ZyXEL Communications G-220F User Manual

ZyXEL G-220F

802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

User’s Guide

Version 1.00

11/2005

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Copyright

Copyright © 2005 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 2

ZyXEL G-220F 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.

3 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

注意 !

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

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 4

ZyXEL G-220F 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 value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL. This
warranty shall not apply if the product is modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an
act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.

Note

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

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 online at www.zyxel.com for free future product updates and information.

5 ZyXEL Limited Warranty

ZyXEL G-220F 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

NORTH AMERICA

NORWAY

SPAIN

SWEDEN

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]

i nf o @z y xe l .f r + 33 (0 ) 4 7 2 5 2 9 7 9 7 w ww .z y xe l . fr Z yX E L F r an c e

[phone]

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

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone]

[phone]

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

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

[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]

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

Sc ien ce P ar k
Hsinchu 300
Ta iw a n

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

Col um bu sv ej 5
2860 Soeborg
Denmark

Mal mi nk aa ri 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland

1 ru e d e s V er ge r s
Ba t. 1 / C
69760 Limonest
France

Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146
Wuerselen
Germany

1130 N. Miller St.
Anaheim

CA 92806-2001
U.S.A.

Ni ls H ans en s ve i 13
0667 Oslo
Norway

Alejandro Villegas 33
1º, 28043 Madrid
Spain

Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

Customer Support 6

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

METHOD

LOCATION

UNITED KINGDOM

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

[e-mail] [phone]

08707 555779 (UK only)

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

A

WEB SITE

www.zyxel.co.uk ZyXEL Communications UK

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

REGULAR MAIL

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

7 Customer Support

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Copyright ..................................................................................................................2

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement ............... 3

ZyXEL Limited Warranty.......................................................................................... 5

Customer Support.................................................................................................... 6

Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... 8

List of Figures ........................................................................................................ 12

List of Tables .......................................................................................................... 14

Preface ....................................................................................................................16

Chapter 1

Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 18

1.1 About Your ZyXEL G-220F ...............................................................................18

1.1.1 Application Overview ................................................................................18

1.1.1.1 Infrastructure ...................................................................................18

1.1.1.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................................................................19

1.1.1.3 Access Point Mode ........................................................................19

1.2 ZyXEL G-220F Hardware and Utility Installation ................................................20

1.3 Configuration Methods ......................................................................................20

1.4 Windows XP Users Only ....................................................................................20

1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................20

1.6 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ..........................................................................21

1.6.1 Site Survey ...............................................................................................21

1.7 ZyXEL G-220F Modes .....................................................................................23

1.7.1 Change ZyXEL G-220F Mode .................................................................23

1.8 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary .........................................................................24

Chapter 2

Wireless LAN Network........................................................................................... 26

2.1 Wireless LAN Overview ....................................................................................26

2.1.1 SSID .........................................................................................................26

2.1.2 Channel ....................................................................................................26

2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate) ....................................................................26

2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview ......................................................................26

2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP ........................................................................27

Table of Contents 8

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x ..............................................................................................27

2.2.3 WPA(2) .....................................................................................................28

2.2.4 WPA(2)-PSK Application Example ...........................................................29

2.2.5 WPA with RADIUS Application Example ..................................................29

2.3 Authentication Type ............................................................................................30

2.4 Preamble Type ...................................................................................................30

2.5 Introduction to OTIST .....................................................................................31

2.5.1 Enabling OTIST ........................................................................................31

2.5.2 Starting OTIST .........................................................................................32

2.5.3 Notes on OTIST ........................................................................................33

Chapter 3

Wireless Station Mode Configuration .................................................................. 34

2.2.2.1 EAP Authentication .........................................................................27

2.2.3.1 User Authentication .........................................................................28

2.2.3.2 Encryption .......................................................................................28

2.5.1.1 AP ...................................................................................................31

2.5.1.2 Wireless Client ................................................................................32

3.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview ......................................................................34

3.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................34

3.2.1 Trend Chart ...............................................................................................35

3.3 The Site Survey Screen .....................................................................................36

3.3.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network ...............................................................37

