ZyXEL G-162 User Guide

ZyXEL G-162

802.11g Wireless CardBus Card

User's Guide

Version 3.0

8/2005

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Copyright

Copyright ©2005 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-162 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.zyxel.com for free future product updates and information.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty iii

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) Interference Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

operations.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.

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.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada

.

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.

iv FCC Statement

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

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

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

List of Figures..............................................................................................................................................vii

List of Tables ..............................................................................................................................................viii

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

1.1 About Your G-162 ........................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Syntax Conventions......................................................................................................................1-1

1.3 Graphics Icons Key......................................................................................................................1-2

1.4 Application Overview...................................................................................................................1-2

1.4.1 Infrastructure........................................................................................................................1-2

1.4.2 Ad-Hoc.................................................................................................................................1-3

1.5 G-162 Hardware and Utility Installation.....................................................................................1-3

1.6 Configuration Methods ................................................................................................................1-3

1.7 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility.........................................................................................................1-4

1.7.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary..........................................................................................1-4

1.8 Network Connection Methods ......................................................................................................1-5

1.8.1 Site Survey ...........................................................................................................................1-6

1.8.2 Profiles .................................................................................................................................1-8

Chapter 2 Link Info...................................................................................................................................2-1

2.1 Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate) ..............................................................................................2-1

2.1.1 G-plus...................................................................................................................................2-1

2.2 Configuring the Link Info screen .................................................................................................2-1

2.2.1 Trend Chart ..........................................................................................................................2-4

Chapter 3 Site Survey................................................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Configuring the Site Survey screen ..............................................................................................3-1

Chapter 4 Security Settings.......................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Wireless LAN Security..................................................................................................................4-1

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

4.2 Authentication Type .....................................................................................................................4-2

4.3 Configuring Security Settings.......................................................................................................4-2

4.3.1 WEP Encryption...................................................................................................................4-3

4.3.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK........................................................................................................4-5

4.3.3 WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x.........................................................................................................4-6

Chapter 5 Profile........................................................................................................................................5-1

5.1 Configuring the Profile screen.....................................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Adding a New Profile...........................................................................................................5-2

Chapter 6 Adapter .....................................................................................................................................6-1

6.1 Introduction to OTIST..................................................................................................................6-1

Table of Contents v

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

6.1.1 Enabling OTIST................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.2 Starting OTIST ....................................................................................................................6-2

6.1.3 Notes on OTIST................................................................................................................... 6-3

6.2 Configuring the Adapter Screen ..................................................................................................6-4

Chapter 7 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................7-1

7.1 The About Screen ......................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ....................................................................................................7-2

7.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility....................................................................................................... 7-2

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................8-1

8.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program............................................................................ 8-1

8.2 Problem with the Link Status .......................................................................................................8-2

8.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers.......................................................................8-2

8.4 Related Documentation................................................................................................................8-3

8.5 User Guide Feedback ..................................................................................................................8-3

8.6 Customer Support ........................................................................................................................8-3

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

Appendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool.................................................... C

Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration ................................................................. K

Appendix D Wireless LANs ..................................................................................................................... AA

Appendix E Types of EAP Authentication .............................................................................................GG

Appendix F Index ........................................................................................................................................II

vi Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

List of Figures

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

Figure 1-2 Ad-Hoc Example ........................................................................................................................1-3

Figure 1-3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ..............................................................................................1-4

Figure 1-4 Screen Overview ........................................................................................................................1-5

Figure 1-5 Site Survey .................................................................................................................................1-6

Figure 1-6 Site Survey: Security Settings ....................................................................................................1-7

Figure 1-7 Link Info.....................................................................................................................................1-7

Figure 1-8 Profile.........................................................................................................................................1-8

Figure 1-9 Profile: Add................................................................................................................................1-9

Figure 1-10 Profile: Channel......................................................................................................................1-10

Figure 1-11 Profile: Encryption .................................................................................................................1-11

Figure 1-12 Profile: Security......................................................................................................................1-12

Figure 1-13 Profile: Confirm .....................................................................................................................1-13

Figure 1-14 Profile: Activate......................................................................................................................1-13

Figure 1-15 Profile.....................................................................................................................................1-14

Figure 2-1 Link Info.....................................................................................................................................2-2

Figure 2-2 Link Info: Trend Chart ...............................................................................................................2-4

Figure 3-1 Site Survey .................................................................................................................................3-1

Figure 4-1 Security Settings: WEP ..............................................................................................................4-3

Figure 4-2 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK..................................................................................4-5

Figure 4-3 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x...................................................................................4-6

Figure 5-1 Profile.........................................................................................................................................5-1

Figure 5-2 Profile: Add New Profile ............................................................................................................5-3

Figure 5-3 Profile: Select a Channel ............................................................................................................5-5

Figure 5-4 Profile: Wireless Settings ...........................................................................................................5-6

Figure 5-5 Profile: Security Settings............................................................................................................5-7

Figure 5-6 Profile: Confirm New Settings ...................................................................................................5-8

Figure 5-7 Profile: Activate the Profile ........................................................................................................5-9

Figure 6-1 Adapter.......................................................................................................................................6-4

Figure 7-1 About ..........................................................................................................................................7-1

Figure 7-2 Confirm Uninstall.......................................................................................................................7-2

List of Figures vii

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1-1ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon.................................................................................................1-4

Table 1-2 Screen Summary.......................................................................................................................... 1-5

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

Table 2-2 Link Info: Trend Chart.................................................................................................................2-4

Table 3-1 Site Survey...................................................................................................................................3-2

Table 4-1 Wireless LAN Security Levels ....................................................................................................4-1

Table 4-2 Security Settings: WEP................................................................................................................ 4-3

Table 4-3 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK...................................................................................4-5

Table 4-4 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x....................................................................................4-6

Table 5-1 Profile ..........................................................................................................................................5-2

Table 5-2 Profile: Add New Profile .............................................................................................................5-3

Table 6-1 Adapter ........................................................................................................................................6-4

Table 7-1 About ...........................................................................................................................................7-1

Table 8-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program.......................................................................8-1

Table 8-2 Troubleshooting Link Quality...................................................................................................... 8-2

Table 8-3 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ................................................................................8-2

viii List of Tables

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 1

Getting Started

This chapter introduces the G-162 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.

