ZyXEL Communications G-170S User Manual

ZyXEL G-170S

802.11g Wireless CardBus Card

User’s Guide

Version 1.00

Edition 1

11/2006

ZyXEL G-170S 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 G-170S User’s Guide

Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) Interference

Statement

The device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operations.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

3 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver

is connected.

4 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Notice 1

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

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

Caution

1 The equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an

uncontrolled environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d)(2).

2 This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other

antenna or transmitter.

4 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement

Certifications

1 Go to www.zyxel.com.

2 Select your product from the drop-down list box on the

ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.

3 Select the certification you wish to view from this

page.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

注意 !

依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法

第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用
者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。

第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現
有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射頻電機須忍
受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement 5

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

ZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects
in materials or workmanship for a period of up to two (2) years from the date of purchase.
During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications
of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or
replace the defective products or components without charge for either parts or labor, and to
whatever extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or components to proper
operating condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured functionally
equivalent product of equal or higher value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL.
This warranty shall not apply if the product has been modified, misused, tampered with,
damaged by an act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.

Note

Repair or replacement, as provided under this warranty, is the exclusive remedy of the
purchaser. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ZyXEL shall in
no event be held liable for indirect or consequential damages of any kind to the purchaser.

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center for your Return
Material Authorization number (RMA). Products must be returned Postage Prepaid. It is
recommended that the unit be insured when shipped. Any returned products without proof of
purchase or those with an out-dated warranty will be repaired or replaced (at the discretion of
ZyXEL) and the customer will be billed for parts and labor. All repaired or replaced products
will be shipped by ZyXEL to the corresponding return address, Postage Paid. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from country to
country.

Online Registration

Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information
at www.zyxel.com for global products, or at www.us.zyxel.com for North American products.

6 ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Customer Support

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.

METHOD

LOCATION

CORPORATE
HEADQUARTERS
(WORLDWIDE)

CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

FINLAND

FRANCE

GERMANY

HUNGARY

KAZAKHSTAN

NORTH AMERICA

NORWAY

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

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

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

[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

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

[e-mail] [phone]

A

WEB SITE

www.europe.zyxel.com

ftp.europe.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

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.

Nils Hansens vei 13
0667 Oslo
Norway

Customer Support 7

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

METHOD

LOCATION

POLAND

RUSSIA

SPAIN

SWEDEN

UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM

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

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

[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

A

WEB SITE

REGULAR MAIL

ul.Emilli Plater 53
00-113 Warszawa
Poland

Ostrovityanova 37a Str.
Moscow, 117279
Russia

Alejandro Villegas 33
1º, 28043 Madrid
Spain

Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

13, Pimonenko Str.
Kiev, 04050
Ukraine

www.zyxel.co.uk ZyXEL Communications UK

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

8 Customer Support

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement ............... 4

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

Customer Support.................................................................................................... 7

Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... 9

List of Figures ........................................................................................................ 13

List of Tables .......................................................................................................... 15

Preface ....................................................................................................................17

Chapter 1

Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 19

1.1 About Your G-170S ..........................................................................................19

1.1.1 Application Overview ................................................................................19

1.1.1.1 Infrastructure ...................................................................................19

1.1.1.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................................................................20

1.2 G-170S Hardware and Utility Installation ...........................................................21

1.3 Configuration Methods ......................................................................................21

1.4 Windows XP Users Only ....................................................................................21

1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................22

1.6 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary ..........................................................................22

1.7 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ...........................................................................23

1.7.1 Site Survey ...............................................................................................23

Chapter 2

Wireless LAN Network........................................................................................... 27

2.1 Wireless LAN Overview ....................................................................................27

2.1.1 SSID .........................................................................................................27

2.1.2 Channel ....................................................................................................27

2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate) ....................................................................27

2.1.4 Super G ....................................................................................................28

2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview ......................................................................28

2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP .......................................................................28

2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x ..............................................................................................28

