ZyXEL Communications NWD211AN User Manual
NWD-211AN
Dual-Band Wireless N USB Adapter
User’s Guide
Version 1.0
12/2008
Edition 2
www.zyxel.com
About This User's Guide
About This User's Guide
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for people who want to configure the NWD-211AN using the ZyXEL
Utility. You should have a basic knowledge of TCP/IP networking concepts and topology.
Related Documentation
• Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains
information on setting up your network and configuring for Internet access.
• ZyXEL Utility Online Help
Embedded web help for descriptions of individual screens and supplementary
information.
" It is recommended you use the ZyXEL Utility to configure the NWD-211AN.
• Supporting Disc
Refer to the included CD for support documents.
• ZyXEL Web Site
Please refer to www.zyxel.com
certifications.
User’s Guide Feedback
Help us help you. Send all User’s Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for
improvement to the following address, or use e-mail instead. Thank you!
The Technical Writing Team,
ZyXEL Communications Corp.,
6 Innovation Road II,
Science-Based Industrial Park,
Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
E-mail: techwriters@zyxel.com.tw
for additional support documentation and product
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
3
Document Conventions
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
These are how warnings and notes are shown in this User’s Guide.
1 Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your NWD-211AN.
" Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may
need to configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.
Syntax Conventions
• The NWD-211AN Dual-Band Wireless N USB Adapter may be referred to as the “NWD211AN”, the “device”, the “system” or the “product” in this User’s Guide.
• Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
• A key stroke is denoted by square brackets and uppercase text, for example, [ENTER]
means the “enter” or “return” key on your keyboard.
• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters and then press the [ENTER] key.
“Select” or “choose” means for you to use one of the predefined choices.
• A right angle bracket ( > ) within a screen name denotes a mouse click. For example,
Maintenance > Log > Log Setting means you first click Maintenance in the navigation
panel, then the Log sub menu and finally the Log Setting tab to get to that screen.
• Units of measurement may denote the “metric” value or the “scientific” value. For
example, “k” for kilo may denote “1000” or “1024”, “M” for mega may denote “1000000”
or “1048576” and so on.
• “e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other words”.
4
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
Document Conventions
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. The NWD-211AN icon is
not an exact representation of your NWD-211AN.
Table 1 Common Icons
NWD-211AN Wireless AP Computer
Notebook Printer Telephone
Switch Router Internet Cloud
Firewall Modem Wireless Signal
Server Television DSLAM
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
5
Safety Warnings
Safety Warnings
1 For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions.
• Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming
pool.
• Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.
• Do NOT store things on the device.
• Do NOT install, use, or service this device during a thunderstorm. There is a remote risk
of electric shock from lightning.
• Do NOT open the device or unit. Opening or removing covers can expose you to
dangerous high voltage points or other risks. ONLY qualified service personnel should
service or disassemble this device. Please contact your vendor for further information.
Your product is marked with this symbol, which is known as the WEEE mark. WEEE stands
for Wa ste Electronics and Electrical Equipment. It means that used electrical and electronic
products should not be mixed with general waste. Used electrical and electronic equipment
should be treated separately.
