ZyXEL Communications NWD2105 User Manual
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ZyXEL Communications NWD2105 User Manual

Wireless n-lite usb adapter
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NWD2105
Wireless N-lite USB Adapter
Version 1.0
Edition 1, 05/2010
www.zyxel.com
www.zyxel.com
Copyright © 2010
ZyXEL Communications Corporation

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  • Page 1 NWD2105 Wireless N-lite USB Adapter Version 1.0 Edition 1, 05/2010 www.zyxel.com www.zyxel.com Copyright © 2010 ZyXEL Communications Corporation...

  • Page 3: About This User's Guide

    About This User's Guide About This User's Guide Intended Audience This manual is intended for people who want to configure the NWD2105 using the ZyXEL utility. Tips for Reading User’s Guides On-Screen When reading a ZyXEL User’s Guide On-Screen, keep the following in mind: •...
  • Page 4 About This User's Guide Thank you! The Technical Writing Team, ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 30099, Taiwan. Need More Help? More help is available at www.zyxel.com. • Download Library Search for the latest product updates and documentation from this link. Read the Tech Doc Overview to find out how to efficiently use the documentation in order to better understand how to use your product.

  • Page 5: Document Conventions

    Syntax Conventions • The NWD2105 may be referred to as the “NWD2105”, the “device”, the “system” or the “product” in this User’s Guide. • Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
  • Page 6 Document Conventions Icons Used in Figures Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook computer Server Modem Telephone Internet Wireless Signal NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 7: Safety Warnings

    Your product is marked with this symbol, which is known as the WEEE mark. WEEE stands for Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment. It means that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general waste. Used electrical and electronic equipment should be treated separately. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 8 Safety Warnings NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started ........................... 17 Tutorial ............................23 Wireless LANs ........................... 37 Station Mode ..........................49 AP Mode ............................ 75 Maintenance ..........................85 Troubleshooting and Specifications ..................89 Troubleshooting ......................... 91 Product Specifications ....................... 95 Appendices and Index ......................99 NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 10 Contents Overview NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started ........................17 1.1 Overview ..........................17 1.1.1 What You Need to Know .................... 17 1.1.2 Before You Begin ....................... 18 1.2 About Your NWD2105 ....................... 18 1.2.1 Hardware ........................18 1.3 Application Overview ......................19 1.3.1 Infrastructure ......................19 1.3.2 Ad-Hoc ........................
  • Page 12 Table of Contents 2.3.1 Manually Connecting to a Wireless LAN ..............29 2.3.2 Creating and Using a Profile ..................31 2.4 Configuring the NWD2105 as an AP ................... 34 Chapter 3 Wireless LANs......................... 37 3.1 Overview ..........................37 3.1.1 What You Can Do in This Section ................37 3.1.2 What You Need to Know ....................
  • Page 13 Part III: Appendices and Index.............. 99 Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address ............101 Appendix B Wireless LANs ....................131 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management ..............147 Appendix D Wireless for Windows 7 ..................173 NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 14 Table of Contents Appendix E Legal Information ....................179 Index............................185 NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 15: Introduction And Configuration

    Introduction and Configuration Getting Started (17) Tutorial (23) Wireless LANs (37) Station Mode (49) AP Mode (75) Maintenance (85)

  • Page 17: Getting Started

    Getting Started 1.1 Overview The ZyXEL NWD2105 wireless N-lite USB adapter brings you a better Internet experience over existing 802.11 networks. With data rates of up to 150 Mbps, you can enjoy a breathtaking high-speed connection at home or in the office. It is an excellent solution for daily activities such as file transfers, music downloading, video streaming and online gaming.

  • Page 18: Before You Begin

    Protected Setup) compliant. WPS allows you to easily connect to another WPS- enabled device. The NWD2105 is a USB adapter which connects to an empty USB port on your computer. See your NWD2105’s Quick Start Guide for installation instructions, and see the section on product specifications in this User’s Guide for detailed information.

  • Page 19: Application Overview

    Infrastructure and connect to an AP or use Ad-Hoc mode and connect to a peer computer (another wireless device in Ad-Hoc mode). 1.3.1 Infrastructure To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the NWD2105 network type to Infrastructure (see Chapter 4 on page 62).

  • Page 20: Ad-Hoc

    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 NWD2105 is installed properly. Note: When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) in Windows XP.

  • Page 21: Configuration Methods

    If you want to use the Windows XP wireless configuration tool to configure the NWD2105, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility. Right-click the utility icon ( in the system tray and select Exit. Figure 5 Enable WZC Refer to the appendices for information on how to use the Windows wireless configuration tool to manage the NWD2105.
  • Page 22 The ZyXEL utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide. Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the online help window. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 23: Tutorial

    See Section 2.3.2 on page 31 for details. • Configure your NWD2105 as an Access Point (AP), allowing other devices to connect to it and share its network connections. See Section 2.4 on page 34 details.