1.1 About Your G-162

The G-162 is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN adapter.

The following lists the main features of your G-162. See the product specifications in the appendix for
detailed features.

• Automatic rate adjustment to that of the associated wireless network

• Security: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), IEEE 802.1x, WPA-PSK, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected

Access), WPA2-PSK and WPA2

• A built-in antenna

• Driver support for Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows 2000 and Windows XP

1.2 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 Start, Settings and then

Control Panel” means first click Start, then point your mouse pointer to Settings and then click
Control Panel.

• Window and command choices are in Bold Times New Roman font. Predefined field choices are

in Bold Arial font.

• The ZyXEL G-162 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card is referred to as the G-162 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.

Getting Started 1-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

1.3 Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point

Server

Computer

Modem or Router

Notebook computer

Wireless Signal

1.4 Application Overview

1.4.1 Infrastructure

To connect to a network via an Access Point (AP), set the G-162 network type to Infrastructure. Through
the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the AP.

Figure 1-1 Infrastructure Example

1-2 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

1.4.2 Ad-Hoc

In case you prefer to set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use the Ad-Hoc mode.

Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients communicate
directly to each other.

Figure 1-2 Ad-Hoc Example

To set up an Ad-Hoc network, configure all wireless clients in Ad-Hoc network

type and use the same SSID, channel and security.

1.5 G-162 Hardware and Utility Installation

Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL Utility and make hardware
connections. The ZyXEL Utility is a program that lets you configure wireless parameters in the G-162.
These parameters must be the same as the access point (AP) or peer WLAN device that you are connecting
with.

1.6 Configuration Methods

To configure your G-162, use one of the following applications:

¾ ZyXEL Utility (This guide shows you how to configure the G-162 using the ZyXEL Utility)
¾ Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (recommended for Windows XP)

In Windows XP, you must disable WZC if you want to use the ZyXEL Utility. Refer

to the appendices on how to deactivate WZC or how to use WZC to manage the

G-162.

¾ Odyssey Client Manager (not supplied)

Refer to the Odyssey Client documentation for more information.

Getting Started 1-3

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

DO NOT use WZC or the Odyssey Client Manager and the ZyXEL Utility at the

same time.

1.7 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 G-162 is installed properly.

Figure 1-3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the G-162. Refer to the following
table for details.

Table 1-1ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The G-162 is not connected to a wireless network or is searching for an available wireless

network.

Green The G-162 is connected to a wireless network.

Double click on the ZyXEL Utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyXEL Utility. The ZyXEL Utility
screens are similar in all supported Microsoft Windows operating systems. Screens for Windows XP are
shown in this guide.

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

window.

1.7.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This summarizes the ZyXEL Utility screens.

1-4 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Figure 1-4 Screen Overview

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 1-2 Screen Summary

SCREEN DESCRIPTION

Link Info Use this screen to see your current connection status, configuration and data rate

statistics.

Site Survey Use this screen to

¾ scan for a wireless network.

¾ configure wireless security (if activated on the selected network).

¾ connect to a wireless network.

Profile Use this screen to add, delete, edit or activate a profile with a set of wireless and

security settings.

Adapter Use this screen to configure a transfer rate, enable power saving and use OTIST

(One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology).

About ( )

Use this screen to view the ZyXEL Utility and driver versions.

1.8 Network Connection Methods

The following sections show you how to associate with a network using the ZyXEL Utility. You can either
manually connect to a network or configure a profile to have the G-162 automatically connect to a specific
network. Otherwise, configure nothing and leave the G-162 to automatically scan for and connect to any
other available network without security.

See the next chapters for detailed field descriptions.

Getting Started 1-5

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

1.8.1 Site Survey

After you install the ZyXEL Utility and then insert the G-162, follow the steps below to connect to a
network using the Site Survey screen.

1. Make sure a wireless network is available and within range.

2. Open the ZyXEL Utility and click the Site Survey tab to open the screen as shown next.

3. Click Scan to search for available wireless networks.

Figure 1-5 Site Survey

4. To join a network, either click an SSID in the table and then click Connect or double-click an

SSID.

5. If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security Settings screen

displays. This screen varies according to the network’s encryption method. Configure the same
security settings as the associated network.

1-6 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

If the selected network is unavailable or security settings are not correct, the G-

162 will be disconnected.

Figure 1-6 Site Survey: Security Settings

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

information in the Link Info screen. If the G-162 is not connected to a network, the fields in this
screen are blank.

Figure 1-7 Link Info

Getting Started 1-7

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

1.8.2 Profiles

A profile is a set of wireless parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network. With a profile
activated, each time you start the G-162, it automatically scans for the specific SSID and joins that network
with the pre-defined wireless security settings. If the specified network is not available, the G-162 will be
disconnected.

If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the G-162, the G-162 uses the default
profile to connect to any available network with security disabled.

The default profile is a profile that allows you to connect to any SSID without security.

Creating a Profile

1. Make sure a wireless network is available.

2. Open the ZyXEL Utility and click the Profile tab to open the screen as shown.

3. Click Add to configure a new profile.

Figure 1-8 Profile

1-8 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

4. Give the profile a descriptive name (of up to 32 printable ASCII characters). If you want to connect

to an AP, select Infrastructure and enter the AP’s SSID. If you want to connect to another peer
wireless device directly (without an AP), select Ad-Hoc and enter the same SSID as that device.

Figure 1-9 Profile: Add

Getting Started 1-9

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

5. If you selected Infrastructure, skip to the next step. If you selected Ad-Hoc, use the same channel

as the peer wireless device.

