ZyXEL Communications AG-120 User Manual

ZyXEL AG-120

802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card

User’s Guide

Version 1.00

Edition 1

9/2006

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Copyright

Copyright © 2006 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
patent 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

ZyNOS (ZyXEL Network Operating System) is a registered trademark of ZyXEL
Communications, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for
identification purposes only and may be properties of their respective owners.

Copyright 3

ZyXEL AG-120 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:

Certifications

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.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

• The device has been tested to the FCC exposure requirements (Specific Absorption Rate).

• Testing was performed on laptop computers with antennas at 0mm spacing. The
maximum SAR value is: 1.48 W/kg. The device must not be collocated with any other
antennas or transmitters.

• The equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d)(2). End users must follow
the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.

• This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

• IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. is firmware-limited to
channels 1 through 11.

• For operation within 5.15 ~ 5.25GHz frequency range, it is restricted to indoor
environment.

4 Certifications

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

注意 !

依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法

第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用

者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。

第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現

有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。

前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射頻電機須忍
受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。

在 5250MHz~5350MHz 頻帶內操作之無線資訊傳輸設備，限於室內使用。

Notices

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

This product has been designed for the WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks throughout the
EC region and Switzerland, with restrictions in France.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Viewing Certifications

1 Go to http://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.

Certifications 5

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

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 or higher value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL.
This warranty shall not apply if the product has been 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 to the purchaser.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center for your Return
Material Authorization number (RMA). 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 your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information
at www.zyxel.com for global products, or at www.us.zyxel.com for North American products.

6 ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Safety Warnings

For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions.

• Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming
pool.

• Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.

• Do NOT store things on the device.

• Do NOT install, use, or service this device during a thunderstorm. There is a remote risk
of electric shock from lightning.

• Connect ONLY suitable accessories to the device.

• ONLY qualified service personnel should service or disassemble this device.

• Do not use the device outside, and make sure all the connections are indoors. There is a
remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly.

Safety Warnings 7

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Please have the following information ready when you contact customer support.

• Product model and serial number.

• Warranty Information.

• Date that you received your device.

• Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.

Customer Support

METHOD

LOCATION

CORPORATE
HEADQUARTERS
(WORLDWIDE)

COSTA RICA

CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

FINLAND

FRANCE

GERMANY

HUNGARY

KAZAKHSTAN

NORTH AMERICA

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE WEB SITE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

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

www.europe.zyxel.com

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

ftp.europe.zyxel.com

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.co.cr ZyXEL Costa Rica

[e-mail] [phone] ftp.zyxel.co.cr

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

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.dk ZyXEL Communications A/S

[e-mail] [phone]

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

[e-mail] [phone]

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

[phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.de ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH.

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.hu ZyXEL Hungary

[e-mail] [phone]

http://zyxel.kz/support [phone] www.zyxel.kz ZyXEL Kazakhstan

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] 1-800-255-4101

[phone]

[e-mail] [phone] ftp.us.zyxel.com

www.us.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communications Inc.

REGULAR MAIL

ZyXEL Communications Corp.
6 Innovation Road II

Science Park
Hsinchu 300
Ta iw a n

Plaza Roble Escazú
Etapa El Patio, Tercer Piso
San José, Costa Rica

Czech s.r.o.
Modranská 621
143 01 Praha 4 - Modrany
Ceská Republika

Columbusvej
2860 Soeborg
Denmark

Malminkaari 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland

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

Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146
Wuerselen
Germany

48, Zoldlomb Str.
H-1025, Budapest
Hungary

43, Dostyk ave.,Office 414
Dostyk Business Centre
050010, Almaty
Republic of Kazakhstan

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

8 Customer Support

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

METHOD

LOCATION

NORWAY

POLAND

RUSSIA

SPAIN

SWEDEN

UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE WEB SITE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.no ZyXEL Communications A/S

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.pl.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communications

[phone]

http://zyxel.ru/support [phone] www.zyxel.ru ZyXEL Russia

[e-mail] [phone]

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

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.se ZyXEL Communications A/S

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.ua.zyxel.com ZyXEL Ukraine

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone]

08707 555779 (UK only)

[e-mail] [phone] ftp.zyxel.co.uk

www.zyxel.co.uk ZyXEL Communications UK

REGULAR MAIL

Nils Hansens vei 13
0667 Oslo
Norway

ul. Okrzei 1A
03-715 Warszawa
Poland

Ostrovityanova 37a Str.
Moscow, 117279
Russia

Arte, 21 5ª planta
28033 Madrid
Spain

Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

13, Pimonenko Str.
Kiev, 04050
Ukraine

Ltd.,11 The Courtyard,
Eastern Road, Bracknell,
Berkshire, RG12 2XB,
United Kingdom (UK)

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

Customer Support 9

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

10 Customer Support

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Copyright ..................................................................................................................3