  • Page 24: Before You Begin

    Make sure that your access point is turned on and that it is within range of the computer with the NWD2105 installed. Make sure that you have installed the NWD2105’s driver and utility on your computer. In the NWD2105’s utility, click the Adapter tab, enable WPS and select PBC (Push Button Configuration).

  • Page 25: Pin Configuration

    Chapter 2 Tutorial The AP sends the proper configuration settings to the NWD2105. This may take up to two minutes. Then the NWD2105 is able to communicate with the AP securely. The following figure shows you an example to set up wireless network and security by pressing a button on both the AP (the NBG334W in this example) and the NWD2105.
  • Page 26 Chapter 2 Tutorial Click the Start buttons on both the NWD2105 utility screen and the AP’s configuration utility (the WPS Station screen on the NBG334W) within two minutes. The NBG334W authenticates the wireless client and sends the proper configuration settings to the wireless client. This may take up to two minutes.
  • Page 27 Chapter 2 Tutorial The following figure shows you the example of configuring the wireless network and security on the NWD2105 and the AP (ZyXEL’s NBG334W in this example) by using the PIN method. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 28 Chapter 2 Tutorial Figure 8 Example WPS Process: PIN Method WITHIN 2 MINUTES Authentication by PIN SECURITY INFO COMMUNICATION NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Connecting To An Ap Without Using Wps

    Chapter 2 Tutorial 2.3 Connecting to an AP Without Using WPS There are three ways to connect the wireless client (the NWD2105) to a network without using WPS. • Configure nothing and leave the wireless client to automatically scan for and connect to any available network that has no wireless security configured.
  • Page 30 Exit button to return to the Site Survey screen. Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings The Summary window appears. Check your settings and click Save to continue. Figure 11 ZyXEL Utility: Summary NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 31: Creating And Using A Profile

    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”. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 32 Figure 14 ZyXEL Utility: Add New Profile 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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 33 In this example, enter the pre-shared key and leave the encryption type at the default setting. Figure 16 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption Verify the profile settings in the ready-only screen. Click Save to save and go to the next screen. Figure 17 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Summary NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Configuring The Nwd2105 As An Ap

    Troubleshooting section of this User's Guide or contact your network administrator if necessary. 2.4 Configuring the NWD2105 as an AP In access point mode, your NWD2105 allows you to set up your wireless network without using a dedicated AP. See Chapter 5 on page 75 for more information.
  • Page 35 Select AP Mode in the main ZyXEL Utility screen. The AP Mode version of the default Link Info screen displays. Figure 19 ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode Under Status, you can view the current settings on the NWD2105. In the Association List, you can see if any wireless clients have connected to your NWD2105.
  • Page 36 Chapter 2 Tutorial If you want to change the access point’s SSID and enable wireless security for your NWD2105, click the Configuration tab. See Section 5.4.1 on page 80 detailed field descriptions found on this screen. Figure 21 ZyXEL Utility - AP Mode: Configuration...

  • Page 37: Wireless Lans

    Authentication is the process of confirming a client’s or user’s digital identity when they connect to a network. Turning off authentication means disabling all security protocols and opening your network to anyone with the means to connect to it. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Before You Begin

    (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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 39: Wireless Lan Security

    Note: You can use only WEP encryption if you set the NWD2105 to Ad-hoc mode. See the appendices for more detailed information about wireless security.
  • Page 40 WEP keys in the other WLAN adapter(s). • Enter the WEP keys manually. Your NWD2105 allows you to configure up to four 64-bit or 128-bit WEP keys. Only one key is used as the default key at any one time.

  • Page 41: Wifi Protected Setup

    WEP is less secure than WPA or WPA2. 3.4 WiFi Protected Setup Your NWD2105 supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure wireless network. WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the WiFi Alliance.

  • Page 42: Push Button Configuration

    Look for a WPS button on each device. If the device does not have one, log into its configuration utility and locate the button (see the device’s User’s Guide for how to do this - for the NWD2105, see Section 4.6.1 on page 69).
  • Page 43 Look for the client’s WPS PIN; it will be displayed either on the device, or in the WPS section of the client’s configuration interface (see the device’s User’s Guide for how to find the WPS PIN - for the NWD2105, see Section 4.6 on page 68).

