ZyXEL Communications G220V2 Users manual

ZyXEL G-220 v2

802.11g WLAN USB Adapter

User’s Guide

Version 1.00

Edition 1

3/2006

ZyXEL G-220 v2 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-220 v2 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.

注意 !

ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 5

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

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

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-220 v2 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-220 v2 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-220 v2 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 ZyXEL G-220 v2 ............................................................................19

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

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

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

1.1.1.3 Access Point Mode ........................................................................21

1.2 ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ..........................................................................22

1.6.1 Site Survey ...............................................................................................23

1.7 ZyXEL G-220 v2 Modes ...................................................................................24

1.7.1 Change ZyXEL G-220 v2 Mode ...............................................................25

1.8 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary .........................................................................25

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

2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview ......................................................................27

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

Table of Contents 9

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

2.2.2.1 EAP Authentication .........................................................................28

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

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

2.2.3.2 User Authentication ........................................................................29

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

2.2.5 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ..............................................30

2.3 Encryption Type .................................................................................................31

2.4 Preamble Type ...................................................................................................31

2.5 Introduction to OTIST .....................................................................................32

2.5.1 Enabling OTIST ........................................................................................32

2.5.1.1 AP ...................................................................................................32

2.5.1.2 Wireless Client ................................................................................33

2.5.2 Starting OTIST .........................................................................................33

2.5.3 Notes on OTIST ........................................................................................34

Chapter 3

Wireless Station Mode Configuration .................................................................. 35

3.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview ......................................................................35

3.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................35

3.2.1 Trend Chart ...............................................................................................36

3.3 The Site Survey Screen .....................................................................................37

3.3.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network ...............................................................38

3.3.2 Security Settings .......................................................................................39

3.3.2.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................39

3.3.2.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .....................................................................40

3.3.2.3 WPA/WPA2 .....................................................................................41

3.3.2.4 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................42

3.3.3 Confirm Save Screen ................................................................................43

3.4 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................44

3.4.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................46

3.5 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................50

Chapter 4

Access Point Mode Configuration........................................................................ 53

4.1 Access Point Mode Introduction ........................................................................53

4.1.1 Additional Setup Requirements ................................................................53

4.2 The Link Info Screen .........................................................................................53

4.3 The Configuration Screen .................................................................................54

4.4 The MAC Filter Screen ......................................................................................57

10 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Chapter 5

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 59

5.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................59

5.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................59

5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................60

Chapter 6

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................63

6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program ....................................................63

6.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point ............................................................63

6.3 Problem with the Link Status ..............................................................................64

6.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................64

Appendix A

Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 65

Appendix B

Access Point Mode Setup Example ..................................................................... 67

Appendix C

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool..................................... 71

Appendix D

Management with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 77

Appendix E

Types of EAP Authentication................................................................................ 89

Appendix F

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................. 95

Index...................................................................................................................... 107

Table of Contents 11

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

12 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

List of Figures

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

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

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode .............................................................. 21

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 22

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ....................................................................... 23

Figure 6 ZyXEL Utility: Security Setting ................................................................ 24

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info ............................................................................ 24

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes .................................................................. 25

Figure 9 Menu Summary: Station Mode ................................................................ 26

Figure 10 Menu Summary: AP Mode .................................................................... 26

Figure 11 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 30

Figure 12 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 31

Figure 13 Station Mode: Link Info ......................................................................... 35

Figure 14 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart .................................................... 37

Figure 15 Station Mode: Site Survey ..................................................................... 37

Figure 16 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP ................................................. 39

Figure 17 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ....................... 40

Figure 18 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ........................................ 41

Figure 19 Station Mode: Security Settings: 802.1x ................................................ 42

Figure 20 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................ 43

Figure 21 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................ 45

Figure 22 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile .............................................. 46

Figure 23 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ............................................... 47

Figure 24 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings ............................................... 48

Figure 25 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings ................................................ 49

Figure 26 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings ........................................ 49

Figure 27 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile ............................................. 50

Figure 28 Station Mode: Adapter .......................................................................... 50

Figure 29 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................ 54

Figure 30 Access Point Mode: Configuration ........................................................ 55

Figure 31 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ............................................................ 57

Figure 32 About ..................................................................................................... 59

Figure 33 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................. 60

