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
Page 3
ZyAIR G-110 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
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
Information for Canadian Users
The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets
certain telecommunications network protective operation and safety requirements. The Industry Canada
does not guarantee that the equipment will operate to a user's satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities
of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable
method of connection. In some cases, the company's inside wiring associated with a single line individual
service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly. The customer should be aware that
compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated
by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions,
may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.
For their own protection, users should ensure that the electrical ground connections of the power utility,
telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution
may be particularly important in rural areas.
Caution
Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate
electrical inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.
Note
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry.
iv Information for Canadian Users
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ZyAIR G-110 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.
Caution
1. The equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d) (2).
2. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter
This product has been designed for the WLAN 2.4 GHz network throughout the EC region and
Switzerland, with restrictions in France.
Certifications
1. Go to www.zyxel.com
2. Select your product from the drop-down list box on the
ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.
3. Select the certification you wish to view from this page.
FCC Statement v
.
Page 6
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
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.
List of Figures...............................................................................................................................................xi
List of Tables ...............................................................................................................................................xii
4.1 Problems Starting the ZyAIR Utility Program.............................................................................4-1
4.2 Problems Communicating With Other Computers.......................................................................4-1
4.3 Problem with the Link Status .......................................................................................................4-2
Appendix A Types of EAP Authentication................................................................................................ A
Appendix B Product Specifications............................................................................................................ C
Index ..............................................................................................................................................................F
x Table of Contents
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List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Windows XP: System Tray Icon.................................................................................................1-2
Figure 1-2 Windows XP: System Tray Icon.................................................................................................1-2
Figure 1-3 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Status ..................................................................1-2
Figure 1-4 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection.............................................................................1-3
Figure 1-5 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Properties............................................................1-4
Figure 1-6 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon...............................................................................................1-4
Figure 2-9 Site Survey ...............................................................................................................................2-10
Figure 2-10 Wireless LAN Security Levels ...............................................................................................2-12
Table 2-4 Site Survey................................................................................................................................. 2-10
Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyAIR Utility Program .......................................................................4-1
Table 4-2 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ................................................................................4-1
Table 4-3 Troubleshooting Link Status........................................................................................................ 4-2
xii List of Tables
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
Preface
Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZyAIR G-110 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card!
About This User's Guide
This guide provides information about the ZyAIR G-110 Wireless LAN Utility that you use to configure
your ZyAIR G-110. Familiarize yourself with the Syntax Conventions listed below for better and faster
understanding.
Syntax Conventions
• “Type” or “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. "Select" or "Choose" means for
you to use one of the predefined choices.
• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “click the Apple icon, Control
Panels and then Modem” means first click the Apple icon, then point your mouse pointer to
Control Panels and then click Modem.
• Window and command choices are in Bold Times New Roman font. Predefined field choices are
in Bold Arial font.
• The ZyXEL ZyAIR G-110 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card is referred to as the ZyAIR in this
guide.
• The ZyAIR G-110 Wireless LAN Utility may be referred to as the ZyAIR Utility in this guide.
Related Documentation
Support Disk
Refer to the included CD for support documents and device drivers.
Quick Installation Guide
Our Quick Installation Guide is designed to help you get your ZyAIR up and running right away.
It contains a detailed easy-to-follow connection diagram and information on installing your
ZyAIR.
ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site
Please refer to www.zyxel.com
documentation.
User Guide Feedback
Help us help you! E-mail all User’s Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for improvement to
techwriters@zyxel.com.tw or send regular mail to The Technical Writing Team, ZyXEL Communications
Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan. Thank you!
for an online glossary of networking terms and additional support
Preface xiii
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
Graphics Icons Key
Wireless Access Point
Server
Telephone
Computer
Modem
Switch
Notebook computer
Wireless Signal
Router
xiv List of Tables
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
Chapter 1
Getting Started
This chapter prepares you to using the ZyAIR Utility.
1.1 About Your ZyAIR
The ZyAIR is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN PC card that fits into any 32-bit CardBus slot.
With the ZyAIR, you can enjoy the wireless mobility within the coverage area. The IEEE 802.11g
technology provides greater range and offers transmission rate at up to 54 Mbps.
The following lists the main features of your ZyAIR.
Your ZyAIR can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/g/Wi-Fi compliant wireless devices.
• Automatic rate selection.
• Data transmission rates up to 54 Mbps.
• Offers 64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network security.
