ZyXEL Communications 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card ZyXEL AG-120 User Manual
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ZyXEL Communications 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card ZyXEL AG-120 User Manual

802.11a/g wireless cardbus card
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ZyXEL AG-120
802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card
User's Guide
Version 1.00
Edition 1
9/2006

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Summary of Contents for ZyXEL Communications 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card ZyXEL AG-120

  • Page 1 ZyXEL AG-120 802.11a/g Wireless CardBus Card User’s Guide Version 1.00 Edition 1 9/2006...

  • Page 3: Copyright

    ZyXEL Communications Corporation. Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.

  • Page 4: Certifications

    ZyXEL AG-120 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.
  • Page 5 注意 ! 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。 在 5250MHz~5350MHz 頻帶內操作之無線資訊傳輸設備，限於室內使用。 Notices Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This product has been designed for the WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks throughout the EC region and Switzerland, with restrictions in France.

  • Page 6: Zyxel Limited Warranty

    ZyXEL AG-120 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...

  • Page 7: Safety Warnings

    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. •...

  • Page 8: Customer Support

    +36-1-3259100 +7-3272-590-698 www.zyxel.kz +7-3272-590-689 1-800-255-4101 www.us.zyxel.com +1-714-632-0882 +1-714-632-0858 ftp.us.zyxel.com REGULAR MAIL ZyXEL Communications Corp. 6 Innovation Road II Science Park Hsinchu 300 Taiwan ZyXEL Costa Rica Plaza Roble Escazú Etapa El Patio, Tercer Piso San José, Costa Rica ZyXEL Communications Czech s.r.o.
  • Page 9 +380-44-494-49-32 +44-1344 303044 www.zyxel.co.uk 08707 555779 (UK only) +44-1344 303034 ftp.zyxel.co.uk ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide REGULAR MAIL ZyXEL Communications A/S Nils Hansens vei 13 0667 Oslo Norway ZyXEL Communications ul. Okrzei 1A 03-715 Warszawa Poland ZyXEL Russia Ostrovityanova 37a Str.
  • Page 10 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Customer Support...

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Copyright ... 3 Certifications ... 4 ZyXEL Limited Warranty... 6 Safety Warnings ... 7 Customer Support... 8 Table of Contents ... 11 List of Figures ... 15 List of Tables ... 19 Preface ... 21 Chapter 1 Getting Started ... 23 1.1 About Your AG-120 ...23 1.2 Application Overview ...23 1.2.1 Station Mode ...23...
  • Page 12 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network ... 37 3.1 Wireless LAN Overview ...37 3.2 Wireless LAN Security ...38 3.2.1 Hide SSID ...38 3.2.2 MAC Address Filter ...38 3.2.3 User Authentication and Encryption ...39 3.2.3.1 WEP ...39 3.2.3.2 IEEE 802.1x ...40 3.2.3.3 WPA and WPA2 ...40 3.3 Introduction to OTIST 3.3.1 Enabling OTIST ...41...
  • Page 13 5.5 The MAC Filter Screen ...70 Chapter 6 Maintenance ... 73 6.1 The About Screen ...73 6.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ...73 6.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ...74 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting ... 77 7.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility ...77 7.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point ...77 7.3 Problem with the Link Quality ...78 7.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers ...78...
  • Page 14 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Table of Contents...

  • Page 15: List Of Figures

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide List of Figures Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure ... 24 Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc ... 24 Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode ... 25 Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes ... 25 Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ... 26 Figure 6 Enable WZC ...
  • Page 16 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 39 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: AP Mode ... 65 Figure 40 Access Point Mode: Link Info ... 66 Figure 41 Access Point Mode: Configuration ... 67 Figure 42 Access Point Mode: Advanced ... 70 Figure 43 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ... 71 Figure 44 About ...
  • Page 17 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 82 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP ... 113 Figure 83 Macintosh OS X: Apple Menu ... 114 Figure 84 Macintosh OS X: Network ... 115 List of Figures...
  • Page 18 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide List of Figures...

  • Page 19: List Of Tables

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide List of Tables Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ... 26 Table 2 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode ... 45 Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info ... 46 Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ... 48 Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey ...
  • Page 20 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide List of Tables...