Figure 34 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 60

Figure 35 Windows 2000: Start ............................................................................. 67

Figure 36 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections ............................... 68

Figure 37 Windows 2000: Network Properties ...................................................... 68

Figure 38 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter .............. 69

List of Figures 13

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 39 Windows 2000: Local Network .............................................................. 69

Figure 40 Windows XP: System Tray Icon ............................................................. 71

Figure 41 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 72

Figure 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 72

Figure 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 73

Figure 44 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 73

Figure 45 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 74

Figure 46 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 74

Figure 47 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 75

Figure 48 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 75

Figure 49 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 77

Figure 50 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 78

Figure 51 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 78

Figure 52 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 79

Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 79

Figure 54 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 80

Figure 55 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 81

Figure 56 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............ 81

Figure 57 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 82

Figure 58 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 83

Figure 59 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 84

Figure 60 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 85

Figure 61 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 87

Figure 62 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 87

Figure 63 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 93

Figure 64 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 93

Figure 65 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration .......................................... 96

Figure 66 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address .............................. 97

Figure 67 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ................. 98

Figure 68 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 99

Figure 69 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 99

Figure 70 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 100

Figure 71 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 100

Figure 72 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 101

Figure 73 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 102

Figure 74 Macintosh OS 8/9: Apple Menu ............................................................. 103

Figure 75 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP ..................................................................... 103

Figure 76 Macintosh OS X: Apple Menu ................................................................ 104

Figure 77 Macintosh OS X: Network ...................................................................... 105

14 List of Figures

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

List of Tables

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

Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen Summary ..................................................... 26

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info ............................................................................. 36

Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................ 37

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey ........................................................................ 38

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP ..................................................... 39

Table 7 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .......................... 41

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ........................................... 41

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: 802.1x ................................................... 42

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................. 44

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................... 45

Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile ................................................ 46

Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ................................................. 48

Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter ............................................................................ 50

Table 15 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................. 54

Table 16 Access Point Mode: Configuration ......................................................... 55

Table 17 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter .............................................................. 57

Table 18 About ...................................................................................................... 59

Table 19 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program .................................... 63

Table 20 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem ............................... 63

Table 21 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 64

Table 22 Troubleshooting Communication Problem .............................................. 64

Table 23 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 65

Table 24 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 78

Table 25 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 80

Table 26 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 81

Table 27 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 82

Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 83

Table 29 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 85

Table 30 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 86

Table 31 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 90

Table 32 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 94

List of Tables 15

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

16 List of Tables

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL G-220 v2 802.11g WLAN USB Adapter.

Your ZyXEL G-220 v2 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-220 v2 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-220 v2 802.11g WLAN USB Adapter may be referred to as the ZyXEL
G-220 v2 in this user’s guide.

Preface 17

ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 ZyXEL G-220 v2 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.

1.1 About Your ZyXEL G-220 v2

The ZyXEL G-220 v2 is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN adapter.

The following lists the main features of your ZyXEL G-220 v2. 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-220 v2 into an access point (AP).

• A built-in antenna

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

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

1.1.1 Application Overview

This section describes some network applications for the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

1.1.1.1 Infrastructure

To connect to a network via an Access Point (AP), set the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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-220 v2 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

20 Chapter 1 Getting Started

1.1.1.3 Access Point Mode

You can set the ZyXEL G-220 v2 in access point mode. The following figure shows a
network example.

Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode

In the example, the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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.

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

1.2 ZyXEL G-220 v2 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-220 v2, 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-220 v2 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

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

wireless configuration tool.

Refer to the appendices on how to use WZC to manage the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 21

ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 ZyXEL G-220 v2 is

installed properly.

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

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyXEL G-220 v2.
Refer to the following table for details.

Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The ZyXEL G-220 v2 is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a

wireless network.

Green The ZyXEL G-220 v2 is operating in wireless station mode and connected to a wireless

network.

Pale Blue The ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 XP 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-220 v2
automatically connect to a specific network. Otherwise, configure nothing and leave the
ZyXEL G-220 v2 to automatically scan for and connect to any other available network
without security.

See the next chapters for detailed field descriptions.

22 Chapter 1 Getting Started

1.6.1 Site Survey

After you install the ZyXEL Utility and then insert the ZyXEL G-220 v2, 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.

Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

Setting 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 the security settings are not correct,

the ZyXEL G-220 v2 cannot connect to a network.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 23

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 6 ZyXEL Utility: Security Setting

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-220 v2 is not connected to
a network, the fields in this screen are blank.

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info

1.7 ZyXEL G-220 v2 Modes

You can set your ZyXEL G-220 v2 to operate in either wireless station or access point (AP)
modes.

In wireless station mode, your ZyXEL G-220 v2 must connect to a peer wireless station or an
AP to take part in your wireless network.

24 Chapter 1 Getting Started

In access point mode, your ZyXEL G-220 v2 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-220 v2 to form a wireless network. Refer to Section 1.7.1 on

page 25 and Chapter 4 on page 53 for more information.

Note: With WZC, you cannot use the ZyXEL G-220 v2 as an access point.

1.7.1 Change ZyXEL G-220 v2 Mode

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

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

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

1.8 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This sections describes the ZyXEL Utility screens.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 25

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 9 Menu Summary: Station Mode

Figure 10 Menu Summary: AP Mode

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-220 v2.

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-220 v2 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-220 v2 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-220 v2 to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the
communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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-220 v2
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-220 v2 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 27

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Configure the wireless LAN security using the Configuration or the Profile Security Setting
screen. If you do not enable any wireless security on your ZyXEL G-220 v2, the ZyXEL G­220 v2’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-220 v2 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-220 v2.

• 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
Setting 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-220 v2 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-220 v2 supports EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP. Refer
to Appendix E on page 89 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.

28 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

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.

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.

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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.

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)s-PSK application looks as follows.

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 29

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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 11 WPA-PSK Authentication

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) 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.

30 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

Figure 12 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

2.3 Encryption Type

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

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

• Open System mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue.
The wireless station and the AP 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 authentication mode allows the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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.

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 31

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Select Auto to have the ZyXEL G-220 v2 automatically use short preamble when all access
point/wireless stations support it, otherwise the ZyXEL G-220 v2 uses long preamble.

Note: The ZyXEL G-220 v2 and the access point/wireless stations MUST use the

same preamble mode in order to communicate.

2.5 Introduction to OTIST

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

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

2.5.1 Enabling OTIST

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

We use the Prestige 334WT in this guide as an example. Screens may vary slightly for your
ZyXEL devices.

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

2.5.1.1 AP

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

Hold in the Reset button for one or two seconds.

Note: If you hold in the Reset button too long, the device will reset to the factory

defaults!

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

32 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

2.5.1.2 Wireless Client

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

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

2.5.2 Starting OTIST

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

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

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 33

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

See the user’s guide for more information.

1 In the AP, a web configurator screen pops

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

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

transfer is complete.

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

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

2.5.3 Notes on OTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

the AP to transfer settings.

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

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

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

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

34 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

CHAPTER 3

Wireless Station Mode

Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure your ZyXEL G-220 v2 in wireless station mode.

3.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview

To set your ZyXEL G-220 v2 in wireless station mode, refer to Section 1.7.1 on page 25.

3.2 The Link Info Screen

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

When the ZyXEL Utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current
configuration and connection status of your ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Figure 13 Station Mode: Link Info

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 35

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

AP Mode
Station Mode

Wireless Network
Status

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

Network Name
(SSID)

AP MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device to which the ZyXEL G-

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

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the ZyXEL G-220 v2 in megabits

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

Channel This field displays the radio channel the ZyXEL G-220 v2 is currently using.

Status This field displays the authentication type of the wireless network.

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 ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Wireless Mode This field displays the wireless standard (B or G) of the wireless device.

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

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

Signal Strength This field displays the signal strength of the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

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.

Use the check box to set the ZyXEL G-220 v2 to operate in wireless station or
access point mode. Refer to Section 1.7.1 on page 25 for more information.

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 ZyXEL G-220 v2 is
associated.

220 v2 is associated.

wireless network.

per second (Mbps).

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

second (Kbps).

3.2.1 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.

36 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 14 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

3.3 The Site Survey Screen

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

Figure 15 Station Mode: Site Survey

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 37

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Available Network
List

,

,

or

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

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

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

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

Connect Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.

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

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

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

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

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.

Click a column heading to sort the entries.

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

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

security is deactivated.

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

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

selected wireless device.

device.