• Supports IEEE802.1x and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).
• Low CPU utilization allowing more computer system resources for other programs.
• A built-in antenna and one external antenna connector (refer to the Quick Installation Guide).
• Power and Link LEDs.
• Driver support for Windows XP/2000/Me/98 SE.
1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation
Follow the instructions in the Quick Installation Guide to install the ZyAIR Utility and driver and make
hardware connections.
1.3 Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool
Windows XP includes a configuration tool for wireless LAN devices.
DO NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool and the ZyAIR Utility at the same
time. It is recommended you use the ZyAIR Utility to configure the ZyAIR.
There are two methods to disable the configuration tool in Windows XP after you install the ZyAIR Utility.
From ZyAIR Utility
Right-click on the ZyAIR Utility system tray icon and click Turn off zero configuration.
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Figure 1-1 Windows XP: System Tray Icon
From the Wireless Network Connection Status Screen
Step 1. Double-click on the network icon for the wireless connection in the system tray. If the icon is
not present, proceed to Step 2. Otherwise skip to Step 5.
Figure 1-2 Windows XP: System Tray Icon
Step 2. If the icon for the wireless network connection is not in the system tray, click Start, Control
Panel and double-click on Network Connections.
Step 3. Double-click on the icon for wireless network connection to display a status window as shown
next.
Figure 1-3 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Status
Step 4. Click Properties and click the Wireless Networks tab. Then skip to Step 6.
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Step 5. When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click Advanced….
Figure 1-4 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection
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Step 6. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, make sure the Use Windows to
configure my wireless network settings check box is not selected. Click OK.
Figure 1-5 Windows XP: Wireless Network Connection Properties
1.4 Accessing the ZyAIR Utility
After you installed the ZyAIR Utility, an icon for the ZyAIR Utility appears in the system tray.
When the ZyAIR Utility system tray icon displays, the ZyAIR is installed properly.
Figure 1-6 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon
The color of the ZyAIR Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyAIR. Refer to the following
table for details.
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Table 1-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon
COLOR DESCRIPTION
Red The ZyAIR is not connected to a wireless network or is searching for an available
wireless network.
Green The ZyAIR is connected to a wireless network.
Double click on the ZyAIR Utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyAIR Utility.
Getting Started 1-5
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Chapter 2
Using the ZyAIR Utility
This chapter shows you how to configure the ZyAIR using the ZyAIR Utility.
2.1 About Wireless LAN Network
This section describes each wireless LAN parameter.
2.1.1 Channel
A channel is the radio frequency(ies) used by IEEE 802.11b wireless devices. The number of available
channels depends on your geographical area. You may have a choice of channels (for your region) so
adjacent APs (access points) should use different channels to reduce crosstalk. Crosstalk occurs when radio
signals from different access points overlap causing interference and degrading performance.
Adjacent channels partially overlap however. To avoid interference due to overlap, the AP should be on a
channel at least five channels away from a channel that an adjacent AP is using. For example, if your
region has 11 channels and an adjacent AP is using channel 1, then you need to select a channel between 6
or 11.
2.1.2 SSID
The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a wireless network.
Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.
2.1.3 Transfer Rate
Your ZyAIR automatically adjusts the transmission rate to operate at the maximum transmission (data)
rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyAIR automatically switches to a
lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when
the communication quality improves again, the ZyAIR gradually increases the transmission (data) rate
again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate.
2.2 Wireless Network Application
Wireless LAN works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure.
To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using Access Points (APs), set the ZyAIR operation
mode to Infrastructure (BSS). An AP acts as a bridge between the wireless stations and the wired
network. In case you do not wish to connect to a wired network, but prefer to set up a small independent
wireless workgroup without an AP, use the Ad-hoc (IBSS) (Independent Basic Service Set) mode.
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2.2.1 Ad-Hoc (IBSS)
Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless stations communicate
directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service
Set (IBSS).
Figure 2-1 Ad-hoc Network Example
To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all wireless stations in ad-hoc network
type and use the same SSID and channel.
2.2.2 Infrastructure
When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single AP, you have a Basic Service Set (BSS).
Figure 2-2 BSS Example
A series of overlapping BSS and a network medium, such as an Ethernet forms an Extended Service Set
(ESS) or infrastructure network. All communication is done through the AP, which relays data packets to
other wireless stations or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless stations can then access
resource, such as the printer, on the wired network.
