ZyXEL Communications AG220 User Manual

ZyXEL AG-220

802.11a/g Wireless USB Adapter

User’s Guide

Version 1.00

Edition 1

7/2006

ZyXEL AG-220 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-220 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 device 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 residential installation. This device 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. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Certifications

If this device does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be
determined by turning the device 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.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

• This 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: 1.420W/kg at 2.4 GHz and 0.518W/kg at 5 GHz. The device
must not be collocated with any other antennas or transmitters.

• This equipment has been SAR-evaluated for use in laptops (notebooks) with side slot
configuration.

• The device 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. To maintain compliance
with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, please follow operation instruction as
documented in this manual.

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

4 Certifications

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

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

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

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

This device has been designed for the WLAN 2.4 GHz network 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-220 User’s Guide

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.

• Antenna Warning! This device meets ETSI and FCC certification requirements when
using the included antenna(s). Only use the included antenna(s).

Safety Warnings

This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly.

6 Safety Warnings

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

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

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.

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.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty 7

ZyXEL AG-220 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-220 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-220 User’s Guide

10 Customer Support

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

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

Safety Warnings ....................................................................................................... 6

ZyXEL Limited Warranty.......................................................................................... 7

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

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

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

List of Tables .......................................................................................................... 17

Preface ....................................................................................................................19

Chapter 1

Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 21

1.1 About Your AG-220 ..........................................................................................21

1.2 Application Overview ..........................................................................................21

1.2.1 Station Mode .............................................................................................21

1.2.1.1 Infrastructure ...................................................................................21

1.2.1.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................................................................22

1.2.2 Access Point Mode ..................................................................................22

1.2.3 Changing AG-220 Mode ..........................................................................23

1.3 AG-220 Hardware and Utility Installation ...........................................................23

1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon .....................................................................................24

1.4 Configuration Methods ......................................................................................24

1.4.1 Enabling WZC ...........................................................................................24

1.4.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility .....................................................................25

Chapter 2

Tutorial .................................................................................................................... 27

2.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ..........................................................................27

2.2 Creating and Using a Profile ..............................................................................29

2.3 Configuring the AG-220 as an AP ......................................................................32

Table of Contents 11

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Chapter 3

Wireless LAN Network........................................................................................... 35

3.1 Wireless LAN Overview ....................................................................................35

3.2 Wireless LAN Security ......................................................................................36

3.2.1 Hide SSID .................................................................................................36

3.2.2 MAC Address Filter ...................................................................................36

3.2.3 User Authentication and Encryption .........................................................37

3.3 Introduction to OTIST .....................................................................................39

3.3.1 Enabling OTIST ........................................................................................39

3.3.2 Starting OTIST .........................................................................................40

3.3.3 Notes on OTIST ........................................................................................41

3.2.3.1 WEP ................................................................................................37

3.2.3.2 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................38

3.2.3.3 WPA and WPA2 ..............................................................................38

3.3.1.1 AP ...................................................................................................39

3.3.1.2 Wireless Client ................................................................................40

Chapter 4

Wireless Station Mode Configuration .................................................................. 43

4.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview ......................................................................43

4.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary ...............................................................43

4.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................44

4.2.1 Trend Chart ...............................................................................................45

4.3 The Site Survey Screen ....................................................................................46

4.3.1 Security Settings ......................................................................................47

4.3.1.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................47

4.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .....................................................................48

4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2 .....................................................................................49

4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................50

4.3.2 Confirm Save Screen ................................................................................51

4.4 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................52

4.4.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................54

4.5 The Advanced Screen ........................................................................................58

4.6 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................59

Chapter 5

Access Point Mode Configuration........................................................................ 61

5.1 Access Point Mode Introduction ........................................................................61

5.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary ...............................................................61

5.1.2 Additional Setup Requirements ................................................................62

5.2 The Link Info Screen .........................................................................................62

5.3 The Configuration Screen .................................................................................63

5.4 The Advanced Screen ........................................................................................65

12 Table of Contents

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

5.5 The MAC Filter Screen ......................................................................................66

Chapter 6

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 69

6.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................69

6.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................69

6.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................70

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................71

7.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility ...................................................................71

7.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point ............................................................71

7.3 Problem with the Link Quality .............................................................................72

7.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................72

Appendix A

Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 73

Appendix B

Access Point Mode Setup Example ..................................................................... 75

Appendix C

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 79

Appendix D

Wireless Security ................................................................................................... 91

Appendix E

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................. 97

Index...................................................................................................................... 105

Table of Contents 13

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

14 Table of Contents

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure ....................................................................... 22

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc ................................................................................ 22

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode .............................................................. 23

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes .................................................................. 23

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 24

Figure 6 Enable WZC ............................................................................................. 24

Figure 7 Infrastructure Network .............................................................................. 27

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ........................................................................ 28

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings .............................................................. 28

Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm Save ................................................................... 29

Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info .......................................................................... 29

Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Profile .............................................................................. 30

Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile ............................................................... 30

Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security ................................................................ 31

Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption ............................................................ 31

Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Confirm Save ....................................................... 31

Figure 17 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate ................................................................ 32

Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Link Info .................................................................... 33

Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Configuration ........................................................... 33

Figure 20 Example of a Wireless Network ............................................................. 35

Figure 21 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode ........................................ 43

Figure 22 Station Mode: Link Info ......................................................................... 44

Figure 23 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart .................................................... 45

Figure 24 Station Mode: Site Survey ..................................................................... 46

Figure 25 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP ................................................... 47

Figure 26 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ......................... 48

Figure 27 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ........................................ 49

Figure 28 Station Mode: Security Setting: 802.1x ................................................. 50

Figure 29 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................ 52

Figure 30 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................ 53

Figure 31 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile .............................................. 54

Figure 32 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ............................................... 55

Figure 33 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings ............................................... 56

Figure 34 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings ................................................ 57

Figure 35 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings ........................................ 57

Figure 36 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile ............................................. 58

Figure 37 Station Mode: Advanced ........................................................................ 58

Figure 38 Station Mode: Adapter .......................................................................... 59

List of Figures 15

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 39 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode .............................................. 61

Figure 40 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................ 62

Figure 41 Access Point Mode: Configuration ........................................................ 63

Figure 42 Access Point Mode: Advanced .............................................................. 66

Figure 43 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ............................................................ 67

Figure 44 About ..................................................................................................... 69

Figure 45 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................. 70

Figure 46 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 70

Figure 47 Windows 2000: Start ............................................................................. 75

Figure 48 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections ............................... 76

Figure 49 Windows 2000: Network Properties ...................................................... 76

Figure 50 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter .............. 77

Figure 51 Windows 2000: Local Network .............................................................. 77

Figure 52 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 79

Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 80

Figure 54 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 80

Figure 55 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 81

Figure 56 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 81

Figure 57 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 82

Figure 58 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 83

Figure 59 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............. 83

Figure 60 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 84

Figure 61 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 85

Figure 62 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 86

Figure 63 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 87

Figure 64 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 88

Figure 65 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 89

Figure 66 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 95

Figure 67 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 96

Figure 68 WIndows 98/Me: Network: Configuration ............................................... 98

Figure 69 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address ................................... 99

Figure 70 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ...................... 100

Figure 71 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 101

Figure 72 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 101

Figure 73 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 102

Figure 74 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 102

Figure 75 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 103

Figure 76 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 104

16 List of Figures

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 24

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode ............................................ 43

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info ............................................................................. 44

Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................ 45

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey ........................................................................ 46

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP ....................................................... 47

Table 7 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ............................ 49

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2 ............................................. 49

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: IEEE 802.1x .......................................... 51

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................. 52

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................... 53

Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile ................................................ 54

Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ................................................. 56

Table 14 Station Mode: Advanced ......................................................................... 58

Table 15 Station Mode: Adapter ............................................................................ 59

Table 16 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode ................................................ 61

Table 17 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................. 62

Table 18 Access Point Mode: Configuration ......................................................... 64

Table 19 Access Point Mode: Advanced ............................................................... 66

Table 20 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter .............................................................. 67

Table 21 About ...................................................................................................... 69

Table 22 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility ................................................... 71

Table 23 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem ............................... 71

Table 24 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 72

Table 25 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ............................................ 72

Table 26 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 73

Table 27 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 80

Table 28 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 82

Table 29 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 83

Table 30 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 84

Table 31 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 85

Table 32 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 86

Table 33 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 87

Table 34 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 93

Table 35 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 96

List of Tables 17

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

18 List of Tables

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL AG-220 802.11a/g Wireless USB Adapter.
Your AG-220 plugs into a USB port on your computer and allows you to access wireless
networks.

Your AG-220 is easy to install and configure.

About This User's Guide

This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your AG-220 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. They
contain hardware installation/connection information.