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

3.3.1 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 wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security

Setting screen displays. You must set the related fields in the Security Setting screen to

the same security settings as the associated wireless device. Refer to Section 3.3.2 on

page 39 for more information.

Otherwise click the 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.

38 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

3.3.2 Security Settings

When you configure the ZyXEL G-220 v2 to connect to a network with wireless security
activated and the security settings are disabled on the ZyXEL G-220 v2, the screen varies
according to the encryption method used by the selected network.

3.3.2.1 WEP Encryption

Figure 16 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 6 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security Settings

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

related fields.
Select Disable to deactivate WEP encryption.

Encryption Type Select an encryption type. Choices are SHARED and OPEN. Refer to Section 2.3

on page 31 for more information.

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

the passphrase, the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 256-bit WEP keys.

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

below.

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 39

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Table 6 Station Mode: 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 256 Bits in the WEP field,

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

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

(for example, MyKey111122223333444455556678) for ASCII key type.

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

same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.

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

network.

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

Refer to Section 3.3.3 on page 43.

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

3.3.2.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

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

ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.

40 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 7 Station Mode: 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 another

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

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

3.3.2.3 WPA/WPA2

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 2.2.3 on page 29 for more information.

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

network.

Refer to Section 3.3.3 on page 43.

Figure 18 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 8 Station Mode: 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.

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

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

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 41

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Table 8 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

Validate Server
Certificate

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

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

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

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

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Select a certificate from the drop-down list box.

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

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

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

field.
The PEAP protocol is MS CHAP v2.

network.

Refer to Section 3.3.3 on page 43.

3.3.2.4 IEEE 802.1x

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

Figure 19 Station Mode: Security Settings: 802.1x

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: 802.1x

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Authentication
Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

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

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

42 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: 802.1x

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

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

Select a certificate from the drop-down list box.

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

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

Validate Server
Certificate

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

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

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

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

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

field.
The PEAP protocol is MS CHAP v2.

network.

Refer to Section 3.3.3 on page 43.

3.3.3 Confirm Save Screen

Use the Confirm Save screen to confirm and save the security settings.

Figure 20 Confirm Save Screen

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 43

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 10 Confirm Save Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security Setting

Network Name This field displays the SSID previously entered.

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

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

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

Back Click Back to return to the previous screen.

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the ZyXEL G-220 v2 and display the Link

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

device.

PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x) or inactive (Disabled).

Info screen.

3.4 The Profile Screen

A profile is a set of wireless parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network. With a
profile activated, each time you start the ZyXEL G-220 v2, 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 ZyXEL G-220 v2 cannot connect to a network.

If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the ZyXEL G-220 v2, the
ZyXEL G-220 v2 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.

44 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

Figure 21 Station Mode: Profile

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile List Click a column heading to sort the entries.

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

,

,

or

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

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

Connect To use 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.

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

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

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

security is deactivated.

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

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

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 45

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Table 11 Station Mode: Profile (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

second (Mbps).

3.4.1 Adding a New Profile

Follow the steps below to add a new profile.

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

Click Next to continue.

Figure 22 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Add New Profile

Profile Name Enter a descriptive name in this field.

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

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.

46 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

the SSID of the wireless device to which you want to associate in this field
manually. Otherwise, enter Any to have the ZyXEL G-220 v2 associate to any AP
or roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.

radio button to associate to a peer computer.

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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.

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

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.

profile.
Whenever you activate this profile, the ZyXEL G-220 v2 associates to the selected

wireless network only.

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

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

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

computer.

Figure 23 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 47

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Settings

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

3 If you 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 ZyXEL G-220 v2 to
communicate with the access points or other peer wireless computers without any data
encryption and skip to step 5.

Figure 24 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings

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

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

The settings must be exactly the same on the APs or other peer wireless computers as
they are on the ZyXEL G-220 v2. Refer to Section 3.3.2 on page 39 for detailed
information on wireless security configuration.

48 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

Figure 25 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

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

Figure 26 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings

6 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 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 49

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 27 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile

3.5 The Adapter Screen

To set the advanced features on the ZyXEL G-220 v2, click the Adapter tab.

Figure 28 Station Mode: Adapter

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter Setting

Transmission Rate Select a transmission speed from the drop-down list box. Choose from Fully Auto

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

50 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

(default), 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.