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Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example
2.3 Roaming
Roaming in where in an infrastructure network, wireless stations are able to switch from one BSS to
another as they move between coverage areas. During this period, the wireless station maintains
uninterrupted connection to the network. As the wireless station moves from place to place, it is scans for
the most appropriate AP depending on the signal strength, network utilization or other factors.
The following figure depicts a roaming example. When Wireless Station B moves to position X, the ZyAIR
in Wireless Station B automatically switches the channel to the one used by Access Point 2 in order to stay
connected to the network.
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Figure 2-4 Roaming Example
2.4 Viewing Current Configuration
When the ZyAIR Utility starts, the Link Info screen displays first, showing the current configuration of
your ZyAIR.
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
Figure 2-5 ZyAIR Utility: Link Info
The following table describes the fields in this screen.
Table 2-1 ZyAIR Utility: Link Info
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Current SSID This field displays the name of the wireless device/network to which the ZyAIR is
associated.
Link Status This field displays the current connection status of the ZyAIR.
Re-Connect
Settings
Channel This field displays the radio channel the ZyAIR is currently using to connect to a wireless
Security
Click Re-Connect to have the ZyAIR search for and connect to a wireless device with
the best signal reception.
device.
This field displays the wireless security mode you select in the Security Configuration
screen.
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Table 2-1 ZyAIR Utility: Link Info
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Transfer Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the ZyAIR in megabits per second
(Mbps).
Current IP This field displays the current IP address of the ZyAIR.
Operating Mode
Tx/Rx (Total Frames)
Transmitted This field displays the number of data frames transmitted.
Received This field displays the number of data frames received.
Signal Strength The status bar and the percentage number show the strength of the signal.
Link Quality The status bar and the percentage number show the quality of the link.
This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the ZyAIR.
2.4.1 Common Screen Command Buttons
The following table describes common command buttons on all ZyAIR Utility screens.
Table 2-2 Common Screen Command Buttons
BUTTON DESCRIPTION
OK
Cancel
Help
Click OK to save all changes and close the ZyAIR Utility.
Click Cancel to discard changes and close the ZyAIR Utility.
Click Help to display the on-line help window.
2.5 Configuring the ZyAIR Wireless Parameters
Click the Profile tab to display the screen as shown next.
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ZyAIR G-110 User’s Guide
Figure 2-6 ZyAIR Utility: Profile: Configuration
Follow the instructions in the table below to configure the wireless LAN related fields. Refer to the next
section for Profile field descriptions.
Table 2-3 ZyAIR Utility: Profile: Configuration
FIELD DESCRIPTION
Configuration
Server Set Enter the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the AP or the peer ad-hoc computer to which
you want to associate in this field. To associate to an ad-hoc network, you must enter
the same SSID as the peer ad-hoc computer.
Enter any to associate to or roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.
Operating
Mode
Select Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc from the drop-down list box.
Select Infrastructure to associate to an AP.
Select Ad-Hoc to associate to a peer ad-hoc computer.
Refer to Section 2.2 for more information.
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Table 2-3 ZyAIR Utility: Profile: Configuration
FIELD DESCRIPTION
Channel
Wireless
Security
Configuration
Undo Changes
Apply Changes
This field is activated if you select Ad-Hoc in the Operation Mode field.
Select the channel number from the drop-down list box. To associate to a peer ad-hoc
computer, you must use the same channel as the peer ad-hoc computer.
Click Set Security to display the Security Configuration screen and configure the
security settings for this profile.
Click Undo Changes to start configuring the fields again.
Click Apply Changes to save the changes back to ZyAIR.
When you configure the ZyAIR to use a certificate in the Security Configuration screen and click Apply
Changes in the Profile screen, the ZyAIR tries to connect to the network and a screen displays as shown.
Figure 2-7 Odyssey Client
To trust a server permanently, select Add this trusted server to the database and click Yes.
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To trust a server for this session only, make sure the Add this trusted server to the database check box is
not selected and click Yes.
If you don’t want to trust an authentication server, click No. The ZyAIR will not connect to the network.
2.6 Network Configuration Profile Setting
The Profile function in the Profile screen allows you to save the wireless network settings in the Profile
screen or use one of the pre-configured network profiles.
Figure 2-8 ZyAIR Utility: Profile
2.6.1 Saving the Current Setting to a Profile
To save the current settings in the Profile screen to a new profile, enter a descriptive name in the Profile
field and click Apply Changes. This also activates the new profile at the same time.