Certifications ............................................................................................................4

ZyXEL Limited Warranty.......................................................................................... 6

Safety Warnings ....................................................................................................... 7

Customer Support.................................................................................................... 8

Table of Contents ................................................................................................... 11

List of Figures ........................................................................................................ 15

List of Tables .......................................................................................................... 19

Preface ....................................................................................................................21

Chapter 1

Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 23

1.1 About Your AG-120 ..........................................................................................23

1.2 Application Overview .........................................................................................23

1.2.1 Station Mode .............................................................................................23

1.2.1.1 Infrastructure ...................................................................................23

1.2.1.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................................................................24

1.2.2 Access Point Mode ..................................................................................25

1.2.3 Changing AG-120 Mode ..........................................................................25

1.3 AG-120 Hardware and Utility Installation ...........................................................26

1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon ....................................................................................26

1.4 Configuration Methods ......................................................................................26

1.4.1 Enabling WZC ...........................................................................................26

1.4.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility ......................................................................27

Chapter 2

Tutorial .................................................................................................................... 29

2.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ...........................................................................29

2.2 Creating and Using a Profile ..............................................................................31

2.3 Configuring the AG-120 as an AP ......................................................................34

Table of Contents 11

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Chapter 3

Wireless LAN Network........................................................................................... 37

3.1 Wireless LAN Overview ....................................................................................37

3.2 Wireless LAN Security ......................................................................................38

3.2.1 Hide SSID .................................................................................................38

3.2.2 MAC Address Filter ...................................................................................38

3.2.3 User Authentication and Encryption .........................................................39

3.3 Introduction to OTIST .....................................................................................41

3.3.1 Enabling OTIST ........................................................................................41

3.3.2 Starting OTIST .........................................................................................42

3.3.3 Notes on OTIST ........................................................................................43

3.2.3.1 WEP ................................................................................................39

3.2.3.2 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................40

3.2.3.3 WPA and WPA2 ..............................................................................40

3.3.1.1 AP ...................................................................................................41

3.3.1.2 Wireless Client ................................................................................42

Chapter 4

Wireless Station Mode Configuration .................................................................. 45

4.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview ......................................................................45

4.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary ................................................................45

4.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................46

4.2.1 Trend Chart ...............................................................................................47

4.3 The Site Survey Screen .....................................................................................48

4.3.1 Security Settings .......................................................................................50

4.3.1.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................50

4.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .....................................................................51

4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2 .....................................................................................52

4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................53

4.3.2 Confirm New Settings ...............................................................................54

4.4 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................55

4.4.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................57

4.5 The Advanced Screen ........................................................................................61

4.6 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................62

Chapter 5

Access Point Mode Configuration........................................................................ 65

5.1 Access Point Mode Introduction ........................................................................65

5.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary ................................................................65

5.1.2 Additional Setup Requirements ................................................................66

5.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................66

5.3 The Configuration Screen ..................................................................................67

5.4 The Advanced Screen ........................................................................................69

12 Table of Contents

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

5.5 The MAC Filter Screen .......................................................................................70

Chapter 6

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 73

6.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................73

6.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................73

6.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................74

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 77

7.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility ...................................................................77

7.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point ............................................................77

7.3 Problem with the Link Quality .............................................................................78

7.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................78

Appendix A

Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 79

Appendix B

Access Point Mode Setup Example ..................................................................... 81

Appendix C

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 85

Appendix D

Wireless Security ................................................................................................... 99

Appendix E

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address............................................................ 105

Index...................................................................................................................... 117

Table of Contents 13

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

14 Table of Contents

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure ....................................................................... 24

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc ................................................................................ 24

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode .............................................................. 25

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes .................................................................. 25

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 26

Figure 6 Enable WZC ............................................................................................. 27

Figure 7 Infrastructure Network .............................................................................. 29

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ........................................................................ 30

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Security Setting ................................................................ 30

Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm New Settings ..................................................... 31

Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info .......................................................................... 31

Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Profile .............................................................................. 32

Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile ............................................................... 32

Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security ................................................................ 33

Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption ............................................................ 33

Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Confirm New Settings .......................................... 33

Figure 17 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate ................................................................ 34

Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Link Info .................................................................... 35

Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Configuration ........................................................... 35

Figure 20 Example of a Wireless Network ............................................................. 37

Figure 21 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode ........................................ 45

Figure 22 Station Mode: Link Info ......................................................................... 46

Figure 23 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart .................................................... 48

Figure 24 Station Mode: Site Survey ..................................................................... 49

Figure 25 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP ................................................... 50

Figure 26 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ......................... 51

Figure 27 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2 ......................................... 52

Figure 28 Station Mode: Security Setting: IEEE 802.1x ........................................ 53

Figure 29 Station Mode: Confirm New Settings .................................................... 54