6
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
Contents Overview
Contents Overview
Introduction and Configuration ............................................................................................19
Getting Started ...........................................................................................................................21
Tutorial ...................................................... ............................................. .................................... 27
Wireless LANs ................................................................. ... ... .... ... ............................................. 37
ZyXEL Utility - Station Mode ...................................................................................................... 49
ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode ............................................................................................................ 71
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................81
Troubleshooting and Specifications ....................................................................................85
Troubleshooting ..................................................... .................................................................... 87
Product Specifications ............................................................................................................... 91
Appendices and Index ...........................................................................................................95
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
7
Contents Overview
8
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About This User's Guide..........................................................................................................3
Document Conventions............................................................................................................4
Safety Warnings ........................................................................................................................6
Contents Overview ...................................................................................................................7
Table of Contents......................................................................................................................9
List of Figures.........................................................................................................................13
List of Tables...........................................................................................................................17
Part I: Introduction and Configuration................................................. 19
Chapter 1
Getting Started........................................................................................................................21
1.1 Overview ............. .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 21
1.1.1 What You Need to Know ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ... 21
1.1.2 Before You Begin ...................................... .......................................................... .... ... 21
1.2 About Your NWD-211AN ...................................................................................................22
1.2.1 Hardware .......................... ... ... .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .............22
1.3 Application Overview ....... ... ... .......................................................... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....... 23
1.3.1 Infrastructure ................ .... ... ... ... ... ........................................................... ... ... ... ... ....... 23
1.3.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................. ... ... .......................................................... ... ....... 23
1.4 Hardware and Utility Installation ..........................................................................................24
1.4.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon .......................................................................................................24
1.5 Configuration Methods ... ... ... .... ... .......................................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....... 25
1.5.1 Enabling Windows Wireless Configuration ................................................................ 25
1.5.2 Opening the ZyXEL Utility .................. ... ... .... ... ... ....................................................... 26
Chapter 2
Tutorial.....................................................................................................................................27
2.1 Overview ............. .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 27
2.1.1 What You Can Do in This Tutorial .............................................................................. 27
2.1.2 What You Need to Know ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ... 27
2.1.3 Before You Begin ...................................... .......................................................... .... ... 27
2.2 Connecting to an AP using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) .................................................. 28
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
9
Table of Contents
2.2.1 Push Button Configuration (PBC) ............. .... ............................................................. 28
2.2.2 PIN Configuration ................................................ ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..........................29
2.3 Connecting to an AP Without Using WPS ........................................................................... 31
2.3.1 Manually Connecting to a Wireless LAN ................................................................... 31
2.3.2 Creating and Using a Profile ............................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .......33
2.4 Configuring the NWD-211AN as an AP ............................................................................... 35
Chapter 3
Wireless LANs.........................................................................................................................37
3.1 Overview ............. .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 37
3.1.1 What Yo u Can Do in This Section ..............................................................................37
3.1.2 What You Need to Know ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ... 37
3.1.3 Before You Begin ...................................... .......................................................... .... ... 38
3.2 Wireless LAN Overview ..................................... .... ... ... ... .................................................... 38
3.3 Wireless LAN Security .................................... ... .... ... ... ....................................................... 39
3.3.1 User Authentication and Encryption ........................................... ... ... ... .... ... ................39
3.4 Wi-Fi Protected Setup .. ... ... ... .......................................................... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ..........41
3.4.1 Push Button Configuration ......................................... ................................................ 41
3.4.2 PIN Configuration ................................................ ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..........................42
3.4.3 How WPS Works ........................................................................................................ 43
3.4.4 Limitations of WPS ........................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ....................................... 46
Chapter 4
ZyXEL Utility - Station Mode..................................................................................................49
4.1 Overview ............. .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 49
4.1.1 What Yo u Can Do in This Section ..............................................................................50
4.1.2 What You Need to Know ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ... 50
4.1.3 Before You Begin ...................................... .......................................................... .... ... 51
4.2 Station Mode Screen Summary .................................................... ....................................... 51
4.3 The Link Info Screen ...........................................................................................................51
4.3.1 Trend Chart .................. .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .......................................................... ... ....... 53
4.4 The Site Survey Screen ...................................................................................................... 53
4.4.1 Security Settings ...................................... .... ... ... ... .... ... .............................................55
4.4.2 The Summary Screen ................................................................................................ 60
4.5 The Profile Screen ...............................................................................................................60
4.5.1 Adding a New Profile ............................................................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... 62