  • Page 44: How Wps Works

    Authentication Protocol) tunnel and sends the network name (SSID) and the WPA- PSK or WPA2-PSK pre-shared key to the enrollee. Whether WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK is used depends on the standards supported by the devices. If the registrar is NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 45 WPS, it becomes “configured”. A configured wireless client can still act as enrollee or registrar in subsequent WPS connections, but a configured access point can no longer act as enrollee. It will be the registrar in all NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 46: Example Wps Network Setup

    In this case, AP1 must be the registrar, since it is configured (it already has security information for the network). AP1 supplies the existing security information to Client 2. Figure 26 WPS: Example Network Step 2 REGISTRAR EXISTING CONNECTION CLIENT 1 ENROLLEE CLIENT 2 NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 47: Limitations Of Wps

    PSK pre-shared key from the registrar device to the enrollee devices (see Section 4.4.1.3 on page 57 for information on pre-shared keys). Whether the network uses WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK depends on the device. You can check the NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 48 Check the MAC addresses of your wireless clients (usually printed on a label on the bottom of the device). If there is an unknown MAC address you can remove it or reset the AP. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Station Mode

    H A P T E R Station Mode 4.1 Overview This section shows you how to configure your NWD2105 using the ZyXEL utility in Windows. Note: Some features available in Windows XP or Windows 2000 are not available in Windows Vista.

  • Page 50: Before You Begin

    4.1.3 Before You Begin • Make sure the ZyXEL utility is already installed. See the Quick Start Guide for more. 4.2 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens. Figure 28 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: The Link Info Screen

    WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). 4.3 The Link Info Screen When the ZyXEL utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current configuration and connection status of your NWD2105. Figure 29 Link Info The following table describes the labels in this screen.
  • Page 52 This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the Type wireless network. Transmission This field displays the current transmission speed of the NWD2105 in Speed megabits per second (Mbps). Receive This field displays the current receive speed of the NWD2105 in Speed megabits per second (Mbps).

  • Page 53: Trend Chart

    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 reception rate in kilobits per second (Kbps). NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 54: The Site Survey Screen

    Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range. Connect Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device. Site Click an entry in the Available Network List table to display the Information information of the selected wireless device. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Security Settings

    This field displays the time when the wireless device was scanned. 4.4.1 Security Settings When you configure the NWD2105 to connect to a network with wireless security activated and the security settings are disabled on the NWD2105, the screen varies according to the encryption method used by the selected network.

  • Page 56: Wep Encryption

    Pass Phrase Enter a passphrase of up to 32 case-sensitive printable characters. As you enter the passphrase, the NWD2105 automatically generates four different WEP keys and displays the first in the key field below. Refer to Section 3.3.1.1.1 on page 39 for more information.
  • Page 57 Configure WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security in this screen. Note: The procedure to configure WPA or WPA2 is different in Windows Vista. See Section 4.7 on page 71 for information on setting up your NWD2105 to use WPA or WPA2 in Vista. Figure 34 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK...
  • Page 58 Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving. 4.4.1.4 WPA/WPA2 The screen that displays when you select WPA or WPA2 differs, depending on the EAP Type you select (TLS, PEAP or TTLS). Figure 35 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 59 Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Summary screen. Refer to Section 4.4.2 on page Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving. 4.4.1.5 IEEE 802.1x Configure IEEE 802.1x security with various authentication methods in this screen. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 60 Note: The procedure to configure 802.1x is different in Windows Vista. See Section 4.7 on page 71 for information on setting up your NWD2105 to use 802.1x in Vista. Figure 36 Security Setting: 802.1x The following table describes the labels in this screen.

  • Page 61: Summary Screen

    DESCRIPTION Network Name This field displays the SSID previously entered. (SSID) Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless device. Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 62: The Profile Screen

    If the specified network is not available, the NWD2105 cannot connect to a network. If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the NWD2105, the NWD2105 uses the default profile to connect to any available network that has no security enabled.
  • Page 63 To edit an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and click Edit. 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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 64: Adding A New Profile

    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 NWD2105 associate to any AP or roam between any infrastructure wireless networks. Network Type Select Infrastructure to associate to an AP.
  • Page 65 Select an available wireless device in the table and click Select to add it to this profile. Whenever you activate this profile, the NWD2105 associates to the selected wireless network only. If you select the Infrastructure network type in the previous screen, skip to step 3.
  • Page 66 If you selected Ad-Hoc network type in the first screen, you can use only WEP encryption method. Otherwise, select DISABLE to allow the NWD2105 to communicate with the access points or other peer wireless computers without any data encryption, and skip to step 5.
  • Page 67 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. Figure 44 Profile: Activate the Profile NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 68: The Adapter Screen

    Chapter 4 Station Mode 4.6 The Adapter Screen To set the other advanced features on the NWD2105, click the Adapter tab. Figure 45 Adapter The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 17 Adapter LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter Setting Power Saving Select Maximum or Normal to save power.