3.3.2 Security Settings .......................................................................................38

3.3.2.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................38

3.3.2.2 WPA-PSK ........................................................................................39

3.3.2.3 WPA-RADIUS ..................................................................................40

3.3.2.4 RADIUS ...........................................................................................42

3.4 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................43

3.4.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................44

3.5 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................48

Chapter 4

Access Point Mode Configuration........................................................................ 50

4.1 Access Point Mode Introduction ........................................................................50

4.1.1 Additional Setup Requirements ................................................................50

4.2 The Link Info Screen .........................................................................................50

4.3 The Configuration Screen .................................................................................51

4.4 The MAC Filter Screen ......................................................................................53

Chapter 5

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 56

5.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................56

9 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

5.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................56

5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................57

Chapter 6

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................60

6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program ....................................................60

6.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point ............................................................60

6.3 Problem with the Link Status ..............................................................................61

6.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................61

Appendix A

Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 62

Appendix B

Access Point Mode Setup Example ..................................................................... 64

Appendix C

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool..................................... 68

Appendix D

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 74

Appendix E

Types of EAP Authentication................................................................................ 86

Appendix F

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................. 90

Index...................................................................................................................... 102

Table of Contents 10

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

11 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure ....................................................................... 19

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc ................................................................................ 19

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode .............................................................. 19

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 20

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ....................................................................... 22

Figure 6 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings .............................................................. 22

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info ............................................................................ 23

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes .................................................................. 24

Figure 9 Menu Summary: Station Mode ................................................................ 24

Figure 10 Menu Summary: AP Mode .................................................................... 24

Figure 11 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 29

Figure 12 WPA with RADIUS Application Example ................................................ 30

Figure 13 Station Mode: Link Info ......................................................................... 34

Figure 14 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart .................................................... 36

Figure 15 Station Mode: Site Survey ..................................................................... 36

Figure 16 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP ................................................. 38

Figure 17 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-PSK ........................................... 39

Figure 18 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Encryption ................. 40

Figure 19 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Authentication ............ 41

Figure 20 Station Mode: Security Settings: RADIUS ............................................. 42

Figure 21 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................ 43

Figure 22 Station Mode: Profile: Add New Profile ................................................. 44

Figure 23 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ............................................... 45

Figure 24 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings ............................................... 46

Figure 25 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings ................................................ 47

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

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

Figure 28 Station Mode: Adapter .......................................................................... 48

Figure 29 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................ 51

Figure 30 Access Point Mode: Configuration ........................................................ 52

Figure 31 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ............................................................ 54

Figure 32 About ..................................................................................................... 56

Figure 33 Uninstall ................................................................................................ 57

Figure 34 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................. 57

Figure 35 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 57

Figure 36 Windows 2000: Start ............................................................................. 64

Figure 37 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections ............................... 65

Figure 38 Windows 2000: Network Properties ...................................................... 65

List of Figures 12

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Figure 39 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter .............. 66

Figure 40 Windows 2000: Local Network .............................................................. 66

Figure 41 Windows XP: System Tray Icon ............................................................. 68

Figure 42 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 69

Figure 43 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 69

Figure 44 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 70

Figure 45 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 70

Figure 46 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 71

Figure 47 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 71

Figure 48 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 72

Figure 49 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 72

Figure 50 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 74

Figure 51 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 75

Figure 52 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 75

Figure 53 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 76

Figure 54 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 76

Figure 55 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 77

Figure 56 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 78

Figure 57 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............ 78

Figure 58 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 79

Figure 59 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 80

Figure 60 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 81

Figure 61 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 82

Figure 62 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 84

Figure 63 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 84

Figure 64 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration .......................................... 91

Figure 65 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address .............................. 92

Figure 66 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ................. 93

Figure 67 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 94

Figure 68 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 94

Figure 69 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 95

Figure 70 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 95

Figure 71 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 96

Figure 72 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 97

Figure 73 Macintosh OS 8/9: Apple Menu ............................................................. 98

Figure 74 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP ..................................................................... 98

Figure 75 Macintosh OS X: Apple Menu ................................................................ 99

