ZyXEL Communications NWD-370N User Manual

NWD-370N

Draft 802.11n Wireless PCI Adapter

User’s Guide

Version 1.00

Edition 1

10/2006

ZyXEL NWD-370N 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 NWD-370N User’s Guide

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

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

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

Certifications

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

1 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

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

is connected.

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

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

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

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

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

• To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation distance of at
least 20 cm must be maintained between the antenna of this device and all persons.

注意 !

4 Certifications

ZyXEL NWD-370N 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。

Notices

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

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

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Viewing Certifications

1 Go to http://www.zyxel.com.

2 Select your product on the ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.

3 Select the certification you wish to view from this page.

Certifications 5

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

For your safety, be sure to read and follow all warning notices and instructions.

• Do NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming
pool.

• Do NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.

• Do NOT store things on the device.

• Do NOT install, use, or service this device during a thunderstorm. There is a remote risk
of electric shock from lightning.

• Connect ONLY suitable accessories to the device.

• 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.

• Use only No. 26 AWG (American Wire Gauge) or larger telecommunication line cord.

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

Safety Warnings

This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly.

6 Safety Warnings

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

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

Note

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

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

Registration

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

ZyXEL Limited Warranty 7

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Please have the following information ready when you contact customer support.

• Product model and serial number.

• Warranty Information.

• Date that you received your device.

• Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it.

Customer Support

METHOD

LOCATION

CORPORATE
HEADQUARTERS
(WORLDWIDE)

COSTA RICA

CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

FINLAND

FRANCE

GERMANY

HUNGARY

KAZAKHSTAN

NORTH AMERICA

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE WEB SITE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

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

www.europe.zyxel.com

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

ftp.europe.zyxel.com

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.co.cr ZyXEL Costa Rica

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

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.cz ZyXEL Communications

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.dk ZyXEL Communications A/S

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.fi ZyXEL Communications Oy

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.fr ZyXEL France

[phone]

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

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.hu ZyXEL Hungary

[e-mail] [phone]

http://zyxel.kz/support [phone] www.zyxel.kz ZyXEL Kazakhstan

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] 1-800-255-4101

[phone]

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

www.us.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communications Inc.

REGULAR MAIL

ZyXEL Communications Corp.
6 Innovation Road II

Science Park
Hsinchu 300
Ta iw a n

Plaza Roble Escazú
Etapa El Patio, Tercer Piso
San José, Costa Rica

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

Columbusvej
2860 Soeborg
Denmark

Malminkaari 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland

1 rue des Vergers
Bat. 1 / C
69760 Limonest
France

Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146
Wuerselen
Germany

48, Zoldlomb Str.
H-1025, Budapest
Hungary

43, Dostyk ave.,Office 414
Dostyk Business Centre
050010, Almaty
Republic of Kazakhstan

1130 N. Miller St.
Anaheim
CA 92806-2001
U.S.A.

8 Customer Support

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

METHOD

LOCATION

NORWAY

POLAND

RUSSIA

SPAIN

SWEDEN

UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE WEB SITE

SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

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

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.pl.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communications

[phone]

http://zyxel.ru/support [phone] www.zyxel.ru ZyXEL Russia

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.es ZyXEL Communications

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.zyxel.se ZyXEL Communications A/S

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone] www.ua.zyxel.com ZyXEL Ukraine

[e-mail] [phone]

[e-mail] [phone]

08707 555779 (UK only)

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

www.zyxel.co.uk ZyXEL Communications UK

REGULAR MAIL

Nils Hansens vei 13
0667 Oslo
Norway

ul. Okrzei 1A
03-715 Warszawa
Poland

Ostrovityanova 37a Str.
Moscow, 117279
Russia

Arte, 21 5ª planta
28033 Madrid
Spain

Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden

13, Pimonenko Str.
Kiev, 04050
Ukraine

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

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

Customer Support 9

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

10 Customer Support

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1

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

1.1 About Your NWD-370N ....................................................................................19

1.2 Application Overview ..........................................................................................20

1.2.0.1 Infrastructure ...................................................................................20

1.2.0.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................................................................21

1.3 NWD-370N Hardware and Utility Installation .....................................................22

1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon .....................................................................................22

1.4 Configuration Methods ......................................................................................22

1.4.1 Enabling WZC ...........................................................................................22

1.4.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility .....................................................................23

Chapter 2

Tutorial .................................................................................................................... 25

2.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ..........................................................................25

2.2 Creating and Using a Profile ..............................................................................27

Chapter 3

Wireless LAN Network........................................................................................... 31

3.1 Wireless LAN Overview ....................................................................................31

3.2 Wireless LAN Security ......................................................................................32

3.2.1 User Authentication and Encryption .........................................................32

3.2.1.1 WEP ................................................................................................32

Table of Contents 11

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

3.2.1.2 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................33

3.2.1.3 WPA and WPA2 ..............................................................................33

Chapter 4

Wireless Configuration.......................................................................................... 35

4.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary .........................................................................35

