Type

Select an available wireless device in the Scan Info table and click Select, or enter the
SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the AP or the peer ad-hoc computer to which you want to
associate in this field. To associate to an ad-hoc network, you must enter the same
SSID as the peer ad-hoc computer.

Otherwise, leave this field blank or enter any to have the ZyXEL G-102 associate to or
roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.

Select the Infrastructure radio button to associate to an AP.

Select the Ad-Hoc radio button to associate to a peer computer.

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Table 3-9 Profile: Add New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Next

Scan Info

This table displays the information of the available wireless networks within the transmission range.

Click Next to go to the next screen.

Click Exit to go back to the previous screen without saving.

Exit

,

security is activated.

,

or

SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.

Scan

Select

deactivated.

activated.

deactivated.

Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.

Select an available wireless device in the table and click Select to add it to this profile.
Whenever you activate this profile, the ZyXEL G-102 associates to the selected wireless
network only.

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is

Step 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
channel number and click Next to continue.

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Figure 3-10 Profile: Select a Channel

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-10 Profile: Select a Channel

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Channel Select 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.

Step 3. If you select Infrastructure network type in the first screen, select WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA or

802.1x from the drop-down list box to enable data encryption. If you select Ad-Hoc network

type in the first screen, you can only use WEP encryption method. Otherwise, select Disabled
to allow the ZyXEL G-102 to communicate with the access points or other peer wireless
computers without any data encryption and skip to Step 5.

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ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Figure 3-11 Profile: Wireless Settings

Step 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 ZyXEL G-102. Refer to Section 3.2.2 for detailed information on wireless security
configuration.

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Figure 3-12 Profile: Security Settings

Step 5. 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.

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Figure 3-13 Profile: Confirm New Settings

Step 6. To use this network profile, click the Activate Now button. Otherwise, click the Activate Later

button.

Once you activate a profile, the ZyXEL Utility will use that profile the next time it

is started.

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Figure 3-14 Profile: Activate the Profile

3.4 The Adapter Screen

To set advanced features on the ZyXEL G-102, click the Adapter tab.

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ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Figure 3-15 Adapter

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3-11 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter

Transfer Rate

Power Saving
Mode

Select a transmission speed from the drop-down list box. Choose from Fully Auto
(default), 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps,
24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, and 54 Mbps.

Select Enabled to save power (especially for notebook computers). This forces the
ZyXEL G-102 to go to sleep mode when it is not transmitting data.

When you select Disabled, the ZyXEL G-102 will never go to sleep mode.

3

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Table 3-11 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Save

Click Save to save the changes back to ZyXEL G-102.

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ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Chapter 4

Maintenance

This chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL Utility.

4.1 The About Screen

The About screen displays related version numbers of the ZyXEL G-102. To display the screen as shown

next, click the about (

The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen.

) button.

Figure 4-1 About

Table 4-1 About

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Driver Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL driver.

Utility Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL Utility.

Maintenance 4-1

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

4.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility

Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyXEL Utility from your computer.

Step 1. Click Start, Programs, ZyXEL G-102 Wireless Adapter, Uninstall.
Step 2. When prompted, click OK to remove the driver and the utility software.

Figure 4-2 Confirm Uninstall

Step 3. Click Finish to complete uninstalling the software. Restart your computer if prompted.

4.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility

Before you uninstall the ZyXEL Utility, take note of the current network

configuration.

To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Download the latest version of the utility from the ZyXEL web site and save the file on your

computer.

Step 2. Follow the steps in Section 4.2 to remove the current ZyXEL Utility from your computer.
Step 3. Restart your computer when prompted.
Step 4. After restarting, refer to the procedure in the Quick Start Guide to install the new utility.
Step 5. Check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed

properly.

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Chapter 5

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.

5.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program

Table 5-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

Cannot start the ZyXEL
Wireless LAN Utility

The ZyXEL Utility icon
does not display.

Make sure the ZyXEL G-102 is properly inserted and the LED(s) 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 ZyXEL G-102 under Network Adapter.
(Steps may vary depending on the version of Windows).

Install the ZyXEL G-102 in another computer.

If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you
should contact your local vendor.

If you install 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.

If you use the Windows XP configuration tool and the ZyXEL Utility to
configure the ZyXEL G-102 at the same time, the ZyXEL Utility icon does not
display. You need to disable the Windows XP configuration tool (refer to
Section 1.4 for more information).