• ZyXEL Glossary and Web Site

Please refer to www.zyxel.com for an online glossary of networking terms and additional
support documentation.

User Guide Feedback

Help us help you. E-mail all User’s 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-220 802.11a/g Wireless USB Adapter may be referred to as the AG-220
in this user’s guide.

Preface 19

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer

Server Modem or Router Wireless Signal

Internet Cloud

20 Preface

This chapter introduces the AG-220 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility.

1.1 About Your AG-220

The AG-220 is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g compliant wireless LAN adapter. You can also turn your
AG-220 into an access point (AP) using the ZyXEL utility. The ZyXEL utility is a tool that
helps you configure your AG-220. See the appendix for detailed product specifications.

1.2 Application Overview

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

This section describes some network applications for the AG-220.

1.2.1 Station Mode

The AG-220 is in wireless station mode by default. When the AG-220 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-220 network type to
Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the
AP.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 21

ZyXEL AG-220 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 with each other.

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc

1.2.2 Access Point Mode

You can also set the AG-220 to access point mode. This allows you to set up your wireless
networks without using a dedicated AP. The following figure shows a network example.

22 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode

In the example, the AG-220 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.

1.2.3 Changing AG-220 Mode

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

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes

ZyXEL AG-220 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-220 Hardware and Utility Installation

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

Chapter 1 Getting Started 23

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

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-220 is installed

properly.

When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables Wireless Zero
Configuration (WZC).

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the AG-220. Refer to
the following table for details.

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The AG-220 is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a wireless

Green The AG-220 is operating in wireless station mode and is connected to a wireless

Pale Blue The AG-220 is operating in access point mode.

network.

network.

1.4 Configuration Methods

To configure your AG-220, 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-220 as an access point)

Note: Do NOT use WZC at the same time you use the ZyXEL utility.

1.4.1 Enabling WZC

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

If you want to use WZC to configure the AG-220, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility by
right-clicking the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and selecting Exit.

Figure 6 Enable WZC

24 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Refer to the appendices for information on how to use WZC to manage the AG-220.

To reactivate the ZyXEL utility, double-click the ( ) icon on your desktop or click Start,

(All) Programs, ZyXEL AG-220 Wireless Adapter Utility, ZyXEL AG-220 Wireless
Adapter Software.

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.

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

window.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started 25

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26 Chapter 1 Getting Started

ZyXEL AG-220 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-220 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 27).

• Configure a profile to have the wireless client automatically connect to a specific network
or peer computer (see Section 2.2 on page 29).

This chapter also includes a simple example of how to configure the AG-220 as an AP using
the ZyXEL utility. See Section 2.3 on page 32 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)
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 AP’s SSID is “SSID_Example3” and its pre-shared key is “ThisismyWPA­PSKpre-sharedkey”.

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 shown next.

Chapter 2 Tutorial 27

ZyXEL AG-220 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 46 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 (SSID_Example3 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 Settings

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

28 Chapter 2 Tutorial

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm Save

6 The ZyXEL utility returns to the Link Info screen while it connects to the wireless

network using your settings. When the wireless link is established, the ZyXEL utility icon
in the system tray turns green and the Link Info screen displays details of the active
connection. Check the network information in the Link Info screen to verify that you
have successfully connected to the selected network. If the wireless client is not
connected to a network, the fields in this screen remain blank. See Table 3 on page 44 for
detailed field descriptions.

Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info

7 Open your Internet browser and enter http://www.zyxel.com or the URL of any other web

site in the address bar. If you are able to access the web site, your wireless connection is
successfully configured. If you cannot access the web site, check the Troubleshooting
section of this User's Guide or contact your network administrator if necessary.

2.2 Creating and Using a Profile

A profile lets you automatically connect to the same wireless network every time you use the
ZyXEL utility. You can also configure different profiles for different networks, for example if
you connect a notebook computer to wireless networks at home and at work.

Chapter 2 Tutorial 29

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

This example illustrates how to set up a profile and connect the wireless client to an access
point configured for WPA-PSK security. In this example, the AP’s SSID is “SSID_Example3”
and its pre-shared key is “ThisismyWPA-PSKpre-sharedkey”. You have chosen the profile
name “PN_Example3”.

1 Open the ZyXEL utility and click the Profile tab to open the screen as shown. Click Add

to configure a new profile.

Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Profile

2 The Add New Profile screen appears. The wireless client automatically searches for

available wireless networks, which are displayed in the Scan Info box. You can also
configure your profile for a wireless network that is not in the list.

Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile

3 Give the profile a descriptive name (of up to 32 printable ASCII characters). Select

Infrastructure and either manually enter or select the AP's SSID in the Scan Info table
and click Select.

4 Choose the same encryption method as the AP to which you want to connect (In this

example, WPA-PSK).

30 Chapter 2 Tutorial

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security

5 This screen varies depending on the encryption method you selected in the previous

screen. In this example, enter the pre-shared key and leave the encryption type at the
default setting.

Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption

6 Verify the profile settings in the ready-only screen. Click Save to save and go to the next

screen.

Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Confirm Save

7 Click Activate Now to use the new profile immediately. Otherwise, click the Activate

Later button to go back to the Profile List screen.

If you clicked Activate Later you can select the profile from the list in the Profile screen
and click Connect to activate it.

Chapter 2 Tutorial 31

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Note: Only one profile can be activated and used at any given time.

Figure 17 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate

8 When you activate the new profile, the ZyXEL utility goes to the Link Info screen while

it connects to the AP using your settings. When the wireless link is established, the
ZyXEL utility icon in the system tray turns green and the Link Info screen displays
details of the active connection.

9 Make sure the selected AP in the active profile is on and connected to the Internet. Open

your Internet browser, enter http://www.zyxel.com or the URL of any other web site in
the address bar and press ENTER. If you are able to access the web site, your new profile
is successfully configured.

10If you cannot access the Internet, go back to the Profile screen. Select the profile you are

using and click Edit. Check the details you entered previously. Also, refer to the
Troubleshooting section of this User's Guide or contact your network administrator if
necessary.

2.3 Configuring the AG-220 as an AP

In access point mode, your AG-220 allows you to set up your wireless network without using
a dedicated AP. Refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 23 and Chapter 5 on page 61 for more
information.

Note: With WZC, you cannot use the AG-220 as an access point.

After you install the ZyXEL utility and then insert the AG-220, follow the steps below to set
up your AG-220 as an AP.

1 Select AP Mode in any utility screen and wait for five seconds. The screen changes and

displays as shown next. Under Status, you can view the current settings on the AG-220.
In the Association List, you can see if any wireless clients have connected to your AG-

220.

32 Chapter 2 Tutorial

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Link Info

2 If you want to change the SSID and enable wireless security for your AG-220, click the

Configuration tab and refer to Section 5.3 on page 63 for detailed field descriptions.

Note: Only WEP security is available when the AG-220 is in AP mode

Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Configuration

Chapter 2 Tutorial 33

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34 Chapter 2 Tutorial

Wireless LAN Network

This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN networks.

3.1 Wireless LAN Overview

The following figure provides an example of a wireless network with an AP. See Figure 2 on

page 22 for an Ad Hoc network example.

Figure 20 Example of a Wireless Network

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 3

The wireless network is the part in the blue circle. In this wireless network, devices A and B
are called wireless clients. The wireless clients use the access point (AP) to interact with other
devices (such as the printer) or with the Internet

Every wireless network must follow these basic guidelines.

• Every device in the same wireless network must use the same SSID.

The SSID is the name of the wireless network. It stands for Service Set IDentity.

• If two wireless networks overlap, they should use a different channel.

Like radio stations or television channels, each wireless network uses a specific channel,
or frequency, to send and receive information.

Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 35

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

• Every device in the same wireless network must use security compatible with the AP or
peer computer.

Security stops unauthorized devices from using the wireless network. It can also protect
the information that is sent in the wireless network.

3.2 Wireless LAN Security

Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communications.

Configure the wireless LAN security using the Configuration or the Profile Security Setting
screen. If you do not enable any wireless security on your AG-220, the AG-220’s wireless
communications are accessible to any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area.

Note: You can only use WEP encryption if you set the AG-220 to Ad-hoc or AP mode.

See the appendices for more detailed information about wireless security.

3.2.1 Hide SSID

Normally, the AG-220 in AP mode acts like a beacon and regularly broadcasts the SSID in the
area. You can hide the SSID instead, in which case the AG-220 in AP mode does not
broadcast the SSID. In addition, you should change the default SSID to something that is
difficult to guess.

This type of security is fairly weak, however, because there are ways for unauthorized wireless
devices to get the SSID. In addition, unauthorized wireless devices can still see the
information that is sent in the wireless network.