  • Page 21: Preface

    Help us help you. E-mail all User Guide-related comments, questions or suggestions for improvement to techwriters@zyxel.com.tw 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.

  • Page 22: Graphics Icons Key

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Graphics Icons Key Wireless Access Point Server Internet Cloud Computer Notebook Computer Modem or Router Wireless Signal Preface...

  • Page 23: Chapter 1 Getting Started

    This chapter introduces the AG-120 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility. 1.1 About Your AG-120 The AG-120 is an IEEE 802.11a/b/g compliant wireless LAN adapter. You can also use the ZyXEL utility to turn your AG-120 into an access point (AP). The ZyXEL utility is a tool that helps you configure your AG-120.

  • Page 24: Ad-Hoc

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 1 Application: Infrastructure 1.2.1.2 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 to each other. Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc Chapter 1 Getting Started...

  • Page 25: Access Point Mode

    1.2.2 Access Point Mode You can also set the AG-120 to access point mode. In access point mode, your AG-120 functions as an access point. This allows you to set up your wireless networks without using a dedicated AP. The following figure shows a network example. Figure 3 Application: Access Point Mode In the example, the AG-120 is installed on computer A and set to operate in access point mode.

  • Page 26: Hardware And Utility Installation

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Note: Wait for about five seconds for the ZyXEL utility to complete the mode change. The current mode is indicated by the color of the check box. 1.3 AG-120 Hardware and Utility Installation Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL utility and make hardware connections.

  • Page 27: Accessing The Zyxel Utility

    If you want to use WZC to configure the AG-120, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility by right-clicking the utility icon ( my wireless network settings. Figure 6 Enable WZC Refer to the appendices for information on how to use WZC to manage the AG-120. To re-activate the ZyXEL utility, double-click the ( (All) Programs, ZyXEL AG-120 Utility, ZyXEL AG-120 Utility GUI.
  • Page 28 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Chapter 1 Getting Started...

  • Page 29: 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 7 Infrastructure Network There are three ways to connect the wireless client (the AG-120 in station mode) to a network. •...

  • Page 30: Figure 8 Zyxel Utility: Site Survey

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 8 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.

  • Page 31: Creating And Using A Profile

    Figure 10 ZyXEL Utility: Confirm New Settings 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.

  • Page 32: Figure 12 Zyxel Utility: Profile

    ZyXEL AG-120 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 SSID is “SSID_Example3” and the pre-shared key is “ThisismyWPA-PSKpre-sharedkey” in the AP. You have chosen the profile name “PN_Example3”.

  • Page 33: Figure 14 Zyxel Utility: Profile Security

    Figure 14 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 15 ZyXEL Utility: Profile Encryption 6 Verify the profile settings in the ready-only screen.

  • Page 34: Configuring The Ag-120 As An Ap

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Note: Only one profile can be activated and used at any given time. Figure 17 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.

  • Page 35: Figure 18 Zyxel Utility: Ap: Link Info

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 18 ZyXEL Utility: AP: Link Info 2 If you want to change the SSID and enable wireless security for your AG-120, click the Configuration tab and refer to Section 5.3 on page 67 for detailed field descriptions. Note: You can only use WEP when the AG-120 is in AP mode.
  • Page 36 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Chapter 2 Tutorial...

  • Page 37: Wireless Lan Network

    This chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network. 3.1 Wireless LAN Overview The following figure provides an example of a wireless network with an AP. See page 24 for an Ad Hoc network example. Figure 20 Example of a Wireless Network The wireless network is the part in the blue circle.

  • Page 38: Wireless Lan Security

    ZyXEL AG-120 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.

  • Page 39: User Authentication And Encryption

    This type of security does not protect the information that is sent in the wireless network. Furthermore, there are ways for unauthorized wireless devices to get the MAC address of an authorized device. Then, they can use that MAC address to use the wireless network. 3.2.3 User Authentication and Encryption You can make every user log in to the wireless network before they can use it.

  • Page 40: Ieee 802.1X

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide • Shared Key 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. •...

  • Page 41: Introduction To Otist

    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.