  • Page 69: Wps: Pbc (Push Button Configuration)

    Section 4.6.3 on page 70). Save Click Save to save the changes to the NWD2105 and return to the Link Info screen. 4.6.1 WPS: PBC (Push Button Configuration) This screen allows you to use the WPS Push Button Configuration mode. See Section 3.4.1 on page 42...

  • Page 70: Wps: Pin - Use The Pin From The Ap Or Wireless Router

    4.6.3 WPS: PIN - Use the PIN from the AP or Wireless Router This screen allows you to use the WPS Personal Identification Number mode, by entering the PIN from another WPS-enabled device into the NWD2105’s utility. Section 3.4.2 on page 42 for more information.

  • Page 71: Security Settings In Windows Vista

    WPS-enabled device within two minutes. 4.7 Security Settings in Windows Vista When you use the NWD2105 in Windows Vista, the procedure for setting up WPA, WPA2 and 802.1x security settings is different from that of other operating systems (other security types are not affected).

  • Page 72: Using Peap In Vista

    The Enter Credentials screen displays. Enter your User name and Password for the network to which you want to connect. Figure 50 Vista Security: Enter Credentials Note: If you are not sure what to enter, contact your network administrator. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 73: Using Tls In Vista

    Chapter 4 Station Mode Click OK. The Enter Credentials screen disappears and the NWD2105 tries to connect to the network. The ZyXEL utility’s Link Info screen displays, showing the connection status (see Section 4.3 on page 51). If the Link Info screen displays an active connection, you have successfully completed the procedure.
  • Page 74 Chapter 4 Station Mode Click OK. The Select Certificate screen disappears and the NWD2105 tries to connect to the network. The ZyXEL utility’s Link Info screen displays, showing the connection status (see Section 4.3 on page 51). If the Link Info screen displays an active connection, you have successfully completed the procedure.

  • Page 75: Ap Mode

    The following figure shows a sample AP network set up. Figure 53 AP Network Example . Here, the NWD2105 is installed on computer A and set to operate in access point mode. Computer A provides an Internet connection to the wireless LAN, so wireless stations B and C can access the Internet.

  • Page 76: What You Can Do In This Section

    See Section 5.4 on page 79 details. • On the MAC Filter screen, you can configure the NWD2105 to give exclusive access to devices or exclude specific devices from connecting to the AP. See Section 5.5 on page 83 for details.

  • Page 77: Before You Begin

    To bridge your wired and wireless network using the NWD2105, the following requirements must be met: • The NWD2105 must be installed on a computer connected to the wired network. • Either bridge the two interfaces (wireless and wired) on the computer (using the Configuration screen) or configure network sharing.

  • Page 78: The Link Info Screen

    The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 21 Link Info LABEL DESCRIPTION Status SSID This field displays the name that identifies your NWD2105 in the wire- less LAN network. Current This field displays the radio channel the NWD2105 is currently using. Channel Transmis-...

  • Page 79: The Configuration Screen

    Wireless This displays a list of available wireless modes. As of this writing, the Mode NWD2105 only supports 2.4 GHz. Channel Select a channel on which on broadcast your AP’s wireless signal. If there are a high number of APs broadcast within range of one another, try to use a channel that is either not in use or that has the fewest number of broadcasters.

  • Page 80: Security Settings

    Click to save the changes. Cancel Click to discard the changes. 5.4.1 Security Settings When you configure the NWD2105 to act as an AP and wireless security is activated, the Configuration screen varies according to the encryption method used by your network. 5.4.1.1 Disable This option indicates that no security services are enabled.
  • Page 81 If you select this transmit key option, enter a passphrase of up to 32 case-sensitive printable characters. As you enter the passphrase, the NWD2105 automatically generates four different transmit keys and displays the first in the key field below. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 82 The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 24 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK LABEL DESCRIPTION Security Type Select either WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK to enable these encryption types. Encryption Type Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 83: The Mac Filter Screen

    Click to discard the changes. 5.5 The MAC Filter Screen The MAC Filter screen allows you to configure the NWD2105 to give exclusive access to devices (Allow all) or exclude devices from connecting to the NWD2105 (Reject all). The MAC address is assigned at the factory and consists of six pairs of hexadecimal characters, for example, 00:A0:C5:00:00:02.
  • Page 84 Select Disable to deactivate the MAC filter feature. Select Reject all to block access to the NWD2105, MAC addresses not listed will be allowed to access the NWD2105. Select Allow all to permit access to the NWD2105, MAC addresses not listed will be denied access to the NWD2105.