3.2.2 MAC Address Filter

Every device that can use a wireless network has a unique identification number, called a
MAC address.
example, 00A0C5000002 or 00:A0:C5:00:00:02.

To get the MAC address for each device in the wireless network, see the device’s User’s
Guide or other documentation. You can find the MAC address of the AG-220 by looking at the
sticker on the bottom of the device. Alternatively, use the utility in AP mode and look at the

Link Info screen. See Section 5.2 on page 62 for more details. You can also use the
Association List in the Link Info screen (in AP mode) to get the MAC addresses of other

wireless devices connected to the AG-220.

1

A MAC address is usually written using twelve hexadecimal characters2; for

1. Some wireless devices, such as scanners, can detect wireless networks but cannot use wireless
networks. These kinds of wireless devices might not have MAC addresses.

2. Hexadecimal characters are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F.

36 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network

You can use the MAC address filter to tell the AG-220 in AP mode which devices are allowed
or not allowed to use the wireless network. If a device is allowed to use the wireless network,
it still has to have the correct information (SSID, channel, and security). If a device is not
allowed to use the wireless network, it does not matter if it has the correct information.

This type of security does not protect the information that is sent in the wireless network.
Furthermore, there are ways for unauthorized wireless devices to get the MAC address of an
authorized device. Then, they can use that MAC address to access the wireless network.

3.2.3 User Authentication and Encryption

You can make every user log in to the wireless network before they can use it. This is called
user authentication. However, every wireless client in the wireless network has to support
IEEE 802.1x to do this.

Wireless networks can use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the wireless
network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot
understand the message.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

3.2.3.1 WEP

3.2.3.1.1 Data Encryption

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between
the AG-220 and the AP or other wireless stations to keep network communications private.
Both the wireless stations and the access points must use the same WEP key for data
encryption and decryption.

There are two ways to create WEP keys in your AG-220.

• Automatic WEP key generation based on a “password phrase” called a passphrase. The
passphrase is case sensitive. You must use the same passphrase for all WLAN adapters
with this feature in the same WLAN.

For WLAN adapters without the passphrase feature, you can still take advantage of this
feature by writing down the four automatically generated WEP keys from the Security
Settings screen of the ZyXEL utility and entering them manually as the WEP keys in the
other WLAN adapter(s).

• Enter the WEP keys manually.

Your AG-220 allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 256-bit WEP keys and
only one key is used as the default key at any one time.

3.2.3.1.2 Authentication Type

The IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless
stations and AP. Three authentication types are defined: Auto, Open System and Shared
Key.

Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 37

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

• Open System mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue.
The wireless station and the AP or peer computer do not share a secret key. Thus the
wireless stations can associate with any AP or peer computer and listen to any transmitted
data that is not encrypted.

• Shared Key mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the
AP or peer computer. This requires you to enable the wireless LAN security and use same
settings on both the wireless station and the AP or peer computer.

• Auto authentication mode allows the AG-220 to switch between the open system and
shared key modes automatically. Use the auto mode if you do not know the
authentication mode of the other wireless stations.

3.2.3.2 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.

3.2.3.2.1 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 IEEE 802.1x. The AG-220 supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.
Refer to Appendix D on page 91 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). Certificates (also called digital IDs)
can be used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of
each certificate owner.

3.2.3.3 WPA and WPA2

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE

802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and
key management than WPA.

Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user
authentication.

Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
(TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. WPA and WPA2 use Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message
authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption than TKIP.

38 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network

If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS
server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server,
you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical)
password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the
passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN.

If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending
on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.

Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is
less secure than WPA or WPA2.

3.3 Introduction to OTIST

In a wireless network, the wireless clients must have the same SSID and security settings as
the access point (AP) or wireless router (we will refer to both as “AP” here) in order to
associate with it. Traditionally this meant that you had to configure the settings on the AP and
then manually configure the exact same settings on each wireless client.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

OTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology) allows you to transfer your AP’s SSID
and WEP or WPA-PSK security settings to wireless clients that support OTIST and are within
transmission range. You can also choose to have OTIST generate a WPA-PSK key for you if
you didn’t configure one manually.

3.3.1 Enabling OTIST

You must enable OTIST on both the AP and wireless client before you start transferring
settings.

We use the P-334U in this guide as the example AP. Screens may vary slightly for your
ZyXEL devices.

Note: The AP and wireless client(s) MUST use the same Setup key.

3.3.1.1 AP

On the P-334U, you can enable OTIST using the OTIST button or the web configurator. If
you use the OTIST button, the default (01234567) or previous saved (through the web
configurator) Setup key is used to encrypt the settings that you want to transfer.

Hold in the OTIST button for about two seconds.

Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 39

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

In the web configurator, go to the Wireless LAN main screen and then select OTIST. To
change the Setup key, enter zero to eight printable characters. To have OTIST automatically
generate a WPA-PSK key, select the Yes! check box. If you manually configured a WEP key
or a WPA-PSK key and you also selected this check box, then the key you manually
configured is used.

3.3.1.2 Wireless Client

Start the ZyXEL utility and click the Adapter tab. Select the OTIST check box, enter the
same Setup Key as your AP and click Save.

3.3.2 Starting OTIST

Note: You must click Start in the AP OTIST web configurator screen and in the

wireless client(s) Adapter screen all within three minutes (at the time of
writing). You can start OTIST in the wireless clients and AP in any order but
they must all be within range and have OTIST enabled.

40 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

1 In the AP, a web configurator screen pops

up showing you the security settings to
transfer. After reviewing the settings, click
OK.

2 This screen appears while OTIST settings are being transferred. It closes when the

transfer is complete.

• In the wireless client, you see this screen if
it can't find an OTIST-enabled AP (with the
same Setup key). Click OK to go back to
the ZyXEL utility main screen.

• If there is more than one OTIST-enabled AP within range, you see a screen asking you
to select one AP to get settings from.

3.3.3 Notes on OTIST

1 If you enabled OTIST in the wireless client, you see this screen each time you start the

utility. Click Ye s for it to search for an OTIST-enabled AP.

2 If an OTIST-enabled wireless client loses its wireless connection for more than ten

seconds, it will search for an OTIST-enabled AP for up to one minute. (If you manually
have the wireless client search for an OTIST-enabled AP, there is no timeout; click
Cancel in the OTIST progress screen to stop the search.)

3 When the wireless client finds an OTIST-enabled AP, you must still click Start in the AP

OTIST web configurator screen or hold in the Reset button (for one or two seconds) for

the AP to transfer settings.

4 If you change the SSID or the keys on the AP after using OTIST, you need to run OTIST

again or enter them manually in the wireless client(s).

Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 41

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

5 If you configure OTIST to generate a WPA-PSK key, this key changes each time you run

OTIST. Therefore, if a new wireless client joins your wireless network, you need to run
OTIST on the AP and ALL the wireless clients again.

42 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network

CHAPTER 4

Wireless Station Mode

Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure your AG-220 in wireless station mode. See

Chapter 5 on page 61 for how to configure the AG-220 in access point mode.

4.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview

To set your AG-220 to wireless station mode, select Station Mode in any utility screen (refer
to Section 1.2.3 on page 23).

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

4.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens when the AG-220 is in station mode.

Figure 21 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode

The following table describes the menus.

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode

TAB DESCRIPTION

Station Mode

Link Info Use this screen to see your current connection status, configuration and data rate

statistics.

Site Survey Use this screen to

• scan for a wireless network

• configure wireless security (if activated on the selected network).

• connect to a wireless network.

Profile Use this screen to add, delete, edit or activate a profile with a set of wireless and

security settings.

Advanced Use this screen to change the wireless network mode.

Adapter Use this screen to configure a transfer rate, enable power saving and use OTIST

(One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology).

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 43

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

4.2 The Link Info Screen

When the ZyXEL utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current
configuration and connection status of your AG-220.

Figure 22 Station Mode: Link Info

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

AP Mode
Station Mode

Wireless Network
Status

Profile Name This is the name of the profile you are currently using.

Network Name
(SSID)

AP MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of the AP or peer computer to which the AG-

Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the AG-220 in megabits per

Security This field displays whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x),

Channel This field displays the radio channel the AG-220 is currently using.

Stat istics

Transmit Rate This field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

Receive Rate This field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

Use the check box to set the AG-220 to operate in wireless station or access point
mode. Refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 23 for more information.

The SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated.
This field displays the name of the wireless device to which the AG-220 is
associated.

220 is associated.

network.

second (Mbps).

TKIP (WPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-PSK), AES (WPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-
PSK)) or inactive (DISABLE).

44 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Authentication This field displays the authentication method of the AG-220.

Network Mode This field displays the wireless standard (A, B or G) of the AP or peer computer.

Total Transmit This field displays the total number of data frames transmitted.

Total Receive This field displays the total number of data frames received.

