ZyXEL ZyAir B-120 User Guide

ZyAIR

Wireless LAN Utility

User's Guide

Version 2.00

September 2003

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Copyright

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

Disclaimer

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

Trademarks

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

ii Copyright

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of up to one (1) year 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

.for free future product updates and information.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty iii

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Information for Canadian Users

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

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

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

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

Caution

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

Note

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

iv Information for Canadian Users

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) Interference Statement

The Wireless LAN Adapter has been tested to the FCC exposure requirements (Specific Absorption Rate).

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

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

operations.

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

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

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

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

Notice 1

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

Caution

1. To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation distance of at least 20 cm must be maintained between the antenna of this device and all persons.

2. 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

FCC Statement v

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Customer Support

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

 Product model and serial number.

 Warranty Information.

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

METHOD

LOCATION

WORLDWIDE

AMERICA

E-MAIL

SUPPORT/SALES

support@zyxel.com.tw

sales@zyxel.com.tw

support@zyxel.com +1-800-255-4101 www.us.zyxel.com NORTH

sales@zyxel.com

support@zyxel.dk +45-3955-0700 www.zyxel.dk SCANDINAVIA

sales@zyxel.dk

support@zyxel.de +49-2405-6909-0 www.zyxel.de GERMANY

sales@zyxel.de

+886-3-578-2439 ftp.europe.zyxel.com

ftp.zyxel.com

+45-3955-0707 ftp.zyxel.dk

+49-2405-6909-99

TELEPHONE/FAX WEB SITE/ FTP SITE REGULAR MAIL

+886-3-578-3942 www.zyxel.com

www.europe.zyxel.com

ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan

ZyXEL Communications A/S, Columbusvej 5, 2860 Soeborg, Denmark

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

Customer Support vii

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.4 Wireless LAN Parameters............................................................................................................3-4

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

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

3.4.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)................................................................................................3-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.8 Configuring the ZyAIR Wireless Parameters.............................................................................3-10

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

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

3.9.2 Saving the Current Setting to a Profile...............................................................................3-12

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents ix

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

4.2.1 Configuring the WEP Encryption on the ZyAIR................................................................. 4-1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

x Table of Contents

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

List of Figures

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 3-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon...............................................................................................3-1

Figure 3-2 ZyAIR Utility: Link Info............................................................................................................3-2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 3-10 ZyAIR Utility: Configuration.................................................................................................3-11

Figure 4-1 ZyAIR Utility: WEP Encryption ................................................................................................4-2

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

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

List of Figures xi

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

List of Tables

Table 3-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon ................................................................................................3-1

Table 3-2 ZyAIR Utility: Link Info .............................................................................................................3-2

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

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

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

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

Table 3-7 ZyAIR Utility: Configuration .................................................................................................... 3-11

Table 4-1 ZyAIR Utility: WEP Encryption..................................................................................................4-2

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

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

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

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

xii List of Tables

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Preface

Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZyAIR!

About This User's Guide

A practical and comprehensive tool, this manual provides information about the ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility. Familiarize yourself with the Syntax Conventions listed for better and faster understanding.

This guide is for both ZyAIR B-120 and B-220 that use the ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility for configuration, thus the model name shown in the screens may vary from what you actually purchased.

Syntax Conventions

• “Type” or “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. "Select" or "Choose" means for

you to use one of the predefined choices.

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

in Bold Arial font.

• The ZyXEL ZyAIR wireless adaptor is referred to as the ZyAIR in this guide.

• The ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility may be referred to as the ZyAIR Utility in this guide.

Wireless Network Basics

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

applications.

1.1 Introduction

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

1.2 Benefits of a Wireless LAN

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

buildings, buildings with asbestos materials and classrooms.

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

upon entering a patient’s room.

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

reconfigured.

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

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

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

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

1.3 Applications

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

1.3.1 Ad-hoc

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

Wireless Network Basics 1-1

ZyAIR Wireless LAN Utility

Figure 1-1 Ad-hoc Application Example 1

1.3.2 Infrastructure

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

The figure below depicts an infrastructure network example

Figure 1-2 Infrastructure Application Example

1-2 Wireless Network Basics

+ 35 hidden pages