  • Page 85: Maintenance

    “kernel”) level. Doing so could irreparably damage your installation. 6.1.3 Before You Begin • Disconnect the NWD2105 if you are going to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL utility, save your work in any other open programs, and then close them.

  • Page 86: The About Screen

    Chapter 6 Maintenance 6.2 The About Screen The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the NWD2105. To display the screen as shown below, click the About ( ) button. Figure 61 About The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen.

  • Page 87: Upgrading The Zyxel Utility

    Disconnect the NWD2105 from your computer. Double-click on the setup program for the new utility to start the ZyXEL utility installation. Insert the NWD2105 and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed properly. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 88 Chapter 6 Maintenance NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 89: Troubleshooting And Specifications

    Troubleshooting and Specifications Troubleshooting (91) Product Specifications (95)

  • Page 91: Troubleshooting

    7.1 Power, Hardware Connections, and LEDs The NWD2105 does not turn on. None of the LEDs turn on. Make sure the NWD2105 is correctly installed (refer to your Quick Start Guide). Restart the computer to which the NWD2105 is attached.

  • Page 92: Accessing The Zyxel Utility

    7.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility I cannot access the ZyXEL Utility Make sure the NWD2105 is properly inserted and the LEDs are on. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for information on how to properly connect the NWD2105. Use the Device Manager to check for possible hardware conflicts. Click Start >...

  • Page 93: Problems Communicating With Other Computers

    • Make sure that the AP and the associated computers are turned on and working properly. • Make sure the NWD2105 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.
  • Page 94 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 95: Product Specifications

    H A P T E R Product Specifications Table 27 Product Specifications PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL Product Name NWD2105 Wireless N-lite USB Adapter Interface USB 2.0 Standards IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n Operating Frequency 2.4GHZ Antenna Type Chip Operating Temperature...
  • Page 96 Dynamically shifts between 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps network speed. Operation Frequency 2.412GHz~2.472GHz Operation Channels N. America &Taiwan 2.412GHz~ 2.462GHz 1-11 Euro ETSI 2.412GHz~ 2.472GHz 1-13 IEEE 802.11n Downstream data rate 150 Mbps Upstream data rate 150 Mbps Operation Frequency 2.412GHz~ 2.472GHz 1-13 NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 97 Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit) Windows XP (32- and 64-bit) Windows 2000 Mac OS X (10.3/10.4/10.5) WIRELESS FEATURES Wireless Security WEP 64bit, 128bit, WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK 802.1x (EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP), WPS. Note: EAP-TTLS is not supported in Windows Vista NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 98 Chapter 8 Product Specifications Table 27 Product Specifications (continued) Wireless QoS Wi-Fi Multi Media (WMM) Wi-Fi Protected Setup Push button configuration (WPS) Use device's PIN Use AP or Router's PIN Other WMM power-saving support Compatible with Windows Zero Configuration NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 99: Appendices And Index

    Appendices and Index Note: The appendices provide general information. Some details may not apply to your NWD2105. Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address (101) Wireless LANs (131) Windows Wireless Management (147) Wireless for Windows 7 (173) Legal Information (179) Index (185)

  • Page 101: Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer's Ip Address

    P P E N D I X Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address Note: Your specific NWD2105 may not support all of the operating systems described in this appendix. See the product specifications for more information about which operating systems are supported.
  • Page 102 Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address Click Start > Control Panel. Figure 64 Windows XP: Start Menu In the Control Panel, click the Network Connections icon. Figure 65 Windows XP: Control Panel NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 103 Right-click Local Area Connection and then select Properties. Figure 66 Windows XP: Control Panel > Network Connections > Properties On the General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties. Figure 67 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 104 DNS server and an Alternate DNS server, if that information was provided. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window. Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window. Verifying Settings Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 105: Windows Vista