4.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................35

4.2.1 Trend Chart ...............................................................................................37

4.3 The Site Survey Screen ....................................................................................37

4.3.1 Security Settings ......................................................................................39

4.3.1.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................39

4.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .....................................................................40

4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2 .....................................................................................41

4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1x ....................................................................................42

4.3.2 Confirm Save Screen ................................................................................43

4.4 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................44

4.4.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................46

4.5 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................50

Chapter 5

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 53

5.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................53

5.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................53

5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................54

Chapter 6

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

6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility ...................................................................55

6.2 Problems with the Link Quality ...........................................................................55

6.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................56

Appendix A

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

Appendix B

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

Appendix C

Wireless Security ................................................................................................... 71

Appendix D

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................. 77

Index........................................................................................................................ 85

12 Table of Contents

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1 The NWD-370N ....................................................................................... 19

Figure 2 Application: Infrastructure ....................................................................... 21

Figure 3 Application: Ad-Hoc ................................................................................ 21

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

Figure 5 Enable WZC ............................................................................................. 23

Figure 6 Infrastructure Network .............................................................................. 25

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ........................................................................ 26

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings .............................................................. 26

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm Save ..................................................................... 27

Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info .......................................................................... 27

Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Profile .............................................................................. 28

Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile ............................................................... 28

Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security ................................................................ 29

Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption ............................................................ 29

Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Confirm Save ....................................................... 29

Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate ................................................................ 30

Figure 17 Example of a Wireless Network ............................................................. 31

Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ............................................................... 35

Figure 19 Link Info ................................................................................................ 36

Figure 20 Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................................... 37

Figure 21 Site Survey ............................................................................................ 38

Figure 22 Security Setting: WEP .......................................................................... 39

Figure 23 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................ 40

Figure 24 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ............................................................... 41

Figure 25 Security Setting: 802.1x ........................................................................ 42

Figure 26 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................ 44

Figure 27 Profile ................................................................................................... 45

Figure 28 Profile: Add a New Profile ..................................................................... 46

Figure 29 Profile: Wireless Settings ...................................................................... 47

Figure 30 Profile: Wireless Settings ...................................................................... 48

Figure 31 Profile: Security Settings ....................................................................... 49

Figure 32 Profile: Confirm New Settings ............................................................... 49

Figure 33 Profile: Activate the Profile .................................................................... 50

Figure 34 Adapter ................................................................................................. 50

Figure 35 About ..................................................................................................... 53

Figure 36 Uninstall: Confirm ................................................................................. 54

Figure 37 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 54

Figure 38 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 59

List of Figures 13

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 39 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 60

Figure 40 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 60

Figure 41 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 61

Figure 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 61

Figure 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 62

Figure 44 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 63

Figure 45 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............. 63

Figure 46 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 64

Figure 47 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 65

Figure 48 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 66

Figure 49 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 67

Figure 50 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 68

Figure 51 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 69

Figure 52 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 75

Figure 53 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 76

Figure 54 WIndows 98/Me: Network: Configuration ............................................... 78

Figure 55 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address ................................... 79

Figure 56 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ...................... 80

Figure 57 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 81

Figure 58 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 81

Figure 59 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 82

Figure 60 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 82

Figure 61 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 83

Figure 62 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 84

14 List of Figures

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1 External View ............................................................................................ 20

Table 2 NWD-370N LEDs ..................................................................................... 20

Table 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 22

Table 4 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ................................................................... 35

Table 5 Link Info .................................................................................................... 36

Table 6 Link Info: Trend Chart ............................................................................... 37

Table 7 Site Survey ............................................................................................... 38

Table 8 Security Setting: WEP .............................................................................. 39

Table 9 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................... 41

Table 10 Security Setting: WPA/WPA2 .................................................................. 41

Table 11 Security Settings: IEEE 802.1x ............................................................... 43

Table 12 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................. 44

Table 13 Profile ..................................................................................................... 45

Table 14 Profile: Add a New Profile ....................................................................... 46

Table 15 Profile: Wireless Settings ........................................................................ 48

Table 16 Adapter ................................................................................................... 50

Table 17 About ...................................................................................................... 53

Table 18 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility ................................................... 55

Table 19 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 55

Table 20 Troubleshooting Communication Problems ............................................ 56

Table 21 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 57

Table 22 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 60

Table 23 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 62

Table 24 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 63

Table 25 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 64

Table 26 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 65

Table 27 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 66

Table 28 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 67

Table 29 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 73

Table 30 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 76

List of Tables 15

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

16 List of Tables

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the NWD-370N Draft 802.11n Wireless PCI Adapter.
Your NWD-370N plugs into a PCI slot in your computer and allows you to access wireless
networks.

Your NWD-370N is easy to install and configure.

About This User's Guide

This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your NWD-370N 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 Web Site

Please go to http://www.zyxel.com for product news, firmware, updated documents, and
other support materials.

User Guide Feedback

Help us help you. E-mail all User’s Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for
improvement to [e-mail] or send regular mail to The Technical Writing
Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park,
Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan. Thank you.