Link Quality This field displays the signal strength of the AG-220.

Trend Chart Click this button to display the real-time statistics of the data rate in kilobits per

Signal Strength The status bar shows the strength of the signal. The signal strength mainly

Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of wireless connection. This refers to the

4.2.1 Trend Chart

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

second (Kbps).

depends on the antenna output power and the distance between your AG-220 and
the AP or peer computer.

percentage of packets transmitted successfully. If there are too many wireless
stations in a wireless network, collisions may occur which could result in a loss of
messages even though you have high signal strength.

Click Trend Chart in the Link Info screen to display a screen as shown below. Use this
screen to view real-time data traffic statistics.

Figure 23 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Transmit This field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

Receive This field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 45

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

4.3 The Site Survey Screen

Use the Site Survey screen to scan for and connect to a wireless network automatically.

Figure 24 Station Mode: Site Survey

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Available Network
List

,

,

or

SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.

Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.

Signal This field displays the signal strength of each wireless device.

Scan Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.

Connect Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.

Site Information Click an entry in the Available Network List table to display the information of the

Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the wireless

Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.

Encryption This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x),

Click a column heading to sort the entries.

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless
security is activated.

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless

security is deactivated.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless
security is activated.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless
security is deactivated.

selected wireless device.

device.

WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (DISABLE).

46 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Surveyed at This field displays the time when the wireless device was scanned.

4.3.1 Security Settings

When you configure the AG-220 to connect to a network with wireless security activated and
the security settings are disabled on the AG-220, the screen varies according to the encryption
method used by the selected network.

4.3.1.1 WEP Encryption

Figure 25 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security Settings

WEP Select 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 256 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the

related fields.

Encryption Type Select an authentication method. Choices are SHARED and OPEN.

Refer to Section 3.2.3.1.2 on page 37 for more information.

Pass Phrase Enter a passphrase of up to 63 case-sensitive printable characters. As you enter

Transmit Key Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption. The key displays in the field

the passphrase, the AG-220 automatically generates four different WEP keys and
displays it in the key field below. Refer to Section 3.2.3.1.1 on page 37 for more
information.

At the time of writing, you cannot use the passphrase function to generate 256-bit
WEP keys.

below.

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 47

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Key x (where x is a
number between 1
and 4)

Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys. Enter the WEP key
in the field provided.

If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.

Enter either 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type.

or
Enter 5 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”

(for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type.

If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,

Enter either 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 00112233445566778899AABBCC) for HEX key type

or
Enter 13 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”

(for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.

If you select 256 Bits in the WEP field,

Enter either 58 hexadecimal digits in the range of "A-F", "a-f" and "0-9" (for
example,
00001111222 23333444455556666777788889999AAAABBBBCCCC000011)
for HEX key type

or
Enter 29 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from "a-z", "A-Z" and "0-9"

(for example, MyKey111122223333444455556678) for ASCII key type.

Note: The values for the WEP keys must be set up exactly the

same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another

network.

Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 51.

Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.

4.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

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

ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.

48 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

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

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Encryption Type The encryption mechanisms used for WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK are

Pre-Shared Key Type a pre-shared key (same as the AP or peer device) of between 8 and 63 case-

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another

Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.

Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.

4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses
a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials.

Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 3.2.3.3 on page 38 for more information.

sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols) or 64 hexadecimal
characters.

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 51.

Figure 27 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Encryption Type The encryption mechanisms used for WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK are

the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses
a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials.

Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 3.2.3.3 on page 38 for more information.

Authentication
Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP.
Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and

PEAP.

This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 49

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Password This field is not available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.

Certificate This field is only available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.

Validate Server
Certificate

PEAP Inner EAP This field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another

Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.

Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Click Browse to select a certificate.

Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and

obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.

Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.

field.
The PEAP method used by the RADIUS server or AP for client authentication is

MS CHAP v2.

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 51.

4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1x

Configure IEEE 802.1x security with various authentication methods in this screen.

Figure 28 Station Mode: Security Setting: 802.1x

50 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: IEEE 802.1x

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Authentication
Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

Password This field is not available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.

Certificate This field is only available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field.

The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP.
Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and

PEAP.

This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Click Browse to select a certificate.

Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and

obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.

Validate Server
Certificate

PEAP Inner EAP This field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another

Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen.

Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.

Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.

field.
The PEAP method used by the RADIUS server or AP for client authentication is

MS CHAP v2.

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 51.

4.3.2 Confirm Save Screen

Use this screen to confirm and save the security settings.

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 51

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 29 Confirm Save Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security Setting

Network Name This field displays the SSID previously entered.

Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless

Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile.

Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x),

Back Click Back to return to the previous screen.

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the AG-220 and display the Link Info

Exit Click Exit to discard changes and return to the Site Survey screen.

device.

WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (DISABLE).

screen.

4.4 The Profile Screen

A profile is a set of wireless parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network. With a
profile activated, each time you start the AG-220, it automatically scans for the specific SSID
and joins that network with the pre-defined wireless security settings. If the specified network
is not available, the AG-220 cannot connect to a network.

If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the AG-220, the AG-220
uses the default profile to connect to any available network that has no security enabled.

The default profile is a profile that allows you to connect to any SSID that has no security
enabled.

52 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Click the Profile tab in the ZyXEL utility program to display the Profile screen as shown next.

The profile function allows you to save the wireless network settings in this screen, or use one
of the pre-configured network profiles.

Figure 30 Station Mode: Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile List Click a column heading to sort the entries.

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless

,

,

or

Profile Name This is the name of the pre-configured profile.

SSID This is the SSID of the wireless network to which the selected profile associate.

Connect To use and activate a previously saved network profile, select a pre-configured

profile name in the table and click Connect.

Add To add a new profile into the table, click Add.

Delete To delete an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table

and click Delete.

Edit To edit an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and

click Edit.

Profile Info The following fields display detailed information of the selected profile in the

Profile List table.

Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the profile.

security is activated.
denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless

security is deactivated.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless
security is activated.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless
security is deactivated.

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 53

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the profile.

Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile.

Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x),

Transfer Rate This field displays the transmission speed of the selected profile in megabits per

WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (DISABLE).

second (Mbps).

4.4.1 Adding a New Profile

Follow the steps below to add a new profile.

1 Click Add in the Profile screen. An Add New Profile screen displays as shown next.

Click Next to continue.

Figure 31 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Add New Profile

Profile Name Enter a descriptive name in this field.

SSID Select an available wireless device in the Scan Info table and click Select, or enter

the SSID of the wireless device to which you want to associate in this field
manually. Otherwise, enter Any to have the AG-220 associate to any AP or roam
between any infrastructure wireless networks.

Network Type Select Infrastructure to associate to an AP. Select Ad-Hoc to associate to a peer

Next Click Next to go to the next screen.

Exit Click Exit to go back to the previous screen without saving.

54 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

computer.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Scan Info This table displays the information of the available wireless networks within the

transmission range.

,

,

or

SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each AP or peer device.

Scan Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.

Select Select an available wireless device in the table and click Select to add it to this

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless
security is activated.

denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless
security is deactivated.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless
security is activated.

denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security
is deactivated.

profile.
Whenever you activate this profile, the AG-220 associates to the selected wireless

network only.

2 If you select the Infrastructure network type in the previous screen, skip to step 3. If you

select the Ad-Hoc network type in the previous screen, a screen displays as follows.
Select a channel number and click Next to continue.

Note: To associate to an ad-hoc network, you must use the same channel as the peer

computer.

Figure 32 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 55

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Settings

Channel Select a channel number from the drop-down list box. To associate to an ad-hoc

3 If you selected Infrastructure network type in the first screen, select WEP, WPA,

WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x from the drop-down list box to enable data
encryption. If you selected Ad-Hoc network type in the first screen, you can only use
WEP encryption method. Otherwise, select DISABLE to allow the AG-220 to

communicate with the access points or other peer wireless computers without any data
encryption, and skip to step 5.

Figure 33 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings

network, you must use the same channel as the peer computer.

4 The screen varies depending on the encryption method you select in the previous screen.

The settings must be exactly the same on the APs or other peer wireless computers as
they are on the AG-220. Refer to Section 4.3.1 on page 47 for detailed information on
wireless security configuration.

56 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 34 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings

5 This read-only screen shows a summary of the new profile settings. Verify that the

settings are correct. Click Save to save and go to the next screen. Click Back to return to
the previous screen. Otherwise, click Exit to go back to the Profile screen without
saving.

Figure 35 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings

6 To use this network profile, click the Activate Now button. Otherwise, click the Activate

Later button. You can activate only one profile at a time.

Note: Once you activate a profile, the ZyXEL utility will use that profile the next time it

is started.

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 57

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 36 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile

4.5 The Advanced Screen

To set the network mode of the AG-220, click the Advanced tab.