2.6.2 Using a Pre-configured Profile
To use a previously saved network profile, select the profile file name from the drop-down list box.
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Once you activate a profile, the ZyAIR Utility will use that profile the next time it is
started. If you remove a profile, the ZyAIR Utility reverts to use the default profile.
2.6.3 Deleting a Profile
To delete an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile from the drop-down list box and click
Remove.
2.7 The Site Survey Screen
Use the Site Survey screen to scan for and connect to a wireless network automatically.
Figure 2-9 Site Survey
The following table describes the fields in the table.
Table 2-4 Site Survey
FIELD DESCRIPTION
ESSID This field displays the SSID (or name) of each wireless device.
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Table 2-4 Site Survey
FIELD DESCRIPTION
Signal This field displays the signal strength of each wireless device in percentage.
Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.
Security
BSS Type
Mode This field displays the wireless standard (802.11b or 802.11g) of the wireless device.
BSSID This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device.
Refresh
Connect
This field shows whether the wireless security is activated (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA or
802.1x) or inactive (None).
This field displays the wireless network type (Infra or Ad Hoc) of the wireless device. Infra
denotes the infrastructure mode.
Click Refresh to scan for available wireless device(s) within transmission range.
Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.
2.7.1 Connecting to a Network
Follow the steps below to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.
Step 1. Click Search to scan for all available wireless networks within range.
Step 2. To join a network, either click an entry in the table to select a wireless network and then click
Connect or double-click an entry.
Step 3. If the Security field is activated for the selected wireless network, you must also set the related
fields in the Security Configuration screen to the same security settings. Refer to Section 2.9
for more information.
Step 4. Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the network
information in the Link Info screen.
2.8 About Wireless LAN Security
Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communication between wireless
stations and the wired network.
The figure below shows the possible wireless security levels on your ZyAIR. EAP (Extensible
Authentication Protocol) is used for authentication and utilizes dynamic WEP key exchange. It requires
interaction with a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server either on the WAN or
your LAN to provide authentication service for wireless stations.
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Figure 2-10 Wireless LAN Security Levels
Configure the wireless LAN security using the Security Configuration screen. If you do not enable any
wireless security on your ZyAIR, communication between the ZyAIR and the wired network is accessible
to any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area.
Make sure the security settings are the same on the ZyAIR and the intermediary
AP and/or your network security server device.
2.8.1 Data Encryption with WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all communication transmitted between the ZyAIR
and the AP or other wireless stations to keep network communications private. Both the wireless stations
and the access points must use the same WEP key for data encryption and decryption.
There are two ways to create WEP keys in your ZyAIR.
• Automatic WEP key generation based on a “password phrase” called a passphrase. The passphrase
is case sensitive and only available when you select the HEX key type. You must use the same
passphrase for all WLAN adapters with this feature in the same WLAN.
For WLAN adapters without the passphrase feature, you can still take advantage of this feature by
writing down the four automatically generated WEP keys from the Security Configuration
screen of the ZyAIR Utility and entering them manually as the WEP keys in the other WLAN
adapter(s).
• Enter the WEP keys manually.
Your ZyAIR allows you to configure up to four 64-bit or 128-bit WEP keys. You must enter four keys but
only one key is used as the default key at any one time.
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2.8.2 Authentication Mode
The IEEE 802.11b standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless stations and
AP. Two authentication modes are defined: Open and Shared.
Open authentication mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue. The wireless
station and the AP do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless stations can associate with any AP and listen
to any data transmitted plaintext.
Shared authentication mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP. This
requires you to enable WEP encryption and specify a WEP key on both the wireless station and the AP.
2.8.3 IEEE 802.1x
The IEEE 802.1x standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of wireless
stations and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using an external RADIUS server.
EAP Authentication
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE802.1x
transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By using EAP to interact
with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a wireless station and a RADIUS server
perform authentication.
The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server and an intermediary AP(s) that supports
IEEE802.1x. The ZyAIR supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP and LEAP. Refer to the Types of EAP Authentication appendix for descriptions.
For EAP-TLS and EAP-TTLS authentication types, you must first have a wired connection to the network
and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). A certificate (also called digital IDs) can be
used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of each certificate owner.
2.8.4 WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i security specification draft. Key differences
between WPA and WEP are user authentication and improved data encryption.
User Authentication
WPA applies IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate wireless clients
using an external RADIUS database.