    Windows Vista This section shows screens from Windows Vista Professional. Click Start > Control Panel. Figure 69 Windows Vista: Start Menu In the Control Panel, click the Network and Internet icon. Figure 70 Windows Vista: Control Panel NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 106 Figure 72 Windows Vista: Network and Sharing Center Right-click Local Area Connection and then select Properties. Figure 73 Windows Vista: Network and Sharing Center Note: During this procedure, click Continue whenever Windows displays a screen saying that it needs your permission to continue. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 107 Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then select Properties. Figure 74 Windows Vista: Local Area Connection Properties NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 108 DNS server and an Alternate DNS server, if that information was provided.Click Advanced. Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window. 10 Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window. Verifying Settings Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 109 This section shows screens from Windows 7 Enterprise. Click Start > Control Panel. Figure 76 Windows 7: Start Menu In the Control Panel, click View network status and tasks under the Network and Internet category. Figure 77 Windows 7: Control Panel NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 110 Figure 78 Windows 7: Network And Sharing Center Double click Local Area Connection and then select Properties. Figure 79 Windows 7: Local Area Connection Status Note: During this procedure, click Continue whenever Windows displays a screen saying that it needs your permission to continue. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 111 Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then select Properties. Figure 80 Windows 7: Local Area Connection Properties NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 112 Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window. Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window. Verifying Settings Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and then press [ENTER]. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 113 Figure 82 Windows 7: Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties Mac OS X: 10.3 and 10.4 The screens in this section are from Mac OS X 10.4 but can also apply to 10.3. Click Apple > System Preferences. Figure 83 Mac OS X 10.4: Apple Menu NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 114 In the System Preferences window, click the Network icon. Figure 84 Mac OS X 10.4: System Preferences When the Network preferences pane opens, select Built-in Ethernet from the network connection type list, and then click Configure. Figure 85 Mac OS X 10.4: Network Preferences NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 115 Figure 86 Mac OS X 10.4: Network Preferences > TCP/IP Tab. For statically assigned settings, do the following: • From the Configure IPv4 list, select Manually. • In the IP Address field, type your IP address. • In the Subnet Mask field, type your subnet mask. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 116 Click Apply Now and close the window. Verifying Settings Check your TCP/IP properties by clicking Applications > Utilities > Network Utilities, and then selecting the appropriate Network Interface from the Info tab. Figure 88 Mac OS X 10.4: Network Utility NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 117 The screens in this section are from Mac OS X 10.5 but can also apply to 10.6. Click Apple > System Preferences. Figure 89 Mac OS X 10.5: Apple Menu In System Preferences, click the Network icon. Figure 90 Mac OS X 10.5: Systems Preferences NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 118 From the Configure list, select Using DHCP for dynamically assigned settings. For statically assigned settings, do the following: • From the Configure list, select Manually. • In the IP Address field, enter your IP address. • In the Subnet Mask field, enter your subnet mask. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 119 Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address • In the Router field, enter the IP address of your NWD2105. Figure 92 Mac OS X 10.5: Network Preferences > Ethernet Click Apply and close the window. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 120 The following screens use the default Ubuntu 8 installation. Note: Make sure you are logged in as the root administrator. Follow the steps below to configure your computer IP address in GNOME: NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 121 When the Network Settings window opens, click Unlock to open the Authenticate window. (By default, the Unlock button is greyed out until clicked.) You cannot make changes to your configuration unless you first enter your admin password. Figure 95 Ubuntu 8: Network Settings > Connections NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 122 In the Authenticate window, enter your admin account name and password then click the Authenticate button. Figure 96 Ubuntu 8: Administrator Account Authentication In the Network Settings window, select the connection that you want to configure, then click Properties. Figure 97 Ubuntu 8: Network Settings > Connections NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 123 • In the Configuration list, select Static IP address if you have a static IP address. Fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Gateway address fields. Click OK to save the changes and close the Properties dialog box and return to the Network Settings screen. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 124 Figure 99 Ubuntu 8: Network Settings > DNS Click the Close button to apply the changes. Verifying Settings Check your TCP/IP properties by clicking System > Administration > Network Tools, and then selecting the appropriate Network device from the Devices NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 125 The following screens use the default openSUSE 10.3 installation. Note: Make sure you are logged in as the root administrator. Follow the steps below to configure your computer IP address in the KDE: NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 126 Click K Menu > Computer > Administrator Settings (YaST). Figure 101 openSUSE 10.3: K Menu > Computer Menu When the Run as Root - KDE su dialog opens, enter the admin password and click OK. Figure 102 openSUSE 10.3: K Menu > Computer Menu NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 127 Figure 103 openSUSE 10.3: YaST Control Center When the Network Settings window opens, click the Overview tab, select the appropriate connection Name from the list, and then click the Configure button. Figure 104 openSUSE 10.3: Network Settings NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 128 Select Dynamic Address (DHCP) if you have a dynamic IP address. Select Statically assigned IP Address if you have a static IP address. Fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Hostname fields. Click Next to save the changes and close the Network Card Setup window. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 129 If you know your DNS server IP address(es), click the Hostname/DNS tab in Network Settings and then enter the DNS server information in the fields provided. Figure 106 openSUSE 10.3: Network Settings Click Finish to save your settings and close the window. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 130 From the Options sub-menu, select Show Connection Information. Figure 107 openSUSE 10.3: KNetwork Manager When the Connection Status - KNetwork Manager window opens, click the Statistics tab to see if your connection is working properly. Figure 108 openSUSE: Connection Status - KNetwork Manager NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 131: Appendix B Wireless Lans