Figure 30 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................ 56

Figure 31 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile .............................................. 57

Figure 32 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ............................................... 59

Figure 33 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings ................................................ 60

Figure 34 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings ................................................ 60

Figure 35 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings ........................................ 61

Figure 36 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile ............................................. 61

Figure 37 Station Mode: Advanced ........................................................................ 62

Figure 38 Station Mode: Adapter .......................................................................... 62

List of Figures 15

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Figure 39 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode .............................................. 65

Figure 40 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................ 66

Figure 41 Access Point Mode: Configuration ........................................................ 67

Figure 42 Access Point Mode: Advanced .............................................................. 70

Figure 43 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ............................................................ 71

Figure 44 About ..................................................................................................... 73

Figure 45 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................. 74

Figure 46 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 74

Figure 47 Windows 2000: Start ............................................................................. 81

Figure 48 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections ............................... 82

Figure 49 Windows 2000: Network Properties ...................................................... 82

Figure 50 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter .............. 83

Figure 51 Windows 2000: Local Network .............................................................. 83

Figure 52 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 85

Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 86

Figure 54 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 86

Figure 55 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 87

Figure 56 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 87

Figure 57 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 88

Figure 58 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 88

Figure 59 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 89

Figure 60 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 89

Figure 61 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 90

Figure 62 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 91

Figure 63 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............ 91

Figure 64 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 92

Figure 65 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 93

Figure 66 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 94

Figure 67 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 95

Figure 68 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 97

Figure 69 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 97

Figure 70 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 103

Figure 71 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 104

Figure 72 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration .......................................... 106

Figure 73 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address .............................. 107

Figure 74 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ................. 108

Figure 75 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 109

Figure 76 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 109

Figure 77 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 110

Figure 78 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 110

Figure 79 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 111

Figure 80 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 112

Figure 81 Macintosh OS 8/9: Apple Menu ............................................................. 113

16 List of Figures

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Figure 82 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP ..................................................................... 113

Figure 83 Macintosh OS X: Apple Menu ................................................................ 114

Figure 84 Macintosh OS X: Network ...................................................................... 115

List of Figures 17

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

18 List of Figures

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 26

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode ............................................ 45

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info ............................................................................. 46

Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................ 48

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey ........................................................................ 49

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP ....................................................... 50

Table 7 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ............................ 52

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2 ............................................. 52

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Setting: IEEE 802.1x ........................................... 54

Table 10 Station Mode: Confirm New Settings ...................................................... 55

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................... 56

Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile ................................................ 57

Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ................................................. 59

Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter ............................................................................ 63

Table 15 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode ................................................ 65

Table 16 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................. 66

Table 17 Access Point Mode: Configuration ......................................................... 68

Table 18 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter .............................................................. 71

Table 19 About ...................................................................................................... 73

Table 20 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility ................................................... 77

Table 21 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem ............................... 77

Table 22 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 78

Table 23 Troubleshooting Communication Problem .............................................. 78

Table 24 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 79

Table 25 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 88

Table 26 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 90

Table 27 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 91

Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 92

Table 29 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 93

Table 30 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 95

Table 31 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 96

Table 32 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 101

Table 33 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 104

List of Tables 19

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

20 List of Tables

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL AG-120 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card.

Your AG-120 is easy to install and configure.

About This User's Guide

This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your AG-120 for its various
applications.

Related Documentation

• Supporting Disk

Refer to the included CD for support documents.

• Quick Start Guide

The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains
hardware installation/connection information.

• ZyXEL Web Site

Please go to http://www.zyxel.com for product news, firmware, updated documents, and
other support materials.

User Guide Feedback

Help us help you. E-mail all User Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for
improvement to [e-mail] or send regular mail to The Technical Writing
Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park,
Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan. Thank you.

Syntax Conventions

• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. “Select” or “Choose” means for
you to use one predefined choice.

• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “In Windows, click
Start, Settings and then Control Panel” means first click the Start button, then point
your mouse pointer to Settings and then click Control Panel.

• “e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other words”.

• The ZyXEL AG-120 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card may be referred to as the AG-120
in this user’s guide.

Preface 21

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer

Server Modem or Router Wireless Signal

Internet Cloud

22 Preface

This chapter introduces the AG-120 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility.

1.1 About Your AG-120

The AG-120 is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g compliant wireless LAN adapter. You can also use the
ZyXEL utility to turn your AG-120 into an access point (AP). The ZyXEL utility is a tool that
helps you configure your AG-120. See the appendix for detailed product specifications.

1.2 Application Overview

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

This section describes some network applications for the AG-120.

1.2.1 Station Mode

The AG-120 is in wireless station mode by default. When the AG-120 works as a wireless
station (wireless client), you can either set the network type to Infrastructure and connect to
an AP or use Ad-Hoc mode and connect to a peer computer (another wireless device in Ad­Hoc mode).