  • Page 42: Wireless Client

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide In the web configurator, go to the Wireless LAN main screen and then select OTIST. To change the Setup key, enter zero to eight printable characters. To have OTIST automatically generate a WPA-PSK key, select the Yes check box. If you manually configured a WEP key or a WPA-PSK key and you also selected this check box, then the key you manually configured is used.

  • Page 43: Notes On Otist

    See the user’s guide for more information. 1 In the AP, a web configurator screen pops up showing you the security settings to transfer. After reviewing the settings, click 2 This screen appears while OTIST settings are being transferred. It closes when the transfer is complete.
  • Page 44 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 5 If you configure OTIST to generate a WPA-PSK key, this key changes each time you run OTIST. Therefore, if a new wireless client joins your wireless network, you need to run OTIST on the AP and ALL the wireless clients again. Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network...

  • Page 45: Wireless Station Mode Configuration

    This chapter shows you how to use the ZyXEL utility to configure your AG-120 in wireless station mode. See Chapter 5 on page 65 mode. 4.1 Wireless Station Mode Overview To set your AG-120 to wireless station mode, select Station Mode in any utility screen (refer Section 1.2.3 on page 4.1.1 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary This section describes the ZyXEL utility screens when the AG-120 is in station mode.

  • Page 46: The Link Info Screen

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Table 2 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary: Station Mode DESCRIPTION Advanced Use this screen to configure the wireless LAN mode. Adapter Use this screen to configure a transfer rate, enable power saving and use OTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology). 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 AG-120.

  • Page 47: Trend Chart

    Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless network. Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the AG-120 in megabits per second (Mbps). Security This field displays whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x), TKIP (WPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-PSK), AES (WPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-...

  • Page 48: The Site Survey Screen

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 23 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 4 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart LABEL DESCRIPTION Transmit This field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps). Receive This field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).

  • Page 49: Figure 24 Station Mode: Site Survey

    Figure 24 Station Mode: Site Survey The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey LABEL DESCRIPTION Available Network Click a column heading to sort the entries. List 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.

  • Page 50: Security Settings

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Table 5 Station Mode: Site Survey (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION MAC address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device. Surveyed at This field displays the time when the wireless device is scanned. 4.3.1 Security Settings When you configure the AG-120 to connect to a network with wireless security activated and the security settings are different on the AG-120, the screen varies according to the encryption method used by the selected network.

  • Page 51: Wpa-Psk/Wpa2-Psk

    Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Key x (where x is a Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys. Enter the WEP key number between 1 in the field provided. and 4) If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.

  • Page 52: Wpa/Wpa2

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 7 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK 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.

  • Page 53: Ieee 802.1X

    Table 8 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2 LABEL DESCRIPTION Password This field is not available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field. Enter the password associated with the user name above. Certificate This field is only available when you select TLS in the Authentication Type field. Select a certificate used by the authentication server to authenticate the AG-120.

  • Page 54: Confirm New Settings

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 9 Station Mode: Security Setting: IEEE 802.1x LABEL DESCRIPTION Authentication The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP. Type Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and PEAP.

  • Page 55: The Profile Screen

    The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 10 Station Mode: Confirm New Settings LABEL DESCRIPTION Network(SSID) This field displays the SSID previously entered. Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the wireless device.

  • Page 56: Figure 30 Station Mode: Profile

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 30 Station Mode: Profile The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 11 Station Mode: Profile LABEL DESCRIPTION Profile List Click a column heading to sort the entries. 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 associates.

  • Page 57: Adding A New Profile

    Table 11 Station Mode: Profile (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) of the profile. SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the profile. Frequency This field displays the wireless LAN mode of the profile. Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile.
  • Page 58 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add a New Profile (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION 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.

  • Page 59: Figure 32 Station Mode: Profile: Select A Channel

    Figure 32 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel LABEL DESCRIPTION Wireless Settings Channel Select a channel number from the drop-down list box. To associate with an ad-hoc network, you must use the same channel as the peer computer.

  • Page 60: Figure 33 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 33 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings 4 The screen varies depending on the encryption method you selected in the previous screen. The settings must be exactly the same on the APs or other peer wireless computers as they are on the AG-120.

