ZyXEL ZyAIR G-300 User Guide

ZyAIR G-300

Wireless LAN PCI Adapter

User's Guide

Version 2.00

October 2004

ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

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 G-300 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 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 G-300 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.

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ZyAIR G-300 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. 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

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ZyAIR G-300 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.

LOCATION

WORLDWIDE

AMERICA

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE1 WEB SITE METHOD

SALES E-MAIL FAX1 FTP SITE

support@zyxel.com.tw +886-3-578-3942 www.zyxel.com

ZyXEL Communications

sales@zyxel.com.tw

support@zyxel.com +1-800-255-4101

sales@zyxel.com

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

sales@zyxel.de

support@zyxel.es +34 902 195 420 SPAIN

sales@zyxel.es

support@zyxel.dk +45 39 55 07 00 www.zyxel.dk DENMARK

sales@zyxel.dk

support@zyxel.no +47 22 80 61 80 www.zyxel.no NORWAY

sales@zyxel.no

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

+1-714-632-0882

+1-714-632-0858 ftp.us.zyxel.com

+49-2405-6909-99

+33 (0)4 72 52 97 97 FRANCE info@zyxel.fr

+33 (0)4 72 52 19 20

+34 913 005 345

+45 39 55 07 07

+47 22 80 61 81

www.europe.zyxel.com ftp.zyxel.com

www.us.zyxel.com NORTH

www.zyxel.fr ZyXEL France

www.zyxel.es

REGULAR MAIL

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

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

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

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

Alejandro Villegas 33 1º, 28043 Madrid Spain

ZyXEL Communications A/S Columbusvej 5 2860 Soeborg Denmark

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

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

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE1 WEB SITE METHOD

LOCATION

FINLAND support@zyxel.fi +358-9-4780-8411 www.zyxel.fi ZyXEL Communications Oy

SALES E-MAIL FAX1 FTP SITE

support@zyxel.se +46 31 744 7700 www.zyxel.se SWEDEN

sales@zyxel.se

+46 31 744 7701

REGULAR MAIL

ZyXEL Communications A/S Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg Sweden

Malminkaari 10 00700 Helsinki Finland

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.1 About Your ZyAIR G-300 ............................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation..................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Configuration Methods................................................................................................ 1-1

1.4 Windows XP Users Only ............................................................................................. 1-2

1.5 Accessing the ZyAIR Utility ........................................................................................ 1-2

Chapter 2 Using the ZyAIR Utility ............................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 About Wireless LAN Network ..................................................................................... 2-1

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

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

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

2.1.4 Wireless Network Application ................................................................................. 2-1

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

2.1.6 Profile...................................................................................................................... 2-4

2.1.7 Threshold Controls.................................................................................................. 2-4

2.2 Wireless LAN Security................................................................................................. 2-5

2.2.1 Authentication Mode ............................................................................................... 2-6

2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x ............................................................................................................ 2-6

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

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

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

2.3 The Configuration Screen ........................................................................................... 2-9

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2.3.1 The Advanced Configuration Screen .................................................................... 2-12

2.3.2 The Security Screen.............................................................................................. 2-13

2.3.3 The Certificate Screen .......................................................................................... 2-16

2.4 The Site Survey Screen ............................................................................................. 2-18

2.4.1 Connecting to a Network....................................................................................... 2-20

2.5 The About Screen....................................................................................................... 2-20

Chapter 3 Maintenance ..............................................................................................................3-1

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

3.2 Upgrading the ZyAIR Utility ........................................................................................ 3-1

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting........................................................................................................ 4-1

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 Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool.......................................A

Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration ..................................................... I

Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication ..................................................................................Y

Appendix D Product Specifications.......................................................................................... AA

Index............................................................................................................................................. CC

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon .................................................................................. 1-2

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

Figure 2-2 BSS Example .............................................................................................................. 2-2

Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example.................................................................................. 2-3

Figure 2-4 Roaming Example....................................................................................................... 2-3

Figure 2-5 RTS Threshold ............................................................................................................ 2-4

Figure 2-6 Wireless LAN Security Levels..................................................................................... 2-5

Figure 2-7 WPA-PSK Authentication ............................................................................................ 2-8

Figure 2-8 WPA with RADIUS Application Example..................................................................... 2-9

Figure 2-9 Configuration............................................................................................................. 2-10

Figure 2-10 Configuration: Advanced......................................................................................... 2-12

Figure 2-11 Configuration: Privacy Configuration: Security ....................................................... 2-14

Figure 2-12 Configuration: Privacy Configuration: Certification ................................................. 2-17

Figure 2-13 Site Survey.............................................................................................................. 2-19

Figure 2-14 ZyAIR Utility: About ................................................................................................. 2-21

Figure 3-1 Confirm Uninstallation................................................................................................. 3-1

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List of Tables

Table 1-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon ....................................................................................1-2

Table 2-1 Configuration...............................................................................................................2-10

Table 2-2 Configuration: Advanced............................................................................................. 2-12

Table 2-3 Configuration: Privacy Configuration: Security ........................................................... 2-14

Table 2-4 Configuration: Privacy Configuration: Certification..................................................... 2-17

Table 2-5 Site Survey..................................................................................................................2-19

Table 2-6 ZyAIR Utility: About..................................................................................................... 2-21

Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyAIR Utility Program ........................................................... 4-1

Table 4-2 Troubleshooting Communication Problems.................................................................. 4-1

Table 4-3 Troubleshooting Link Quality ........................................................................................ 4-2

xii List of Tables

ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZyAIR G-300 Wireless LAN PCI Adapter!