Auto.

Refer to Section 2.4 on page 31 for more information

Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Power Saving
Mode

OTIST (One­Touch Intelligent
Security
Technology)

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

Select Maximum Power Save or Fast Power Save to save power (especially for
notebook computers). This forces the ZyXEL G-220 v2 to go to sleep mode when it
is not transmitting data.

When you select Continuous Access Mode, the ZyXEL G-220 v2 will never go to
sleep mode.

Select this check box to enable OTIST.

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

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

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

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

ZyXEL AP or wireless router set your ZyXEL G-220 v2 to use the same wireless
settings as the ZyXEL AP or wireless router. You must also activate and start
OTIST on the ZyXEL AP or wireless router at the same time.

The process takes three minutes to complete

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the ZyXEL G-220 v2 and return to the Link

Info screen.

Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 51

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

52 Chapter 3 Wireless Station Mode Configuration

CHAPTER 4

Access Point Mode

Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure your ZyXEL G-220 v2 in access point mode.

4.1 Access Point Mode Introduction

To set your ZyXEL G-220 v2 as an Access Point (AP), refer to Section 1.7.1 on page 25.

In access point mode, your ZyXEL G-220 v2 functions as an access point. This allows you to
set up your wireless networks without using a dedicated AP device. Up to 16 wireless stations
can associate to the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

4.1.1 Additional Setup Requirements

To bridge your wired and wireless network using the ZyXEL G-220 v2, the following
requirements must be met:

1 The ZyXEL G-220 v2 must be installed on a computer connected to the wired network.

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

Configuration screen of the ZyXEL utility in Windows XP) or configure network
sharing (refer to Appendix B on page 67 for an example).

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

access the wired network or the Internet through the ZyXEL G-220 v2. Refer to

Appendix F on page 95.

4.2 The Link Info Screen

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

Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration 53

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 29 Access Point Mode: Link Info

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 15 Access Point Mode: Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Status

SSID This field displays the name that identifies your ZyXEL G-220 v2 in the wireless

LAN network.

Current Channel This field displays the radio channel the ZyXEL G-220 v2 is currently using.

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the ZyXEL G-220 v2 in megabits

per second (Mbps).

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

MAC This field displays the MAC address of the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Output Power This field shows the strength of the ZyXEL G-220 v2’s antenna gain or

transmission power.

Association List This table lists up to 16 wireless clients that are currently connected to the ZyXEL

G-220 v2.

denotes a wireless client without WEP security.

denotes a wireless client with WEP security enabled.

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

connected to the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Refresh Click Refresh to update this screen.

4.3 The Configuration Screen

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

54 Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration

Figure 30 Access Point Mode: Configuration

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 16 Access Point Mode: Configuration

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Settings

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

Wireless stations associating to the access point (the ZyXEL G-220 v2) must have
the same SSID.

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

Hide SSID Select this check box to hide the SSID in the outgoing beacon frame so a station

cannot obtain the SSID through passive scanning using a site survey tool.

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

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

Bridge This field is only applicable in Windows XP.

Security Settings

computers). This control changes the strength of the ZyXEL G-220 v2’s antenna
gain or transmission power. Antenna gain, measured in dBm (decibel relative units
compared to milliwatts), is the increase in coverage. Higher antenna gain improves
the range of the signal for better communications.

Select High to set the ZyXEL G-220 v2’s antenna to transmit at 17-dBm.
Select Medium-High to set the ZyXEL G-220 v2’s antenna to transmit at 15-dBm.
Select Medium-Low to set the ZyXEL G-220 v2’s antenna to transmit at 13-dBm.
Select Low to set the ZyXEL G-220 v2’s antenna to transmit at 11-dBm. This

allows for the least power consumption.

Select the check box and an Ethernet adapter (network interface card (NIC)) on
your computer from the drop-down list box. This allows you to connect your
wireless network to the specified wired network.

Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration 55

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Table 16 Access Point Mode: Configuration (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Authentication
Type

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

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

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

related fields.
Select Disable to deactivate the WEP encryption.

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

printable characters. As you enter the passphrase, the ZyXEL G-220 v2
automatically generates four different WEP key and displays it in the key field
below. Refer to Section 2.2.1 on page 27 for more information.

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

below.

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

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

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

(for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type.

