ZyXEL Communications X-550 User Manual

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

ZyXEL X-550

XtremeMIMOTM 802.11g Wireless Broadband Router

User’s Guide

February 2006

Version 1.1

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Copyright

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.

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 patents' 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

Trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for identification purposes only and may be properties of their respective owners.

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Interference Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

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

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

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

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

Notice 1

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

Certifications

Go to www.us.zyxel.com

• Select your product from the drop-down list box on the ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.

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

Refer to the Quick Start Guide for model specific FCC statement.

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

ZyXEL Limited Warranty

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

NOTE

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

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

Online Registration

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Customer Support

When contacting your Customer Support Representative, please have the following information ready:

• Serial number for your specific product

• Warranty information

• Date you received or purchased your product

• Brief description of the problem including any steps that you have taken before contacting the ZyXEL

Customer Support Representative

SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONE NORTH

AMERICA

support@zyxel.com

+1-800-978-7222

WEB SITE REGULAR MAIL

www.us.zyxel.com

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

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

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

XtremeMIMOTM 802.11g Wireless Broadband Router................................................................................................................i

Copyright........................................................................................................................................................................................ ii

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

ZyXEL Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................iv

Customer Support...........................................................................................................................................................................v

Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................................................................................vi

Preface..........................................................................................................................................................................................viii

Chapter 1 Getting To Know Your X-550.................................................................................................................................. 1-2

1.1 About Your ZyXEL X-550.......................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 Features..................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.3 Hardware Overview................................................................................................................................... 1-3

1.3.1 Real Panel............................................................................................................................................................1-3

1.3.2 Front Panel LEDs................................................................................................................................................1-4

1.4 Installation Considerations ........................................................................................................................ 1-5

1.5 Getting Started........................................................................................................................................... 1-5

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Networking........................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1

2.2 SSID......................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.3 Channel ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.4 Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)........................................................................................................... 2-1

2.5 Wireless Network Application.................................................................................................................... 2-1

Chapter 3 Using the Configuration Menu................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.1 BASIC........................................................................................................................................................ 3-2

Overview.................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

3.1.1 Setup Wizards .....................................................................................................................................................3-2

3.1.2 BASIC - WAN....................................................................................................................................................3-3

3.1.3 BASIC - LAN......................................................................................................................................................3-6

3.1.4 BASIC - DHCP...................................................................................................................................................3-7

3.1.5 BASIC - Wireless................................................................................................................................................3-9

3.2 ADVANCED............................................................................................................................................. 3-13

3.2.1 ADVANCED - Game Hosting..........................................................................................................................3-13

3.2.2 ADVANCED - Virtual Server...........................................................................................................................3-15

3.2.3 ADVANCED - Applications.............................................................................................................................3-17

3.2.4 ADVANCED - StreamEngine™.......................................................................................................................3-19

3.2.5 ADVANCED - Routing....................................................................................................................................3-21

3.2.6 ADVANCED - Access Control.........................................................................................................................3-22

3.2.7 ADVANCED - WEB Filter...............................................................................................................................3-24

3.2.8 ADVANCED - MAC Filter ..............................................................................................................................3-25

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

3.2.9

ADVANCED - Firewall................................................................................................................................... 3-26

3.2.10 ADVANCED - Inbound Filter.......................................................................................................................... 3-27

3.2.11 ADVANCED - Wireless .................................................................................................................................. 3-29

3.2.12 ADVANCED - Schedules................................................................................................................................ 3-30

3.3 TOOLS .....................................................................................................................................................3-32

3.3.1 TOOLS - Admin............................................................................................................................................... 3-32

3.3.2 TOOLS - Time ................................................................................................................................................. 3-34

3.3.3 TOOLS - Syslog............................................................................................................................................... 3-35

3.3.4 TOOLS - Email ................................................................................................................................................3-36

3.3.5 TOOLS - System.............................................................................................................................................. 3-37

3.3.6 TOOLS - Firmware ..........................................................................................................................................3-38

3.3.7 Tools - DDNS (Dynamic DNS)........................................................................................................................ 3-39

3.4 STAUS......................................................................................................................................................3-41

3.4.1 STATUS - Device info..................................................................................................................................... 3-41

3.4.2 STATUS - Wireless.......................................................................................................................................... 3-41

3.4.3 STATUS - Logs................................................................................................................................................ 3-42

3.4.4 STATUS - Statistics......................................................................................................................................... 3-44

Glossary............................................................................................................................................................................................i

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the XtremeMIMOTM X-550 Wireless Broadband Router. This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your ZyXEL X-550 for its various applications.