2.2.2.1 EAP Authentication .........................................................................29

Table of Contents 9

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

2.2.3 WPA(2) .....................................................................................................29

2.2.4 WPA(2)-PSK Application Example ...........................................................30

2.2.5 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ..............................................31

2.3 Authentication Type ............................................................................................31

2.4 Preamble Type ...................................................................................................32

Chapter 3

ZyXEL Utility Configuration .................................................................................. 33

3.1 The Link Info Screen .........................................................................................33

3.1.1 Trend Chart ..............................................................................................34

3.2 The Site Survey Screen ....................................................................................35

3.2.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network ..............................................................36

3.2.2 Security Settings .......................................................................................36

3.2.3 Confirm Save Screen ................................................................................41

3.3 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................42

3.3.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................43

3.4 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................48

2.2.3.1 Encryption ......................................................................................29

2.2.3.2 User Authentication ........................................................................30

3.2.2.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................37

3.2.2.2 WPA/WPA2 .....................................................................................38

3.2.2.3 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .....................................................................39

3.2.2.4 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................40

Chapter 4

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 51

4.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................51

4.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................51

4.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................52

Chapter 5

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 55

5.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility ...................................................................55

5.2 Problem with the Link Quality .............................................................................55

5.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................56

Appendix A

Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 57

Appendix B

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 59

Appendix C

Types of EAP Authentication................................................................................ 71

10 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Index........................................................................................................................ 77

Table of Contents 11

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

12 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure ....................................................................... 20

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc ................................................................................ 20

Figure 3 Enable WZC ............................................................................................. 21

Figure 4 Enable ZyXEL Utility ................................................................................ 21

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 22

Figure 6 Menu Summary ....................................................................................... 22

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ....................................................................... 24

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings .............................................................. 24

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info ............................................................................ 25

Figure 10 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication .................................................................. 30

Figure 11 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 31

Figure 12 Link Info ................................................................................................ 33

Figure 13 Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................................... 34

Figure 14 Site Survey ............................................................................................ 35

Figure 15 Security Settings: WEP ........................................................................ 37

Figure 16 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ............................................................... 38

Figure 17 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .............................................. 39

Figure 18 Security Settings: 802.1x ...................................................................... 40

Figure 19 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................ 41

Figure 20 Profile Screen ....................................................................................... 42

Figure 21 Profile: Add New Profile ........................................................................ 44

Figure 22 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel .......................................... 45

Figure 23 Profile: Security Setting: Encryption Type ............................................. 46

Figure 24 Profile: Security Setting ......................................................................... 46

Figure 25 Profile: Wireless Protocol ....................................................................... 47

Figure 26 Profile: Confirm New Settings ............................................................... 47

Figure 27 Profile: Activate the Profile .................................................................... 48

Figure 28 Adapter Screen ..................................................................................... 48

Figure 29 About ..................................................................................................... 51

Figure 30 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................. 52

Figure 31 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 52

Figure 32 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 59

Figure 33 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 60

Figure 34 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 60

Figure 35 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 61

Figure 36 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 61

Figure 37 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 62

Figure 38 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 63

List of Figures 13

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Figure 39 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............. 63

Figure 40 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 64

Figure 41 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 65

Figure 42 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 66

Figure 43 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 67

Figure 44 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 69

Figure 45 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 69

Figure 46 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 75

Figure 47 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 75

14 List of Figures

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 22

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen Summary ..................................................... 23

Table 3 Link Info .................................................................................................... 33

Table 4 Link Info: Trend Chart ............................................................................... 35

Table 5 Site Survey ............................................................................................... 35

Table 6 Security Settings: WEP ............................................................................ 37

Table 7 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 .................................................................. 39

Table 8 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................. 40

Table 9 Security Settings: 802.1x .......................................................................... 40

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................. 41

Table 11 Profile Screen ......................................................................................... 43

Table 12 Profile: Add New Profile .......................................................................... 44

Table 13 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel ............................................ 45

Table 14 Adapter ................................................................................................... 48

Table 15 About ...................................................................................................... 51

Table 16 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility ................................................... 55

Table 17 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 55

Table 18 Troubleshooting Communication Problem .............................................. 56

Table 19 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 57

Table 20 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 60

Table 21 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 62

Table 22 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 63

Table 23 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 64

Table 24 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 65

Table 25 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 67

Table 26 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 68

Table 27 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 72

Table 28 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 76

List of Tables 15

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

16 List of Tables

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL G-170S 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card.