4.6 The Adapter Screen ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .............................................................. ... ... .............65
4.6.1 WPS: PBC (Push Button Configuration) .................................................... ... ... ... .... ... 66
4.6.2 WPS: PIN - (Personal Indentification Number) .......................................................... 67
4.6.3 WPS: PIN - Use the PIN from the AP or Wireless Router .......................................... 68
4.7 Security Settings in Windows Vista ........................... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .................................... 68
4.7.1 Using PEAP in Vista ...................................................................................................69
4.7.2 Using TLS in Vista .................... ... .... ... .......................................................... ... ..........70
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NWD-211AN User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Chapter 5
ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode.........................................................................................................71
5.1 Overview ............. .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 71
5.1.1 What Yo u Can Do in This Section ..............................................................................72
5.1.2 What You Need to Know ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ... 72
5.1.3 Before You Begin ...................................... .......................................................... .... ... 73
5.2 AP Mode Screen Summary ................................................................................................. 73
5.3 The Link Info Screen ...........................................................................................................74
5.4 The Configuration Screen .................................................................................................... 74
5.4.1 Security Settings ...................................... .... ... ... ... .... ... .............................................76
5.5 The MAC Filter Screen ........................................................................................................ 79
Chapter 6
Maintenance............................................................................................................................81
6.1 Overview ............. .......................................................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 81
6.1.1 What Yo u Can Do in This Section ..............................................................................81
6.1.2 What You Need to Know ........ ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ... 81
6.1.3 Before You Begin ...................................... .......................................................... .... ... 81
6.2 The About Screen ..................... ... ... ... .......................................................... .... ... ... ... ... ....... 82
6.3 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility .......................................... .................................................... 82
6.4 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ................................................................................................83
Part II: Troubleshooting and Specifications........................................ 85
Chapter 7
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................87
7.1 Power, Hardware Connections, and LEDs .......................................................................... 87
7.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility ................................................................................................. 88
7.3 Link Quality ...................................... ... ... .... ... .......................................................... ............. 88
7.4 Problems Communicating with Other Computers ............................................................... 88
Chapter 8
Product Specifications...........................................................................................................91
Part III: Appendices and Index.............................................................. 95
Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................97
Appendix B Wireless LANs ..................................................................................................105
Appendix C Windows Wireless Management ...................................................................... 119
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
11
Table of Contents
Appendix D Legal Information..............................................................................................141
Appendix E Customer Support.............................................................................................145
Index.......................................................................................................................................151
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NWD-211AN User’s Guide
List of Figures
List of Figures
Figure 1 The NWD-211AN ......................................................................................................................22
Figure 2 Application: Infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 23
Figure 3 Application: Ad-Hoc .................................................................................................................24
Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ..............................................................................................24
Figure 5 Enable WZC ............................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 6 Infrastructure Network ..............................................................................................................27
Figure 7 Example WPS Process: PBC Method ......................................................................................29
Figure 8 Example WPS Process: PIN Method .......................... ... ... ... .... ................................................30
Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ........................................................................................................31
Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings ............................................................................................. 32
Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Summary .......................................................................................................... 32
Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info ............................................. ... ... ... .... ................................................ 32
Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Profile ............................................................................................................... 33
Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile ............................................................................................... 33
Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security ................... .................... ................... .................... ................... 34
Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption ...................... ....................... ................... .............................34
Figure 17 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Summary ..............................................................................................34
Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate ................... .................................................... .......................... 35
Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode .........................................................................................................36
Figure 20 ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode: Link Info .........................................................................................36
Figure 21 ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode: Configuration ................................................................................ 36
Figure 22 Example of a Wireless Network ............................................................................................. 38
Figure 23 Example WPS Process: PIN Method ..................................................................................... 43
Figure 24 How WPS works ..................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 25 WPS: Example Network Step 1 .............................................................................................. 45
Figure 26 WPS: Example Network Step 2 .............................................................................................. 45
Figure 27 WPS: Example Network Step 3 .............................................................................................. 46
Figure 28 ZyXEL Utility: Setting Station Mode. ....................................................................................... 49
Figure 29 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ............................................................................................... 51