Figure 76 Macintosh OS X: Network ...................................................................... 100

13 List of Figures

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 21

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen Summary ..................................................... 25

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info ............................................................................. 35

Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................ 36

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey ........................................................................ 37

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP ..................................................... 38

Table 7 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-PSK ............................................. 40

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Encryption .................... 40

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Authentication .............. 41

Table 10 Station Mode: Security Settings: RADIUS .............................................. 42

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................... 43

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

Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ................................................. 46

Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter ............................................................................ 48

Table 15 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................. 51

Table 16 Access Point Mode: Configuration ......................................................... 52

Table 17 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter .............................................................. 54

Table 18 About ...................................................................................................... 56

Table 19 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program .................................... 60

Table 20 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem ............................... 60

Table 21 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 61

Table 22 Troubleshooting Communication Problem .............................................. 61

Table 23 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 62

Table 24 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 75

Table 25 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 77

Table 26 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 78

Table 27 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 79

Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 80

Table 29 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 82

Table 30 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 83

Table 31 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 87

Table 32 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 89

List of Tables 14

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

15 List of Tables

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL G-220F 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.

Note: 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.

Your ZyXEL G-220F is easy to install and configure.

About This User's Guide

This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your ZyXEL G-220F 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 choices.

• The SMT menu titles and labels are in Bold Times New Roman font. Predefined field
choices are in Bold Arial font. Command and arrow keys are enclosed in square
brackets. [ENTER] means the Enter, or carriage return key; [ESC] means the Escape key
and [SPACE BAR] means the Space Bar.

• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “click the Apple icon,
Control Panels and then Modem” means first click the Apple icon, then point your
mouse pointer to Control Panels and then click Modem.

Preface 16

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

• For brevity’s sake, we will use “e.g.,” as a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” for
“that is” or “in other words” throughout this manual.

• The ZyXEL G-220F 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter may be referred to as the ZyXEL
G-220F in this user’s guide.

Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer

Server Modem Wireless Signal

Telephone Switch Router

Internet Cloud

17 Preface

This chapter introduces the ZyXEL G-220F and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.

1.1 About Your ZyXEL G-220F

The ZyXEL G-220F is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN adapter.

The following lists the main features of your ZyXEL G-220F. 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

• Proprietary SoftAP feature turns your ZyXEL G-220F into an access point (AP).

• A built-in antenna

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

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

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

1.1.1 Application Overview

This section describes some network applications for the ZyXEL G-220F.

1.1.1.1 Infrastructure

To connect to a network via an Access Point (AP), set the ZyXEL G-220F network type to
Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the
AP.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 18

ZyXEL G-220F 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 the
Ad-Hoc mode.

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

Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc

1.1.1.3 Access Point Mode

You can set the ZyXEL G-220F in access point mode. The following figure shows a network
example.

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode

In the example, the ZyXEL G-220F is installed on computer A and set to operate in access
point mode. Computer A shares Internet connection to the wireless LAN, so wireless stations
B and C can access the Internet.

19 Chapter 1 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

1.2 ZyXEL G-220F 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 ZyXEL G-220F, use one of the following applications:

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

• ZyXEL Utility (required when you want to use the ZyXEL G-220F as an access point)

• Odyssey Client Manager (not supplied)

Note: Do NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool or the Odyssey Client Manager

and the ZyXEL Utility at the same time.

Refer to the Odyssey Client Manager documentation for more information.

1.4 Windows XP Users Only

You must disable WZC if you want to use the ZyXEL utility. Refer to the appendices on how
to deactivate WZC or how to use WZC to manage the ZyXEL G-220F.

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 ZyXEL G-220F is

installed properly.

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyXEL G-220F.
Refer to the following table for details.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 20

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The ZyXEL G-220F is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a

wireless network.

Green The ZyXEL G-220F is operating in wireless station mode and connected to a wireless

network.

Pale Blue The ZyXEL G-220F is operating in access point mode.

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 2000 are shown.

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

window.

1.6 Connecting to a Wireless LAN

This section shows 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 ZyXEL G-220F
automatically connect to a specific network. Otherwise, configure nothing and leave the
ZyXEL G-220F to automatically scan for and connect to any other available network without
security.