Your G-170S is easy to install and configure.

About This User's Guide

This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your G-170S 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 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 G-170S 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card may be referred to as the G-170S in
this user’s guide.

Preface 17

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer

Server Modem Wireless Signal

Telephone Switch Router

Internet Cloud

18 Preface

This chapter introduces the G-170S and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility.

1.1 About Your G-170S

The G-170S is an IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless LAN adapter.

The following lists the main features of your G-170S. See the product specifications in the
appendix for detailed features.

• Automatic rate selection.

• Security: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), IEEE 802.1x, WPA-PSK, WPA (Wi-Fi
Protected Access), WPA2-PSK and WPA2

Note: WPA2 and WPA2-PSK are only available in Windows XP and Windows 2000.

• A built-in antenna

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

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

1.1.1 Application Overview

This section describes some network applications for the G-170S.

1.1.1.1 Infrastructure

To connect to a network via an Access Point (AP), set the G-170S network type to
Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the
AP.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 19

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure

1.1.1.2 Ad-Hoc

In case you prefer to set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use Ad­Hoc mode.

Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients can
communicate directly to each other.

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc

20 Chapter 1 Getting Started

1.2 G-170S Hardware and Utility Installation

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

1.3 Configuration Methods

To configure your G-170S, use one of the following applications:

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

• ZyXEL Utility (This guide shows you how to configure the G-170S using the ZyXEL
utility)

• Odyssey Client Manager (not supplied)

Refer to the Odyssey Client Manager documentation for more information.

Note: Do NOT use WZC or the Odyssey Client Manager and the ZyXEL utility at the

same time.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

1.4 Windows XP Users Only

Note: When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables the Windows XP

wireless configuration tool.

Right-click the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and select Use Windows Zero
Configuration to disable the ZyXEL utility and use WZC to configure the G-170S. To
activate the ZyXEL utility again, double-click the icon and click OK.

Figure 3 Enable WZC

Figure 4 Enable ZyXEL Utility

Refer to the appendices on how to use WZC to manage the G-170S.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 21

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility

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

Note: When the ZyXEL utility system tray icon displays, the G-170S is installed

properly.

When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables the Windows XP
wireless configuration tool.

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the G-170S. Refer to the
following table for details.

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The G-170S is not connected to a wireless network or is searching for an available wireless

network.

Green The G-170S is connected to a wireless network.

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.

Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the on-line help

window.

1.6 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This sections describes the ZyXEL utility screens.

Figure 6 Menu Summary

22 Chapter 1 Getting Started

The following table describes the menus.

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen Summary

TAB DESCRIPTION

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.

Adapter Use this screen to configure a transfer rate and enable power saving.

1.7 Connecting to a Wireless LAN

The following sections show you how to associate with a network using the ZyXEL utility.
You can either manually connect to a network or configure a profile to have the G-170S
automatically connect to a specific network. Otherwise, configure nothing and leave the G­170S to automatically scan for and connect to any other available network without security.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

See the next chapters for detailed field descriptions.

1.7.1 Site Survey

After you install the ZyXEL utility and then insert the G-170S, follow the steps below to
connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.

1 Make sure a wireless network is available and within range.

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

3 Click Scan to search for available wireless networks.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 23

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey

4 To join a network, either click an SSID in the table and then click Connect or double-

click an SSID.

5 If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security

Settings screen displays. This screen varies according to the network’s encryption

method. Configure the same security settings as the associated network.