Figure 30 Link Info ....................................................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ............................................. 51
Figure 31 Link Info: Trend Chart ............................................................................................................ 53
Figure 32 Site Survey ............................................................................................................................ 53
Figure 33 Security Setting: WEP ................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ................................................ 55
Figure 34 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................................................. 56
Figure 35 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ...................... ............................................................. ... .......... 57
Figure 36 Security Setting: 802.1x ........................................................................................................58
Figure 37 Summary Screen ............................ ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .................................................................60
Figure 38 Profile ................................................................................................................................... 61
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
13
List of Figures
Figure 39 Profile: Add a New Profile ..................................................................................................... 62
Figure 40 Profile: Wireless Settings ......................................................................................................63
Figure 41 Profile: Wireless Settings ......................................................................................................64
Figure 42 Profile: Security Settings .......................................................................................................64
Figure 43 Profile: Confirm New Settings ...............................................................................................64
Figure 44 Profile: Activate the Profile ................................ ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .......................................... 65
Figure 45 Adapter .................................................................................................................................. 65
Figure 46 WPS: PBC (Push Button Configuration) ................................................................................ 66
Figure 47 WPS: PIN - Use this Device’s PIN .........................................................................................67
Figure 48 WPS: PIN - Use the PIN from the AP or Wireless Router ...................................................... 68
Figure 49 Vista Security: Additional Information Required .....................................................................69
Figure 50 Vista Security: Enter Credentials ............................................ ................................... ............. 69
Figure 51 Vista Security: Additional Information Required .....................................................................70
Figure 52 Vista Security: Select Certificate ........................... .... ... .......................................................... 70
Figure 53 AP Network Example .............................................................................................................71
Figure 54 ZyXEL Utility: Setting AP Mode. ................................... ... ... .... ... ............................................. 72
Figure 55 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ............................................................................................... 73
Figure 56 Link Info ....................................................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ............................................. 74
Figure 57 The Configuration Screen ...................................................................................................... 75
Figure 58 Security Setting: WEP ................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ................................................ 77
Figure 59 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................................................. 78
Figure 60 The MAC Filter Screen ...........................................................................................................79
Figure 61 About ..................................................................................................................................... 82
Figure 62 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................................................. 82
Figure 63 Uninstall: Finish .................... ................................................................................................. 83
Figure 64 Windows XP: Start Menu ........................................................................................................ 98
Figure 65 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ..........98
Figure 66 Windows XP: Control Panel > Network Connections > Properties ........... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... 99
Figure 67 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................................................... 99
Figure 68 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................................. ... ... ... .... . 100
Figure 69 Windows Vista: Start Menu ...................................................................................................101
Figure 70 Windows Vista: Control Panel .................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... .............................. 101
Figure 71 Windows Vista: Network And Internet ..................................................................................101
Figure 72 Windows Vista: Network and Sharing Center ............................................................ ... ... .... . 102
Figure 73 Windows Vista: Network and Sharing Center ............................................................ ... ... .... . 102
Figure 74 Windows Vista: Local Area Connection Properties ............................ .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... . 1 03
Figure 75 Windows Vista: Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties .................................... . 104
Figure 76 Peer-to-Peer Communication in an Ad-hoc Network ........................................................... 105
Figure 77 Basic Service Set ...................................................................................................
Figure 78 Infrastructure WLAN .............................................................................................................107
Figure 79 RTS/CTS ............................................................................................................................. 108
Figure 80 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ..........................................................................115
Figure 81 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication ..................................................................................................116
.............. 106
14
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
List of Figures
Figure 82 Vista: Start Menu ...................................................................................................................119
Figure 83 Vista: The Connect To Window ............................................................................................ 120
Figure 84 Vista: Additional Information ............................................... .................................... .............. 120
Figure 85 Vista: Enter Security Key ....... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... .......................................................... ..............121
Figure 86 Vista: Connecting .................................................................................................................121
Figure 87 Vista: Successful Connection ...............................................................................................122
Figure 88 Vista: Choose a Connection Option ..................................................................................... 123
Figure 89 Vista: Connect Manually ....................................................................................................... 123
Figure 90 Vista: Successfully Added Network ......................................................................................124
Figure 91 Vista: Set Up An Ad-hoc Network .........................................................................................125
Figure 92 Vista: Ad-hoc Options .......................................................................................................... 125
Figure 93 Vista: Ad-hoc Network Ready .............................................................................................. 126
Figure 94 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ................................ .... ... ... ... ... .....127
Figure 95 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ................................ .... ... ... ... ... .....127