Troubleshooting 5-1

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

5.2 Problem with the Link Status

Table 5-2 Troubleshooting Link Quality

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE 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.
Relocate or reduce the radio interference.

5.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers

Table 5-3 Troubleshooting Communication Problems

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

The ZyXEL G-102 computer
cannot communicate with
the other computer.

A. Infrastructure

B. Ad-Hoc (IBSS)

Make sure you are connected to the network.

Make sure that the AP and the associated computers are turned on and
working properly.

Make sure the ZyXEL G-102 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 Settings screen.

Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on.

Make sure the ZyXEL G-102 computer and the peer computer(s) are
using the same SS ID and channel.

Make sure that the computer and the peer computer(s) share the same
security option and key.

Change the wireless clients to use another radio channel if interference is
high.

5-2 Troubleshooting

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Appendix A

Product Specifications

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Product Name

ZyXEL G-102 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card

Type

Standards

Network Architectures

Operating Frequencies

Operating Channels

Data Rate

Modulation

Security

Operating Temperature

Storage Temperature

Operating Humidity

Storage Humidity

Power Consumption

Voltage

Weight

Dimension

3.3V 32-bit Cardbus card

IEEE 802.11b

IEEE 802.11g

Infrastructure

Ad-Hoc

2.412-2.483GHz

IEEE 802.11b: 11 Channels (North America)

IEEE 802.11g: 11 Channels (North America)

IEEE 802.11b: 13 Channels (Europe)

IEEE 802.11g: 13 Channels (Europe)

IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1Mbps

IEEE 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps

IEEE 802.11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (64QAM, 16QAM,
QPSK and BPSK)

IEEE 802311b: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK).

64/128/256-bit WEP, WPA, WPA-PSK, 802.1x

0 ~ 50 degrees Centigrade

-30 ~ 60 degrees Centigrade

20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

IEEE 802.11g: TX: 600mA RX: 450mA (max.)

IEEE 802.11b: TX: 600mA RX: 450mA (max.)

3.3V±5%

< 50g

(W) 115mm × (D) 54.5mm × (H) 9.3 mm

Product Specifications i

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Media Access Protocol

Frequency

Channels

Data Rate

Modulation

Output Power

RX Sensitivity

IEEE 802.11

2.4 ~ 2.483GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)

1~11 Channels (USA, Canada)

1~13 Channels (Europe)

802.11g (OFDM): 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps

802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps

802.11g: OFDM with BPSK, QPSK and 16/64-QAM sub-carrier modulations

802.11b: DSSS (DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK)

17 dBm (typical) at 11Mbps DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK

14 dBm (typical) at 54Mbps OFDM

802.11g (OFDM): 54 Mbps: < -68 dBm (typ.) < -69 dBM (max.)

Device Drivers

Roaming

WEP

Microsoft Windows 98(SE), Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows ME

802.11b/g compliant

Supports 64-bit, 128-bit and 256-bit encryption

RADIO SPECIFICATIONS

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

Temperature

Relative Humidity

Operating: 0° ~ 50° C

Storage: -30° ~ 60° C

20% to 95% (non-condensing)

ii Product Specifications

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Appendix B

Types of EAP Authentication

This appendix discusses the five popular EAP authentication types: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS,
PEAP and LEAP. The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server. Consult your

network administrator for more information.

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.

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.

Types of EAP Authentication iii

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

LEAP

LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a Cisco implementation of IEEE802.1x.

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 five authentication types.