Note: If the selected network is unavailable or security settings are not correct, the G-

170S then automatically connects to an available network without security.

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings

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

network information in the Link Info screen. If the G-170S is not connected to a
network, the fields in this screen are blank.

24 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Getting Started 25

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

26 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Wireless LAN Network

This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network.

2.1 Wireless LAN Overview

This section describes the wireless LAN network terms and applications.

2.1.1 SSID

The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a
wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

CHAPTER 2

2.1.2 Channel

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

2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)

The G-170S provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options
include Fully Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 11 Mbp s, 12 Mbps, 18
Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory
default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your G-170S to
operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops
below a certain level, the G-170S automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate.
Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the
communication quality improves again, the G-170S gradually increases the transmission
(data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate. You can select any of
the above options. If you wish to balance speed versus reliability, select 54 Mbps in a
networking environment where you are certain that all wireless devices can communicate at
the highest transmission (data) rate. 1 Mbps or 2 Mbps are used often in networking
environments where the range of the wireless connection is more important than speed.

Note: Your G-170S can transmit at up to 108 Mbps when connected to an AP or

wireless router with the Super G feature enabled.

Actual speeds attained also depend on the distance from the AP, noise, etc.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 27

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

2.1.4 Super G

The Super G technology works with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g products. It doubles IEEE 802.11g
performance by bonding two 54Mbps channels and allowing larger frames to be sent. IEEE

802.11g wireless LAN devices using Super G can transmit at up to 108 Mbps.

2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview

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

Configure the wireless LAN security using the Profile Security Settings screen. If you do not
enable any wireless security on your G-170S, the G-170S’s wireless communications are
accessible to any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area.

2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between
the G-170S 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 G-170S.

• 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 G-170S allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 152-bit WEP keys and
only one key is used as the default key at any one time.

2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x

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

28 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

2.2.2.1 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 G-170S supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.
Refer to Appendix C on page 71 for descriptions.

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

2.2.3 WPA(2)

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.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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.

2.2.3.1 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.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 29

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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)

2.2.3.2 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.

2.2.4 WPA(2)-PSK Application Example

A WPA(2)-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 10 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication

30 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

2.2.5 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)-RADIUS 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.

Figure 11 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

2.3 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 Switch, an Open system mode
and a Shared key mode.

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

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

• Auto Switch authentication mode allows the G-170S 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.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 31

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

2.4 Preamble Type

Preamble is used to signal that data is coming to the receiver.

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 G-170S automatically use short preamble when access point or
wireless stations support it; otherwise the G-170S uses long preamble.

Note: The G-170S and the access point/wireless stations MUST use the same

preamble mode in order to communicate.

32 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

ZyXEL Utility Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure your G-170S in wireless station mode.

3.1 The Link Info Screen

When the ZyXEL utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current
configuration and connection status of your G-170S.

Figure 12 Link Info

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

CHAPTER 3

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3 Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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 wireless device to which the G-170S is

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

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 33

The SSID identifies the Service Set to which a wireless station is associated. This
field displays the name of the wireless device to which the G-170S is associated.

associated.

network.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 3 Link Info (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the G-170S 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 G-170S 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).

Authentication This field displays the authentication method of the G-170S.

Network Mode This field displays the network standard (802.11b or 802.11g) of the wireless

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 quality of the signal of the G-170S.

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.

Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of the signal.

second (Mbps).

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

device.

second (Kbps).

3.1.1 Trend Chart

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 13 Link Info: Trend Chart

34 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4 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).

3.2 The Site Survey Screen

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

Figure 14 Site Survey

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5 Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Available Network
List

,

,

or

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

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 35

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.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 5 Site Survey (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Network Mode This fields displays the network standard (802.11g or 802.11b) of the wireless

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

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

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

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

selected wireless device.

device.

device.

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

3.2.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network

Follow the steps below to connect to a WLAN network using the Site Survey screen.