Syntax Conventions

• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. “Select” or “Choose” means for
you to use one predefined choice.

• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a right angle bracket ( > ). For example, “In
Windows, click Start > Settings > 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 NWD-370N Draft 802.11n Wireless PCI Adapter may be referred to as the NWD­370N in this User’s Guide.

Preface 17

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Graphics Icons Key

Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer

Server Modem or Router Wireless Signal

Internet Cloud

18 Preface

This chapter introduces the NWD-370N and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility. The
ZyXEL utility is a tool that helps you configure your NWD-370N.

1.1 About Your NWD-370N

The NWD-370N is an IEEE 802.11n draft compliant wireless LAN adapter, using MIMO
(Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) antenna technology to deliver high-speed wireless networking. It
can also connect to IEEE 802.11b/g wireless networks.

See the appendix for detailed product specifications.

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

Figure 1 The NWD-370N

Chapter 1 Getting Started 19

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

The following table describes the NWD-370N.

Table 1 External View

LABEL DESCRIPTION

A Removable antennas

B LEDs (lights)

C PCI connector

The following table describes the operation of the LEDs on the device.

Table 2 NWD-370N LEDs

STATE DESCRIPTION

The LEDs are off The NWD-370N is not receiving power.

The LEDs are blinking
alternately.

The LEDs are blinking
simultaneously and regularly.

The LEDs are blinking
simultaneously and irregularly.

The NWD-370N is receiving power and is not connected to a
wireless network.

The NWD-370N is receiving power and is connected to a wireless
network.

The NWD-370N is receiving power, is connected to a wireless
network and is sending or receiving data.

1.2 Application Overview

This section describes some network applications for the NWD-370N. 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).

1.2.0.1 Infrastructure

To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the NWD-370N network type to
Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the
AP.

20 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Figure 2 Application: Infrastructure

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

1.2.0.2 Ad-Hoc

To set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use Ad-Hoc.

Ad-Hoc does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients

communicate directly with each other.

Figure 3 Application: Ad-Hoc

Chapter 1 Getting Started 21

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

1.3 NWD-370N Hardware and Utility Installation

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

1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility Icon

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

Note: The ZyXEL utility system tray icon displays only when the NWD-370N is

installed properly.

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

Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the NWD-370N. Refer
to the following table for details.

Table 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Red The NWD-370N is not connected to a wireless network.

Green The NWD-370N is connected to a wireless network.

1.4 Configuration Methods

To configure your NWD-370N, use one of the following applications:

• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (the Windows XP wireless configuration tool)

• ZyXEL Utility

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

1.4.1 Enabling WZC

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

If you want to use WZC to configure the NWD-370N, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility
by right-clicking the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and selecting Exit.

22 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Figure 5 Enable WZC

Refer to the appendices for information on how to use WZC to manage the NWD-370N.

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

(All) Programs, ZyXEL NWD-370N Wireless Adapter Utility, ZyXEL NWD-370N
Wireless Adapter Software.

1.4.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility

Double-click on the ZyXEL wireless LAN utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyXEL
utility.

The ZyXEL utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for
Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide.

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

window.

Chapter 1 Getting Started 23

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

24 Chapter 1 Getting Started

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

CHAPTER 2

Tutorial

The following sections show you how to join a wireless network using the ZyXEL utility, as in
the following diagrams. The wireless client is labeled C and the access point is labeled AP.

Figure 6 Infrastructure Network

There are three ways to connect the wireless client (the NWD-370N) to a network.

• Configure nothing and leave the wireless client to automatically scan for and connect to
any available network that has no wireless security configured.

• Manually connect to a network (see Section 2.1 on page 25).

• Configure a profile to have the wireless client automatically connect to a specific network
or peer computer (see Section 2.2 on page 27).

2.1 Connecting to a Wireless LAN

This example illustrates how to manually connect your wireless client to an access point (AP)
configured for WPA-PSK security and connected to the Internet. Before you connect to the
access point, you must know its Service Set IDentity (SSID) and WPA-PSK pre-shared key. In
this example, the AP’s SSID is “SSID_Example3” and its pre-shared key is “ThisismyWPA­PSKpre-sharedkey”.

After you install the ZyXEL utility and then insert the wireless client, follow the steps below
to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.

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

Chapter 2 Tutorial 25

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey

2 The wireless client automatically searches for available wireless networks. Click Scan if

you want to search again. If no entry displays in the Available Network List, that means
there is no wireless network available within range. Make sure the AP or peer computer is
turned on, or move the wireless client closer to the AP or peer computer. See Table 4.3 on

page 37 for detailed field descriptions.

3 To connect to an AP or peer computer, either click an entry in the list and then click

Connect or double-click an entry (SSID_Example3 in this example).

4 When you try to connect to an AP with security configured, a window will pop up

prompting you to specify the security settings. Enter the pre-shared key and leave the
encryption type at the default setting.

Use the Next button to move on to the next screen. You can use the Back button at any
time to return to the previous screen, or the Exit button to return to the Site Survey
screen.