Figure 37 Station Mode: Advanced

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 14 Station Mode: Advanced

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Advanced Setting

Frequency Choose a network mode. Select Auto (default) to have your AG-220

automatically connect to other wireless devices in IEEE 802.11a, b or g
modes. Select 11a to have your AG-220 connect to other wireless devices in
IEEE 802.11a mode only, or 11b +11g to have your AG-220 connect to other
wireless devices in IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g modes only.

Save Click Save to save the changes to the AG-220. If you are connected to a

wireless network when changing network modes, the AG-220 will disconnect
and then attempt to reestablish the connection using the new setting.

58 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

4.6 The Adapter Screen

To set the other advanced features on the AG-220, click the Adapter tab.

Figure 38 Station Mode: Adapter

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 15 Station Mode: Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter Setting

Transmission Rate In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting is the most

efficient and allows your AG-220 to operate at the highest possible transmission
(data) rate.

If you want to select a specific transmission rate, select one that the AP or peer
wireless device supports.

Note: With USB 1.0/1.1, the AG-220 can only transmit at up to

11Mbps.

Preamble Type Preamble is used to signal that data is coming to the receiver. Select the preamble

type that the AP uses.
Short preamble increases performance as less time sending preamble means

more time for sending data. All IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless adapters
support Long preamble, but not all support short preamble.

Select Auto to have the AG-220 automatically use short preamble when all access
point or wireless stations support it; otherwise the AG-220 uses long preamble.

Note: The AG-220 and the access point or wireless stations MUST

use the same preamble mode in order to communicate.

Power Saving
Mode

Select Maximum Power Save or Fast Power Save to save power (especially for
notebook computers). This forces the AG-220 to go to sleep mode when it is not
transmitting data.

When you select Continuous Access Mode, the AG-220 will never go to sleep
mode.

Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 59

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table 15 Station Mode: Adapter (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

OTIST (One­Touch Intelligent
Security
Technology)

Setup Key Enter the same setup key (up to eight printable characters) as the ZyXEL AP or

Select this check box to enable OTIST.

wireless router to which you want to associate. The default OTIST setup key is
"01234567".

Note: If you change the OTIST setup key on the ZyXEL AP or

wireless router, you must also make the same change here.

Start Click Start to encrypt the wireless security data using the setup key and have the

Save Click Save to save the changes to the AG-220 and return to the Link Info screen.

ZyXEL AP or wireless router set your AG-220 to use the same wireless settings as
the ZyXEL AP or wireless router. You must also activate and start OTIST on the
ZyXEL AP or wireless router all within three minutes. See Section 3.3 on page 39
for more information.

60 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

CHAPTER 5

Access Point Mode

Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure your AG-220 in access point mode.

5.1 Access Point Mode Introduction

To set your AG-220 to access point (AP) mode, select AP Mode in any utility screen (refer to

Section 1.2.3 on page 23).

Access point mode allows you to set up your wireless networks without using a dedicated AP.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

5.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens when the AG-220 is in AP mode.

Figure 39 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode

The following table describes the menus.

Table 16 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode

TAB DESCRIPTION

AP Mode

Link Info Use this screen to see your current connection status, configuration and data rate

Configuration Use this screen to configure wireless LAN settings.

Advanced Use this screen to change the wireless network mode.

MAC Filter Use this screen to configure which computer(s) you want access to the wireless

statistics.

LAN through the AG-220.

Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration 61

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

5.1.2 Additional Setup Requirements

To bridge your wired and wireless network using the AG-220, the following requirements
must be met:

1 The AG-220 must be installed on a computer connected to the wired network.

2 Either bridge the two interfaces (wireless and wired) on the computer (using the

Configuration screen of the ZyXEL utility in Windows XP) or configure network
sharing (refer to Appendix B on page 75 for an example).

3 Set the wireless station’s IP address to be dynamic if you want the wireless stations to

access the wired network or the Internet through the AG-220. Refer to Appendix E on

page 97 for how to configure your computer’s IP address.

5.2 The Link Info Screen

Select the AP Mode check box and wait for about five seconds to display the screen as shown.

Figure 40 Access Point Mode: Link Info

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 17 Access Point Mode: Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Status

SSID This field displays the name that identifies your AG-220 in the wireless LAN

Current Channel This field displays the radio channel the AG-220 is currently using.

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the AG-220 in megabits per

62 Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration

network.

second (Mbps).

Table 17 Access Point Mode: Link Info (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP) or inactive

(DISABLE).

MAC This field displays the MAC address of the AG-220.

Output Power This field shows the strength of the AG-220’s antenna gain or transmission power.

Association List This table lists up to 16 wireless clients that are currently connected to the AG-220.

denotes a wireless client without WEP security.

denotes a wireless client with WEP security enabled.

MAC Address This field displays the MAC addresses of a wireless client that is currently

connected to the AG-220.

Refresh Click Refresh to update this screen.

5.3 The Configuration Screen

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Click Configuration in the ZyXEL utility screen to display the screen as shown.

Figure 41 Access Point Mode: Configuration

Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration 63

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 18 Access Point Mode: Configuration

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Settings

SSID The SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated.

Hide SSID Select this check box to hide the SSID so an intruder cannot obtain the SSID

Channel Set the operating frequency/channel depending on your geographical region.

Output Power Set this field if you need to conserve power consumption (especially for notebook

Bridge Select the check box and an Ethernet adapter (network interface card (NIC)) on

Security Settings

WEP Select 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 256 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the

Authentication
Type

Pass Phrase When you select the radio button, enter a passphrase of up to 63 case-sensitive

Transmit Key Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption. The key displays in the field

Wireless stations associating to the access point (the AG-220) must have the
same SSID.

Enter a descriptive name (up to 32 printable 7-bit ASCII characters) for the
wireless LAN.

through scanning using a site survey tool.

computers). This control changes the strength of the AG-220’s antenna gain or
transmission power. Antenna gain, measured in dBm (decibel relative units
compared to milliwatts), is the increase in coverage. Higher antenna gain improves
the range of the signal for better communications.

Select High to set the AG-220’s antenna to transmit at 17-dBm.
Select Medium-High to set the AG-220’s antenna to transmit at 15-dBm.
Select Medium-Low to set the AG-220’s antenna to transmit at 13-dBm.
Select Low to set the AG-220’s antenna to transmit at 11-dBm. This allows for the

least power consumption.

your computer from the drop-down list box. This allows you to connect your
wireless network to the specified wired network.

related fields.
Select Disable to deactivate the WEP encryption.

Select an authentication method. Choices are Auto, Shared Key and Open
System.

Refer to Section 3.2.3.1.2 on page 37 for more information.

printable characters. As you enter the passphrase, the AG-220 automatically
generates four different WEP key and displays it in the key field below. Refer to

Section 3.2.3.1 on page 37 for more information.

At the time of writing, you cannot use passphrase to generate 256-bit WEP keys.

below.

64 Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration

Table 18 Access Point Mode: Configuration (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Key x (where x is a
number between 1
and 4)

Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys.
Enter the WEP key in the field provided.
If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.

Enter either 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type

or
Enter 5 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”

(for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type.

If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,

Enter either 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for
example, 00112233445566778899AABBCC) for HEX key type

or
Enter 13 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9”

(for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.

If you select 256 Bits in the WEP field,

Enter either 58 hexadecimal digits in the range of "A-F", "a-f" and "0-9" (for
example,
00001111222 23333444455556666777788889999AAAABBBBCCCC000011)
for HEX key type

or
Enter 29 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from "a-z", "A-Z" and "0-9"

(for example, MyKey111122223333444455556678) for ASCII key type.

Note: The values for the WEP keys must be set up exactly the

same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.

ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.

Save Click Save to save the changes.

Cancel Click Cancel to discard the changes.

5.4 The Advanced Screen

To set the network mode of the AG-220, click the Advanced tab.

Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration 65

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 42 Access Point Mode: Advanced

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 19 Access Point Mode: Advanced

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Advanced Setting

Frequency Choose a network mode. Select 802.11b+g to have your AG-220 connect to

Save Click Save to save the changes to the AG-220. If you are connected to a

other wireless devices in either IEEE 802.11 b or 802.11g modes.
Alternatively, select 802.11g, 802.11b or 802.11a to have your AG-220
connect to other wireless devices in b, g or a mode only.

wireless network when changing network modes, the AG-220 will disconnect
and then attempt to reestablish the connection using the new setting.

5.5 The MAC Filter Screen

The MAC Filter screen allows you to configure the AG-220 to give exclusive access to
devices (Accept) or exclude devices from connecting to the AG-220 (Reject). The MAC
address is assigned at the factory and consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters, for
example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02. You need to know the MAC address of the device(s) to
configure this screen. See Section 3.2.2 on page 36 for more information.