This manual may refer to the X-550 or 802.11g Secure Wireless Broadband Router with Firewall as the Router.

Note: Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.us.zyxel.com

About This User's Manual

This User’s Guide is designed to guide you through the configuration of your X-550 using the web configurator(GUI). The web configurator parts of this guide contain background information on features configurable by web configurator.

Getting To Know Your X-550

1.1

About Your ZyXEL X-550

The ZyXEL X-550 XtremeMIMOTM Wireless Broadband Router is an 802.11g high-performance, wireless router that supports high-speed wireless networking in Home, SOHO, or even SMB environments.

Unlike most routers, the X-550 provides data transfers at up to 108 Mbps (compared to the standard 54 Mbps) when coupled with other MIMO products. The X-550 is also backwards compatible with older

802.11b networks making it a true versatile device. This means there is no need to change your entire network to maintain connectivity. 802.11b naturally has a lower throughput rate than 802.11g, but you will not lose the ability to communicate when you incorporate the 802.11g standard into your 802.11b network. You may choose to slowly change your network by gradually replacing the 802.11b devices with 802.11g devices.

1.2 Features

• Supports IEEE 802.11b/g 2.4GHz WLAN with 2.412 to 2.484GHz frequency band operation

• Provides MIMO advantages

• Intelligent receiving with directional antennas enable faster throughput and longer ranges

• Intelligent transmissions enable a more efficient performing network

• Built-in StreamEngine™ feature allows intelligent and automatic traffic prioritizing

• Data rates of 1,2.5.5,6,9, 11,12,18,24,36,48,54Mbps and Turbo Mode speeds up to 108Mbps.

Turbo Mode is an Atheros used in conjunction with other devices using the AtherosTM radio technology

proprietary speed boosting technology that must be

• Hardware encryption for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2/WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy

(WEP) without performance degradation

• WPA2/WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) authorizes and identifies users based with a secret key that

changes automatically at a regular interval, for example: Pre Shared Key mode means that the home user, without a RADIUS server, will obtain a new security key every time he or she connects to the network, vastly improving the safety of communications on the said network

• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities

• Connect multiple computers to a Cable or DSL modem to share a single Internet connection

• DHCP server enables all networked computers to automatically receive IP addresses

• Web-based interface for easy management and configuration

• Supports special applications that require multiple connections

• Equipped with four 10/100 Ethernet ports, one WAN port all with Auto MDI/MDIX

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1.3 Hardware Overview

1.3.1 Real Panel

ntenna

Connections and/or Features Description

POWER

LAN 4 ..1

WAN USB RESET

ON/OFF (WLAN)

Connect the barrel type connector of the included *power adaptor to this power socket.

Please use only the included power adapter to power the X-550.

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

ntenna

LAN 1-4 Auto MDI/MDIX LAN Ports

WAN Auto MDI/MDIX WAN Port

ON/OFF WLAN Slide Switch

RESET Reset Button

USB USB Port

Antenna

These ports automatically sense the cable type when connecting to Ethernet-enabled computers.

The Internet connection from your Cable or DSL model is attached to this port.

Use this switch to turn off the Wireless side of the X-550 without going into the configuration menus.

The Reset button is used to restore the X-550 back to the factory default settings. Push for 10 seconds to reset to factor defaults.

The USB port is used for Microsoft®’s Windows Connect Now feature The ZyXEL X-550 includes 2 fixed external Smart Antennas and 2

internal Smart Antennas.

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

1.3.2 Front Panel LEDs

LED’s Description

PWR POWER

LAN LAN1~4

WAN

WLAN

USB

A solid light indicates a proper connection to the power supply.

A solid light indicates a connection to an Ethernet-enabled computer. Blinking indicates data transmission.

A solid light indicates a connection to a Cable or DSL broadband modem. Blinking indicates data transmission.

A solid light indicates that the wireless connection is ready. Blinking indicates data transmission.

The USB LED will flash 3 times indicating that your X-550 has successfully connected using the Microsoft® Windows Connect Now feature.

Please keep note of this LED when using Microsoft® Windows Connect Now

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1.4 Installation Considerations

The following recommendations should only be used as a reference. Your optimal solution may vary.