1 Click Scan to search for all available wireless networks within range.

2 To join a network, click an entry in the table to select a wireless network and then click

Connect or double-click an entry.

3 If the WEP encryption is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security

Settings screen displays. You must set the related fields in the Security Settings screen

to the same security settings as the associated wireless device. Refer to Section 3.2.2 on

page 36 for more information.

Otherwise click the Back or Exit button and connect to another wireless network without
data encryption.

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

network information in the Link Info screen.

3.2.2 Security Settings

When you configure the G-170S to connect to a network with wireless security activated and
the security settings are disabled on the G-170S, the screen varies according to the encryption
method used by the selected network.

36 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

3.2.2.1 WEP Encryption

Figure 15 Security Settings: WEP

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 6 Security Settings: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

WEP Select 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 152 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the

related fields.

Authentication
Type

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

Select an authentication type. Choices are Auto Switch, Open and Shared. Refer
to Section 2.3 on page 31 for more information.

the passphrase, the G-170S automatically generates four different WEP keys and
displays it in the key field below. Refer to Section 2.2.1 on page 28 for more
information.

At the time of writing, you cannot use passphrase to generate 152-bit WEP keys.

below.

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 37

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 6 Security Settings: 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 152 Bits in the WEP field,

Enter either 32 hexadecimal digits in the range of "A-F", "a-f" and "0-9" (for
example, 00112233445566778899AABBCCDDEEFF) for HEX key type

or
Enter 16 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from "a-z", "A-Z" and "0-9"

(for example, MyKey12345678901) 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.

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.

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

Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 41.

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

3.2.2.2 WPA/WPA2

Note: WPA2 and WPA2-PSK are only available in Windows XP and Windows 2000.

Figure 16 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2

38 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 7 Security Settings: 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 2.2.3 on page 29 for more information.

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.

Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS, TTLS
and PEAP.

This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a WPA/WPA2 server.

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Select a certificate used by the authentication server to authenticate the G-170S.

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

obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).

Server CA Select a certificate authority (CA) that you trust and accept any certificates signed

by the CA.
Otherwise, select Tru st Any to accept certificates from any CA.

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

field.
Select a PEAP protocol. Options are GTC and MS CHAP v2.

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.

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.

Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 41.

3.2.2.3 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

Note: WPA2 and WPA2-PSK are only available in Windows XP and Windows 2000.

Figure 17 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 39

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 8 Security Settings: 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 other network.

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.

3.2.2.4 IEEE 802.1x

Figure 18 Security Settings: 802.1x

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 2.2.3 on page 29 for more information.

sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols).

Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 41.

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 9 Security Settings: 802.1x

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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.

Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS, TTLS
and PEAP.

This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a WPA/WPA2 server.

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Select a certificate used by the authentication server to authenticate the G-170S.

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

obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA).

40 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

Table 9 Security Settings: 802.1x

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Server CA Select a certificate authority (CA) that you trust and accept any certificates signed

by the CA.
Otherwise, select Tru st Any to accept certificates from any CA.

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

field.
Select a PEAP protocol. Options are GTC and MS CHAP v2.

Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.

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

Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 41.

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

3.2.3 Confirm Save Screen

Use this screen to confirm and save the security settings.

Figure 19 Confirm Save Screen

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Network Name
(SSID)

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

Network Mode This fields displays the network standard (802.11g, 802.11b or 802.11b/g) of the

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 41

This field displays the SSID previously entered.

device.

wireless device.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, 802.1x, WPA, WPA2,

Back Click Back to return to the previous screen.

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the G-170S and display the Link Info

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

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

screen.

3.3 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 G-170S, 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 G-170S will be disconnected.

If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the G-170S, the G-170S uses
the default profile to connect to any available network with security disabled.

The default profile is a profile that allows you to connect to any SSID without security.

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 20 Profile Screen

42 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 11 Profile Screen

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 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 detail 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.