Figure 1-10 Profile: Channel

1-10 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

6. If you selected Infrastructure, choose the same encryption method (Disable, WEP, WPA, WPA2,

WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x) as the AP to which you want to connect. If you selected Ad­Hoc, you can only use WEP.

Figure 1-11 Profile: Encryption

Getting Started 1-11

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

7. This screen varies depending on the encryption method you selected in the previous screen. Enter

the same settings as the associated network.

Figure 1-12 Profile: Security

1-12 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

8. Verify the profile settings in the ready-only screen. Click Save to save and go to the next screen.

Click Back to return to the previous screen.

Figure 1-13 Profile: Confirm

9. Click Activate Now to use the new profile immediately. Otherwise, click Activate Later and go

back to the Profile screen. You can follow the previous steps to create another profile.

Figure 1-14 Profile: Activate

10. If you clicked Activate Now, check the network information in the Link Info screen to see if you

have successfully connected to the specified network. If the G-162 is not connected to a network,
the fields in this screen are blank.

Getting Started 1-13

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Activating a Profile

If you have more than one profile, you can use one of the pre-configured profiles to connect to a wireless
network by activating it. Follow the steps below to activate a profile.

Only one profile can be activated and used at any given time.

1. In the ZyXEL Utility, click the Profile tab to open the screen as shown next.

2. Select a profile and click Activate to use the selected profile.

Figure 1-15 Profile

1-14 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 2

Link Info

This chapter shows you detailed information about the Link Info screen.

2.1 Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)

The G-162 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, 22 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36
Mbps, 48 Mbps, 54 Mbps and 125 Mbps.

In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting is the most efficient. This setting
allows your G-162 to operate at the highest possible transmission (data) rate. When the communication
quality drops below a certain level, the G-162 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 G-162 gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest
available transmission rate.

If you want to select a specific transmission rate, select one that the AP or peer wireless device supports. 1
Mbps or 2 Mbps are often used in networking environments where the range of the wireless connection is
more important than speed.

Your G-162 can transmit at 22Mbps or up to 125 Mbps when connected to a

ZyXEL g+ AP or wireless router.

Actual speeds attained also depend on the distance from the AP, noise, etc.

2.1.1 G-plus

G-plus is an enhancement to the IEEE 802.11g wireless standard. G-plus combines multiple frames into a
larger frame size. This increases wireless transmission speeds by allowing larger frames (up to 4 KB) to be
sent.

G-plus speed applies only to unicast traffic (not broadcast or multicast). G-plus is automatically disabled if
wireless transmission speeds fall below 11 Mbps.

2.2 Configuring the Link Info screen

When the ZyXEL Utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current configuration and
connection status of your G-162. You can also click the Link Info tab to display the screen as shown next.

Link Info 2-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Figure 2-1 Link Info

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 2-1 Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Network Status

The following fields show the information of the network to which the G-162 is connected. If there is no
associated wireless network, they are blank.

Profile Name This is the name of the profile you are currently using. A profile is a set of wireless

parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network.

If you do not configure and activate a new profile, each time you start the G-162, the
G-162 uses the default profile to associate with an available network.

Network Name
(SSID)

This field displays the name (SSID) of the wireless network to which the G-162
belongs. 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.

2-2 Link Info

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 2-1 Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

AP MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device to which the G-162 is

associated.

Every Ethernet device has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address. The MAC
address is assigned at the factory and consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters,
for example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02.

Network Type

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the G-162 in megabits per second

Security

Channel This field displays the radio channel the G-162 is currently using. A radio frequency

Statistics

The following fields show the connection status with the associated network. If there is no associated
wireless network, they are blank.

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 G-162.

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 since the G-162 was

Total Receive This field displays the total number of data frames received since the G-162 was

Signal Strength This field displays the signal strength of the G-162.

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.

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

(Mbps).

This field displays whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-
PSK, WPA-RADIUS, WPA2-RADIUS or RADIUS) or not (Disabled).

used by a wireless device is called a channel.

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

associated with the wireless network.

associated with the wireless network.

(Kbps).

Link Info 2-3

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

2.2.1 Trend Chart

Click Trend Chart in the Link Info screen to open the read-only screen as shown next.

Figure 2-2 Link Info: Trend Chart

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 2-2 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).

2-4 Link Info

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 3

Site Survey

This chapter provides a detailed description about the Site Survey screen. See the Getting Stated

chapter for how to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.

3.1 Configuring the Site Survey screen

Click the Site Survey tab and use this screen to scan for a wireless network and connect to it.

Figure 3-1 Site Survey

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Site Survey 3-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 3-1 Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Available Network List

The wireless network to which the G-162 is associated is bolded.

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

,

or

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

Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless network. A radio frequency

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

Scan

Connect

Site Info

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

Network Type

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

Encryption

MAC address This field displays the MAC address of the AP or peer wireless device.

Surveyed at This field displays the time when the G-162 scanned the wireless network.

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode.

displays with the previous two icons if the wireless devices are using security.

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.

used by a wireless device is called a channel.

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

Click Connect to associate with the selected wireless network.

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

This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK,
WPA-RADIUS, WPA2-RADIUS or RADIUS) or inactive (Disabled).

3-2 Site Survey

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 4

Security Settings

This chapter discusses how to configure wireless security on the G-162.

4.1 Wireless LAN Security

Wireless LAN security is vital to protect wireless communications.

The figure below shows the possible wireless security levels on your G-162. 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 clients.

Table 4-1 Wireless LAN Security Levels

SECURITY LEVEL SECURITY TYPE

Least Secure

Most Secure

Unique SSID (Default)

Unique SSID with SSID Hidden

MAC Address Filtering

WEP Encryption

IEEE802.1x EAP with RADIUS Server Authentication

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i)

Configure the wireless LAN security using the Profile Security Settings screen. If you do not enable any
wireless security on your G-162, the G-162’s wireless communications are accessible to any wireless
networking device that is in the coverage area.

4.1.1 Data Encryption with WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between the G-162 and
the AP or other peer wireless device to keep them private. Both the wireless clients 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 G-162.