Therefore, if you don’t have an external RADIUS server you should use WPA-PSK (WPA -Pre-Shared
Key) that only requires a single (identical) password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and
wireless client. As long as the passwords match, a client will be granted access to a WLAN.
Encryption
WPA improves data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Message Integrity
Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x.
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Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and distributed
by the authentication server. It includes a per-packet key mixing function, a Message Integrity Check
(MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with sequencing rules, and a re-keying
mechanism.
TKIP regularly changes and rotates the encryption keys so that the same encryption key is never used
twice. The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up a key
hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically generate unique data encryption
keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP and the wireless clients.
This all happens in the background automatically.
The Message Integrity Check (MIC) is designed to prevent an attacker from capturing data packets, altering
them and resending them. The MIC provides a strong mathematical function in which the receiver and the
transmitter each compute and then compare the MIC. If they do not match, it is assumed that the data has
been tampered with and the packet is dropped.
By generating unique data encryption keys for every data packet and by creating an integrity checking
mechanism (MIC), TKIP makes it much more difficult to decode data on a Wi-Fi network than WEP,
making it difficult for an intruder to break into the network.
The encryption mechanisms used for WPA and WPA-PSK are the same. The only difference between the
two is that WPA-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials. The 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.
2.8.5 WPA-PSK Application Example
A WPA-PSK application looks as follows.
Step 1. First enter identical passwords into the AP and all wireless clients. The Pre-Shared Key (PSK)
must consist of between 8 and 63 ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols).
Step 2. The AP checks each client’s password and (only) allows it to join the network if it matches its
password.
Step 3. The AP derives and distributes keys to the wireless clients.
Step 4. The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP encryption process to encrypt data exchanged
between them.
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Figure 2-11
WPA - PSK Authentication
2.8.6 WPA with RADIUS Application Example
You need the IP address of the RADIUS server, its port number (default is 1812), and the RADIUS shared
secret. A WPA application example with an external RADIUS server looks as follows. “A” is the RADIUS
server. “DS” is the distribution system.
Step 1. The AP passes the wireless client’s authentication request to the RADIUS server.
Step 2. The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants or
denies network access accordingly.
Step 3. The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up a
key hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically generate unique
data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the
AP and the wireless clients.
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Figure 2-12 WPA with RADIUS Application Example
2.9 Configuring Wireless Security on the ZyAIR
In the Profile screen, click Set Security to display the Security Configuration screen as shown next.
The screen varies depending on what you select in the Authentication field.
You see the next screen when you select None in the Authentication field.
The WEP keys are used to encrypt communication before it is transmitted. The values for the keys must be
set up exactly the same on the APs or other peer ad-hoc wireless computers as they are on the ZyAIR.
Select WEP in the Authentication field to display the screen as shown next.
PassPhrase Enter the passphrase in the field provided. As you enter the passphrase, the ZyAIR
automatically generates the WEP keys and displays them in the key fields below.
Write down the automatically generated WEP keys in and use them to manually set
the WEP keys in other WLAN adapters.
Leave this field blank if you want to manually enter the WEP keys.
The passphrase is case-sensitive and only available when you select the HEX key
type. You must use the same passphrase for all wireless LAN adapters with this
feature in the same WLAN.
Key Type
Transmit Key From the drop-down list menu, select a WEP key to use for data encryption.
Key 1 … 4 Enter the WEP keys in the fields provided.
Select ASCII to enter WEP keys as ASCII characters.
Select HEX to enter the WEP keys as hexadecimal characters.
If you select 64-bit in the Encryption field.
Enter either 10 hexadecimal characters in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9”
(e.g. 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type
or
Enter 5 printable ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-
Z” and “0-9” (e.g. MyKey) for ASCII key type.
If you select 128-bit in the Encryption field,
Enter either 26 hexadecimal characters in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9”
(for example, 00112233445566778899AABBCC) for HEX key type
or
Enter 13 printable ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-
Z” and “0-9” (for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.
The values for the keys must be set up exactly the same on
all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.
ASCII WEP key is case sensitive.
OK
Click OK to save the changes.
2.9.2 WPA-PSK
Select WPA-PSK in the Authentication field to display the screen as shown next.
Encryption Status WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to improve data encryption.
Passphrase
OK
Select WPA-PSK from the drop down list.
The encryption mechanisms used for WPA and WPA-PSK are the same. The only
difference between the two is that WPA-PSK uses a simple common password,
instead of user-specific credentials.