Network Mode This fields displays the network standard (802.11g, 802.11b or 802.11b/g) of the

wireless device.

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

Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, 802.1x, WPA, WPA2,

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

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.

3.3.1 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.

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 43

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Figure 21 Profile: Add New Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 12 Profile: Add 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 G-170S associate to or roam between
any infrastructure wireless networks.

Network Type Select the Infrastructure radio button to associate to an AP. Select the Ad-Hoc

Next Click Next to go to the next screen.

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

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

,

,

or

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

radio button to associate to a peer computer.

transmission range.

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.

44 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 12 Profile: Add New Profile (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

profile.
Whenever you activate this profile, the G-170S 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 wireless LAN mode and click Next to continue.

Figure 22 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 13 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Setting

Wireless Mode Select 802.11g to have the G-170S connect to an IEEE 802.11g wireless device

only and vice versa.
Select 802.11b to have the G-170S connect to an IEEE 802.11b wireless device

only and vice versa.

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

Back Click Back to return to the Add New Profile screen.

Next Click Next to confirm your selection and advance to the Encryption Type screen.

Exit Click Exit to discard changes and return to the Add New Profile screen.

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 45

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

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

3 If you select 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 select Ad-Hoc network type in the first screen, you can only use WEP
encryption method. Otherwise, select DISABLE to allow the G-170S to communicate
with the access points or other peer wireless computers without any data encryption and
skip to step 6.

Figure 23 Profile: Security Setting: Encryption Type

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 G-170S. Refer to Section 3.2.2 on page 36 for detailed information on
wireless security configuration.

Figure 24 Profile: Security Setting

5 Specify a wireless protocol. Select 802.11b to have the G-170S connect to an IEEE

802.11b wireless device. Select 802.11g to have the G-170S connect to an IEEE 802.11g
wireless device. Select both to have the G-170S connect to either an IEEE 802.11g or
IEEE 802.11b wireless device.

46 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Figure 25 Profile: Wireless Protocol

6 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 26 Profile: Confirm New Settings

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

Later button.

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

is started.

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 47

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Figure 27 Profile: Activate the Profile

3.4 The Adapter Screen

To set the advanced features on the G-170S, click the Adapter tab.

Figure 28 Adapter Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 14 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter Setting

Transfer Rate Select a transfer speed from the drop-down list box. Choose from Auto (default), 1

Preamble Type Select a preamble type. Choices are Long, Short and Auto.The default setting is

48 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36
Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps.

Auto.

Refer to Section 2.4 on page 32 for more information.

Table 14 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Power Saving
Mode

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the G-170S.

Select Maximum Power Saving or Fast Power Saving to save power (especially
for notebook computers). This forces the G-170S to go to sleep mode when it is
not transmitting data.

When you select Continuous Access Mode, the G-170S will never go to sleep
mode.

Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 49

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

50 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration

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

4.1 The About Screen

The About screen displays related version numbers of the G-170S. To display the screen as
shown below, click the about ( ) button.

Figure 29 About

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

CHAPTER 4

Maintenance

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

Table 15 About

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Driver Version This field displays the version number of the G-170S driver.

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

4.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility

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

1 Click Start, Programs, ZyXEL G-170S Utility, Uninstall ZyXEL G-170S Utility.

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

Chapter 4 Maintenance 51

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Figure 30 Uninstall: Confirm

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

prompted.

Figure 31 Uninstall: Finish

4.3 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 4.2 on page 51 to remove the current ZyXEL utility from your

computer.

3 Restart your computer when prompted.

4 Disconnect the G-170S from your computer.

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

installation.

52 Chapter 4 Maintenance

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6 Insert the G-170S and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the

new utility is installed properly.

Chapter 4 Maintenance 53

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54 Chapter 4 Maintenance

CHAPTER 5

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.

5.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility

Table 16 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Cannot start the
ZyXEL wireless
LAN utility

The ZyXEL utility
icon does not
display.