Figure 8 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings

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

26 Chapter 2 Tutorial

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 9 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm Save

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

network using your settings. When the wireless link is established, the ZyXEL utility icon
in the system tray turns green and the Link Info screen displays details of the active
connection. Check the network information in the Link Info screen to verify that you
have successfully connected to the selected network. If the wireless client is not
connected to a network, the fields in this screen remain blank. See Table 4.2 on page 35
for detailed field descriptions.

Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info

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

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

2.2 Creating and Using a Profile

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

Chapter 2 Tutorial 27

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

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

to configure a new profile.

Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Profile

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

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

Figure 12 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile

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

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

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

example, WPA-PSK).

28 Chapter 2 Tutorial

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 13 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Security

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

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

Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption

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

screen.

Figure 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Confirm Save

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

Later button to go back to the Profile List screen.

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

Chapter 2 Tutorial 29

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Activate

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 Chapter 2 Tutorial

Wireless LAN Network

This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN networks.

3.1 Wireless LAN Overview

The following figure provides an example of a wireless network with an AP. See Figure 3 on

page 21 for an Ad Hoc network example.

Figure 17 Example of a Wireless Network

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

CHAPTER 3

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

Every wireless network must follow these basic guidelines.

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

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

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

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

Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 31

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

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

3.2 Wireless LAN Security

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

If you do not enable any wireless security on your NWD-370N, the NWD-370N’s wireless
communications are accessible to any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area.

Note: You can use only WEP encryption if you set the NWD-370N to Ad-hoc mode.

See the appendices for more detailed information about wireless security.

3.2.1 User Authentication and Encryption

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

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

3.2.1.1 WEP

3.2.1.1.1 Data Encryption

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between
the NWD-370N 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 NWD-370N.

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

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

• Enter the WEP keys manually.

32 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network

Your NWD-370N allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 152-bit WEP
keys. Only one key is used as the default key at any one time.

3.2.1.1.2 Authentication Type

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

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

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

• Auto authentication mode allows the NWD-370N 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.

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

3.2.1.2 IEEE 802.1x

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

3.2.1.2.1 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 NWD-370N supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP.
Refer to Appendix C on page 71 for descriptions.

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

3.2.1.3 WPA and WPA2

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

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

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

Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 33

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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.

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.

34 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network

CHAPTER 4

Wireless Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure your NWD-370N.

4.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary

This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens.

Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

The following table describes the menus.

Table 4 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary

TAB DESCRIPTION

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

statistics.

Site Survey Use this screen to

• scan for a wireless network

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

• connect to a wireless network.

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

security settings.

Adapter Use this screen to configure preamble type and enable power saving.

4.2 The Link Info Screen

When the ZyXEL utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current
configuration and connection status of your NWD-370N.

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 35

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 19 Link Info

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 5 Link Info

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Network
Status

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

Network Name
(SSID)

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

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

Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the NWD-370N in megabits per

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

Channel This field displays the radio channel the NWD-370N is currently using.

Stat istics

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

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

Authentication This field displays the authentication method of the NWD-370N.

Network Mode This field displays the wireless standard (802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) of the AP

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

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

Link Quality This field displays the signal strength of the NWD-370N.

The SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated.
This field displays the name of the wireless device to which the NWD-370N is
associated.

370N is associated.

network.

second (Mbps).

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

or peer computer.

36 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

Table 5 Link Info (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

4.2.1 Trend Chart

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

Figure 20 Link Info: Trend Chart

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

second (Kbps).

depends on the antenna output power and the distance between your NWD-370N
and the AP or peer computer.

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

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 6 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).

4.3 The Site Survey Screen

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

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 37

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 21 Site Survey

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 7 Site Survey

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Available Network
List

,

,

or

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

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

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

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

Connect Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.

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

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

Network Mode This field displays the wireless standard (802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) used by

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

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

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

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

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.

the selected wireless device.

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

38 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

4.3.1 Security Settings

When you configure the NWD-370N to connect to a network with wireless security activated
and the security settings are disabled on the NWD-370N, the screen varies according to the
encryption method used by the selected network.

4.3.1.1 WEP Encryption

Figure 22 Security Setting: WEP

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 8 Security Setting: WEP

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security Settings

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

related fields.

Encryption Type Select an authentication method. Choices are Open, Shared and Auto Switch.

Refer to Section 3.2.1.1.2 on page 33 for more information.

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

the passphrase, the NWD-370N automatically generates four different WEP keys
and displays it in the key field below. Refer to Section 3.2.1.1.1 on page 32 for
more information.

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

below.

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 39

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Table 8 Security Setting: WEP (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.

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

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

(for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type.

If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,

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

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

(for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.

If you select 152 Bits in the WEP field,

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

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

(for example, MyKey12345678901) for ASCII key type.

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

same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.

ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.

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

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 43.

4.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

Figure 23 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

40 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 9 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 3.2.1.3 on page 33 for more information.

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

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 43.

Figure 24 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 10 Security Setting: WPA/WPA2

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.
Refer to Section 3.2.1.3 on page 33 for more information.