  • Page 61: The Advanced Screen

    Figure 35 Station Mode: 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.

  • Page 62: The Adapter Screen

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 37 Station Mode: Advanced 4.6 The Adapter Screen To set the advanced features on the AG-120, click the Adapter tab. Figure 38 Station Mode: Adapter Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration...

  • Page 63: Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter

    The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter LABEL DESCRIPTION Adapter Setting Transfer Rate In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting is the most efficient and allows your AG-120 to operate at the highest possible transmission (data) rate.
  • Page 64 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration...

  • Page 65: Access Point Mode Configuration

    This chapter shows you how to configure your AG-120 in access point mode. 5.1 Access Point Mode Introduction To use your AG-120 as an Access Point (AP), select AP Mode in any utility screen (refer to Section 1.2.3 on page In access point mode, your AG-120 allows you to set up your wireless networks without using a dedicated AP.

  • Page 66: Additional Setup Requirements

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 5.1.2 Additional Setup Requirements To bridge your wired and wireless network using the AG-120, the following requirements must be met: 1 The AG-120 must be installed on a computer connected to the wired network. 2 Either configure network sharing (refer to bridge the two interfaces (wireless and wired) on the computer.

  • Page 67: The Configuration Screen

    Table 16 Access Point Mode: Link Info (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the AG-120 in megabits per second (Mbps). Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP) or inactive (Disabled). This field displays the MAC address of the AG-120.

  • Page 68: Table 17 Access Point Mode: Configuration

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 17 Access Point Mode: Configuration LABEL DESCRIPTION Wireless Settings SSID The SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated. Wireless stations associating to the access point (the AG-120) must have the same SSID.

  • Page 69: The Advanced Screen

    Table 17 Access Point Mode: Configuration (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Key x (where x is a Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys. number between 1 Enter the WEP key in the field provided. and 4) If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.

  • Page 70: The Mac Filter Screen

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 42 Access Point Mode: Advanced 5.5 The MAC Filter Screen The MAC Filter screen allows you to configure the AG-120 to give exclusive access to (Accept) devices or exclude devices from (Reject) connecting to the AG-120. 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 71: Figure 43 Access Point Mode: Mac Filter

    Figure 43 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 18 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter LABEL DESCRIPTION Filter Type Define the filter action for the list of MAC addresses in the MAC address filter table. Select Disable to deactivate the MAC filter feature.
  • Page 72 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Chapter 5 Access Point Mode Configuration...

  • Page 73: Chapter 6 Maintenance

    This chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL utility. 6.1 The About Screen The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the AG-120. To display the screen as shown below, click the about ( Figure 44 About The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen.

  • Page 74: Upgrading The Zyxel Utility

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 45 Uninstall: Confirm 3 Click Finish to complete uninstalling the software and restart the computer when prompted. Figure 46 Uninstall: Finish 6.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility Note: Before you uninstall the ZyXEL utility, take note of your current wireless configurations.
  • Page 75 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 6 Insert the AG-120 and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed properly. Chapter 6 Maintenance...
  • Page 76 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Chapter 6 Maintenance...

  • Page 77: Chapter 7 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. 7.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Table 20 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION Cannot start the Make sure the AG-120 is properly inserted and the LED(s) is on.

  • Page 78: Problem With The Link Quality

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 7.3 Problem with the Link Quality Table 22 Troubleshooting Link Quality PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION The link quality Search and connect to another AP with a better link quality using the Site Survey and/or signal screen. strength is poor all Move your computer closer to the AP or the peer computer(s) within the the time.

