ZyXEL ZyAIR G-405 User Guide

ZyAIR G-405

802.11g Wireless Ethernet Adapter

User's Guide

Version 1.00

April 2004

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Copyright

Copyright ©2004 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation

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

Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

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

Trademarks

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

ii Copyright

ZyAIR G-405 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

Register online at www.zyxel.com

.for free future product updates and information.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty iii

ZyAIR G-405 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 Navigator,
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

ZyAIR G-405 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

FCC Statement v

.

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

vi Information for Canadian Users

ZyAIR G-405 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

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

ZyXEL Communications

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

[e-mail] [phone] SPAIN

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

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

[e-mail]

[phone] ftp.europe.zyxel.com

[phone]

[phone] ftp.us.zyxel.com

[phone]

[phone] FRANCE [e-mail]

[phone]

[phone]

[phone]

[phone]

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

www.us.zyxel.com NORTH

www.zyxel.fr ZyXEL France

www.zyxel.es

REGULAR MAIL

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

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

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

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

Alejandro Villegas 33
1º, 28043 Madrid
Spain

ZyXEL Communications A/S
Columbusvej 5
2860 Soeborg
Denmark

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

1

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

Customer Support vii

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE1 WEB SITE METHOD

LOCATION

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

SALES E-MAIL FAX1 FTP SITE

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

[e-mail]

[phone]

REGULAR MAIL

ZyXEL Communications A/S
Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

Malminkaari 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland

viii Information for Canadian Users

ZyAIR G-405 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.............................................................................................................................................xiii

List of Tables ...............................................................................................................................................xv

Preface.........................................................................................................................................................xvi

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

1.1 About Your ZyAIR ......................................................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Features ................................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Navigator Installation ...............................................................................1-2

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network............................................................................................................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 Threshold Controls...............................................................................................................2-4

Chapter 3 The ZyAIR Wireless Navigator ..............................................................................................3-1

3.1 About the ZyAIR Wireless Navigator..........................................................................................3-1

3.2 The Navigator Main Screen .........................................................................................................3-1

3.3 Device Search ..............................................................................................................................3-2

3.4 Connecting to the ZyAIR .............................................................................................................3-2

3.5 Editing the Device List Panel.......................................................................................................3-2

3.5.1 Removing Devices ...............................................................................................................3-3

3.5.2 Searching Your ZyAIR ........................................................................................................3-3

3.6 Factory Ethernet Defaults ............................................................................................................3-3

3.6.1 IP Address and Subnet Mask ...............................................................................................3-3

3.6.2 IP Address Assignment ........................................................................................................3-4

3.6.3 Ethernet Configuration Using the Navigator........................................................................3-4

3.7 Firmware Upgrade .......................................................................................................................3-5

3.8 About the ZyAIR Wireless Navigator..........................................................................................3-5

3.9 Uninstalling the ZyAIR Wireless Navigator................................................................................3-5

Chapter 4 Introducing the Web Configurator ........................................................................................4-1

Table of Contents ix

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

4.1 Web Configurator Overview........................................................................................................4-1

4.2 Accessing the ZyAIR Web Configurator..................................................................................... 4-1

4.3 Resetting the ZyAIR .................................................................................................................... 4-2

4.3.1 Method of Restoring Factory-Defaults ................................................................................4-2

4.3.2 Procedure to Use the RESET Button ...................................................................................4-2

4.4 Navigating the ZyAIR Web Configurator....................................................................................4-2

4.5 Change Your Password................................................................................................................ 4-3

4.6 The Information Screen ...............................................................................................................4-4

4.6.1 Using the Site Survey...........................................................................................................4-6

Chapter 5 Basic Wireless LAN Setup ......................................................................................................5-1

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

5.1.1 Basic Wireless LAN Configuration .....................................................................................5-1

5.1.2 LAN MAC Address Cloning ...............................................................................................5-3

Chapter 6 Wireless LAN Security Setup .................................................................................................6-1

6.1 About Wireless LAN Security ..................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Data Encryption with WEP..................................................................................................6-2

6.1.2 IEEE 802.1x......................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.1.3 WPA .................................................................................................................................... 6-3

6.1.4 WPA-PSK Application Example.........................................................................................6-4

6.1.5 WPA with RADIUS Application Example.......................................................................... 6-4

6.2 Activate/Deactivate Wireless LAN Security ...............................................................................6-5

6.3 Configuring WEP Encryption Keys.............................................................................................6-6

6.4 Configuring IEEE802.1x .............................................................................................................6-8