Authentication
Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

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

and TTLS.

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

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 41

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Table 10 Security Setting: WPA/WPA2

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Click Browse to select a certificate.

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

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

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

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

MS CHAP v2.

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 43.

4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1x

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

Figure 25 Security Setting: 802.1x

42 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 11 Security Settings: IEEE 802.1x

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Authentication
Type

Login Name Enter a user name.

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

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

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

PEAP.

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

Enter the password associated with the user name above.

Click Browse to select a certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

MS CHAP v2.

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.

network.

Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 43.

4.3.2 Confirm Save Screen

Use this screen to confirm and save the security settings.

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 43

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 26 Confirm Save Screen

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 12 Confirm Save Screen

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Security Setting

Network Name
(SSID)

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

Network Mode This field displays the wireless standard (802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) used by the

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

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

Back Click Back to return to the previous screen.

Save Click Save to save the changes back to the NWD-370N and display the Link Info

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

This field displays the SSID previously entered.

device.

selected wireless device.

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

screen.

4.4 The Profile Screen

A profile is a set of wireless parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network. With a
profile activated, each time you start the NWD-370N, 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 NWD-370N cannot connect to a network.

If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the NWD-370N, the NWD­370N uses the default profile to connect to any available network that has no security enabled.

44 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

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

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

Figure 27 Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 13 Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Profile List Click a column heading to sort the entries.

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

,

,

or

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

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

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

profile name in the table and click Connect.

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

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

and click Delete.

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

click Edit.

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

security is deactivated.

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

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

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 45

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Table 13 Profile (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Profile List table.

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

Network Mode This field displays the wireless standard (802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) used by

the selected wireless device.

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

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

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

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

second (Mbps).

4.4.1 Adding a New Profile

Follow the steps below to add a new profile.

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

Click Next to continue.

Figure 28 Profile: Add a New Profile

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 14 Profile: Add a New Profile

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Add New Profile

Profile Name Enter a descriptive name in this field.

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

the SSID of the wireless device to which you want to associate in this field
manually. Otherwise, enter Any to have the NWD-370N associate to any AP or
roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.

46 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Table 14 Profile: Add a New Profile (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

computer.

Next Click Next to go to the next screen.

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

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

transmission range.

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

,

,

or

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

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

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

profile.
Whenever you activate this profile, the NWD-370N associates to the selected

wireless network only.

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.

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 29 Profile: Wireless Settings

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 47

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 15 Profile: Wireless Settings

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Wireless Settings

Wireless Mode This is the wireless standard the NWD-370N uses. In Ad-Hoc mode, you can use

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

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

WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x from the drop-down list box to enable data
encryption. If you selected Ad-Hoc network type in the first screen, you can use only
WEP encryption method. Otherwise, select DISABLE to allow the NWD-370N to

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

Figure 30 Profile: Wireless Settings

only 802.11g.

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 NWD-370N. Refer to Section 4.3.1 on page 39 for detailed information on
wireless security configuration.

48 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 31 Profile: Security Settings

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

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

Figure 32 Profile: Confirm New Settings

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

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

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

is started.

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 49

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 33 Profile: Activate the Profile

4.5 The Adapter Screen

To set the other advanced features on the NWD-370N, click the Adapter tab.

Figure 34 Adapter

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 16 Adapter

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Adapter Setting

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

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

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

Select Auto to have the NWD-370N automatically use short preamble when the
access point supports it; otherwise the NWD-370N uses long preamble.

Note: The NWD-370N and the access point MUST use the same

preamble mode in order to communicate.

50 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

Table 16 Adapter (continued)

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Power Saving
Mode

Save Click Save to save the changes to the NWD-370N and return to the Link Info

Select Maximum Power Save or Fast Power Save to save power (especially for
notebook computers). This forces the NWD-370N to go to sleep mode when it is
not transmitting data.

When you select Continuous Access Mode, the NWD-370N will never go to
sleep mode.

screen.

Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration 51

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

52 Chapter 4 Wireless Configuration

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

5.1 The About Screen

The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the NWD-370N. To display
the screen as shown below, click the about ( ) button.

Figure 35 About

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

CHAPTER 5

Maintenance

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

Table 17 About

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Driver Version This field displays the version number of the NWD-370N 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.

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

configurations.

1 Click Start, (All) Programs, ZyXEL NWD-370N Utility, Uninstall ZyXEL NWD-

370N Wireless PCI Adapter Utility.

Chapter 5 Maintenance 53

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

Figure 36 Uninstall: Confirm

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

prompted.

Figure 37 Uninstall: Finish

5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility

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

configurations.

To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.

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

your computer.

2 Follow the steps in Section 5.2 on page 53 to remove the current ZyXEL utility from your

computer.

3 Restart your computer when prompted.

4 Disconnect the NWD-370N from your computer.

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

installation.

6 Insert the NWD-370N and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure

the new utility is installed properly.