  • Page 79: Product Specifications

    Table 24 Product Specifications PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL Product Name Interface Standards Network Architectures Operating Frequencies Operating Channels Data Rate Modulation Operating Temperature Storage Temperature Operating Humidity Storage Humidity Voltage Weight Dimension RADIO SPECIFICATIONS Appendix A Product Specifications P P E N D I X Product Specifications ZyXEL AG-120 802.11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Card CardBus Type II...
  • Page 80 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Table 24 Product Specifications (continued) Media Access Protocol Output Power (Average) IEEE 802.11a: 12+/-2 dBm at 54 Mbps RX Sensitivity SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS Device Drivers Security IEEE 802.11 14+/-2 dBm at 6 Mbps OFDM IEEE 802.11b: 17+/-2 dBm at 11 Mbps CCK, QPSK, BPSK IEEE 802.11g: 14+/-2 dBm at 54 Mbps 16+/-2 dBm at 6 Mbps OFDM 54 Mbps (OFDM): <...

  • Page 81: Access Point Mode Setup Example

    Access Point Mode Setup Example This example uses the network sharing feature in Windows 2000 to bridge the wired and wireless network when you set the AG-120 in access point (AP) mode. Refer to Chapter 5 on page 65 Steps may vary depending on your Windows version. You may need to install additional software in Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows ME.

  • Page 82: Figure 48 Windows 2000: Network And Dial-Up Connections

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 48 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections 4 A Properties screen displays. Click the Sharing tab and select Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection. Click OK. Figure 49 Windows 2000: Network Properties If there is more than one network adapter on the computer, select Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection and select the network adapter to which you want to share network access.

  • Page 83: Figure 50 Windows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter

    Figure 50 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter 5 A notice screen displays. Click Yes. Figure 51 Windows 2000: Local Network Configuring the Wireless Station Computer Refer to Appendix E on page 105 computer(s) IP address. Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide for more information on how to set up the wireless station...
  • Page 84 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Appendix B Access Point Mode Setup Example...

  • Page 85: Management With Wireless Zero Configuration

    Management with Wireless Zero This appendix shows you how to manage your AG-120 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.

  • Page 86: Figure 53 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Network Connection Status

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status 4 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.

  • Page 87: Figure 55 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Network Connection Properties

    Figure 55 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for information on starting WZC. Figure 56 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available 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.

  • Page 88: Figure 57 Windows Xp Sp2: System Tray Icon

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 57 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon The type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the AG-120. Refer to the following table for details. Table 25 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ICON DESCRIPTION The AG-120 is connected to a wireless network.

  • Page 89: Figure 59 Windows Xp Sp1: Wireless Network Connection Status

    Figure 59 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 60 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide...

  • Page 90: Figure 61 Windows Xp Sp1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide The following table describes the icons in the wireless network list. Table 26 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 AG-120 tries to associate to the preferred network first in the order that you specify.

  • Page 91: Figure 62 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Network Connection: Wep Or Wpa-Psk

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

  • Page 92: Figure 64 Windows Xp: Wireless (Network) Properties: Association

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Association Select a network in the Preferred networks list and click Properties to view or configure security. Figure 64 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association LABEL DESCRIPTION Network name...

  • Page 93: Figure 65 Windows Xp: Wireless (Network) Properties: Authentication

    Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION This is a If this check box is selected, you are connecting to another computer directly. computer-to- computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used Click OK to save your changes. Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

  • Page 94: Figure 66 Windows Xp: Protected Eap Properties

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Table 29 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Authenticate as Select this check box to have the computer send its information to the network for computer when authentication when a user is not logged on. computer information is available...

  • Page 95: Figure 67 Windows Xp: Smart Card Or Other Certificate Properties

    The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 30 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties LABEL DESCRIPTION Validate server Select the check box to verify the certificate of the authentication server. certificate Connect to these Select the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your servers computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain.

  • Page 96: Table 31 Windows Xp: Smart Card Or Other Certificate Properties

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 31 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 Select this check box to use a certificate on your computer for authentication.

  • Page 97: Figure 68 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

    Figure 68 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks Windows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties and the Wireless Networks tab to open the screen as shown. Figure 69 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks 2 Whenever the AG-120 tries to connect to a new network, the new network is added in the Preferred networks table automatically.
  • Page 98 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration...

  • Page 99: Appendix D Wireless Security

    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.

  • Page 100: Dynamic Wep Key Exchange

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 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.

  • Page 101: Table 32 Comparison Of Eap Authentication Types

    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 32 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types Mutual Authentication Certificate –...