See the next chapters for detailed field descriptions.

1.6.1 Site Survey

After you install the ZyXEL Utility and then insert the ZyXEL G-220F, 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.

21 Chapter 1 Getting Started

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Figure 5 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

ZyXEL G-220F will be disconnected.

Figure 6 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 ZyXEL G-220F is not connected to a
network, the fields in this screen are blank.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 22

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info

1.7 ZyXEL G-220F Modes

You can set your ZyXEL G-220F to operate in either wireless station or access point (AP)
modes.

In wireless station mode, your ZyXEL G-220F must connect to a peer wireless station or an
AP to take part in your wireless network.

In access point mode, your ZyXEL G-220F functions as an access point. This allows you to set
up your wireless network without using a dedicated AP device. Up to 16 wireless stations can
associate to the ZyXEL G-220F to form a wireless network. Refer to Section 1.7.1 on page 23
and Chapter 4 on page 50 for more information.

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

1.7.1 Change ZyXEL G-220F Mode

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

23 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

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

The current mode is indicated by the color of the radio button.

When you use the Windows XP WZC and the ZyXEL Utility to configure the
ZyXEL G-220F at the same time, the ZyXEL G-220F automatically operates in
wireless station mode and doesn’t allow any configuration change.

1.8 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This sections describes the ZyXEL Utility screens.

Figure 9 Menu Summary: Station Mode

Figure 10 Menu Summary: AP Mode

Chapter 1 Getting Started 24

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

The following table describes the menus.

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen Summary

TAB DESCRIPTION

Station Mode

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

Site Survey Use this screen to

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

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

AP Mode

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

Configuration Use this screen to configure wireless LAN settings.

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

statistics.

• scan for a wireless network

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

• connect to a wireless network.

security settings.

(One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology).

statistics.

LAN through the ZyXEL G-220F.

25 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-220F 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 ZyXEL G-220F 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 Mbps, 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
ZyXEL G-220F to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication
quality drops below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-220F 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 ZyXEL G-220F 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: With USB1.0/1.1, the ZyXEL G-220F can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.

2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview

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

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 26

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Configure the wireless LAN security using the Configuration or the Profile Security
Settings screen. If you do not enable any wireless security on your ZyXEL G-220F, the

ZyXEL G-220F’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 ZyXEL G-220F 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 ZyXEL G-220F.

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

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.

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 ZyXEL G-220F supports EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP. Refer to

Appendix E on page 86 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.

27 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

2.2.3 WPA(2)

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. Key differences
between WPA(2) and WEP are user authentication and improved data encryption.

2.2.3.1 User Authentication

WPA(2) applies IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate
wireless clients using an external RADIUS database.

Therefore, if you don't have an external RADIUS server, you should use WPA(2)-PSK (WPA ­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 client will be
granted access to a WLAN.

2.2.3.2 Encryption

WPA(2) improves data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) or
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x.

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and
distributed by the authentication server. It includes 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.

TKIP regularly changes and rotates 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 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. This all happens in the
background automatically.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a newer method of data encryption that also uses a
secret key. This implementation of AES applies a 128-bit key to 128-bit blocks of data.

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

By generating unique data encryption keys for every data packet and by creating an integrity
checking mechanism (MIC), TKIP makes it much more difficult to decode data on a Wi-Fi
network than WEP, making it 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 an
easier-to-use, consistent, single, alphanumeric password.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 28

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

2.2.4 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 (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 derives and distributes keys to the wireless clients.

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

between them.

Figure 11 WPA-PSK Authentication

2.2.5 WPA 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 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.

29 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

Figure 12 WPA with RADIUS Application Example

2.3 Authentication Type

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

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

• 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 WEP encryption and specify a WEP key on both the
wireless station and the AP.

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

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 Long Preamble if you are unsure what preamble mode the wireless adapters support,
and to provide more reliable communications in busy wireless networks.

Select Short Preamble if you are sure the wireless adapters support it, and to provide more
efficient communications.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 30