54 Chapter 5 Maintenance

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

Table 18 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Cannot start the
ZyXEL Wireless
LAN utility

The ZyXEL utility
icon does not
display.

Make sure the NWD-370N is properly inserted and the LEDs are 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 NWD-370N under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on
the version of Windows).

Install the NWD-370N in another computer.
If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you should

contact your local vendor.

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

6.2 Problems with the Link Quality

Table 19 Troubleshooting Link Quality

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

The link quality
and/or signal
strength is poor.

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

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

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

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

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 55

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

6.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers

Table 20 Troubleshooting Communication Problems

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

The computer with
the NWD-370N
installed cannot
communicate with
the other
computer(s).

In Infrastructure Mode

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

• Make sure the NWD-370N computer and the associated AP use the same
SSID.

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

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

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

In Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode

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

• Make sure the NWD-370N computer and the peer computer(s) are using the
same SSID and channel.

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

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

56 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

APPENDIX A

Product Specifications

Table 21 Product Specifications

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Product Name NWD-370N Draft 802.11n Wireless PCI Adapter

Interface PCI bus 2.3

Standards IEEE 802.11b

IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Network Architecture Infrastructure

Operating Temperature 0 ~ 50 degrees Centigrade

Storage Temperature -30 ~ 60 degrees Centigrade

Operating Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

Storage Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)

Power TX power consumption: < 690 mA

RX power consumption: < 600 mA

Voltage 3.3 V

Weight 145 g

Dimension (L) 120 mm × (W) 97.5 mm × (H) 20 mm

RADIO SPECIFICATIONS

Media Access Protocol IEEE 802.11

Frequency Industrial Scientific Medical Band

2.4 ~ 2.4835 GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g)

Operating Channels North American and Taiwan: 11

Europe: 13

Data Rate IEEE 802.11b: 11Mbps with automatic fallback to 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps

IEEE 802.11g: 54Mbps with automatic fallback to 48, 36, 24, 18, 12,
9, 6 Mbps

IEEE 802.11n (draft): up to 300 Mbps

Modulation IEEE 802.11b: CCK (11 and 5.5 Mbps), DQPSK (2 Mbps) and

DBPSK (1 Mbps)
IEEE 802.11g: OFDM with BPSK, QPSK and 16/64-QAM sub-

Carrier modulations

Average Output Power Tolerance: +/- 1.5 dBm

IEEE 802.11b: 18 dBm at 11 Mbps
IEEE 802.11g: 15 dBm at 54 Mbps
IEEE 802.11n (draft): 14 dBm at HT20 & HT40

Appendix A 57

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Table 21 Product Specifications (continued)

RX Sensitivity Tolerance: +/- 1 dBm

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Device Drivers Windows 2000, Windows XP

Security 64/128/152-bit WEP

Roaming IEEE 802.11b/g/n compliant

IEEE 802.11b: -84 dBm at 11 Mbps
IEEE 802.11g: -72 dBm at 54 Mbps
IEEE 802.11n (draft): -70 dBm at HT20 & HT40

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

58 Appendix A

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

APPENDIX B

Management with Wireless Zero

Configuration

This appendix shows you how to manage your NWD-370N 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 38 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available

Appendix B 59

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Connecting to a Wireless Network

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

Wireless Network Connection Status screen.

Figure 39 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the NWD­370N. Refer to the following table for details.

Table 22 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon

ICON DESCRIPTION

The NWD-370N is connected to a wireless network.

The NWD-370N 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 NWD-370N 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 40 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status

60 Appendix B

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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 41 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 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

Appendix B 61

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

Table 23 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 NWD-370N 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 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

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

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

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

62 Appendix B

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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

Figure 45 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 24 Windows XP: Wireless Networks

ICON DESCRIPTION

This denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.

This denotes the NWD-370N is associated to the wireless network.

This denotes the wireless network is not available.

Security Settings

When you configure the NWD-370N to connect to a secure network but the security settings
are not yet enabled on the NWD-370N, you will see different screens according to the
authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.

Association

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

Appendix B 63

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Figure 46 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 25 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Network name
(SSID)

Network
Authentication

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

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

Confirm network
key

Key index
(advanced)

The key is
provided for me
automatically

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

OK Click OK to save your changes.

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

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

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

by the selected network.

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

Enter the key again for confirmation.

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

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

If this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the NWD-370N a key.

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

64 Appendix B

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 47 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 26 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Enable IEEE

802.1x
authentication for
this network

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

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

Authenticate as
computer when
computer
information is
available

Authenticate as
guest when user
or computer
information is
unavailable

OK Click OK to save your changes.

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

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

to disable or enable this feature.

Smart Card or other Certificate.

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

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

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

Appendix B 65

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

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 48 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 27 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Validate server
certificate

Connect to these
servers

Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:

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

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

Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.

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

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

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

Select
Authentication
Method:

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

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

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

66 Appendix B

Table 27 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Enable Fast
Reconnect

OK Click OK to save your changes.

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

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

Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

Figure 49 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

The following table describes the labels in this screen.