    (AP). Intra-BSS traffic is traffic between wireless clients in the BSS. When Intra-BSS is enabled, wireless client A and B can access the wired network and communicate NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 132 This wired connection between APs is called a Distribution System (DS). This type of wireless LAN topology is called an Infrastructure WLAN. The Access Points not only provide communication with the wired network but also mediate wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 133 AP is using channel 1, then you need to select a channel between 6 or 11. RTS/CTS A hidden node occurs when two stations are within range of the same access point, but are not within range of each other. The following figure illustrates a NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 134 RTS (Request To Send)/CTS (Clear to Send) handshake will never occur as data frames will be fragmented before they reach RTS/CTS size. Note: Enabling the RTS Threshold causes redundant network overhead that could negatively affect the throughput performance instead of providing a remedy. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 135: Fragmentation Threshold

    Use the dynamic setting to automatically use short preamble when all wireless devices on the network support it, otherwise the NWD2105 uses long preamble. Note: The wireless devices MUST use the same preamble mode in order to communicate.

  • Page 136: Wireless Security Overview

    IEEE802.1x EAP with RADIUS Server Authentication Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) WPA2 Most Secure Note: You must enable the same wireless security settings on the NWD2105 and on all wireless clients that you want to associate with it. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 137 The following types of RADIUS messages are exchanged between the access point and the RADIUS server for user authentication: • Access-Request Sent by an access point requesting authentication. • Access-Reject Sent by a RADIUS server rejecting access. • Access-Accept Sent by a RADIUS server allowing access. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 138 The wireless client ‘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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 139 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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 140: Wpa And Wpa2

    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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 141 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 NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 142 The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants or denies network access accordingly. A 256-bit Pairwise Master Key (PMK) is derived from the authentication process by the RADIUS server and the client. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 143 The AP checks each wireless client's password and allows it to join the network only if the password matches. The AP and wireless clients generate a common PMK (Pairwise Master Key). The key itself is not sent over the network, but is derived from the PSK and the SSID. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 144 Enable without Dynamic WEP Open Enable with Dynamic WEP Key Enable without Dynamic WEP Disable Shared Enable with Dynamic WEP Key Enable without Dynamic WEP Disable TKIP/AES Enable WPA-PSK TKIP/AES Disable WPA2 TKIP/AES Enable WPA2-PSK TKIP/AES Disable NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 145 Types of Antennas for WLAN There are two types of antennas used for wireless LAN applications. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 146 For omni-directional antennas mounted on a wall or ceiling, point the antenna down. For a single AP application, place omni-directional antennas as close to the center of the coverage area as possible. For directional antennas, point the antenna in the direction of the desired coverage area. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 147: Appendix C Windows Wireless Management

    P P E N D I X Windows Wireless Management This appendix shows you how to manage your NWD2105 using the Windows Vista and Windows XP wireless configuration tools. Windows Vista Take the following steps to connect to a wireless network using the Windows Vista wireless configuration tool (WLAN AutoConfig).
  • Page 148 Figure 116 Vista: The Connect To Window The security status of each wireless network displays, as well as an indication of its signal strength. If you use the mouse pointer to hover over a network’s entry, additional information about the network displays. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 149 Double-click the network’s name to join the network, or select a network and click Connect. Note: If the network to which you want to connect does not display, see the section on setting up a connection manually on page 151. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 150 If security is enabled, you may be prompted to enter your security key. Figure 118 Vista: Enter Security Key Your computer tries to connect to the wireless network. Figure 119 Vista: Connecting If your computer has connected to the wireless network successfully, the following screen displays. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 151 Connecting to a Network Manually If the wireless network to which you want to connect does not appear in the Connect to window (if your network’s SSID is hidden, for example), take the following steps to configure your network connection manually NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 152 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management Click Set up a connection or network at the bottom of the Connect to screen. The following screen displays. Figure 121 Vista: Choose a Connection Option NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 153 SSID. The warning in this field refers to the fact that if you do this, your computer sends out probe request packets, which contain the network’s SSID and could be used by an attacker to access the network. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 154 Change connection settings. Otherwise, click Connect to..In the window that displays, double-click the new network’s name to connect to the network. Setting Up An Ad-Hoc Network Take the following steps to set up a wireless connection between two computers in Windows Vista. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 155 Security type. If you are not sure what kind of security you want to use, click the Help me choose link. Note: Make sure all the wireless clients on your ad-hoc network can support the type of security you select. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 156 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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 157 Click Start, Control Panel and double-click Network Connections. Double-click on the icon for wireless network connection. The status window displays as shown below. Click Properties. Figure 127 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status Figure 128 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 158 The Wireless Network Connection Properties screen displays. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected. Figure 129 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties Figure 130 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 159 DESCRIPTION The NWD2105 is connected to a wireless network. The NWD2105 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.
  • Page 160 Figure 133 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status 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 134 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 161 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 NWD2105 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.
  • Page 162 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 NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 163 This denotes the wireless network is not available. Security Settings When you configure the NWD2105 to connect to a secure network but the security settings are not yet enabled on the NWD2105, you will see different screens according to the authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.
  • Page 164 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. The key is If this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the NWD2105 a provided for me key. automatically...
  • Page 165 If the network authentication is set to Open in the previous screen, you authentication can choose to disable or enable this feature. for this network EAP Type Select the type of EAP authentication. Options are Protected EAP (PEAP) and Smart Card or other Certificate. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 166 Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made. 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 141 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 167 Select the check box to automatically reconnect to the network (without Reconnect re-authentication) if the wireless connection goes down. Click OK to save your changes. Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 168 Click OK to save your changes. Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 169 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management Ordering the Preferred Networks Follow the steps below to manage your preferred networks. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 170 Figure 143 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties and the tab to open the screen as shown. Wireless Networks Figure 144 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 171 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management Whenever the NWD2105 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.
  • Page 172 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 173: Appendix D Wireless For Windows 7