• 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.

Security Settings 4-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

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 G-162 allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 256-bit WEP keys. Only one key is used
as the default key at any one time.

See the wireless LANs appendix for more information about WPA, WPA2 and IEEE 802.1x.

4.2 Authentication Type

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

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

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

4.3 Configuring Security Settings

The Security Settings screen displays when you configure the G-162 to connect to a network with wireless
security activated. This screen also displays when you add a new profile or edit an existing profile.

The screen varies according to the selected encryption method.

Enter the exact same settings (for example the encryption type, key or certificate)

as the wireless network you want to join.

4-2 Security Settings

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

4.3.1 WEP Encryption

Figure 4-1 Security Settings: WEP

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4-2 Security Settings: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

WEP

Authentication

Pass Phrase As you enter the passphrase, the G-162 automatically generates four different WEP keys

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

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

Select Share to authenticate the G-162 to an AP or peer WLAN device using the key(s)
configured below. Otherwise, select Open if you want to connect to any AP or peer
device without sharing a key.

Refer to Section 4.2 for more information.

and displays one in the key field below.

Refer to Section 4.1.1 for more information.

Security Settings 4-3

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 4-2 Security Settings: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Key x
(where x is a
number
between 1 and

4)

If you want to manually set the WEP keys, enter the WEP key (same as the AP or peer
device) 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 and display the Link Info screen. Otherwise, click the
close (

) button to discard changes and go back to the previous screen.

4-4 Security Settings

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

4.3.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

Figure 4-2 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4-3 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Encryption Type

Pass Phrase

Save

WPA uses TKIP and WPA2 uses AES to improve data encryption.

The encryption mechanisms used for WPA(2) and WPA(2)-PSK are the same. The
only difference between the two is that WPA(2)-PSK uses a simple common
password, instead of user-specific credentials.

Type the passphrase (same as the AP or peer device) from 8 to 63 case-sensitive
ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols).

Click Save to save the changes and display the Link Info screen. Otherwise, click
the close (

) button to discard changes and go back to the previous screen.

Security Settings 4-5

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

4.3.3 WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x

Figure 4-3 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4-4 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Authentication Type Select the authentication method that the RADIUS server uses from the drop down

list. Options are EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.

Login Name Enter a user name.

This is the user name that is set up on a RADIUS server.

Password

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

Enter the password associated with the login name above.

4-6 Security Settings

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 4-4 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 or 802.1x

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. If you didn’t get the certificate first via a wired connection, no certificate
displays in the Select Certificate screen.

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 that the RADIUS server uses.
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 that the RADIUS server uses.
Options are EAP-GTC and MS CHAP v2.

Click Save to save the changes and display the Link Info screen. Otherwise, click
the close (

) button to discard changes and go back to the previous screen.

Security Settings 4-7

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 5

Profile

This chapter describes how to configure and use a profile.

5.1 Configuring 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 a wireless network’s settings, so you can use them again later.

Figure 5-1 Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Profile 5-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 5-1 Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile List

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

,

or

Profile Name This is the name of the profile.

SSID This is the SSID of the wireless network to which the G-162 connects using this profile.

Connect To use a previously saved network profile, select a profile name in the table and click

Add

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

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

Profile Info

The following fields display detailed information about the selected profile in the Profile List table.

Network Type

Channel A radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel. This field displays the

Security

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode.

displays with the previous two icons if the wireless devices are using security.

Connect.

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

Delete.

Edit.

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

channel number used by the profile.

This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK,

WPA-RADIUS, WPA2-RADIUS or RADIUS) or inactive (Disabled).

5.1.1 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.

5-2 Profile

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Figure 5-2 Profile: Add New Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5-2 Profile: Add New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile Name Enter a descriptive name (of up to 32 printable ASCII characters) 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 device to which you want to
associate in this field. To associate with an ad-hoc network, you must enter the same
SSID as the peer ad-hoc device.

Otherwise, leave this field blank or enter any to have the G-162 associate with or roam
between any infrastructure wireless networks.

Select the Infrastructure radio button to associate with an AP.

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

Click Next to go to the next screen.

Next

Profile 5-3

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 5-2 Profile: Add New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Exit

Scan Info

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

,

or

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

Scan

Select

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode.

displays with the previous two icons if the wireless devices are using security.

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 G-162 associates with the selected wireless
network only.

5-4 Profile

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

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 the
same channel number as the peer device and click Next to continue.

Figure 5-3 Profile: Select a Channel

Profile 5-5

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Step 3. If you select Infrastructure network type in the first screen, select the same encryption method

as the AP (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA, WPA2 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 G-162 to
communicate with the access points or other peer wireless devices without any data encryption
and skip to Step 5.

Figure 5-4 Profile: Wireless Settings

5-6 Profile

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

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 devices as they are on the
G-162. Refer to Section 1.1 for detailed information on wireless security configuration.

Figure 5-5 Profile: Security Settings

Profile 5-7

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

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.

Figure 5-6 Profile: Confirm New Settings

5-8 Profile

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

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.

Figure 5-7 Profile: Activate the Profile

Profile 5-9

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 6

Adapter

This chapter discusses OTIST and how to configure the Adapter screen.

6.1 Introduction to OTIST

In a wireless network, the wireless clients must have the same SSID and security settings as the access
point (AP) or wireless router (we will refer to both as “AP” here) in order to associate with it. Traditionally
this meant that you have to configure the settings on the AP and then manually configure the exact same
settings on each wireless client.

OTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology) allows you to transfer your AP’s SSID and WEP or
WPA(2)-PSK security settings to wireless clients that support OTIST and are within transmission range.
You can also choose to have OTIST generate a WPA(2)-PSK key for you if you didn’t configure one
manually.

6.1.1 Enabling OTIST

You must enable OTIST on both the AP and wireless client before you start transferring settings.

The AP and wireless client(s) MUST use the same Setup Key.