Figure 96 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ..............128
Figure 97 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ..............128
Figure 98 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available ................................................................................. 129
Figure 99 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ................................................................................... 129
Figure 100 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ................................................... 130
Figure 101 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ................................................... 130
Figure 102 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .............................................................. 131
Figure 103 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties .............................................132
Figure 104 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .............................. 132
Figure 105 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ........................................ 133
Figure 106 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association .......... ........................................ 133
Figure 107 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ............................................. 135
Figure 108 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ............................................................................ 136
Figure 109 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................................................137
Figure 110 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks ...............................................138
Figure 111 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks ............................................... 138
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
15
List of Figures
16
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 1 Common Icons ............................................................................................................................ 5
Table 2 NWD-211AN External View ....................................................................................................... 22
Table 3 NWD-211AN LEDs .................................................................................................................... 22
Table 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ................................................................................................ 25
Table 5 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ................................................................................................... 51
Table 6 Link Info .................................................................................................................................... 52
Table 7 Link Info: Trend Chart ............................................................................................................... 53
Table 8 Site Survey ................................................................................................................................54
Table 9 Security Setting: WEP ...............................................................................................................55
Table 10 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................................................. 57
Table 11 Security Setting: WPA/WPA2 ..................................................................................................57
Table 12 Security Settings: IEEE 802.1x ...............................................................................................59
Table 13 Summary Screen .......................... ............................................................. ... ... .......................60
Table 14 Profile ...................................................................................................................................... 61
Table 15 Profile: Add a New Profile ....................................................................................................... 62
Table 16 Profile: Wireless Settings ........................................................................................................63
Table 17 Adapter ................................................................................................................................... 65
Table 18 WPS: PIN - Use this Device’s PIN .......................................................................................... 67
Table 19 WPS: PIN - Use the PIN from the AP or Wireless Router ...................................................... 68
Table 20 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ................................................................................................. 73
Table 21 Link Info ................................. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .................................................................... 74
Table 22 Configuration ... .... ... ... .......................................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .......................75
Table 23 Security Setting: WEP .. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... .......................................................................77
Table 24 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................................................. 78
Table 25 MAC Filter ...............................................................................................................................79
Table 26 About .......................................................................................................................................82
Table 27 Product Specifications ............................................................................................................. 91
Table 28 IEEE 802.11g ........................................................................................................................ 109
Table 29 Wireless Security Levels ........................................................................................................110
Table 30 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................................................113
Table 31 Wireless Security Relational Matrix .......................................................................................116
Table 32 Vista: Connect Manually ....................................................................................................... 123
Table 33 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ......................... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... . 129
Table 34 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection ................................................... ... ...........131
Table 35 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................ ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...........................133
Table 36 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association .................................................... 134
Table 37 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................................................135
Table 38 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ...............................................................................136
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
17
List of Tables
Table 39 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ..................................................... 137
18
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
PART I
Introduction and
Configuration
Getting Started (21)
Tutorial (27)
Wireless LANs (37)
ZyXEL Utility - Station Mode (49)
Maintenance (81)
19
20
CHAPTER 1 1
Getting Started
1.1 Overview
The ZyXEL NWD-211AN USB adapter brings you a better Internet experience over existing
802.11n networks. With data rates of up to 300 Mbps, you can enjoy a breathtaking high-speed
connection at home or in the office. It is an excellent solution for daily activities such as file
transfers, music downloading, video streaming and online gaming.
This section includes:
• About Your NWD-211AN on page 22
• Application Overview on page 23
• Hardware and Utility Installation on page 24
• Configuration Methods on page 25
1.1.1 What You Need to Know
The following terms and concepts may help as you read through this sectio n, and subsequently
as you read through the rest of the User’s Guide.
Access Point
An Access Point (AP) is a network device that acts as a bridge between a wired and a wireless
network. Outside of the home or office, APs can most often be found in coffee shops,
bookstores and other businesses that offer wireless Internet connectivity to their customers.
Infrastructure
An infrastructure network is one that seamlessly combines both wireless and wired
components. One or more APs often serve as the bridge between wireless and wired LANs.
Ad-Hoc
An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a self-contained group of computers connected wirelessly and
which is independent of any other networks and Access Points.
1.1.2 Before You Begin
• Read the Quick Start Guide for information on making hardware connections and using
the ZyXEL Utility to connect your NWD-211AN to a network.