If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,

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

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

(for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.

If you select 256 Bits in the WEP field,

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

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

(for example, MyKey111122223333444455556678) for ASCII key type.

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

same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.

ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.

Save Click Save to save the changes.

Cancel Click Cancel to discard the changes.

56 Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration

4.4 The MAC Filter Screen

The MAC Filter screen allows you to configure the ZyXEL G-220 v2 to give exclusive access
to (Accept) devices or exclude devices from (Reject) connecting to the ZyXEL G-220 v2.
Every Ethernet device has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address. The MAC address
is assigned at the factory and consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters, for example,
00:A0:C5:00:00:02. You need to know the MAC address of the device(s) to configure this
screen.

Figure 31 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 17 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Select Disable to deactivate the MAC filter feature.
Select Reject to block access to the ZyXEL G-220 v2, MAC addresses not listed

will be allowed to access the ZyXEL G-220 v2.
Select Accept to permit access to the ZyXEL G-220 v2, MAC addresses not listed

will be denied access to the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Filter MAC
Address 1-16

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

Cancel Click Cancel to discard the changes.

Specify the MAC address(es) of the wireless station(s) that is allowed or denied
association to the ZyXEL G-220 v2.

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

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

Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration 57

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

58 Chapter 4 Access Point Mode Configuration

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

5.1 The About Screen

The About screen displays related version numbers of the ZyXEL G-220 v2. To display the
screen as shown below, click the about ( ) button.

Figure 32 About

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 5

Maintenance

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

Table 18 About

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Driver Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL G-220 v2 driver.

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

5.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility

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

1 Click Start, (All) Programs, ZyXEL G-220 v2 Wireless Adapter Utility, Uninstall

ZyXEL G-220 v2 Wireless Adapter Utility.

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

Chapter 5 Maintenance 59

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Figure 33 Uninstall: Confirm

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

prompted.

Figure 34 Uninstall: Finish

5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility

Note: Before you uninstall the ZyXEL Utility, take note of the current network

configuration.

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 5.2 on page 59 to remove the current ZyXEL Utility from

your computer.

3 Restart your computer when prompted.

4 Disconnect the ZyXEL G-220 v2 from your computer.

60 Chapter 5 Maintenance

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

installation.

6 Insert the ZyXEL G-220 v2 and check the version numbers in the About screen to make

sure the new utility is installed properly.

Chapter 5 Maintenance 61

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

62 Chapter 5 Maintenance

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

CHAPTER 6

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.

6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program

Table 19 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

Cannot start the
ZyXEL Wireless
LAN Utility

The ZyXEL Utility
icon does not
display.

Make sure the ZyXEL G-220 v2 is properly inserted and the LED(s) is on. Refer to
the Quick Start Guide for the LED descriptions.

Use the Device Manager to check for possible hardware conflicts. Click Start,
Settings, Control Panel, System, Hardware and Device Manager. Verify the
status of the ZyXEL G-220 v2 under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary
depending on the version of Windows).

Install the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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.

6.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point

Table 20 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

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

The ZyXEL G-220 v2 might still be operating in access point mode. This results
when you set the ZyXEL G-220 v2 to operate in access point mode using the
ZyXEL Utility, close the ZyXEL Utility and then use the Windows XP configuration
tool.

Before you use the Windows XP configuration tool, make sure you set the ZyXEL
G-220 v2 to operate in station mode before you close and exit the ZyXEL Utility.

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 63

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

6.3 Problem with the Link Status

Table 21 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.

6.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers

Table 22 Troubleshooting Communication Problem

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

In wireless station
mode, the
computer with the
ZyXEL G-220 v2
installed cannot
communicate with
the other
computer(s).

In access point
mode, the wireless
station(s) cannot
associate to the
ZyXEL G-220 v2.

In Infrastructure Mode

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

• Make sure the ZyXEL G-220 v2 computer and the associated AP use the same
SSID.

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

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

In Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode

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

• Make sure the ZyXEL G-220 v2 computer and the peer computer(s) are using
the same SSID and channel.

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

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

Verify that the computer with the ZyXEL G-220 v2 installed is turned on.
Make sure the wireless station(s) uses the same SSID as the ZyXEL G-220 v2.
Make sure the wireless station(s) uses the same security settings.
Verify that the wireless station(s) is not blocked in the MAC Filter screen.