6.4.1 IEEE802.1x with MD5 ........................................................................................................6-8

6.4.2 IEEE802.1x with TLS........................................................................................................6-10

6.4.3 IEEE802.1x with TTLS .....................................................................................................6-12

6.5 Configuring WPA...................................................................................................................... 6-14

6.5.1 WPA with TLS .................................................................................................................. 6-14

6.5.2 WPA with TTLS................................................................................................................ 6-16

6.5.3 WPA-PSK.......................................................................................................................... 6-18

6.6 The Log Table Screen................................................................................................................ 6-19

Chapter 7 System Management and Maintenance ................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................7-1

7.2 Configuring the Device Name .....................................................................................................7-3

7.3 IP Settings.................................................................................................................................... 7-3

7.4 Changing the Administrator Login Password.............................................................................. 7-4

7.5 Restore Configuration..................................................................................................................7-5

7.6 Firmware Upgrade ....................................................................................................................... 7-6

x Table of Contents

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

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

8.1 Problems Starting the ZyAIR Navigator......................................................................................8-1

8.2 Problems Communicating With Other Computers/APs...............................................................8-1

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

Appendix A Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................................. A

Appendix B IP Subnetting...........................................................................................................................K

Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication .................................................................................................S

Appendix D Product Specifications............................................................................................................ U

Index............................................................................................................................................................. W

Table of Contents xi

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

List of Figures

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 3-1 Navigator: Main screen ..............................................................................................................3-1

Figure 3-2 Navigator: Connect.....................................................................................................................3-2

Figure 3-3 Navigator: Edit ...........................................................................................................................3-3

Figure 3-4 Navigator: Set IP ........................................................................................................................3-4

Figure 3-5 Navigator: About ........................................................................................................................3-5

Figure 3-6 Confirm Uninstallation...............................................................................................................3-6

Figure 4-1 Web Configurator: Login Screen................................................................................................4-1

Figure 4-2 Web Configurator: Information ..................................................................................................4-3

Figure 4-3 Web Configurator: Change Administrator Login Password .......................................................4-4

Figure 4-4 Web Configurator: Information ..................................................................................................4-5

Figure 4-5 Web Configurator: Information: Site Survey..............................................................................4-7

Figure 5-1 Web Configurator: Setup: Basic Wireless ..................................................................................5-2

Figure 5-2 Web Configurator: Setup: MAC Clone ......................................................................................5-4

Figure 6-1 Wireless LAN Security Levels ...................................................................................................6-1

Figure 6-2 WPA - PSK Authentication.........................................................................................................6-4

Figure 6-3 WPA with RADIUS Application Example .................................................................................6-5

Figure 6-4 Web Configurator: Security........................................................................................................6-6

Figure 6-5 Security: Set Security Settings: WEP.........................................................................................6-7

Figure 6-6 Security: Set Security Settings: IEEE802.1x: MD5 ...................................................................6-9

Figure 6-7 Security: Set Security Settings: IEEE802.1x: TLS...................................................................6-11

Figure 6-8 Security: Set Security Settings: IEEE802.1x: TTLS ................................................................6-13

Figure 6-9 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA: TLS..............................................................................6-15

Figure 6-10 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA: TTLS .........................................................................6-17

Figure 6-11 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA-PSK ............................................................................6-18

Figure 6-12 Security: Set Security Settings: Log Table .............................................................................6-19

Figure 7-1 Web Configurator: Administration .............................................................................................7-2

Figure 7-2 Web Configurator: Administration: Adapter Name ....................................................................7-3

Figure 7-3 Web Configurator: Administration: IP Settings..........................................................................7-3

Figure 7-4 Web Configurator: Administration: Password............................................................................7-4

Figure 7-5 Web Configurator: Administration: Reset to Factory Defaults...................................................7-5

Figure 7-6 Reset to Factory Defaults: Confirm Screen................................................................................7-5

List of Figures xiii

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Figure 7-7 Web Configurator: Administration: Firmware Upgrade............................................................. 7-6

Figure 7-8 Web Configurator: Firmware Upgrade....................................................................................... 7-6

Figure 7-9 Firmware Upgrade Progress.......................................................................................................7-7

xiv Preface

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 3-1 Navigator: Device List Panel .......................................................................................................3-2

Table 3-2 Private IP Address Ranges ...........................................................................................................3-4

Table 3-3 Navigator: Set IP..........................................................................................................................3-5

Table 4-1 Web Configurator: Information....................................................................................................4-5