Wireless Client

Start the ZyXEL Utility and click the Adapter tab. Select the OTIST check box, enter the same Setup Key
as your AP’s and click Save.

Adapter 6-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

AP

You can enable OTIST using the reset button or the web configurator. If you use the reset button, the
default (01234567) or previous saved (through the web configurator) Setup Key is used to encrypt the
settings that you want to transfer.

Hold in the Reset button for one or two seconds.

If you hold in the Reset button too long, the device will reset to the factory

defaults!

In the web configurator, go to the Wireless LAN main screen and then select OTIST. To change the Setup
Key, enter up to eight printable characters. To have OTIST automatically generate a WPA(2)-PSK key,

select the Yes check box. If you manually configured a WEP key or a WPA(2)-PSK key and you also
selected this check box, then the key you manually configured is used.

6.1.2 Starting OTIST

You must click Start in the AP OTIST web configurator screen and in the wireless client(s) Adapter
screen all within three minutes (at the time of writing). You can start OTIST in the wireless clients and AP
in any order but they must all be within range and have OTIST enabled.

1. In the AP, a web configurator screen pops up showing you the security settings to transfer. After

reviewing the settings, click OK.

2. This screen appears while OTIST settings are being transferred. It closes when the transfer is

complete.

6-2 Adapter

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

¾ In the wireless client, you see this screen if it can't find an OTIST-enabled AP (with the same Setup

Key). Click OK to go back to the ZyXEL Utility main screen.

¾ If there is more than one OTIST-enabled AP within range, you see a screen asking you to select one AP

to get settings from.

6.1.3 Notes on OTIST

1. If you enabled OTIST in the wireless client, you see this screen each time you start the ZyXEL

Utility. Click Yes for it to search for an OTIST-enabled AP.

2. If an OTIST-enabled wireless client loses its wireless connection for more than ten seconds, it will

search for an OTIST-enabled AP for up to one minute. (If you manually have the wireless client
search for an OTIST-enabled AP, there is no timeout; click Cancel in the OTIST progress screen to
stop the search.)

3. When the wireless client finds an OTIST-enabled AP, you must still click Start in the AP OTIST

web configurator screen or hold in the Reset button (for one or two seconds) for the AP to transfer
settings.

Adapter 6-3

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

4. If you change the SSID or the keys on the AP after using OTIST, you need to run OTIST again or

enter them manually in the wireless client(s).

5. If you configure OTIST to generate a WPA(2)-PSK key, this key changes each time you run

OTIST. Therefore, if a new wireless client joins your wireless network, you need to run OTIST on
the AP and ALL the wireless clients again.

6.2 Configuring the Adapter Screen

Use the Adapter screen to set a transfer rate, enable power saving and activate OTIST.

Figure 6-1 Adapter

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 6-1 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter Setting

6-4 Adapter

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Table 6-1 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Transfer Rate

Power Saving
Mode

OTIST (One­Touch Intelligent
Security
Technology)

Setup Key Enter the same setup key (of exactly eight ASCII characters) as the OTIST-enabled AP

Select a transmission speed from the drop-down list box. Options are Fully Auto
(default), 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps,
22 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, 54 Mbps and 125 Mbps.

Select Fully Auto to allow your G-162 to operate at the maximum available transmission
rate. Otherwise, select a number based on your network environment.

Power consumption is reduced (especially good for notebooks that use batteries) in
power saving mode.

Select Enabled and then click Save to immediately cut wireless transmission to/from the
G-162. If the G-162 resides in a Windows 98 computer, it may also reboot. The G-162
remains in power saving mode until there is traffic to transmit or receive.

Otherwise, select Disabled.

Select this check box to enable OTIST.

or wireless router to which you want to associate. The default OTIST setup key is
“01234567”.

If you change the OTIST setup key on the OTIST-enabled AP, you

must also make the same change here.

Click Start to encrypt the wireless security data using the setup key and have the

Start

OTIST-enabled AP set your G-162 to use the same wireless settings as the OTIST­enabled AP or wireless router. You must also activate and start OTIST on the OTIST­enabled AP at the same time.

The process takes about three minutes to complete.

Save

Click Save to save the changes.

Adapter 6-5

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 7

Maintenance

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

7.1 The About Screen

The About screen displays related version numbers of the G-162. To display the screen as shown next,

click the about (

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

) button.

Figure 7-1 About

Table 7-1 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.

Troubleshooting 7-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

7.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility

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

1. Click Start, Programs, ZyXEL G-162 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card, Uninstall.

2. When prompted, click OK to remove the driver and the utility software.

Figure 7-2 Confirm Uninstall

3. Restart your computer if prompted.

7.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility

Before you install the new ZyXEL Utility, take note of the current network

configuration and uninstall the existing utility on your computer.

To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.

1. Download the latest version of the utility from the ZyXEL web site and save the file on your

computer.

2. Follow the steps in Section 7.2 to remove the current ZyXEL Utility from your computer.

3. Restart your computer if prompted.

4. After restarting, refer to the procedure in the Quick Start Guide to install the new utility.

5. Check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed properly.

7-2 Troubleshooting

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Chapter 8

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.

8.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program

Table 8-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

Cannot start the ZyXEL
Utility

The ZyXEL Utility icon
does not display.

Make sure the G-162 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 G-162 under Network Adapter. (Steps may
vary depending on the version of Windows).

Install the G-162 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 G-162 at the same time, the ZyXEL Utility icon does not display.
You need to disable the Windows XP configuration tool (refer to Appendix B
for more information).

Troubleshooting 8-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

8.2 Problem with the Link Status

Table 8-2 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.

8.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers

Table 8-3 Troubleshooting Communication Problems

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

The G-162 computer cannot
communicate with another
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 G-162 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 Security Settings screen.

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

Make sure the G-162 computer and the peer computer(s) are using the
same SSID and channel.

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

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

8-2 Troubleshooting

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

8.4 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 G-162 up and running right away. It
contains a detailed easy-to-follow connection diagram and information on installing your G-162.