66 Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration

Figure 43 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Table 20 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Filter Type Define the filter action for the list of MAC addresses in the MAC address filter table.

Select Disable to deactivate the MAC filter feature.
Select Reject to block access to the AG-220, MAC addresses not listed will be

allowed to access the AG-220.
Select Accept to permit access to the AG-220, MAC addresses not listed will be

denied access to the AG-220.

Filter MAC
Address 1-16

Save Click Save to save the changes to the AG-220.

Cancel Click Cancel to discard the changes.

Specify the MAC address(es) of the wireless station(s) that is allowed or denied
association to the AG-220.

Enter six pairs of hexadecimal digits (separated by colons) in the range of “A-F”,
“a-f” and “0-9” (for example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02).

If you enter an invalid MAC address, once you click Save to save the values, a
warning screen will be displayed.

Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration 67

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

68 Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration

This chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL utility.

6.1 The About Screen

The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the AG-220. To display the
screen as shown below, click the about ( ) button.

Figure 44 About

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 6

Maintenance

The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen.

Table 21 About

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Driver Version This field displays the version number of the AG-220 driver.

Utility Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL utility.

6.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility

Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyXEL utility from your computer.

1 Click Start, (All) Programs, ZyXEL AG-220 Wireless USB Adapter Utility,

Uninstall ZyXEL AG-220 Wireless USB Adapter Utility.

2 When prompted, click OK or Yes to remove the driver and the utility software.

Chapter 6 Maintenance 69

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 45 Uninstall: Confirm

3 Click Finish to complete uninstalling the software and restart the computer when

prompted.

Figure 46 Uninstall: Finish

6.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility

Note: Before you uninstall the ZyXEL utility, take note of your current wireless

configurations.

To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.

1 Download the latest version of the utility from the ZyXEL web site and save the file on

your computer.

2 Follow the steps in Section 6.2 on page 69 to remove the current ZyXEL utility from your

computer.

3 Restart your computer when prompted.

4 Disconnect the AG-220 from your computer.

5 Double-click on the setup program for the new utility to start the ZyXEL utility

installation.

6 Insert the AG-220 and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the

new utility is installed properly.

70 Chapter 6 Maintenance

CHAPTER 7

Troubleshooting

This chapter covers potential problems and the possible remedies. After each problem
description, some instructions are provided to help you to diagnose and to solve the problem.

7.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility

Table 22 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Cannot start the
ZyXEL Wireless
LAN utility

The ZyXEL utility
icon does not
display.

Make sure the AG-220 is properly inserted and the LED is on. Refer to the Quick
Start Guide for the LED descriptions.

Use the Device Manager to check for possible hardware conflicts. Click Start,
Settings, Control Panel, System, Hardware and Device Manager. Verify the
status of the AG-220 under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on the
version of Windows).

Install the AG-220 in another computer.
If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you should

contact your local vendor.

If you have installed the Funk Odyssey Client software on the computer, uninstall
(remove) both the Funk Odyssey Client software and ZyXEL utility, and then install
the ZyXEL utility again after restarting the computer.

7.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point

Table 23 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

When using the
Windows XP
configuration tool,
the AG-220 cannot
scan for or
connect to any
access points.

The AG-220 might still be operating in access point mode. This results when you
set the AG-220 to operate in access point mode using the ZyXEL utility, close the
ZyXEL utility and then use the Windows XP configuration tool.

Before you use the Windows XP configuration tool, make sure you set the AG-220
to operate in station mode before you close and exit the ZyXEL utility.

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7.3 Problem with the Link Quality

Table 24 Troubleshooting Link Quality

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

The link quality
and/or signal
strength is poor all
the time.

Search and connect to another AP with a better link quality using the Site Survey
screen.

Move your computer closer to the AP or the peer computer(s) within the
transmission range.

There may be too much radio interference (for example microwave or another AP
using the same channel) around your wireless network. Lower the output power of
each AP.

Make sure there are not too many wireless stations connected to a wireless
network.

7.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers

Table 25 Troubleshooting Communication Problems

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

In wireless station
mode, the
computer with the
AG-220 installed
cannot
communicate with
the other
computer(s).

In access point
mode, the wireless
station(s) cannot
associate to the
AG-220.

In Infrastructure Mode

• Make sure that the AP and the associated computers are turned on and
working properly.

• Make sure the AG-220 computer and the associated AP use the same SSID.

• Change the AP and the associated wireless clients to use another radio
channel if interference is high.

• Make sure that the computer and the AP share the same security option and
key. Verify the settings in the Profile Security Setting screen.

• If you are using WPA(2) or WPA(2)-PSK security, try changing your encryption
type from TKIP to AES or vice versa.

In Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode

• Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on.

• Make sure the AG-220 computer and the peer computer(s) are using the same
SSID and channel.

• Make sure that the computer and the peer computer(s) share the same
security settings.

• Change the wireless clients to use another radio channel if interference is high.

Verify that the computer with the AG-220 installed is turned on.
Make sure the wireless station(s) uses the same SSID as the AG-220.
Make sure the wireless station(s) uses the same security settings.
Verify that the wireless station(s) is not blocked in the MAC Filter screen.

72 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

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APPENDIX A

Product Specifications

Table 26 Product Specifications

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Product Name ZyXEL AG-220 802.11a/g Wireless USB Adapter

Interface USB 2.0 compatible

Standards IEEE 802.11a

IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g

Network Architectures Infrastructure

Ad-Hoc

Operating Temperature 0 ~ 50 degrees Centigrade

Storage Temperature -30 ~ 60 degrees Centigrade

Operating Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

Storage Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

Power TX power consumption: < 380mA

RX power consumption: < 200mA

Voltage 5V

Weight 25.8 g

Dimension (W) 95 mm × (D) 30 mm × (H) 16 mm

RADIO SPECIFICATIONS

Media Access Protocol IEEE 802.11

Frequency Industrial Scientific Medical Band

2.4 ~ 2.484 GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g) and 5.15 ~ 5.725GHz (IEEE

802.11a)

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Table 26 Product Specifications (continued)

Operating Frequencies and
Channels

Data Rate 54 Mbps with automatic fallback to 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps

Modulation IEEE 802.11a: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps (OFDM)

Average Output Power IEEE 802.11a: 12dBm (+/- 2dBm) at 54Mbps, OFDM

RX Sensitivity IEEE 802.11g (OFDM): 54 Mbps: < -70 dBm

IEEE 802.11b/g:

2.4 ~ 2.4835 GHz
FCC: 11 channels
Taiwan: 11 channels
CE: 13 channels

IEEE 802.11a:

5.15 ~ 5.25 GHz
FCC: 4 channels
CE: 4 channels

5.25 ~ 5.35 GHz
FCC: 4 channels
Taiwan: 4 channels
CE: 4 channels

5.470 ~ 5.725 GHz
CE: 11 channels

5.725 ~ 5.825 GHz
FCC: 4 channels
Taiwan: 4 channels

IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5 Mbps (CCK), 2 Mbps (DQPSK), 1 Mbps
(DBPSK)

IEEE 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps (OFDM)

IEEE 802.11b: 17dBm (+/- 2dBm) at 11Mbps, CCK, QPSK, BPSPK
IEEE 802.11g: 14dBm (+/- 2dBm) at 54Mbps, OFDM

IEEE 802.11b (CCK): 11 Mbps: < -85 dBm

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Device Drivers Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000,

Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit edition

Security 64/128/256-bit WEP

WPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-PSK
IEEE 802.1x

Roaming IEEE 802.11b/g compliant

74 Appendix A

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APPENDIX B

Access Point Mode Setup Example

This example uses the network sharing feature in Windows 2000 to bridge the wired and
wireless network when you set the AG-220 in access point (AP) mode.

Refer to Chapter 5 on page 61 for setup methods and requirements.

Steps may vary depending on your Windows version. You may need to install additional
software in Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows ME.

Configuring the Computer on Which You Install the AG-220

1 Refer to Section 1.2.3 on page 23 to set the AG-220 to operate in AP mode.

2 Click Start, Settings, Network and Dial-up Connections (or click Start, Settings,

Control Panel and double-click Network and Dial-up Connections).

Figure 47 Windows 2000: Start

3 Right-click on the icon for your wired Ethernet adapter and click Properties.

Appendix B 75

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Figure 48 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections

4 A Properties screen displays. Click the Sharing tab and select Enable Internet

Connection Sharing for this connection. Click OK.

Figure 49 Windows 2000: Network Properties

If there is more than one network adapter on the computer, select Enable Internet
Connection Sharing for this connection and select the network adapter to which you

want to share network access.

76 Appendix B

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Figure 50 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter

5 A notice screen displays. Click Ye s .

Figure 51 Windows 2000: Local Network

Configuring the Wireless Station Computer

Refer to Appendix E on page 97 for information on how to set up the IP address of a computer
you want to connect wirelessly to the AG-220.