Table 28 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

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

Use a certificate
on this computer

Validate server
certificate

Connect to these
servers

Trusted Root
Certification
Authorities:

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

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

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

Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.

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

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

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

Appendix B 67

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Table 28 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties

LABEL DESCRIPTION

Use a different
user name for the
connection:

OK Click OK to save your changes.

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

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

Ordering the Preferred Networks

Follow the steps below to manage your preferred networks.

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

Network Connection screen (see Figure 42 on page 61). The screen displays as shown.

Figure 50 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.

68 Appendix B

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 51 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

2 Whenever the NWD-370N tries to connect to a new network, the new network is added in

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

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

Appendix B 69

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

70 Appendix B

Types of EAP Authentication

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

EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the
IEEE 802.1x transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By
using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a
wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication.

The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server and an intermediary AP(s)
that supports IEEE 802.1x.

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

APPENDIX C

Wireless Security

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

EAP-MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5)

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

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

Appendix C 71

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EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security)

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

EAP-TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Service)

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

PEAP (Protected EAP)

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

LEAP

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

802.1x.

Dynamic WEP Key Exchange

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

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

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

72 Appendix C

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 29 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types

Mutual Authentication No Ye s Ye s Yes Ye s

Certificate – Client No Yes Optional Optional No

Certificate – Server No Yes Ye s Yes No

Dynamic Key Exchange No Yes Ye s Yes Ye s

Credential Integrity None Strong Strong Strong Moderate

Deployment Difficulty Easy Hard Moderate Moderate Moderate

Client Identity Protection No No Yes Yes No

WPA and WPA2

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

EAP-MD5 EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS PEAP LEAP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Encryption

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

Appendix C 73

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

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

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

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

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

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

User Authentication

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

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

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

74 Appendix C

WPA(2)-PSK Application Example

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

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

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

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

matches its password.

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

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

exchanged between them.

Figure 52 WPA-PSK Authentication

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

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

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

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

or denies network access accordingly.

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

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

Appendix C 75

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 53 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example

Security Parameters Summary

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

Table 30 Wireless Security Relational Matrix

AUTHENTICATION
METHOD/ KEY
MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

Open None No Disable

Open WEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP Key

Shared WEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP Key

WPA TKIP/AES No Enable

WPA-PSK TKIP/AES Yes Disable

WPA2 TKIP/AES No Enable

WPA2-PSK TKIP/AES Ye s Disable

ENCRYPTION
METHOD

ENTER
MANUAL KEY

Yes Enable without Dynamic WEP Key

Yes Disable

Yes Enable without Dynamic WEP Key

Yes Disable

IEEE 802.1X

Enable without Dynamic WEP Key

76 Appendix C

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

APPENDIX D

Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address

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

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

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

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

Windows 98/Me

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

Appendix D 77

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 54 WIndows 98/Me: Network: Configuration

Installing Components

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

If you need the adapter:

1 In the Network window, click Add.

2 Select Adapter and then click Add.

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

If you need TCP/IP:

1 In the Network window, click Add.

2 Select Protocol and then click Add.

3 Select Microsoft from the list of manufacturers.

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

If you need Client for Microsoft Networks:

1 Click Add.

2 Select Client and then click Add.

78 Appendix D

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 55 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address

ZyXEL NWD-370N 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).

Appendix D 79

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 56 Windows 98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration

4 Click the Gateway tab.

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

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

7 Restart your computer when prompted.

Verifying Settings

1 Click Start and then Run.

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

window.

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

and default gateway.

Windows 2000/XP

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

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

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

Control Panel.

80 Appendix D

Figure 57 Windows XP: Start Menu

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

2 For Windows XP, click Network Connections. For Windows 2000, click Network and

Dial-up Connections.

Figure 58 Windows XP: Control Panel

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

Appendix D 81

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 59 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties

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

Properties.

Figure 60 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.

82 Appendix D

• If you have a static IP address click Use the following IP Address
and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway fields.
Click Advanced.

Figure 61 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

6 If you do not know your gateway's IP address, remove any previously installed gateways

in the IP Settings tab and click OK.

Do one or more of the following if you want to configure additional IP addresses:

•In the IP Settings tab, in IP addresses, click Add.

•In TCP/IP Address, type an IP address in IP address and a subnet
mask in Subnet mask, and then click Add.

• Repeat the above two steps for each IP address you want to add.

• Configure additional default gateways in the IP Settings tab by
clicking Add in Default gateways.

•In TCP/IP Gateway Address, type the IP address of the default
gateway in Gateway. To manually configure a default metric (the
number of transmission hops), clear the Automatic metric check box
and type a metric in Metric.

• Click Add.

• Repeat the previous three steps for each default gateway you want to
add.

• Click OK when finished.

7 In the Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window (the General tab in Windows XP):

Appendix D 83

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Figure 62 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties

• Click Obtain DNS server address automatically if you do not know
your DNS server IP address(es).

• If you know your DNS server IP address(es), click Use the following
DNS server addresses, and type them in the Preferred DNS server
and Alternate DNS server fields.