¾ ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site

Please refer to www.zyxel.com

for an online glossary of networking terms and additional support

documentation.

8.5 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.

8.6 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

CORPORATE
HEADQUARTERS
(WORLDWIDE)

CZECH
REPUBLIC

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE1 WEB SITE METHOD

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

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

www.europe.zyxel.com

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

[phone] ftp.zyxel.com

ftp.europe.zyxel.com

[phone]

ZyXEL Communications Corp.
6 Innovation Road II
Science Park
Hsinchu 300
Taiwan

ZyXEL Communications Czech s.r.o.
Modranská 621
143 01 Praha 4 – Modrany
Ceská Republika

REGULAR MAIL

1

“+” is the (prefix) number you enter to make an international telephone call.

Troubleshooting 8-3

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

LOCATION

DENMARK

FINLAND

FRANCE

GERMANY

NORTH
AMERICA

NORWAY

SPAIN

SWEDEN

UNITED
KINGDOM

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE1 WEB SITE METHOD

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

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

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail]

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

[phone]

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

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail]

[phone]

www.zyxel.fi

[phone]

[phone]

www.us.zyxel.com

[phone]

[phone] ftp.us.zyxel.com

[phone]

[phone]

[phone]

www.zyxel.co.uk

08707 555779 (UK
only)

[phone] ftp.zyxel.co.uk

REGULAR MAIL

ZyXEL Communications A/S
Columbusvej 5
2860 Soeborg
Denmark

ZyXEL Communications Oy

Malminkaari 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland

ZyXEL France
1 rue des Vergers
Bat. 1 / C
69760 Limonest
France

ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH.
Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146
Wuerselen
Germany

ZyXEL Communications Inc.
1130 N. Miller St.
Anaheim
CA 92806-2001
U.S.A.

ZyXEL Communications A/S
Nils Hansens vei 13
0667 Oslo
Norway

ZyXEL Communications
Alejandro Villegas 33
1º, 28043 Madrid
Spain

ZyXEL Communications A/S
Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

ZyXEL Communications UK Ltd.,
11, The Courtyard, Eastern Road,
Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2XB,

United Kingdom (UK)

8-4 Troubleshooting

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Appendix A

Product Specifications

Product Name

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

ZyXEL G-162 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card

3.3V 32-bit CardBus card

IEEE 802.11b

IEEE 802.11g

Infrastructure

Ad-Hoc

2.412-2.483GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)

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: 22, 11, 5.5, 2, 1Mbps

IEEE 802.11g: 125, 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps

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

IEEE 802.11b: PBCC, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (CCK, DQPSK,
DBPSK).

64/128/256-bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA-PSK, WPA, WPA2-PSK, WPA2

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) 115 mm × (D) 54.5 mm × (H) 9.3 mm

Product Specifications A

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Output Power

RX Sensitivity

Temperature

Relative Humidity

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.)

802.11b (PBCC): 22 Mbps: < -83 dBm (typ.) < -88 dBM (max.)

Operating: 0° ~ 50° C

Storage: -30° ~ 60° C

20% to 95% (non-condensing)

B Product Specifications

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Appendix B

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN

Configuration Tool

Windows XP includes a configuration tool (also known as Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC)) 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.

Via the Wireless Network System Tray Icon

If the network icon for wireless connections is not present in the system tray, see the next section.

1. Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray.

Diagram 1 Windows XP: System Tray Icon

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool C

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2. Windows XP SP1: When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click Advanced….

Diagram 2 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection

Windows XP SP2: When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click Change
advanced settings under Related Tasks and then the Wireless Networks tab.

Diagram 3 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

D Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

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3. 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.

Diagram 4 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool E

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Diagram 5 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Via the Control Panel

1. If the icon for the wireless network connection is not in the system tray, click Start, Control Panel

and double-click Network Connections.

F Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

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2. Double-click on the icon for wireless network connection to display a status window as shown

below.

Diagram 6 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status

Diagram 7 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool G

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3. Click Properties and click the Wireless Networks tab.

4. 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.

Diagram 8 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

H Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

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Diagram 9 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool I

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

Appendix C

Management with Wireless Zero

Configuration

This appendix shows you how to manage your G-162 using the Windows XP wireless zero

configuration tool.

Be sure you have the Windows XP service pack 2 installed on your computer. Otherwise, you should at
least have the Windows XP service pack 1 already on your computer and download the support patch for
WPA from the Microsoft web site.

Windows XP SP2 screen shots are shown unless otherwise specified. Click the help icon (
screens, move the cursor to the item that you want the information about and click to view the help.

) in most

Activating Wireless Zero Configuration

Make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected in the
Wireless Network Connection Properties screen. Refer to Appendix B.

If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for information on starting
WZC.

Diagram 10 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration K

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Connecting to a Wireless Network

1. Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray to open the Wireless

Network Connection Status screen.

Diagram 11 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the G-162. Refer to the
following table for details.

Chart 1 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

ICON DESCRIPTION

The G-162 is connected to a wireless network.

The G-162 is in the process of connecting to a wireless network.

The connection to a wireless network is limited because the network did not assign a network
address to the computer.

The G-162 is not connected to a wireless network.

L Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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2. Windows XP SP2: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click View Wireless

Networks to open the Wireless Network Connection screen.

Diagram 12 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration M

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Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties and the
Wireless Networks tab to open the Wireless Network Connection Properties screen.

Diagram 13 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status

N Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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3. Windows XP SP2: Click Refresh network list to reload and search for available wireless devices

within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the list and click Connect to join the
selected wireless network.

Diagram 14 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

The following table describes the icons in the wireless network list.

Chart 2 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes that wireless security is activated for the wireless network.

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration O

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Chart 2 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes that this wireless network is your preferred network. Ordering your preferred
networks is important because the G-162 tries to associate to the preferred network first in the
order that you specify. Refer to the section on ordering the preferred networks for detailed
information.