  • Page 102: User Authentication

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 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.

  • Page 103: Figure 70 Wpa-Psk Authentication

    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.

  • Page 104: Figure 71 Wpa(2) With Radius Application Example

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 71 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.

  • Page 105: Setting Up Your Computer's Ip Address

    Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address All computers must have a 10M or 100M Ethernet adapter card and TCP/IP installed. Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP, Macintosh OS 7 and later operating systems and all versions of UNIX/LINUX include the software components you need to install and use TCP/ IP on your computer.

  • Page 106: Figure 72 Windows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 72 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration Installing Components The Network window Configuration tab displays a list of installed components. You need a network adapter, the TCP/IP protocol and Client for Microsoft Networks. If you need the adapter: 1 In the Network window, click Add.

  • Page 107: Figure 73 Windows 95/98/Me: Tcp/Ip Properties: Ip Address

    3 Select Microsoft from the list of manufacturers. 4 Select Client for Microsoft Networks from the list of network clients and then click 5 Restart your computer so the changes you made take effect. Configuring 1 In the Network window Configuration tab, select your network adapter's TCP/IP entry and click Properties 2 Click the IP Address tab.

  • Page 108: Figure 74 Windows 95/98/Me: Tcp/Ip Properties: Dns Configuration

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 74 Windows 95/98/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.

  • Page 109: Figure 75 Windows Xp: Start Menu

    Figure 75 Windows XP: Start Menu 2 For Windows XP, click Network Connections. For Windows 2000/NT, click Network and Dial-up Connections. Figure 76 Windows XP: Control Panel 3 Right-click Local Area Connection and then click Properties. Appendix E Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide...

  • Page 110: Figure 77 Windows Xp: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Figure 77 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties 4 Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (under the General tab in Win XP) and click Properties. Figure 78 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties 5 The Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window opens (the General tab in Windows XP).

  • Page 111: Figure 79 Windows Xp: Advanced Tcp/Ip Settings

    • Figure 79 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings 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: •...

  • Page 112: Figure 80 Windows Xp: Internet Protocol (Tcp/Ip) Properties

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide • • Figure 80 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties 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.

  • Page 113: Figure 81 Macintosh Os 8/9: Apple Menu

    Figure 81 Macintosh OS 8/9: Apple Menu 2 Select Ethernet built-in from the Connect via list. Figure 82 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP 3 For dynamically assigned settings, select Using DHCP Server from the Configure: list. Appendix E Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide...

  • Page 114: Macintosh Os X

    ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide 4 For statically assigned settings, do the following: • • • • 5 Close the TCP/IP Control Panel. 6 Click Save if prompted, to save changes to your configuration. 7 Restart your computer (if prompted). Verifying Settings Check your TCP/IP properties in the TCP/IP Control Panel window.
  • Page 115 Figure 84 Macintosh OS X: Network 4 For statically assigned settings, do the following: • • • • 5 Click Apply Now and close the window. 6 Restart your computer (if prompted). Verifying Settings Check your TCP/IP properties in the Network window. Appendix E Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address From the Configure box, select Manually.
  • Page 116 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide Appendix E Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address...

  • Page 117: Index

    About About your ZyXEL AG-120 access point Access point mode 25, 34 access point mode 25, 65 additional setup requirements configuration 25, 65 access point. See also AP. activating a profile Adapter Ad-Hoc 24, 58 Advanced Encryption Standard 40, 101 advanced settings antenna gain antenna output power...
  • Page 118 ZyXEL AG-120 User’s Guide link information 46, 66 MAC Filter MAC Filter action Message Integrity Check (MIC) 40, 101 network type One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology open system authentication OTIST Introduction output power PA2-PSK Pairwise Master Key (PMK) passphrase 39, 50 password phrase Power Saving Mode product specifications...
  • Page 119 important step User Authentication user authentication voltage 39, 50, 68 manual setup 39, 51, 69 passphrase 39, 50, 68 WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) WEP Encryption Wi-Fi Protected Access 40, 101 Windows XP wireless client wireless LAN introduction security Wireless LAN (WLAN) wireless network wireless standard 47, 79...

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