    Do the following to enable the wireless adapter of your computer. If you know for a fact that the wireless adapter is already working, you can skip this part and go Connecting to a Wireless Network. Click Start > Control Panel. Figure 145 Windows 7: Start Menu NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 174 Network and Internet category. Figure 146 Windows 7: Control Panel Click Change adapter settings. Figure 147 Windows 7: Network And Sharing Center Right click Wireless Network Connection and select Enable. Figure 148 Windows 7: Wireless Network Connection NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 175 Once the computer’s wireless adapter has been enabled, do the following to connect to a wireless network. Click the wireless adapter icon which appears in the bottom right of your computer monitor. A list of available wireless networks displays. Figure 150 Windows 7: List of Wireless Networks NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 176 • If the wireless network is secured, you should provide the correct credentials before you can gain access as shown below. Figure 153 Windows 7: Wireless Connection Security You may have to wait several minutes while your computer connects to the wireless network. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 177 Additionally, do the following to check your wireless network connection status. Click Start > Control Panel. Figure 154 Windows 7: Start Menu In the Control Panel, click View network status and tasks under the Network and Internet category. Figure 155 Windows 7: Control Panel NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 178 Appendix D Wireless for Windows 7 Check the Connections under View you active networks. If the wireless network name displays and the icon is green, you have successfully connected to the wireless network. Figure 156 Windows 7: Network and Sharing Center NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 179: Legal Information

    ZyXEL Communications Corporation. Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved. Disclaimers ZyXEL does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, or software described herein.

  • Page 180: Appendix E Legal Information

    • This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. • IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. is firmware- limited to channels 1 through 11. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 181 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. NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 182: Zyxel Limited Warranty

    To obtain the services of this warranty, contact your vendor. You may also refer to the warranty policy for the region in which you bought the device at http:// www.zyxel.com/web/support_warranty_info.php. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 183 Appendix E Legal Information Registration Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.zyxel.com. NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 184 Appendix E Legal Information NWD2105 User’s Guide...

  • Page 185: Index

    Association list 51, 78 35, 78 current connection status authentication 51, 78 authentication type auto open system shared key auto authentication data encryption automatic connection digital ID automatic network scan 29, 62 dimensions disclaimer download driver version NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 186 Mbps Message Integrity Check (MIC) 41, 141 getting started Network interface card (NIC) hardware connections network mode help network name hidden node network overlap humidity network scan Network sharing network type 52, 55 IBSS IEEE 802.11g NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 187 29, 38, 52, 54, 78, 93 statistics syntax conventions Quick Start Guide 20, 92 system tray radio interference temperature radio specifications 95, 96 Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) 41, 141 RADIUS 40, 41, 137 message types 71, 73 messages total receive NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 188 WEP key generation network connection Wi-Fi Protected Access not available 41, 140 Wi-Fi Protected Setup preferred network security setting Windows system tray icon Windows XP WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) Wired network wireless client wireless client WPA supplicants NWD2105 User’s Guide...
  • Page 189 Index ZyXEL Utility accessing ZyXEL utility accessing driver version number exiting help reactivating status system tray icon upgrading version number NWD2105 User’s Guide...

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