The X-550 XtremeMIMO Wireless Router allows you to access your network using a wireless connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind; however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, may limit said range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home, home office or business. Follow these basic guidelines to maximize your range in your environment:

• Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the X-550 and other network devices to a

minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your wireless product’s range significantly. Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

• Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall, 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a

45-degree angle will appear to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick due to the angle of incidence. Position devices so the signal will travel perpendicular through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.

• Building Materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door or aluminum studs may

have a negative effect on range. Try to position wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.

• Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances

that generate extreme RF noise such as microwaves or wireless *telephones.

*Note: depends on operating frequency

1.5 Getting Started

For a wireless setup at home, please check to make sure you have the following:

• You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL line into your home or office)

• Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.

• Connect the Cable or DSL modem to the X-550 Wireless Broadband Router (WAN port).

1-5

Wireless LAN Networking

This chapter provides background information on general wireless LAN networking technology and

THE INFORMATION IN THIS SECTION IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE. CHANGING NETWORK

SETTINGS AND PARTICULARLY SECURITY SETTTINGS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED ADMINISTRATOR.

2.1 Overview

This section introduces the wireless LAN(WLAN) and some basic scenarios.

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Chapter 2

terminology.

2.2

SSID

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

2.3 Channel

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

2.4

2.5

Transmission Rate (Transfer Rate)

The X-550 provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options available are: Best (Auto), 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbp s, 18 Mbps, 22 M bp s, 2 4 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps, 54 Mbps, and 108Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory default setting, Best (Auto) provides the most efficient and optimal performance. This setting allows your X-550 to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate at any given time. When the communication quality drops below a cert ain lev el, the X -550 automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate. Th e X-550 will gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again when communication levels improve an d w i ll ke e p o n doi n g s o until reaching the highest available transmission (data) rate.

Wireless Network Application

Wireless LAN networking works in either of the two methodologies: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In infrastructure mode, wireless devices communicate to a wired LAN via access points. Each access point and its wireless devices are known as a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended Service Set (ESS) is two or more BSSs in the same subnet. In ad hoc mode (also known as peer-to-peer mode), wireless devices communicate with each other directly and do not use an access point. This is an Independent BSS (IBSS).

To connect to a wired network within a coverage area using access points, set the X-550 operation mode to Infrastructure (BSS). To set up an independent wireless workgroup without an access point, use Ad-hoc (IBSS) mode.

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Ad-Hoc (IBSS)

Ad-hoc mode does not require an access point or a wired network. Two or more wireless stations communicate directly to each other. An ad-hoc network may sometimes be referred to as an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS).

Figure 2-1 IBSS Example

To set up an ad-hoc network, configure all wireless stations in ad-hoc network type and use the same SSID and channel.

Infrastructure (BSS)

When a number of wireless stations are connected using a single AP, you have a Basic Service Set (BSS).

Figure 2-2 BSS Example

A series of overlapping BSS and a network medium, such as an Ethernet forms an Extended Service Set (ESS) or infrastructure network. All communication is done through the AP, which relays data packets to other wireless stations or devices connected to the wired network. Wireless stations can then access resource, such as the printer, on the wired network.

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Figure 2-3 Infrastructure Network Example

Roaming

In an infrastructure network, wireless stations are able to switch from one BSS to another as they move between the coverage areas. During this period, the wireless stations maintain uninterrupted connection to the network. This is roaming. As the wireless station moves from place to place, it is responsible for choosing the most appropriate AP depending on the signal strength, network utilization or other factors. The following figure depicts a roaming example. When wireless station B moves to position X, the ZyXEL X-550 in wireless station B automatically switches the channel to the one used by access point 2 in order to stay connected to the network.

2-3

Figure 2-4 Roaming Example

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Chapter 3

Using the Configuration Menu

This chapter describes how to configure your ZyXEL Router

Whenever you want to configure your X-550, you can access the Configuration Menu by opening the Web-browser and typing in the IP Address of the X-550. The X-550’s default IP Address is

http://192.168.10.1

• Open the Web browser.

• Type in the IP Address of the Router (http://192.168.10.1).

Figure 3-1 ADVANCED – Wireless

If you have changed the default IP Address assigned to the X-550, make sure to enter the correct IP Address.

• Select admin in the User Name field.