Comparison of EAP Authentication Types

EAP-MD5 EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS PEAP LEAP

Mutual
Authentication

Certificate – Client

Certificate – Server

Dynamic Key
Exchange

Credential Integrity

Deployment
Difficulty

Client Identity
Protection

No Yes Yes Yes Yes

No Yes Optional Optional No

No Yes Yes Yes No

No Yes Yes Yes Yes

None Strong Strong Strong Moderate

Easy Hard Moderate Moderate Moderate

No No Yes Yes No

iv Types of EAP Authentication

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

Appendix C

A

About ..............................................................4-1

About the ZyXEL Utility ................................4-1

Accessing the ZyXEL Utility..........................1-5

Add a New Profile.........................................3-14

Authentication Mode.....................................2-10

Open.......................................................... 2-10

Shared .......................................................2-10

Automatic WEP key generation......................2-5

B

Basic Service Set.................................... See BSS

BSS .................................................................2-2

C

CA.....................................................................iii

Certificate Authority ................................ See CA

Communication Problem

Ad-hoc(IBSS) .............................................5-3

Infrastructure...............................................5-2

Connecting to a Network ................................3-5

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

Disclaimer...................................................... ii

Trademarks ....................................................ii

Create WEP key with passphrase... 3-8, 3-9, 3-11

CTS (Clear to Send .........................................2-9

Customer Support .............................................vi

D

Data encryption...............................................2-5

Index

E

EAP Authentication

MD5 ..............................................................iii

PEAP.............................................................iii

TLS ...............................................................iii

TTLS .............................................................iii

Encryption.......................................................2-6

ESS..................................................................2-3

Extended Service Set...............................See ESS

F

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Interference Statement....................................v

Model Specific ...............................................v

Fragmentation Threshold ................................2-8

G

Graphics Icons Key.........................................xiv

H

Hidden node ....................................................2-9

I

IBSS ................................................................2-2

Independent Basic Service Set .............. See IBSS

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

Caution..........................................................iv

Note...............................................................iv

L

Link Info .........................................................3-1

Index v

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

M

MD5.................................................................. iii

Message Digest Algorithm 5 ................ See MD5

Message Integrity Check ................................2-6

MIC........................ See Message Integrity Check

N

Network Type................................................. 2-2

Ad-Hoc(IBSS) ............................................ 2-2

O

Online Registration........................................... iii

Open authentication mode ............................ 2-10

P

passphrase....................................................... 2-5

PEAP ................................................................iii

Preface ............................................................ xiii

problem description ........................................5-1

Profile ........................................................... 3-12

Proprietary transmission rates.........1-1, 2-2, 3-22

Protected EAP...................................... See PEAP

R

Related Documentation................................... xiii

Roaming.......................................................... 2-3

Example...................................................... 2-4

RTS (Request To Send) .................................. 2-9

RTS/CTS handshake..................................... 2-10

RTS/CTS Threshold ....................................... 2-9

S

Security Settings

802.1x ....................................................... 3-10

WEP Encryption ......................................... 3-6

WPA ...........................................................3-9

WPA-PSK................................................... 3-8

Security Settings .............................................3-6

Service Set ......................................................3-2

Service Set Identity............................... See SSID

Shared authentication mode.......................... 2-10

Site Survey...................................................... 3-3

SSID.......................................................2-1, 3-15

Syntax Conventions ........................................ xiii

T

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol.................... 2-6

The Adapter Screen ......................................3-21

TKIP ..........See Temporal Key Integrity Protocol

TLS ...................................................................iii

Transmission Speed ......................................3-22

Transmission Speeds.......................................2-1

Transport Layer Security ....................... See TLS

Trend Chart.....................................................3-3

Troubleshooting

Communication problem with other computers

................................................................5-2

Troubleshooting .............................................. 5-1

Checking Hardware Conflict ......................5-1

Communication problems...........................5-2

Problem with link status..............................5-2

Radio interference....................................... 5-2

Starting ZyXEL Utility ...............................5-1

TTLS................................................................. iii

Tunneled Transport Layer Service....... See TTLS

U

User Authentication ........................................2-6

Using the ZyAIR Utility .................................3-1

Using the ZyXEL Utility ................................2-1

W

Warranty ...........................................................iii

Note...............................................................iii

WEP................................................................2-5

WEP Data Encryption with.............................2-5

vi Index

ZyXEL G-102 User’s Guide

WEP Key ........................................................2-5

Windows XP Requirement..............................1-2

Wired Equivalent Privacy..................... See WEP

Wireless LAN Parameters

Channel .......................................................2-1

Network Type .............................................2-2

SSID............................................................ 2-1

Transfer Rate...............................................2-1

Transmission Rate.......................................2-1

Wireless LAN Security ................................... 2-4

Data Encryption with WEP......................... 2-5

Wireless Network Basics ................................1-2

WPA................................................................2-6

WPA with RADIUS Application....................2-8

WPA-PSK .......................................................2-6

WPA-PSK Application ...................................2-7

Z

ZyAIR Utility

WEP Encryption......................... 3-8, 3-9, 3-11

ZyXEL Utility

Before you upgrade.....................................4-2

Link Info .....................................................3-1

Removing....................................................4-2

Trend Chart .................................................3-3

Upgrading....................................................4-2

ZyXEL Utility Maintenance............................4-1

Index vii