This denotes the signal strength of the wireless network.

Move your cursor to the icon to see details on the signal strength.

Windows XP SP1: Click Refresh to reload and search for available wireless devices within
transmission range. Select a wireless network in the Available networks list, click Configure and
set the related fields to the same security settings as the associated AP to add the selected network
into the Preferred networks table. Click OK to join the selected wireless network. Refer to the
section on security settings (discussed later) for more information.

Diagram 15 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

P Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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4. Windows XP SP2: If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the

Wireless Network Connection screen displays. You must set the related fields in the Wireless
Network Connection screen to the same security settings as the associated AP. Refer to Section 0

for more information. Otherwise click Cancel and connect to another wireless network without
data encryption. If there is no security activated for the selected wireless network, a warning screen
appears. Click Connect Anyway if wireless security is not your concern.

Diagram 16 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK

Diagram 17 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security

5. Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the connection

status in the wireless network list or the connection icon in the Preferred networks or Available
networks list.

The following table describes the connection icons.

Chart 3 Windows XP: Wireless Networks

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.

This denotes the G-162 is associated to the wireless network.

This denotes the wireless network is not available.

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration Q

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Security Settings

When you configure the G-162 to connect to a secure network but the security settings are not yet enabled
on the G-162, you will see different screens according to the authentication and encryption methods used
by the selected network.

Association

Select a network in the Preferred networks list and click Properties to view or configure security.

Diagram 18 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Chart 4 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Network name
(SSID)

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

R Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Chart 4 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Network
Authentication

Data Encryption

Network Key Enter the pre-shared key or WEP key.

Confirm network
key

Key index
(advanced)

The key is
provided for me
automatically

This is a
computer-to­computer (ad
hoc) network;
wireless access
points are not
used

OK

Cancel

This field automatically shows the authentication method (Share, Open, WPA or WPA-
PSK) used by the selected network.

Refer to Section 4.2 for more information.

This field automatically shows the encryption type (TKIP, WEP or Disable) used by the
selected network.

The values for the keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in the
same wireless LAN.

Enter the key again for confirmation.

Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption.
This field is available only when the network use WEP encryption method and the The
key is provided for me automatically check box is not selected.

If this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the G-162 a key.

If this check box is selected, you are connecting to another computer directly.

Click OK to save your changes.

Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

Authentication

Click the Authentication tab in the Wireless (network) properties screen to display the screen shown
next. The fields on this screen are grayed out when the network is in Ad-Hoc mode or data encryption is
disabled.

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration S

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Diagram 19 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Chart 5 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Enable IEEE

802.1x
authentication
for this network

EAP Type

Properties Click this button to open the properties screen and configure certificates. The screen

Authenticate as
computer when
computer
information is
available

This field displays whether the IEEE 802.1x authentication is active.

If the network authentication is set to Open in the previous screen, you can choose to
disable or enable this feature.

Select the type of EAP authentication. Options are Protected EAP (PEAP) and Smart
Card or other Certificate.

varies depending on what you select in the EAP type field.

Select this check box to have the computer send its information to the network for
authentication when a user is not logged on.

T Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Chart 5 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Authenticate as
guest when user
or computer
information is
unavailable

OK

Cancel

Select this check box to have the computer access to the network as a guest when a
user is not logged on or computer information is not available.

Click OK to save your changes.

Click Cancel to close this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

Authentication Properties

Select an EAP authentication type in the Wireless (network) properties: Authentication screen and click
the Properties button to display the following screen.

Protected EAP Properties

Diagram 20 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration U

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The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Chart 6 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Validate server
certificate

Connect to
these servers

Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:

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

Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your computer
connect to a server which resides only within this domain.

Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.

You must first have a wired connection to a network and obtain

the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). Consult your

network administrator for more information.

Do not prompt
user to
authorize new
server or trusted
certification
authorities.

Select
Authentication
Method:

Enable Fast
Reconnect

OK

Cancel

Select this check box to verify a new authentication server or trusted CA without
prompting.

This field is available only if you installed the Windows XP server pack 2.

Select an authentication method from the drop-down list box and click Configure to do
settings.

Select the check box to automatically reconnect to the network (without re­authentication) if the wireless connection goes down.

Click OK to save your changes.

Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

V Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

Diagram 21 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Chart 7 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Use my smart
card

Use a certificate
on this computer

Validate server
certificate

Connect to
these servers

Select this check box to use the smart card for authentication.

Select this check box to use a certificate on your computer for authentication.

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

Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your computer
connect to a server which resides only within this domain.

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration W

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Chart 7 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:

Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.

You must first have a wired connection to a network and obtain

the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). Consult your

network administrator for more information.

View Certificate Click this button if you want to verify the selected certificate.

Use a different
user name for
the connection:

OK

Cancel

Select the check box to use a different user name when the user name in the smart card
or certificate is not the same as the user name in the domain that you are logged on to.

Click OK to save your changes.

Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

Ordering the Preferred Networks

Follow the steps below to manage your preferred networks.

1. Windows XP SP2: Click Change the order of preferred networks in the Wireless Network

Connection screen (see Diagram 14). The screen displays as shown.

X Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Diagram 22 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties and the
Wireless Networks tab to open the screen as shown.

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration Y

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Diagram 23 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

2. Whenever the G-162 tries to connect to a new network, the new network is added in the Preferred

networks table automatically. Select a network and click Move up or Move down to change it’s
order, click Remove to delete it or click Properties to view the security, authentication or
connection information of the selected network. Click Add to add a preferred network into the list
manually.

Z Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Appendix D

Wireless LANs

Wireless LAN Topologies

This section discusses ad-hoc and infrastructure wireless LAN topologies.

Ad-Hoc (IBSS)

The simplest WLAN configuration is an independent (Ad-hoc) WLAN that connects a set of computers
with wireless clients. Any time two or more wireless adapters are within range of each other, they can set
up an independent network, which is commonly referred to as an Ad-hoc network or Independent Basic
Service Set (IBSS). The following diagram shows an example of notebook computers using wireless
adapters to form an Ad-hoc wireless LAN. Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network.