Make sure the G-170S is properly inserted and the LED is on.
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 G-170S under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on the
version of Windows).

Install the G-170S in another computer.
If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you should

contact your local vendor.

If you install 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.

5.2 Problem with the Link Quality

Table 17 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. Relocate or reduce the
radio interference.

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 55

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5.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers

Table 18 Troubleshooting Communication Problem

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

In wireless station
mode, the
computer with the
G-170S installed
cannot
communicate with
the other
computer(s).

In Infrastructure Mode

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

• Make sure the G-170S 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 Settings screen.

In Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode

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

• Make sure the G-170S 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.

56 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

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APPENDIX A

Product Specifications

Table 19 Product Specifications

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Product Name ZyXEL G-170S 802.11g Wireless CardBus Card

Interface 3.3V 32-bit CardBus card

Standards IEEE 802.11b

IEEE 802.11g

Network Architectures Infrastructure

Ad-Hoc

Security 64/128/152-bit WEP Encryption

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

Operating Temperature 0 ~ 40 degrees Centigrade

Storage Temperature -20 ~ 70 degrees Centigrade

Operating Humidity 10 ~ 70% (non-condensing)

Storage Humidity 10 ~ 85% (non-condensing)

Power Consumption TX: <480mA RX: <430mA

Voltage 3.3V

Weight 0.33 lbs

Dimension (W) 115 mm × (D) 54.5 mm × (H) 9.3 mm

RADIO SPECIFICATIONS

Media Access Protocol IEEE 802.11

Frequency USA (FCC) & Canada 11 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.462GHz

Taiwan 11 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.462GHz
Europe (ETSI) 13 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.472GHz
Japan (TELEC) 14 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.483GHz

Data Rate 11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM): 54, 48, 36,

24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps
11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps

Modulation 11g: OFDM (64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK, BPSK)

11b: PBCC, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), (CCK,
DQPSK, DBPSK)

Average Output Power 11g: 64QAM 14dBm typical +/-3dBi

11b: DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK 17dBm typical +/-3dBi

RX Sensitivity 11g (OFDM): 54 Mbps: < -68 dBm (typical)

11b (CCK): 11 Mbps: < -83 dBm (typical)

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Appendix A Product Specifications 57

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 19 Product Specifications (continued)

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

Roaming IEEE 802.11b/g compliant

WEP 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption

Windows XP

58 Appendix A Product Specifications

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

APPENDIX B

Management with Wireless Zero

Configuration

This appendix shows you how to manage your ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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 B on

page 59.

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

Figure 32 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available

Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 59

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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 33 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the ZyXEL
wireless LAN adapter. Refer to the following table for details.

Table 20 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

ICON DESCRIPTION

The ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter is connected to a wireless network.

The ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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 ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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 34 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

60 Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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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 35 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 36 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 61

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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

Table 21 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 ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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 37 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.

62 Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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

Figure 39 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 22 Windows XP: Wireless Networks

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.

This denotes the ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter is associated to the wireless network.

This denotes the wireless network is not available.

Security Settings

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

Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 63

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Association

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

Figure 40 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 23 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 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 ZyXEL wireless LAN
adapter a key.

64 Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Table 23 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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.

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 41 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

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

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 24 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

Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 65

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.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Table 24 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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 42 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

66 Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 25 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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:

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 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.

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 43 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 67

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The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 26 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:

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

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 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.

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 36 on page 61). The screen displays as shown.

68 Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Figure 44 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.

Figure 45 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

2 Whenever the ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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 B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 69

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70 Appendix B Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

APPENDIX C

Types of EAP Authentication

This appendix discusses some popular authentication types: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP­TTLS, PEAP and LEAP.

The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or the AP. Consult your
network administrator for more information. Your wireless LAN device may not support all
authentication types.