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
21
Chapter 1 Getting Started
1.2 About Your NWD-211AN
Your NWD-211AN is an IEEE 802.11n draft 2.0 compliant wireless LAN adapter. It can also
connect to IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless networks. The NWD-211AN is WPS (Wi-Fi Protected
Setup) compliant. WPS allows you to easily connect to another WPS-enabled device.
The NWD-211AN is a USB adapter which connects to an empty USB port on your computer.
See your NWD-211AN’ s Quick S tart Guide for installation instructions, and see the section on
product specifications in this User’s Guide for detailed information.
1.2.1 Hardware
This section describes the NWD-211AN’s physical appearance.
Figure 1 The NWD-211AN
A
BC
The following table describes the NWD-211AN.
Table 2 NWD-211AN External View
LABEL DESCRIPTION
A WPS button
BLED
C USB connector
D USB connector cap
The following table describes the operation of the NWD-211AN’s LEDs.
Table 3 NWD-211AN LEDs
LED COLOR STATUS DESCRIPTION
Green On The NWD-211AN is turned on, connected to an AP, and is not
transmitting or receiving data.
Blinking The NWD-211AN is turned on, connected to an AP, and is
transmitting or receiving data. It also blinks when the WPS
feature is being used or a WPS connection is being initiated.
Off The NWD-211AN is turned off.
D
22
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
1.3 Application Overview
This section describes some network applications for the NWD-211AN. You can either set the
network type to Infrastructure and connect to an AP or use Ad-Hoc mode and connect to a
peer computer (another wireless device in Ad-Hoc mode).
1.3.1 Infrastructure
To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the NWD-211AN network type to
Infrastructure (see Chapter 4 on page 60). Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the
wired network behind the AP.
Figure 2 Application: Infrastructure
Chapter 1 Getting Started
1.3.2 Ad-Hoc
To set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use Ad-Hoc (see Chapter 4
on page 60).
Ad-Hoc does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients
communicate directly with each other.
" Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is not available in ad-hoc mode.
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
23
Chapter 1 Getting Started
Figure 3 Application: Ad-Hoc
1.4 Hardware and Utility Installation
Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL Utility and make
hardware connections.
1.4.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon
After you install and start the ZyXEL Utility, an icon for the ZyXEL Utility appears in the
system tray .
" The ZyXEL Utility system tray icon displays only when the NWD-211AN is
installed properly.
Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
" When you use the ZyXEL Utility, it automatically disables Wireless Zero
Configuration (WZC) in Windows XP.
24
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
Chapter 1 Getting Started
The color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the NWD-211AN.
Refer to the following table for details.
Table 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
COLOR DESCRIPTION
Red The NWD-211AN is not connected to a wireless network.
Green The NWD-211AN is connected to a wireless network.
1.5 Configuration Methods
To configure your NWD-211AN, use one of the following applications:
• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC, the Windows XP wireless configuration tool) or
WLAN AutoConfig (the Windows Vista wireless configuration tool).
• The ZyXEL Utility .
" Do NOT use Windows XP’s Wireless Zero Configuration tool at the same time
you use the ZyXEL Utility.
1.5.1 Enabling Windows Wireless Configuration
" When you use the ZyXEL Utility, it automatically disables Windows XP’s
wireless configuration tool.
If you want to use the W indows XP wireless configuration too l to configure the NWD-211AN,
you need to disable the ZyXEL Utility . Right-click the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and
select Exit.
Figure 5 Enable WZC
Refer to the appendices for information on how to use the Windows wireless configuration
tool to manage the NWD-211AN.
To reactivate the ZyXEL Utility, double-click the ( ) icon on your desktop or click Start >
Programs > ZyXEL Dual Band Wireless N USB Adapter Utility > ZyXEL Dual Band
Wireless N USB Adapter Utility.
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
25
Chapter 1 Getting Started
1.5.2 Opening the ZyXEL Utility
Click the ZyXEL wireless LAN utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyXEL Utility.
The ZyXEL Utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for
Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide.
" Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the online help
window.
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NWD-211AN User’s Guide
CHAPTER 2
Tutorial
2.1 Overview
This tutorial shows you how to join a wireless infrastructure network using the ZyXEL Utility.