*if this is your first time configuring your X-550, the default user will already be admin

• Type in 1234 in the Password field.

1234 is the factory default password

• Click Login to proceed into the Configuration Menu of the X-550

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

3.1 BASIC

The Basic tab provides the following configuration options:

• Start *brings you back to the Wizard and Introductions page

• WAN *allows you to manually configure your WAN settings

• LAN *allows you to manually configure your LAN settings

• DHCP *allows you to manually input DHCP settings

• Wireless *allows you to manually configure your WLAN settings

3.1.1 Setup Wizards

Figure 3-2 Setup

Wizard

INTERNET CONECTION SETUP WIZARD

The on-board wizard guides you through the following basic router setup steps:

• Set your Password

• Select your Time Zone

• Configure your Internet Connection

• Save your Settings and Connect to the Internet

WIRELESS SECURITY SETUP WIZARD

This guides you through the steps for setting up wireless security in your wireless network:

• Name your Wireless Network • Secure your Wireless Network

• Set your Wireless Security Key

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

3.1.2 BASIC - WAN

The WAN (Wide Area Network) section is where you configure how your internal network connects to the Internet. There are several connection types to choose from: Static IP, DHCP & PPPoE*. If you are unsure of your connection method, please contact your Internet Service Provider for details.

If using PPoE, any PPPoE client software on your computer must be removed or disabled prior to the setup of your X-550.

Figure 3-3 BASIC - WAN

STATIC IP WAN Mode

Use Static WAN Mode when your ISP provides you with an IP address that does not change. The IP information is manually entered in your IP configuration settings. You must enter the IP address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, Primary DNS Server, and Secondary DNS Server. Your ISP will provide you with all of this information.

DYNAMIC IP WAN Mode

Use Dynamic IP WAN Mode when your ISP assigns an IP address to you every time you connect onto the Internet. If you do not know, please contact your ISP for information to whether or not your connection is using Dynamic IP. Some ISP's require you to make some settings to your network before your router can be connected to the Internet.

Host Name: Certain ISP's require specific computer Host Names. The Host Name identifies your system to the ISP's server.

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ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

PPPoE WAN Mode

Select this option if your ISP requires you to use a PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) connection. This method of connection requires you to enter a Username and Password (provided by your Internet Service Provider) to gain access to the Internet.

Service Name: Some ISP's may require that you enter a *Service Name.

Only enter a Service Name if your ISP requires one.

Reconnect Mode:

Typically PPPoE connections are not always on. The Wireless router allows you to set the reconnection mode. The settings are:

• Always on: A connection to the Internet is always maintained.

• On demand: A connection to the Internet is made when needed.

• Manual: Every time you wish to connect the internet, you MUST enter the configuration menu and

click on the Connect button

*Maximum Idle Time: Time the device will idle before the PPPoE connection is disconnected.

The Maximum Idle Time value is only used for the "On demand" connection mode.

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Advanced

ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide

Figure 3-4 WAN- Advanced

Any changes to these options apply to all WAN modes *Static IP/Dynamic IP/PPPoE.

Use These DNS Servers:

This option should be enabled if your ISP requires you to enter the DNS Server information. You will then be able to enter a primary and secondary DNS server.

Use the default MTU: If this option is checked (the default case), the router selects the usual MTU settings for the type of WAN interface in use. If this option is unchecked, the router uses the value of the MTU option (which follows).

MTU: The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is a parameter that determines the largest packet size (in bytes) that the router will send to the WAN. If LAN devices send larger packets, the router will break them into smaller packets. Ideally, you should set this to match the MTU of the connection to your ISP. Typical values are 1500 bytes for an Ethernet connection and 1492 bytes for a PPPoE connection. If the router's MTU is set too high, packets will be fragmented downstream. If the router's MTU is set too low, the router will fragment packets unnecessarily and in extreme cases may be unable to establish some connections. In either case, network performance can suffer.

WAN Port Speed: Normally, this is set to "auto". If you have trouble connecting to the WAN, try the other settings.

Respond to WAN Ping: If you leave this option unchecked, you are causing the public WAN IP address of the router not to respond to ping commands. Pinging public WAN IP addresses is a common method used by hackers to test whether your WAN IP address is valid.

WAN Ping Inbound Filter: Select a filter that controls access as needed for WAN pings. If you do not see the filter you need in the list

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