Diagram 24 IBSS Example

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

and use the same SSID, channel and security.

Infrastructure (BSS)

A Basic Service Set (BSS) exists when all communications between wireless clients or between a wireless
client and a wired network client go through one access point (AP).

Wireless LANs AA

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Diagram 25 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.

Diagram 26 Infrastructure Network Example

IEEE 802.1x

The IEEE 802.1x standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of wireless
clients and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using an external RADIUS server.

EAP Authentication

BB Wireless LANs

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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
with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a wireless client 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 G-162 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.

WPA(2)

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA 2 (IEEE 802.11i) is a
wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and key management than WPA.

Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user authentication.

Encryption

Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP),
Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. In addition to TKIP, WPA2 also uses Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message authentication code
Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption.

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.

WPA2 AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a block cipher that uses a 256-bit mathematical algorithm
called Rijndael.

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.

Wireless LANs CC

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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 common­password 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.

User Authentication

WPA or WPA2 applies IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate
wireless clients using an external RADIUS database.

If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS server, use WPA2
for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server, you should use WPA2 -PSK
(WPA2 -Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical) password entered into each access point,
wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the passwords match, a wireless client will be granted
access to a WLAN.

If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending on whether
you have an external RADIUS server or not.

Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is less secure
than WPA or WPA2.

WPA(2)-PSK Application Example

A WPA(2)-PSK application looks as follows.

1. First enter identical passwords into the AP and all wireless clients. The Pre-Shared Key (PSK) must

consist of between 8 and 63 ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols).

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

password matches.

3. The AP derives and distributes keys to the wireless clients.

4. The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP or AES encryption process to encrypt data exchanged

between them.

DD Wireless LANs

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Diagram 27 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication

WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

You need the IP address of the RADIUS server, its port number (default is 1812), and the RADIUS shared
secret. A WPA(2) application example with an external RADIUS server looks as follows. “A” is the
RADIUS server. “DS” is the distribution system.

1. The AP passes the wireless client’s authentication request to the RADIUS server.

2. The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants or denies

network access accordingly.

3. The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up a key

hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically generate unique data
encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP and
the wireless clients.

Wireless LANs EE

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Diagram 28 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

FF Wireless LANs

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Appendix E

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 client. The wireless client ‘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 clients 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 GG

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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

HH Types of EAP Authentication

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Appendix F

Index

PEAP.......................................................... GG

A

About ..............................................................7-1

About the ZyXEL Utility ................................7-1

Accessing the ZyXEL Utility..........................1-4

Activating a Profile ....................................... 1-14

Add a New Profile...........................................5-2

Application Overview.....................................1-2

Authentication Mode.......................................4-2

Open............................................................4-2

Shared .........................................................4-2

Automatic WEP key generation......................4-2

TLS ............................................................ GG

TTLS .......................................................... GG

Encryption.......................................................CC

ESS..................................................................BB

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

F

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Interference Statement...................................iv

G

C

CA.................................................................. GG

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

Communication Problem

Ad-hoc(IBSS) .............................................8-3

Infrastructure...............................................8-2

Configuration Methods ...................................1-3

Configuring the Link Info screen....................2-2

Connecting to a Network ................................1-5

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

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

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

Create WEP key with passphrase............ 4-5, 4-6

Customer Support ...........................................8-3

D

Data encryption...............................................4-1

G-plus..............................................................2-1

Graphics Icons Key.........................................1-2

L

LEAP.............................................................. HH

Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol

.................................................................... HH

M

MD5 ............................................................... GG

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

Message Integrity Check.................................CC

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

N

Network Type ................................................ AA

Ad-Hoc(IBSS)..................................... 1-3, AA

E

O

EAP Authentication

MD5 ........................................................... GG

Index II

One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology ...6-1

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

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

Open authentication mode .............................. 4-2

OTIST............................................................. 6-1

P

passphrase....................................................... 4-2

PEAP ..............................................................GG

problem description ........................................ 8-1

Profile .............................................................5-1

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

R

Related Documentation................................... 8-3

S

Security Settings

WEP Encryption ......................................... 4-3

WPA/WPA2 ...............................................4-6

WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .............................. 4-5

Security Settings .............................................4-1

Shared authentication mode............................ 4-2

Site Survey...................................................... 3-1

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

Starting OTIST ............................................... 6-2

Syntax Conventions........................................ 1-1

T

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol.................... CC

The Adapter Screen ........................................6-4

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

TLS .................................................................GG

Transmission Speed........................................ 6-5

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

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

Trend Chart..................................................... 2-4

Troubleshooting

Communication problem with other computers

................................................................ 8-2

Troubleshooting .............................................. 8-1

Checking Hardware Conflict ......................8-1

Problem with link status..............................8-2

Radio interference....................................... 8-2

Starting ZyXEL Utility ...............................8-1

Troubleshooting

Communication problems...........................8-2

TTLS.............................................................. GG

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

U

User Authentication ....................................... DD

W

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

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

WEP................................................................4-1

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

WEP Key ........................................................4-1

Windows XP Requirement ................................C

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

Wireless LAN Parameters

Network Type ............................................ AA

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

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

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

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

Wireless Network Basics ...................................C

WPA with RADIUS Application.................... EE

WPA(2)........................................................... CC

WPA-PSK...................................................... DD

WPA-PSK Application.................................. DD

Z

ZyXEL Utility

WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ..............................4-5

ZyXEL Utility

Link Info .....................................................2-2

Trend Chart................................................. 2-4

JJ Index

ZyXEL G-162 User’s Guide

ZyXEL Utility

WPA/WPA2................................................4-6

ZyXEL Utility

Removing....................................................7-2

ZyXEL Utility

Before you upgrade.....................................7-2

ZyXEL Utility Maintenance............................7-1

ZyXEL Utility Upgrading ...............................7-2

Index KK