Type a passphrase from 8 to 63 case-sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces
and symbols).
Click OK to save the changes.
2.9.3 WPA
Select WPA in the Authentication field to display the screen as shown next.
This field is only available when you select EAP-TLS in the EAP Type field.
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.
Validate Server
Certificate
TTLS Protocol
PEAP Protocol
This field is not available when you select LEAP in the EAP Type field.
Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.
This field is only available when you select EAP-TTLS in the EAP Type field.
Use the drop down list box to select a TTLS protocol. Options are PAP, CHAP, MS CHAP and MS CHAP v2.
This field is only available when you select EAP-PEAP in the EAP Type field.
Use the drop down list box to select a PEAP protocol. Options are MD5
Challenge, EAP-GTC and MS CHAP v2.
2.10 The About Screen
The About screen displays related version numbers of the ZyAIR.
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Figure 2-18 ZyAIR Utility: About
The following table describes the read-only labels in this screen.
Table 2-9 ZyAIR Utility: About
FIELD DESCRIPTION
Utility Version This field displays the version number of the ZyAIR Utility.
Driver Version This field displays the version number of the ZyAIR Windows driver.
Firmware
Version
This field displays the version of the firmware of the ZyAIR card.
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Chapter 3
Maintenance
This chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyAIR Utility.
3.1 Uninstalling the ZyAIR Utility
Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyAIR Utility from your computer.
Step 1. Close and exit the ZyAIR Utility.
Step 2. Click Start, (all) Programs, ZyAIR G-110 Wireless LAN PC Card, Uninstall.
Step 3. When prompted, click OK to remove the driver and the utility software.
Step 4. Click Finish and restart the computer when prompted.
3.2 Upgrading the ZyAIR Utility
To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Download the latest version of the utility from the ZyXEL web site and save the file on your
computer.
Step 2. Follow the steps in the Uninstalling the ZyAIR Utility section to remove the current ZyAIR
Utility from your computer.
Step 3. Restart the computer when prompted.
Step 4. After restarting, refer to the procedure in the Quick Installation Guide to install the new utility
software.
Step 5. Check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed
properly.
Maintenance 3-1
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Chapter 4
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.
4.1 Problems Starting the ZyAIR Utility Program
Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyAIR Utility Program
Cannot start the ZyAIR
Wireless LAN Utility
Make sure the ZyAIR is properly inserted and the LED is on. Refer to the
Quick Installation 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 ZyAIR under Network Adapter. (Steps may
vary depending on the version of Windows).
Install the ZyAIR in another computer.
If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you
should contact your local vendor.
4.2 Problems Communicating With Other Computers
Table 4-2 Troubleshooting Communication Problems
PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION
The ZyAIR computer cannot
communicate with the other
computer.
A. Infrastructure
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 ZyAIR and the associated AP use the same SSID.
Configure the AP to use another radio channel if interference is high.
Make sure that the computer and the AP shares the same WEP key and
authentication mode. Verify the settings in the Security Configuration
screens.
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Table 4-2 Troubleshooting Communication Problems
PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION
B. Ad-Hoc
Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on.
Make sure the ZyAIR and the peer computer(s) are using the same SSID
and channel.
Use another radio channel if interference is high.
Make sure that the ZyAIR and the AP share the same WEP key and
authentication mode. Verify the settings in the Security Configuration
screens.
4.3 Problem with the Link Status
Table 4-3 Troubleshooting Link Status
PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION
The link quality and/or signal
strength is poor all the time.
The Site Survey screen
displays all entries with low
signal.
Move your computer closer to the AP or the peer computer(s) within the
transmission range.
There is too much radio interference (for example microwave or another
AP using the same channel) around your wireless network. Relocate or
reduce the radio interference.
Move your computer closer to the AP or peer computer(s) within the
transmission range.
There is too much radio interference (for example metal structure,
microwave or another AP using the same channel) around your wireless
network. Relocate or reduce the radio interference.
4-2 Troubleshooting
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Appendix A
Types of EAP Authentication
This appendix discusses the five popular EAP authentication types: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS,
PEAP and LEAP. The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server. Consult your
network administrator for more information.
EAP-MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5)
MD5 authentication is the simplest one-way authentication method. The authentication server sends a
challenge to the wireless station. The wireless station ‘proves’ that it knows the password by encrypting the
password with the challenge and sends back the information. Password is not sent in plain text.