64 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

APPENDIX A

Product Specifications

Table 23 Product Specifications

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Product Name ZyXEL G-220 v2 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter

Interface USB 2.0 compatible

Standards IEEE 802.11b

IEEE 802.11g

Network Architectures Infrastructure

Ad-Hoc

Operating Frequencies 2.412-2.484GHz

Operating Channels IEEE 802.11b: 13 Channels (Europe)

IEEE 802.11g: 13 Channels (Europe)
IEEE 802.11b: 11 Channels (North America)
IEEE 802.11g: 11 Channels (North America)
IEEE 802.11b: 11 Channels (Taiwan)
IEEE 802.11g: 11 Channels (Taiwan)

Data Rate IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1Mbps

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

Modulation IEEE 802.11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (64QAM,

16QAM, QPSK and BPSK)
IEEE 802311b: PBCC, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (CCK,

DQPSK, DBPSK).

Security 64/128/256-bit WEP

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

Operating Temperature 0 ~ 50 degrees Centigrade

Storage Temperature -30 ~ 60 degrees Centigrade

Operating Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

Storage Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

Power IEEE 802.11g: TX: 450mA RX: 345mA

IEEE 802.11b: TX: 450mA RX: 345mA

Voltage 5V

Weight 25.8 g

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

RADIO SPECIFICATIONS

Media Access Protocol IEEE 802.11

Frequency 2400-2483.5MHz (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)

Appendix A Product Specifications 65

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

Table 23 Product Specifications (continued)

Channels 1~11 Channels (USA, Canada)

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

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

Maximum Output Power 19 dBm at 11Mbps CCK, QPSK, BPSK

RX Sensitivity IEEE 802.11g (OFDM): 54 Mbps: < -72 dBm

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

1~13 Channels (Europe)

IEEE 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps

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

22 dBm at 54Mbps OFDM

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

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

Roaming IEEE 802.11b/g compliant

WEP Supports 64-bit, 128-bit and 256-bit WEP encryption

Windows XP

66 Appendix A Product Specifications

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

APPENDIX B

Access Point Mode Setup Example

This example uses the network sharing feature in Windows 2000 to bridge the wired and
wireless network when you set the ZyXEL G-220 v2 in access point (AP) mode.

Refer to Chapter 4, “Access Point Mode Configuration,” on page 53 for setup methods and
requirements.

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

Configuring the Computer on Which You Install the ZyXEL G­220 v2

1 Refer to Section 1.7.1 “Change ZyXEL G-220 v2 Mode” on page 25 to set the ZyXEL G-

220 v2 to operate in AP mode.

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

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

Figure 35 Windows 2000: Start

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

Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example 67

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Figure 36 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections

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

Connection Sharing for this connection. Click OK.

Figure 37 Windows 2000: Network Properties

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

want to share network access.

68 Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example

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Figure 38 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter

5 A notice screen displays. Click Ye s .

Figure 39 Windows 2000: Local Network

Configuring the Wireless Station Computer

Refer to Appendix F, “Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address,” on page 95 for more
information on how to set up the wireless station computer(s) IP address.

Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example 69

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70 Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example

APPENDIX C

Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN

Configuration Tool

Windows XP includes a configuration tool (also known as Wireless Zero Configuration
(WZC)) for wireless devices.

Follow the steps below to disable the configuration tool in Windows XP after you install the
ZyXEL Utility. The screen varies depending on the version of Windows XP service pack.

Via the Wireless Network System Tray Icon

If the network icon for wireless connections is not present in the system tray, see the next
section.

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

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

Figure 40 Windows XP: System Tray Icon

2 Windows XP SP1: When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click

Advanced….

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Figure 41 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection

Windows XP SP2: When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click
Change advanced settings under Related Tasks and then the Wireless Networks tab.

Figure 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

3 In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, make sure the Use Windows

to configure my wireless network settings check box is not selected. Click OK.

72 Appendix C Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

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Figure 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Figure 44 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Appendix C Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool 73

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Via the Control Panel

1 If the icon for the wireless network connection is not in the system tray, click Start,

Control Panel and double-click Network Connections.

2 Double-click on the icon for wireless network connection to display a status window as

shown below.