The wireless client is labeled C and the Access Point is labeled AP.
Figure 6 Infrastructure Network
2.1.1 What You Can Do in This Tutorial
• Connect securely either to an infrastructure AP using the WPS protocol. See Section 2.2
on page 28 for details.
• Connect securely to an infrastructure AP using many of the strongest and most common
encryption protocols. See Section 2.3 on page 31 for details.
• Save a your settings so that you can later connect again to an infrastructure AP with a
single click. See Section 2.3.2 on page 33 for details.
2.1.2 What You Need to Know
The following term may help as you read through this section.
WPS
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a security protocol that lets two or more devices connect
securely to one another with a minimum amount of hassle on your part. It most cases,
establishing a secure connection with another WPS device is as easy as pushing a button.
2.1.3 Before You Begin
• Make sure that you have already familiarized yourself with the NWD-211AN’s features
and hardware, as described in Chapter 1 on page 21.
• You should have v alid login information for an existing network Access Point, otherwise
you may not be able to make a network connection right away.
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27
Chapter 2 Tutorial
2.2 Connecting to an AP using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
This section gives you an example of how to set up your wireless network using WPS. This
example uses the NWD-211AN as the wireless client, and ZyXEL’s NBG334W as the Access
Point (AP).
" The Access Point must be a WPS-aware device.
There are two WPS methods for creating a secure connection. This tutorial shows you both.
• Push Button Configuration (PBC) - create a secure wireless network simply by pressing
a button. See Section 2.2.1 on page 28.This is the easier method.
• PIN Configuration - create a secure wireless network simply by entering a wireless
client's PIN (Personal Identification Number) in the NWD-211AN’ s interface. See Section
2.2.2 on page 29. This is the more secure method, since one device can authenticate the
other.
2.2.1 Push Button Configuration (PBC)
1 Make sure that your access point is turned on and that it is within range of the computer
with the NWD-211AN installed.
2 Make sure that you have installed the NWD-211AN’s driver and utility on your
computer.
3 In the NWD-211AN’s utility, click the Adapter tab, enable WPS and select PBC (Push
Button Configuration). In the screen that appears, click Start.
4 Log into the AP’s web configurator and locate its WPS settings section. On the
NBG334W, press the Push Button button in the Network > Wireless Client > WPS
Station screen.
" It doesn’t matter which button is pressed first. You must press the second
button within two minutes of pressing the first one.
The AP sends the proper configuration settings to the NWD-211AN. This may take up to two
minutes. Then the NWD-211AN is able to communicate with the AP securely.
The following figure shows you an example to set up wireless network and security by
pressing a button on both the AP (the NBG334W in this example) and the NWD-211AN.
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NWD-211AN User’s Guide
Figure 7 Example WPS Process: PBC Method
You AP
WITHIN 2 MINUTES
Chapter 2 Tutorial
2.2.2 PIN Configuration
When you use the PIN configuration method, you need to use both the NWD-211AN’s utility
and the AP’s configuration interface.
1 In the NWD-211AN’s Adaptor tab, select WPS and PIN - Use this Device’s PIN. Note
down the PIN in the screen that appears.
2 Enter the PIN number in the AP’s configur ation interface. In the NBG334W , use the PIN
field in the Network > Wireless LAN > WPS Station screen.
3 Click the Start buttons on both the NWD-211AN utility screen and the AP’s
configuration utility (the WPS Station screen on the NBG334W) within two minutes.
SECURITY INFO
COMMUNICATION
The NWD-211AN authenticates the wireless client and sends t he proper configuration settings
to the wireless client. This may take up to two minutes. Then the wireless client is able to
communicate with the NWD-211AN securely.
The following figure shows you the example of configuring the wireless network and security
on the NWD-211AN and the AP (ZyXEL’s NBG334W in this example) by using the PIN
method.
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29
Chapter 2 Tutorial
Figure 8 Example WPS Process: PIN Method
You AP
30
WITHIN 2 MINUTES
Authentication by PIN
SECURITY INFO
COMMUNICATION
NWD-211AN User’s Guide
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