Appendix B 77

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78 Appendix B

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

APPENDIX C

Management with Wireless Zero

Configuration

This appendix shows you how to manage your AG-220 using the Windows XP wireless zero
configuration tool.

Be sure you have the Windows XP service pack 2 installed on your computer. Otherwise, you
should at least have the Windows XP service pack 1 already on your computer and download
the support patch for WPA from the Microsoft web site.

Windows XP SP2 screen shots are shown unless otherwise specified. Click the help icon ( )
in most screens, move the cursor to the item that you want the information about and click to
view the help.

Activating Wireless Zero Configuration

Make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is
selected in the Wireless Network Connection Properties screen. Refer to Appendix C on

page 71.

If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for
information on starting WZC.

Figure 52 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available

Appendix C 79

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Connecting to a Wireless Network

1 Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray to open the

Wireless Network Connection Status screen.

Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the AG-220.
Refer to the following table for details.

Table 27 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

ICON DESCRIPTION

The AG-220 is connected to a wireless network.

The AG-220 is in the process of connecting to a wireless network.

The connection to a wireless network is limited because the network did not assign a
network address to the computer.

The AG-220 is not connected to a wireless network.

2 Windows XP SP2: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click View

Wireless Networks to open the Wireless Network Connection screen.

Figure 54 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

80 Appendix C

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Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties
and the Wireless Networks tab to open the Wireless Network Connection Properties
screen.

Figure 55 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status

3 Windows XP SP2: Click Refresh network list to reload and search for available wireless

devices within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the list and click Connect
to join the selected wireless network.

Figure 56 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

Appendix C 81

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The following table describes the icons in the wireless network list.

Table 28 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes that wireless security is activated for the wireless network.

This denotes that this wireless network is your preferred network. Ordering your preferred
networks is important because the AG-220 tries to associate to the preferred network first
in the order that you specify. Refer to the section on ordering the preferred networks for
detailed information.

This denotes the signal strength of the wireless network.
Move your cursor to the icon to see details on the signal strength.

Windows XP SP1: Click Refresh to reload and search for available wireless devices
within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the Available networks list, click
Configure and set the related fields to the same security settings as the associated AP to
add the selected network into the Preferred networks table. Click OK to join the selected
wireless network. Refer to the section on security settings (discussed later) for more
information.

Figure 57 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

4 4.Windows XP SP2: If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network,

the Wireless Network Connection screen displays. You must set the related fields in the
Wireless Network Connection screen to the same security settings as the associated AP

and click Connect. Refer to the section about security settings for more information.
Otherwise click Cancel and connect to another wireless network without data encryption.

82 Appendix C

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If there is no security activated for the selected wireless network, a warning screen
appears. Click Connect Anyway if wireless security is not your concern.

Figure 58 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK

Figure 59 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security

5 Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the

connection status in the wireless network list or the connection icon in the Preferred
networks or Available networks list.

The following table describes the connection icons.

Table 29 Windows XP: Wireless Networks

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.

This denotes the AG-220 is associated to the wireless network.

This denotes the wireless network is not available.

Security Settings

When you configure the AG-220 to connect to a secure network but the security settings are
not yet enabled on the AG-220, you will see different screens according to the authentication
and encryption methods used by the selected network.

Association

Select a network in the Preferred networks list and click Properties to view or configure
security.

Appendix C 83

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Figure 60 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 30 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Network name
(SSID)

Network
Authentication

Data Encryption This field automatically shows the encryption type (TKIP, WEP or Disable) used

Network Key Enter the pre-shared key or WEP key.

Confirm network
key

Key index
(advanced)

The key is
provided for me
automatically

This is a
computer-to­computer (ad hoc)
network; wireless
access points are
not used

OK Click OK to save your changes.

Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless network.

This field automatically shows the authentication method (Share, Open, WPA or
WPA-PSK) used by the selected network.

by the selected network.

The values for the keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in
the same wireless LAN.

Enter the key again for confirmation.

Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption.
This field is available only when the network use WEP encryption method and the

The key is provided for me automatically check box is not selected.

If this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the AG-220 a key.

If this check box is selected, you are connecting to another computer directly.

84 Appendix C

Authentication

Click the Authentication tab in the Wireless (network) properties screen to display the
screen shown next. The fields on this screen are grayed out when the network is in Ad-Hoc
mode or data encryption is disabled.

Figure 61 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 31 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Enable IEEE

802.1x
authentication for
this network

EAP Type Select the type of EAP authentication. Options are Protected EAP (PEAP) and

Properties Click this button to open the properties screen and configure certificates. The

Authenticate as
computer when
computer
information is
available

Authenticate as
guest when user
or computer
information is
unavailable

OK Click OK to save your changes.

Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

This field displays whether the IEEE 802.1x authentication is active.
If the network authentication is set to Open in the previous screen, you can choose

to disable or enable this feature.

Smart Card or other Certificate.

screen varies depending on what you select in the EAP type field.

Select this check box to have the computer send its information to the network for
authentication when a user is not logged on.

Select this check box to have the computer access to the network as a guest when
a user is not logged on or computer information is not available.

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Authentication Properties

Select an EAP authentication type in the Wireless (network) properties: Authentication
screen and click the Properties button to display the following screen.

Protected EAP Properties

Figure 62 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 32 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Validate server
certificate

Connect to these
servers

Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:

Select the check box to verify the certificate of the authentication server.

Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your
computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain.

Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.

Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and

obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.

Do not prompt
user to authorize
new server or
trusted
certification
authorities.

Select
Authentication
Method:

Select this check box to verify a new authentication server or trusted CA without
prompting.

This field is available only if you installed the Windows XP server pack 2.

Select an authentication method from the drop-down list box and click Configure
to do settings.

86 Appendix C

Table 32 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Enable Fast
Reconnect

OK Click OK to save your changes.

Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

Select the check box to automatically reconnect to the network (without re­authentication) if the wireless connection goes down.

Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

Figure 63 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 33 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Use my smart card Select this check box to use the smart card for authentication.

Use a certificate
on this computer

Validate server
certificate

Connect to these
servers

Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:

Select this check box to use a certificate on your computer for authentication.

Select the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.

Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your
computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain.

Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.

Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and

obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).
Consult your network administrator for more information.

View Certificate Click this button if you want to verify the selected certificate.

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Table 33 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Use a different
user name for the
connection:

OK Click OK to save your changes.

Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

Select the check box to use a different user name when the user name in the smart
card or certificate is not the same as the user name in the domain that you are
logged on to.

Ordering the Preferred Networks

Follow the steps below to manage your preferred networks.

1 Windows XP SP2: Click Change the order of preferred networks in the Wireless

Network Connection screen (see Figure 56 on page 81). The screen displays as shown.

Figure 64 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties
and the Wireless Networks tab to open the screen as shown.

88 Appendix C

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

Figure 65 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

2 Whenever the AG-220 tries to connect to a new network, the new network is added in the

Preferred networks table automatically. Select a network and click Move up or Move
down to change it's order, click Remove to delete it or click Properties to view the

security, authentication or connection information of the selected network. Click Add to
add a preferred network into the list manually.

Appendix C 89

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90 Appendix C

Types of EAP Authentication

This section discusses some popular authentication types: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS,
PEAP and LEAP. Your wireless LAN device may not support all authentication types.

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 IEEE 802.1x.

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

APPENDIX D

Wireless Security

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.

EAP-MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5)

MD5 authentication is the simplest one-way authentication method. The authentication server
sends a challenge to the wireless station. The wireless station ‘proves’ that it knows the
password by encrypting the password with the challenge and sends back the information.
Password is not sent in plain text.

However, MD5 authentication has some weaknesses. Since the authentication server needs to
get the plaintext passwords, the passwords must be stored. Thus someone other than the
authentication server may access the password file. In addition, it is possible to impersonate an
authentication server as MD5 authentication method does not perform mutual authentication.
Finally, MD5 authentication method does not support data encryption with dynamic session
key. You must configure WEP encryption keys for data encryption.

Appendix D 91

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EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security)

With EAP-TLS, digital certifications are needed by both the server and the wireless stations
for mutual authentication. The server presents a certificate to the client. After validating the
identity of the server, the client sends a different certificate to the server. The exchange of
certificates is done in the open before a secured tunnel is created. This makes user identity
vulnerable to passive attacks. A digital certificate is an electronic ID card that authenticates the
sender’s identity. However, to implement EAP-TLS, you need a Certificate Authority (CA) to
handle certificates, which imposes a management overhead.