3 Click Properties and click the Wireless Networks tab.

Figure 45 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status

Figure 46 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

74 Appendix C Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

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4 In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, make sure the Use Windows

to configure my wireless network settings check box is not selected. Click OK.

Figure 47 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Figure 48 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties

Appendix C Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool 75

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76 Appendix C Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool

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APPENDIX D

Management with Wireless Zero

Configuration

This appendix shows you how to manage your ZyXEL G-220 v2 using the Windows XP
wireless zero configuration tool.

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

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

Activating Wireless Zero Configuration

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

page 71.

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

Figure 49 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available

Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 77

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Connecting to a Wireless Network

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

Wireless Network Connection Status screen.

Figure 50 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the ZyXEL
G-220 v2. Refer to the following table for details.

Table 24 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

ICON DESCRIPTION

The ZyXEL G-220 v2 is connected to a wireless network.

The ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 G-220 v2 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 51 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

78 Appendix D 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 52 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 53 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 79

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

Table 25 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 G-220 v2 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 54 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.

80 Appendix D 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 55 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK

Figure 56 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 26 Windows XP: Wireless Networks

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.

This denotes the ZyXEL G-220 v2 is associated to the wireless network.

This denotes the wireless network is not available.

Security Settings

When you configure the ZyXEL G-220 v2 to connect to a secure network but the security
settings are not yet enabled on the ZyXEL G-220 v2, you will see different screens according
to the authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.

Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 81

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Association

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

Figure 57 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 27 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 G-220 v2 a key.

82 Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Table 27 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 58 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 28 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 D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 83

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.

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Table 28 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 59 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

84 Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 29 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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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 60 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 85

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The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 30 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 53 on page 79). The screen displays as shown.

86 Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

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Figure 61 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 62 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

2 Whenever the ZyXEL G-220 v2 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 D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 87

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88 Appendix D Management with Wireless Zero Configuration

APPENDIX E

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-220 v2 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 E Types of EAP Authentication 89

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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 31 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

90 Appendix E Types of EAP Authentication

WPA(2)

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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 E Types of EAP Authentication 91

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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.

92 Appendix E Types of EAP Authentication

Figure 63 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-220 v2 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 64 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

Appendix E Types of EAP Authentication 93

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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 32 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

94 Appendix E Types of EAP Authentication

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APPENDIX F

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address

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

Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP, Macintosh OS 7 and later operating systems and all
versions of UNIX/LINUX include the software components you need to install and use TCP/
IP on your computer. Windows 3.1 requires the purchase of a third-party TCP/IP application
package.

TCP/IP should already be installed on computers using Windows NT/2000/XP, Macintosh OS
7 and later operating systems.

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

Windows 95/98/Me

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

Appendix F Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address 95

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Figure 65 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration

Installing Components

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

If you need the adapter:

1 In the Network window, click Add.

2 Select Adapter and then click Add.

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

If you need TCP/IP:

1 In the Network window, click Add.

2 Select Protocol and then click Add.

3 Select Microsoft from the list of manufacturers.

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

If you need Client for Microsoft Networks:

1 Click Add.

2 Select Client and then click Add.

96 Appendix F Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address

3 Select Microsoft from the list of manufacturers.

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

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

Configuring

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

2 Click the IP Address tab.

Figure 66 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address

ZyXEL G-220 v2 User’s Guide

OK.

and click Properties

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

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

3 Click the DNS Configuration tab.

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

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

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Figure 67 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration

4 Click the Gateway tab.

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

• If you have a gateway IP address, type it in the New gateway field

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

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

7 Restart your computer when prompted.

Verifying Settings

1 Click Start and then Run.

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

window.

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

and default gateway.

Windows 2000/NT/XP

installed gateways.

and click Add.

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

Settings, Control Panel.

98 Appendix F Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address

Figure 68 Windows XP: Start Menu

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2 For Windows XP, click Network Connections. For Windows 2000/NT, click Network

and Dial-up Connections.

Figure 69 Windows XP: Control Panel

3 Right-click Local Area Connection and then click Properties.

Appendix F Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address 99

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Figure 70 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties

4 Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (under the General tab in Win XP) and click

Properties.

Figure 71 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties

5 The Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window opens (the General tab in Windows

XP).

• If you have a dynamic IP address click Obtain an IP address
automatically.

100 Appendix F Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address