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.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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

EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security)

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

EAP-TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Service)

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

Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication 71

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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

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 27 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types

EAP-MD5 EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS PEAP LEAP

Mutual Authentication No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Certificate – Client No Yes Optional Optional No

Certificate – Server No Ye s Ye s Yes No

Dynamic Key Exchange No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Credential Integrity None Strong Strong Strong Moderate

Deployment Difficulty Easy Hard Moderate Moderate Moderate

Client Identity Protection No No Ye s Yes No

72 Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication

WPA(2)

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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.

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.

Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication 73

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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 sucessful
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.

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.

74 Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication

Figure 46 WPA-PSK Authentication

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.

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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.

Figure 47 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication 75

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

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 28 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

76 Appendix C Types of EAP Authentication

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

Index

Numerics

802.1x 40

A

About 51
activating a profile 47
Adapter 48
Ad-Hoc 45
Advanced Encryption Standard 29, 73
advanced settings 48
antenna 19
antenna power output 57
authentication 37
authentication method

auto 31
open system 31

shared key 31
Authentication Type 31
auto authentication 31

D

data encryption 36
Denmark, Contact Information 7
driver version 51
Dynamic WEP Key Exchange 72

E

Encryption 29, 73

F

FCC 4
Finland, Contact Information 7
France, Contact Information 7

G

C

CA 71
Certificate Authority 71
channel 27, 34, 36, 45
configuration method

important note 21

Odyssey Client Manager 21

Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) 21

ZyXEL Utility 21
connecting to a WLAN 36
Copyright 3
creating a new profile 43
current configuration 33
current connection status 33
Customer Support 7

Index 77

Germany, Contact Information 7
getting started 19
graphics icons key 18

H

hardware connections 21

I

initialization vector (IV) 73
installation

utility 19

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

L

link information 33

M

Message Integrity Check 29
Message Integrity Check (MIC) 73
MIC 29

N

network type 33
North America Contact Information 7
Norway, Contact Information 7

O

Odyssey Client Manager 21
open system authentication 31

P

Pairwise Master Key (PMK) 73
passphrase 28, 37
password phrase 28
Power Saving Mode 49
preamble 48
product specifications 57
profile 33, 43

activation 47

add new 43

delete 43

edit 43

information 43

Q

Quick Start Guide 17, 21

R

radio interference 55
real-time data traffic statistics 34
Regular Mail 7
Related Documentation 17

S

save power 49
Scan Info 45
security 28, 57

data encryption 28
Security Parameters 76
Service 6
shared key authentication 31
signal strength 36
site survey 35

connecting to a WLAN network 36

scan 36

security settings 36
sleep mode 49
Spain, Contact Information 8
SSID 33, 35
SSID (Service Set Identity) 27
statistics 34
support CD 17
Support E-mail 7
Sweden, Contact Information 8
syntax conventions 17

T

Telephone 7
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol 29
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) 73
TKIP 29
transmission rate 34, 48
transmission rate (Tx Rate) 27
transmit key 37
Trend Chart 34
troubleshooting 55

link status 55

network communication 56

starting ZyXEL Utility 55

78 Index

ZyXEL G-170S User’s Guide

U

uninstalling ZyXEL Utility 51
upgrading ZyXEL Utility 52

important step 52

User Authentication 30, 74

V

voltage 57

W

Web Site 7
WEP 28, 37

manual setup 28, 38

passphrase 28, 37
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 28
Wi-Fi Protected Access 29, 73
Windows XP 21
wireless LAN

channel 27

introduction 27

security 28

SSID 27

transmission rate 27
Wireless LAN (WLAN) 27
wireless standard 57
wireless station mode

configuration 33
WLAN

Security parameters 76
Worldwide Contact Information 7
WPA 29, 38, 73
WPA2 29, 38, 73
WPA2-Pre-Shared Key 29, 73
WPA2-PSK 29, 39, 73
WPA-PSK 29, 39, 73
WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) 21

help 22
opening 22
system tray icon 22
upgrade 52
version 51

Z

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

Note 6
ZyXEL Utility 21

accessing 22

Index 79