However, MD5 authentication has some weaknesses. Since the authentication server needs to get the
plaintext passwords, the passwords must be stored. Thus someone other than the authentication server may
access the password file. In addition, it is possible to impersonate an authentication server as MD5
authentication method does not perform mutual authentication. Finally, MD5 authentication method does
not support data encryption with dynamic session key. You must configure WEP encryption keys for data
encryption.
EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security)
With EAP-TLS, digital certifications are needed by both the server and the wireless stations for mutual
authentication. The server presents a certificate to the client. After validating the identity of the server, the
client sends a different certificate to the server. The exchange of certificates is done in the open before a
secured tunnel is created. This makes user identity vulnerable to passive attacks. A digital certificate is an
electronic ID card that authenticates the sender’s identity. However, to implement EAP-TLS, you need a
Certificate Authority (CA) to handle certificates, which imposes a management overhead.
EAP-TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Service)
EAP-TTLS is an extension of the EAP-TLS authentication that uses certificates for only the server-side
authentications to establish a secure connection. Client authentication is then done by sending username
and password through the secure connection, thus client identity is protected. For client authentication,
EAP-TTLS supports EAP methods and legacy authentication methods such as PAP, CHAP, MS-CHAP and
MS-CHAP v2.
PEAP (Protected EAP)
Like EAP-TTLS, server-side certificate authentication is used to establish a secure connection, then use
simple username and password methods through the secured connection to authenticate the clients, thus
hiding client identity. However, PEAP only supports EAP methods, such as EAP-MD5, EAP-MSCHAPv2
and EAP-GTC (EAP-Generic Token Card), for client authentication. EAP-GTC is implemented only by
Cisco.
Types of EAP Authentication A
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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
B Types of EAP Authentication
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Appendix B
Product Specifications
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Product Name
ZyAIR G-110 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card
Type
Standards
Network Architectures
Operating Frequencies
Operating Channels
Data Rate
Modulation
Security
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Operating Humidity
Storage Humidity
Power Consumption
Voltage
Weight
Dimension
3.3V 32-bit Cardbus card
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
Infrastructure
Ad-Hoc
2.412-2.484GHz
IEEE 802.11b: 11 Channels (North America)
IEEE 802.11g: 11 Channels (North America)
IEEE 802.11b: 13 Channels (Europe)
IEEE 802.11g: 13 Channels (Europe)
IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1Mbps
IEEE 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps
IEEE 802.11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (64QAM, 16QAM,
QPSK and BPSK)
IEEE 802311b: Direct Spread Spectrum (CCK, DQPSK, DBOSK).
64/128-bit WEP
0 ~ 50 degrees Centigrade
-30 ~ 60 degrees Centigrade
10 ~ 90% (non-condensing)
20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)
TX: 471mA RX: 422mA
3.3V±5%
40g
(W) 118mm × (D) 54mm × (H)7.5 mm
Product Specifications C
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Media Access Protocol
Frequency
Channels
Data Rate
Modulation
Output Power
RX Sensitivity
IEEE 802.11
2.4 ~ 2.4835GHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band )
1~11 Channels (USA, Canada)
1~13 Channels (Europe)
802.11g (OFDM): 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
802.11g: OFDM with BPSK, QPSK and 16/64-QAM sub-carrier modulations
802.11b: DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK
15 dBm (typical) at 11Mbps CCK
12 dBm (typical) at 54Mbps OFDM
802.11g (OFDM): 54 Mbps: -66 dBm
24 Mbps: -79 dBm
18 Mbps: -81 dBm
12 Mbps: -83 dBm
9 Mbps: -85 dBm
6 Mbps: -88 dBm
802.11b (CCK/DSS): 11 Mbps: -83 dBm
2 Mbps: -89 dBm
1 Mbps: -92 dBm
RADIO SPECIFICATIONS
48 Mbps: -71 dBm
36 Mbps: -75 dBm
5.5 Mbps: -86 dBm
SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS
Device Drivers
Roaming
WEP
Microsoft Windows 98(SE), Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows ME
802.11 compliant
Supports 64-bit and 128-bit encryption
D Product Specifications
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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Operating: 0° ~ 50° C
Storage: -30° ~ 60° C
20% to 95% (non-condensing)
Product Specifications E
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A
About ............................................................2-24
Accessing the ZyAIR Utility ..........................1-5