1.2.1.1 Infrastructure

To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the AG-120 network type to
Infrastructure using the Profile screens. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the
wired network behind the AP.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 23

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure

1.2.1.2 Ad-Hoc

To set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use Ad-Hoc.

Ad-Hoc does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients

communicate directly to each other.

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc

24 Chapter 1 Getting Started

1.2.2 Access Point Mode

You can also set the AG-120 to access point mode. In access point mode, your AG-120
functions as an access point. This allows you to set up your wireless networks without using a
dedicated AP. The following figure shows a network example.

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode

In the example, the AG-120 is installed on computer A and set to operate in access point
mode. Computer A provides an Internet connection to the wireless LAN, so wireless stations
B and C can access the Internet.

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Note: With WZC, you cannot use the AG-120 as an access point.

1.2.3 Changing AG-120 Mode

To change between the modes, select either Station Mode or AP Mode in any ZyXEL utility
screens.

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes

Chapter 1 Getting Started 25

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Note: Wait for about five seconds for the ZyXEL utility to complete the mode change.

The current mode is indicated by the color of the check box.

1.3 AG-120 Hardware and Utility Installation

Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL utility and make
hardware connections.

1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon

After you install and start the ZyXEL utility, an icon for the ZyXEL utility appears in the
system tray.

Note: The ZyXEL utility system tray icon displays only when the AG-120 is installed

properly.

When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables WZC.

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the AG-120. Refer to
the following table for details.

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The AG-120 is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a wireless

network.

Green The AG-120 is operating in wireless station mode and connected to a wireless network.

Pale Blue The AG-120 is operating in access point mode.

1.4 Configuration Methods

To configure your AG-120, use one of the following applications:

• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (the Windows XP wireless configuration tool)

• ZyXEL Utility (required when you want to use the AG-120 as an access point)

1.4.1 Enabling WZC

Note: When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables WZC.

26 Chapter 1 Getting Started

If you want to use WZC to configure the AG-120, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility by
right-clicking the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and selecting Use Windows to configure
my wireless network settings.

Figure 6 Enable WZC

Refer to the appendices for information on how to use WZC to manage the AG-120.

To re-activate the ZyXEL utility, double-click the ( ) icon on your desktop or click Start,
(All) Programs, ZyXEL AG-120 Utility, ZyXEL AG-120 Utility GUI.

1.4.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility

Double-click on the ZyXEL wireless LAN utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyXEL
utility. The ZyXEL utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for
Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide.

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the online help

window.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 27

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

28 Chapter 1 Getting Started

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 2

Tutorial

The following sections show you how to join a wireless network using the ZyXEL utility, as in
the following diagrams. The wireless client is labeled C and the access point is labeled AP.

Figure 7 Infrastructure Network

There are three ways to connect the wireless client (the AG-120 in station mode) to a network.

• Configure nothing and leave the wireless client to automatically scan for and connect to
any available network that has no wireless security configured.

• Manually connect to a network (see Section 2.1 on page 29).

• Configure a profile to have the wireless client automatically connect to a specific network
or peer computer (see Section 2.2 on page 31).

This chapter also includes a simple example of how to configure the AG-120 as an AP using
the ZyXEL utility. See Section 2.3 on page 34 for more information.

2.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN

This example illustrates how to manually connect your wireless client to an access point (AP)
which is configured for WPA-PSK security and connected to the Internet. Before you connect
to the access point, you must know its Service Set IDentity (SSID) and WPA-PSK pre-shared
key. In this example, the SSID is “SSID_Example3” and the pre-shared key is
“ThisismyWPA-PSKpre-sharedkey” in the AP.

After you install the ZyXEL utility and then insert the wireless client, follow the steps below
to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.

1 Open the ZyXEL utility and click the Site Survey tab to open the screen as shown next.

Chapter 2 Tutorial 29

ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey

2 The wireless client automatically searches for available wireless networks. Click Scan if

you want to search again. If no entry displays in the Available Network List, that means
there is no wireless network available within range. Make sure the AP or peer computer is
turned on, or move the wireless client closer to the AP or peer computer. See Table 5 on

page 49 for detailed field descriptions.

3 To connect to an AP or peer computer, either click an entry in the list and then click

Connect or double-click an entry (with a SSID of SSID_Examples3 in this example).

4 When you try to connect to an AP with security configured, a window will pop up

prompting you to specify the security settings. Enter the pre-shared key and leave the
encryption type at the default setting.

Use the Next button to move on to the next screen. You can use the Back button at any
time to return to the previous screen, or the Exit button to return to the Site Survey
screen.

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Security Setting

5 The Confirm New Settings window appears. Check your settings and click Save to

continue.

30 Chapter 2 Tutorial