About This User's Guide

This guide provides information about the ZyAIR G-300 Wireless LAN Utility that you use to configure your ZyAIR.

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-300 Wireless LAN PCI adapter is referred to as the ZyAIR in this guide.

• The ZyAIR G-300 Wireless LAN Utility may be referred to as the ZyAIR Utility in this guide.

Getting Started

This chapter prepares you to using the ZyAIR Utility.

1.1 About Your ZyAIR G-300

The ZyAIR G-300 is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN adapter. With the ZyAIR, you can enjoy the wireless mobility within the coverage area.

The following lists the main features of your ZyAIR.

• Your ZyAIR can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless devices.

• Automatic rate selection.

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

• Supports IEEE 802.1x and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

• Low CPU utilization allowing more computer system resources for other programs.

• A built-in antenna

• Plug-and-play installation for Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

• Driver and utility support for Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and

Windows XP.

1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation

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

1.3 Configuration Methods

To configure your ZyAIR, use one of the following applications:

• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (recommended for Windows XP)

• ZyAIR Utility

• Odyssey Client Manager

DO NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool or the Odyssey Client Manager

and the ZyAIR Utility at the same time.

The bundled Odyssey Client Manager only works for your ZyAIR. Do NOT use the

Odyssey Client Manager to configure non-ZyXEL WLAN adapters.

Refer to the Odyssey Client Manager documentation for more information.

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1.4 Windows XP Users Only

You must disable WZC if you want to use the ZyAIR utility. Refer to the appendices on how to deactivate WZC or how to use WZC to manage the ZyAIR.

1.5 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 1-1 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.

Table 1-1 ZyAIR Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Blue The ZyAIR is connected to a wireless network.

Yellow The ZyAIR has a weak connection to a wireless network.

Red The ZyAIR is working properly but is not connected to any AP or wireless station.

Double click on the ZyAIR Utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyAIR Utility.

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

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 radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.

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 Transmission 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.

2.1.4 Wireless Network Application

Wireless LAN works in either of the two modes: ad-hoc and infrastructure.

To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using Access Points (APs), set the ZyAIR operation mode to Infrastructure. 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 mode.

Ad-Hoc (IBSS)

Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).

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Figure 2-1 Ad-hoc Network Example

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

and use the same SSID and channel.

Infrastructure

When a number of wireless clients 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 clients or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless clients can then access resource, such as the printer, on the wired network.

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example

2.1.5 Roaming

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

The following figure depicts a roaming example. When Wireless Client B moves to position X, the ZyAIR in Wireless Client B automatically switches the channel to the one used by access point AP 2 in order to stay connected to the network.

Figure 2-4 Roaming Example

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

2.1.6 Profile

The Profile function allows you to save the wireless network settings in this screen, use one of the preconfigured network profiles or reset the settings in this screen to the factory default values.

2.1.7 Threshold Controls

Fragmentation Threshold

A fragmentation threshold is the maximum data fragment size (between 256 and 2432 bytes) that can be sent in the wireless network before the ZyAIR will fragment the packet into smaller data frames.

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

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

RTS Threshold

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

Figure 2-5 RTS Threshold

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

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

When a data frame exceeds the RTS Threshold value you set (between 0 to 2432 bytes), the station that wants to transmit this frame must first send an RTS (Request To Send) message to the AP for permission to

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

send it. The AP then responds with a CTS (Clear to Send) message to all other stations within its range to notify them to defer their transmission. It also reserves and confirms with the requesting station the time frame for the requested transmission.

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

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

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

Enabling the RTS threshold causes redundant network overhead that may affect

throughput performance.

2.2 Wireless LAN Security

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

The figure below shows the possible wireless security levels on your 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.

Figure 2-6 Wireless LAN Security Levels

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

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ZyAIR G-300 User’s Guide

Data Encryption with WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets 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.

Your ZyAIR allows you to configure up to four 64-bit or 128-bit WEP keys and only one key is used as the default key at any one time.

2.2.1 Authentication Mode

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

Open 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 mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP. This requires you to enable the WEP encryption and specify a WEP key on both the wireless station and the AP.

2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x

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

EAP Authentication

EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE 802.1x 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-PEAP and LEAP. Refer to the Types of EAP Authentication appendix for descriptions.

For EAP-TLS authentication type, you must first have a wired connection to the network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). A certificate (also called digital IDs) can be used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of each certificate owner.

2.2.3 WPA

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

User Authentication

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

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