EAP-TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Service)

EAP-TTLS is an extension of the EAP-TLS authentication that uses certificates for only the
server-side authentications to establish a secure connection. Client authentication is then done
by sending username and password through the secure connection, thus client identity is
protected. For client authentication, EAP-TTLS supports EAP methods and legacy
authentication methods such as PAP, CHAP, MS-CHAP and MS-CHAP v2.

PEAP (Protected EAP)

Like EAP-TTLS, server-side certificate authentication is used to establish a secure connection,
then use simple username and password methods through the secured connection to
authenticate the clients, thus hiding client identity. However, PEAP only supports EAP
methods, such as EAP-MD5, EAP-MSCHAPv2 and EAP-GTC (EAP-Generic Token Card),
for client authentication. EAP-GTC is implemented only by Cisco.

LEAP

LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a Cisco implementation of IEEE

802.1x.

Dynamic WEP Key Exchange

The AP maps a unique key that is generated with the RADIUS server. This key expires when
the wireless connection times out, disconnects or reauthentication times out. A new WEP key
is generated each time reauthentication is performed.

If this feature is enabled, it is not necessary to configure a default encryption key in the
Wireless screen. You may still configure and store keys here, but they will not be used while
Dynamic WEP is enabled.

Note: EAP-MD5 cannot be used with Dynamic WEP Key Exchange

92 Appendix D

For added security, certificate-based authentications (EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and PEAP) use
dynamic keys for data encryption. They are often deployed in corporate environments, but for
public deployment, a simple user name and password pair is more practical. The following
table is a comparison of the features of authentication types.

Table 34 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types

Mutual Authentication No Yes Ye s Yes Ye s

Certificate – Client No Yes Optional Optional No

Certificate – Server No Ye s Ye s Yes No

Dynamic Key Exchange No Ye s Ye s Yes Ye s

Credential Integrity None Strong Strong Strong Moderate

Deployment Difficulty Easy Hard Moderate Moderate Moderate

Client Identity Protection No No Yes Yes No

WPA and WPA2

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

EAP-MD5 EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS PEAP LEAP

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE

802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and
key management than WPA.

Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user
authentication.

If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS
server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server,
you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical)
password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the
passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN.

If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending
on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.

Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is
less secure than WPA or WPA2.

Encryption

Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
(TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. WPA and WPA2 use Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message
authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption than TKIP.

Appendix D 93

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TKIP uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and distributed by the authentication
server. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a block cipher that uses a 256-bit
mathematical algorithm called Rijndael. They both include a per-packet key mixing function,
a Message Integrity Check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with
sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism.

WPA and WPA2 regularly change and rotate the encryption keys so that the same encryption
key is never used twice.

The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up
a key hierarchy and management system, using the PMK to dynamically generate unique data
encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP
and the wireless stations. This all happens in the background automatically.

The Message Integrity Check (MIC) is designed to prevent an attacker from capturing data
packets, altering them and resending them. The MIC provides a strong mathematical function
in which the receiver and the transmitter each compute and then compare the MIC. If they do
not match, it is assumed that the data has been tampered with and the packet is dropped.

By generating unique data encryption keys for every data packet and by creating an integrity
checking mechanism (MIC), with TKIP and AES it is more difficult to decrypt data on a Wi-Fi
network than WEP and difficult for an intruder to break into the network.

The encryption mechanisms used for WPA(2) and WPA(2)-PSK are the same. The only
difference between the two is that WPA(2)-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of
user-specific credentials. The common-password approach makes WPA(2)-PSK susceptible to
brute-force password-guessing attacks but it’s still an improvement over WEP as it employs a
consistent, single, alphanumeric password to derive a PMK which is used to generate unique
temporal encryption keys. This prevent all wireless devices sharing the same encryption keys.
(a weakness of WEP)

User Authentication

WPA and WPA2 apply IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to
authenticate wireless stations using an external RADIUS database. WPA2 reduces the number
of key exchange messages from six to four (CCMP 4-way handshake) and shortens the time
required to connect to a network. Other WPA2 authentication features that are different from
WPA include key caching and pre-authentication. These two features are optional and may not
be supported in all wireless devices.

Key caching allows a wireless client to store the PMK it derived through a successful
authentication with an AP. The wireless client uses the PMK when it tries to connect to the
same AP and does not need to go with the authentication process again.

Pre-authentication enables fast roaming by allowing the wireless client (already connecting to
an AP) to perform IEEE 802.1x authentication with another AP before connecting to it.

94 Appendix D

WPA(2)-PSK Application Example

A WPA(2)s-PSK application looks as follows.

1 First enter identical passwords into the AP and all wireless clients. The Pre-Shared Key

(PSK) must consist of between 8 and 63 ASCII characters or 64 hexadecimal characters
(including spaces and symbols).

2 The AP checks each client's password and (only) allows it to join the network if it

matches its password.

3 The AP and wireless clients use the pre-shared key to generate a common PMK.

4 The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP or AES encryption process to encrypt data

exchanged between them.

Figure 66 WPA-PSK Authentication

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

You need the IP address of the RADIUS server, its port number (default is 1812), and the
RADIUS shared secret. A WPA(2) application example with an external RADIUS server
looks as follows. "A" is the RADIUS server. "DS" is the distribution system.

1 The AP passes the wireless client's authentication request to the RADIUS server.

2 The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants

or denies network access accordingly.

3 The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then

sets up a key hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically
generate unique data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly
communicated between the AP and the wireless clients.

Appendix D 95

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Figure 67 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

Security Parameters Summary

Refer to this table to see what other security parameters you should configure for each
Authentication Method/ key management protocol type. MAC address filters are not
dependent on how you configure these security features.

Table 35 Wireless Security Relational Matrix

AUTHENTICATION
METHOD/ KEY
MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

Open None No Disable

Open WEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP Key

Shared WEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP Key

WPA TKIP/AES No Enable

WPA-PSK TKIP/AES Yes Disable

WPA2 TKIP/AES No Enable

WPA2-PSK TKIP/AES Ye s Disable

ENCRYPTION
METHOD

ENTER
MANUAL KEY

Yes Enable without Dynamic WEP Key

Yes Disable

Yes Enable without Dynamic WEP Key

Yes Disable

IEEE 802.1X

Enable without Dynamic WEP Key

96 Appendix D

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APPENDIX E

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address

All computers must have a 10M or 100M Ethernet adapter card and TCP/IP installed.

Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and later operating systems and all versions of UNIX/LINUX
include the software components you need to install and use TCP/IP on your computer.
Windows 3.1 requires the purchase of a third-party TCP/IP application package.

TCP/IP should already be installed on computers using Windows 2000 and XP.

After the appropriate TCP/IP components are installed, configure the TCP/IP settings in order
to "communicate" with your network.

Windows 98/Me

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-click the Network icon to open the Network
window

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Figure 68 WIndows 98/Me: Network: Configuration

Installing Components

The Network window Configuration tab displays a list of installed components. You need a
network adapter, the TCP/IP protocol and Client for Microsoft Networks.

If you need the adapter:

1 In the Network window, click Add.

2 Select Adapter and then click Add.

3 Select the manufacturer and model of your network adapter and then click OK.

If you need TCP/IP:

1 In the Network window, click Add.

2 Select Protocol and then click Add.

3 Select Microsoft from the list of manufacturers.

4 Select TCP/IP from the list of network protocols and then click OK.

If you need Client for Microsoft Networks:

1 Click Add.

2 Select Client and then click Add.

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3 Select Microsoft from the list of manufacturers.

4 Select Client for Microsoft Networks from the list of network clients and then click

5 Restart your computer so the changes you made take effect.

Configuring

1 In the Network window Configuration tab, select your network adapter's TCP/IP entry

2 Click the IP Address tab.

Figure 69 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address

ZyXEL AG-220 User’s Guide

OK.

and click Properties

• If your IP address is dynamic, select Obtain an IP address
automatically.

• If you have a static IP address, select Specify an IP address and type
your information into the IP Address and Subnet Mask fields.

3 Click the DNS Configuration tab.

• If you do not know your DNS information, select Disable DNS.

• If you know your DNS information, select Enable DNS and type the
information in the fields below (you may not need to fill them all in).

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Figure 70 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration

4 Click the Gateway tab.

5 Click OK to save and close the TCP/IP Properties window.

6 Click OK to close the Network window. Insert the Windows CD if prompted.

7 Restart your computer when prompted.

Verifying Settings

1 Click Start and then Run.

2 In the Run window, type "winipcfg" and then click OK to open the IP Configuration

window.

3 Select your network adapter. You should see your computer's IP address, subnet mask

and default gateway.

Windows 2000/XP

• If you do not know your gateway’s IP address, remove previously
installed gateways.

• If you have a gateway IP address, type it in the New gateway field
and click Add.

1 For Windows XP, click start, Control Panel. In Windows 2000, click Start, Settings,

Control Panel.

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