Table 4-2 Web Configurator: Information: Site Survey ...............................................................................4-7

Table 5-1 Web Configurator: Setup: Basic Wireless ....................................................................................5-3

Table 5-2 Web Configurator: Setup: MAC Clone ........................................................................................5-5

Table 6-1 Web Configurator: Security .........................................................................................................6-6

Table 6-2 Security: Set Security Settings: WEP...........................................................................................6-7

Table 6-3 Security: Set Security Settings: IEEE802.1x: MD5.....................................................................6-9

Table 6-4 Security: Set Security Settings: IEEE802.1x: TLS ....................................................................6-11

Table 6-5 Security: Set Security Settings: IEEE802.1x: TTLS..................................................................6-13

Table 6-6 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA: TLS ...............................................................................6-15

Table 6-7 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA: TTLS .............................................................................6-17

Table 6-8 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA-PSK ................................................................................6-18

Table 6-9 Security: Set Security Settings: WPA-PSK ................................................................................6-19

Table 7-1 Web Configurator: Administration: IP Settings............................................................................7-3

Table 7-2 Web Configurator: Administration: Password..............................................................................7-4

Table 8-1 Troubleshooting Starting ZyAIR Navigator Program ..................................................................8-1

Table 8-2 Troubleshooting Communication Problem ..................................................................................8-1

Table 8-3 Troubleshooting Link Quality......................................................................................................8-2

List of Figures xv

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZyAIR G-405 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Adapter!

About This User's Guide

This guide provides information about the ZyAIR G-405 Wireless Navigator and the embedded web-based
configurator 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-405 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Adapter is referred to as the ZyAIR in this
guide.

• The ZyAIR G-405 Wireless Navigator may be referred to as the “ZyAIR Navigator”, or simply, as
the “Navigator” 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 information on installing your ZyAIR.

 ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site

Please refer to www.zyxel.com
documentation.

for an online glossary of networking terms and additional support

xvi List of Tables

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Chapter 1

Getting Started

This chapter introduces the ZyAIR and prepares you to using the ZyAIR Navigator.

1.1 About Your ZyAIR

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

1.1.1 Features

This section describes the features of your ZyAIR.

Hardware

• An external antenna.

• LEDs to indicate power, LAN and WLAN status.

• Driver-free installation.

Wireless LAN

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

• Automatic rate selection.

• Roaming

Ethernet

• A built-in RJ-45 Ethernet port that connects to any Ethernet devices.

• DHCP client support.

Management

• The ZyAIR Wireless Navigator allows you to locate and configure the ZyAIR from any computer
on the network.

• Embedded web-based configurator

• Firmware upgrade

Security

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

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

• Password-protected management interface.

Getting Started 1-1

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Navigator Installation

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

1-2 Getting Started

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Chapter 2

Wireless LAN Network

This chapter introduces the wireless LAN network technology.

2.1 About Wireless LAN Network

This section describes each wireless LAN parameter.

2.1.1 Channel

The range of radio frequencies used by IEEE 802.11 wireless devices is called a “channel”. 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 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.

Wireless LAN Network 2-1

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

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).

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.

2-2 Wireless LAN Network

ZyAIR G-405 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

Wireless LAN Network 2-3

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

2.1.6 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
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.

2-4 Wireless LAN Network

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

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.

Wireless LAN Network 2-5

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Chapter 3

The ZyAIR Wireless Navigator

This chapter introduces and shows you how to use the Navigator to perform basic configuration.

3.1 About the ZyAIR Wireless Navigator

Installing the Navigator on any computer on the network allows you to access and configure the ZyAIR
without connecting the computer directly to the ZyAIR.

3.2 The Navigator Main Screen

To run the Navigator program, click the icon on the desktop or click Start, Programs, Wireless
Navigator, Wireless Navigator.

Menu Shortcut Bar

Device List Panel

Figure 3-1 Navigator: Main screen

The ZyAIR Wireless Navigator 3-1

ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

3.3 Device Search

The Navigator automatically searches for the ZyAIR each time. Or click on the menu shortcut bar.
The Navigator displays a list of active ZyAIRs in the device list panel (refer to Figure 3-1).

The following table describes the fields in the device list panel.

Table 3-1 Navigator: Device List Panel

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Wireless Device This field displays the name of the wireless device.

IP Address This field displays the IP address of the wireless device.

ESS-ID This field displays the

Channel No This field displays the channel number the wireless device is using.