If you have previously configured DNS servers, click Advanced and
then the DNS tab to order them.

8 Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.

9 Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.

10Restart your computer (if prompted).

Verifying Settings

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories and then Command Prompt.

2 In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and then press [ENTER]. You can

also open Network Connections, right-click a network connection, click Status and then
click the Support tab.

84 Appendix D

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Index

A

About 53
About your ZyXEL AG-220 19
Access point (AP) 31
Access point. See also AP.
ACT LED 20
Activating a profile 49
Adapter 50
Ad-Hoc 21, 47
Advanced Encryption Standard 34, 73
Advanced settings 50
AP

See also access point.
AP MAC address 36
Authentication 36
Authentication type 33, 41

auto 33

open system 33

shared key 33
Auto authentication 33
Automatic connection 37
Automatic network scan 25, 44

Connection status 35
Contact information 8
Continuous access mode 51
copyright 3
Creating a new profile 46
Current configuration 35
Current connection status 35

Customer support 8

D

Data encryption 38
Data rate 57
Digital ID 33
Dimensions 57
Disclaimer 3
Download 54
Driver version 53
Dynamic WEP Key Exchange 72

B

Band 57

C

CCMP 34
Certificate Authority (CA) 33, 72
Certifications 4

notices 5

viewing 5
Channel 31, 36, 38, 47, 57
Configuration method 22

important note 22

Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) 22
Configuration methods

ZyXEL utility 22
Configuration status 35

E

EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) 33
EAP authentication 33, 71
EAP-PEAP 33
EAP-TLS 33
EAP-TTLS 33
Encryption 73
Encryption type 33, 39, 41
Environmental specifications 57

F

Fast power save 51
FCC interference statement 4
Frequency 31, 57

Index 85

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

G

Getting started 19
Graphics icons key 18

H

Hardware connections 22
Help 23
Humidity 57

I

IEEE 802.1x 33, 42
Industrial Scientific Medical Band 57
Infrastructure 20
Initialization vector (IV) 74
Installation 22
Interface 57
Internet access 20
IP address

setup 77

L

LEDs 20

Lights 20
Link information 35
LINK LED 20
Link quality 36, 37

N

Network mode 36
Network name 36
Network overlap 31
Network scan 44
Network type 36, 38

O

Online help 23
Output power 57

P

Packet collisions 37
Pairwise Master Key (PMK) 74
Passphrase 32, 39
Password phrase 32
Peer computer 20, 47
Physical specifications 57
Power consumption 57
Power saving mode 51
Preamble 50
product registration 7
Product specifications 57
Profile 36, 45

activation 49
add new 46
configure 25, 27
default 44
delete 45
edit 45
information 46
new 45, 46

M

Manual network connection 25
Maximum power save 51
Message Integrity Check (MIC) 34, 73
Modulation 57

Q

Quick Start Guide 17, 22, 55

R

Radio interference 55

86 Index

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

Radio specifications 57
RADIUS 33, 34
RADIUS server 74
Real-time data traffic statistics 37
Receive rate 36
Registration

product 7
Related Documentation 17

S

Safety warnings 6
Save power 51
Scan 37
Scan Info 47
Search 37
Security 32, 36, 58

data encryption 32

parameters 76
Sensitivity 58
Service Set Identity (SSID) 25, 31
Signal strength 37, 38
Site information 38
Site survey 37

scan 38

security settings 39
Sleep mode 51
SSID 25, 31, 36, 38, 56
Stat istics 36
Support CD 17
Syntax conventions 17
System tray 22

T

Temperature 57
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) 34, 73
Total receive 36
Total tr a n s m i t 36
Trademarks 3
Transmission rate 36, 46
Transmit key 39
Transmit rate 36
Trend chart 37
Troubleshooting 55

link quality 55

network communication 56

starting the ZyXEL Utility 55

U

Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility 53
Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility

important step 54
Upgrading ZyXEL Utility 54
User authentication 32, 74
Utility installation 22
Utility version 53

V

Voltage 57

W

Warranty 7

note 7
Weight 57
WEP 32, 39

automatic setup 32

manual setup 32, 40

passphrase 32, 39
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 32
WEP Encryption 39
WEP key generation 32
Wi-Fi Protected Access 33, 73
Windows XP 22
Wireless client 31
Wireless LAN

introduction 31

security 32
Wireless LAN (WLAN) 31
Wireless network 31
Wireless security 71
Wireless standard 36, 57
Wireless station mode

adapter 50

security settings 39

site survey 37

trend chart 37
WLAN

Security parameters 76
WPA 33, 41, 73

Index 87

ZyXEL NWD-370N User’s Guide

WPA2 33, 41, 73
WPA2-Pre-Shared Key 34, 73
WPA2-PSK 34, 40, 73
WPA-PSK 34, 40, 73
WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) 22

Z

ZyXEL Utility 22

accessing 23
driver version number 53
exiting 22
help 23
reactivating 23
status 22
system tray icon 22
upgrading 54
version number 53

88 Index