WEP

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

This field displays whether WEP encryption is activated (Enabled) or not (Disabled).

3.4 Connecting to the ZyAIR

Select a ZyAIR in the device list panel and click File, Connect (or double-click on an entry in the device
list panel) to connect to the ZyAIR.

Figure 3-2 Navigator: Connect

Refer to the web configurator chapter for more information.

3.5 Editing the Device List Panel

The following sections show you how to delete and search for the ZyAIRs.

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ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Figure 3-3 Navigator: Edit

3.5.1 Removing Devices

To remove a selected device or all devices from the device list panel, click Edit, Delete or Delete All.

3.5.2 Searching Your ZyAIR

To search for a ZyAIR in your network, click Edit, Search in the Navigator.

3.6 Factory Ethernet Defaults

The Ethernet parameters of the ZyAIR are preset in the factory with the following values:

• IP address of 192.168.1.11

• Subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (24 bits)

These parameters should work for the majority of installations.

3.6.1 IP Address and Subnet Mask

Similar to the way houses on a street share a common street name, so too do computers on a LAN share
one common network number.

Where you obtain your network number depends on your particular situation. If the ISP or your network
administrator assigns you a block of registered IP addresses, follow their instructions in selecting the IP
addresses and the subnet mask.

If the ISP did not explicitly give you an IP network number, then most likely you have a single user
account and the ISP will assign you a dynamic IP address when the connection is established. The Internet
Assigned Number Authority (IANA) reserved this block of addresses specifically for private use; please do
not use any other number unless you are told otherwise. Let's say you select 192.168.1.0 as the network
number; which covers 254 individual addresses, from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254 (zero and 255 are
reserved). In other words, the first three numbers specify the network number while the last number
identifies an individual computer on that network.

Once you have decided on the network number, pick an IP address that is easy to remember, for instance,

192.168.1.11, for your ZyAIR, but make sure that no other device on your network is using that IP address.

The subnet mask specifies the network number portion of an IP address.

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ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

3.6.2 IP Address Assignment

Every computer on the Internet must have a unique IP address. If your networks are isolated from the
Internet, for instance, only between your two branch offices, you can assign any IP addresses to the hosts
without problems. However, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has reserved the following
three blocks of IP addresses specifically for private networks.

Table 3-2 Private IP Address Ranges

10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255

172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255

192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255

You can obtain your IP address from the IANA, from an ISP or have it assigned by a private network. If
you belong to a small organization and your Internet access is through an ISP, the ISP can provide you with
the Internet addresses for your local networks. On the other hand, if you are part of a much larger
organization, you should consult your network administrator for the appropriate IP addresses.

Regardless of your particular situation, do not create an arbitrary IP address;

always follow the guidelines above. For more information on address

assignment, please refer to RFC 1597, Address Allocation for Private Internets

and RFC 1466, Guidelines for Management of IP Address Space.

3.6.3 Ethernet Configuration Using the Navigator

To configure the Ethernet settings on the ZyAIR, select a ZyAIR in the Device List Panel and click Admin,
Set IP. A screen displays as shown next.

Figure 3-4 Navigator: Set IP

The following table describes the labels in the screen.

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Table 3-3 Navigator: Set IP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Set IP Select this option to manually configure the Ethernet settings of the ZyAIR.

IP Enter an IP address in dotted decimal notation.

Mask Enter the subnet mask in dotted decimal notation.

Gateway Enter the IP address of the gateway device in dotted decimal notation.

Enable DHCP Select this option to set the ZyAIR to obtain Ethernet information (such as IP address and

subnet mask) from a DHCP server.

OK

Exit

If you change the ZyAIR's IP address, you must use the new IP address if you

Click OK to save the settings.

Click Exit to discard all changes and close this screen.

want to access the web configurator again.

3.7 Firmware Upgrade

Click Admin, FW Upgrade and refer to the related to the web configurator chapter for information.

3.8 About the ZyAIR Wireless Navigator

To view the version and copyright information, click Help, About to display the screen as shown.

Figure 3-5 Navigator: About

Click OK to close this screen.

3.9 Uninstalling the ZyAIR Wireless Navigator

Follow the steps below to uninstall the Navigator from your computer.

Step 1. Close and exit the Navigator.
Step 2. Click Start, (all) Programs, Wireless Navigator, Uninstall

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ZyAIR G-405 User’s Guide

Step 3. When prompted, click OK to remove the Navigator.

Figure 3-6 Confirm Uninstallation

Step 4. Click Finish and restart the computer when prompted.

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