ZyXEL Communications G210H 802.11b/g Wireless USB Adapter User Manual ZyXEL G 220F User s Guide V1 00 Oct 2004

ZyXEL Communications Corporation 802.11b/g Wireless USB Adapter ZyXEL G 220F User s Guide V1 00 Oct 2004

UserManual.wiki >

ZyXEL Communications >

G210H User Manual

user manual

ZyXEL G-210H802.11b/g Wireless USB AdapterUser’s GuideVer si o n 1 .0Edition 11/2007

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideCopyright 3CopyrightCopyright © 2007 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation.The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part or as a whole, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, photocopying, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of ZyXEL Communications Corporation.Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.DisclaimerZyXEL does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, or software described herein. Neither does it convey any license under its patent rights nor the patent rights of others. ZyXEL further reserves the right to make changes in any products described herein without notice. This publication is subject to change without notice.TrademarksZyNOS (ZyXEL Network Operating System) is a registered trademark of ZyXEL Communications, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned in this publication are used for identification purposes only and may be properties of their respective owners.CertificationsFederal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference StatementThe device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:• This device may not cause harmful interference.• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operations.This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide4CertificationsIf this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:1Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.2Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.3Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.4Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.Notice 1Changes 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 network throughout the EC region and Switzerland, with restrictions in France.Caution1The 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter has been tested to the FCC exposure requirements (Specific Absorption Rate).2The equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d)(2).3This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.Viewing Certifications1Go to http://www.zyxel.com. 2Select your product from the drop-down list box on the ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.3Select the certification you wish to view from this page.注意 !

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideZyXEL Limited Warranty 5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。ZyXEL Limited WarrantyZyXEL warrants to the original end user (purchaser) that this product is free from any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of up to two (2) years from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, and upon proof of purchase, should the product have indications of failure due to faulty workmanship and/or materials, ZyXEL will, at its discretion, repair or replace the defective products or components without charge for either parts or labor, and to whatever extent it shall deem necessary to restore the product or components to proper operating condition. Any replacement will consist of a new or re-manufactured functionally equivalent product of equal or higher value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL. This warranty shall not apply if the product has been modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.NoteRepair or replacement, as provided under this warranty, is the exclusive remedy of the purchaser. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ZyXEL shall in no event be held liable for indirect or consequential damages of any kind to the purchaser.To obtain the services of this warranty, contact ZyXEL's Service Center for your Return Material Authorization number (RMA). Products must be returned Postage Prepaid. It is recommended that the unit be insured when shipped. Any returned products without proof of purchase or those with an out-dated warranty will be repaired or replaced (at the discretion of ZyXEL) and the customer will be billed for parts and labor. All repaired or replaced products will be shipped by ZyXEL to the corresponding return address, Postage Paid. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from country to country.Online RegistrationRegister your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.zyxel.com.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide6Customer SupportCustomer SupportPlease have the following information ready when you contact customer support.• Product model and serial number.• Warranty Information.• Date that you received your device.• Brief description of the problem and the steps you took to solve it. METHODLOCATIONSUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONEAWEB SITEREGULAR MAILSALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITECORPORATE HEADQUARTERS (WORLDWIDE)support@zyxel.com.tw +886-3-578-3942 www.zyxel.comwww.europe.zyxel.comZyXEL Communications Corp.6 Innovation Road IIScience ParkHsinchu 300Ta i w a nsales@zyxel.com.tw +886-3-578-2439 ftp.zyxel.comftp.europe.zyxel.comCZECH REPUBLICinfo@cz.zyxel.com +420-241-091-350 www.zyxel.cz ZyXEL CommunicationsCzech s.r.o.Modranská 621143 01 Praha 4 - ModranyCeská Republikainfo@cz.zyxel.com +420-241-091-359DENMARKsupport@zyxel.dk +45-39-55-07-00 www.zyxel.dk ZyXEL Communications A/SColumbusvej2860 SoeborgDenmarksales@zyxel.dk +45-39-55-07-07FINLANDsupport@zyxel.fi +358-9-4780-8411 www.zyxel.fi ZyXEL Communications OyMalminkaari 1000700 HelsinkiFinlandsales@zyxel.fi +358-9-4780 8448FRANCEinfo@zyxel.fr +33-4-72-52-97-97 www.zyxel.fr ZyXEL France 1 rue des VergersBat. 1 / C69760 Limonest France+33-4-72-52-19-20GERMANYsupport@zyxel.de +49-2405-6909-0 www.zyxel.de ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH.Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146WuerselenGermanysales@zyxel.de +49-2405-6909-99HUNGARYsupport@zyxel.hu +36-1-3361649 www.zyxel.hu ZyXEL Hungary48, Zoldlomb Str.H-1025, BudapestHungaryinfo@zyxel.hu +36-1-3259100KAZAKHSTANhttp://zyxel.kz/support +7-3272-590-698 www.zyxel.kz ZyXEL Kazakhstan43, Dostyk ave.,Office 414Dostyk Business Centre050010, AlmatyRepublic of Kazakhstansales@zyxel.kz +7-3272-590-689NORTH AMERICAsupport@zyxel.com 1-800-255-4101+1-714-632-0882www.us.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communications Inc.1130 N. Miller St.AnaheimCA 92806-2001U.S.A.sales@zyxel.com +1-714-632-0858 ftp.us.zyxel.comNORWAYsupport@zyxel.no +47-22-80-61-80 www.zyxel.no ZyXEL Communications A/SNils Hansens vei 130667 OsloNorwaysales@zyxel.no +47-22-80-61-81

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideCustomer Support 7POLANDinfo@pl.zyxel.com +48 (22) 333 8250 www.pl.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communicationsul. Okrzei 1A03-715 WarszawaPoland+48 (22) 333 8251RUSSIAhttp://zyxel.ru/support +7-095-542-89-29 www.zyxel.ru ZyXEL RussiaOstrovityanova 37a Str.Moscow, 117279Russiasales@zyxel.ru +7-095-542-89-25SPAINsupport@zyxel.es +34-902-195-420 www.zyxel.es ZyXEL CommunicationsArte, 21 5ª planta28033 MadridSpainsales@zyxel.es +34-913-005-345SWEDENsupport@zyxel.se +46-31-744-7700 www.zyxel.se ZyXEL Communications A/SSjöporten 4, 41764 GöteborgSwedensales@zyxel.se +46-31-744-7701UKRAINEsupport@ua.zyxel.com +380-44-247-69-78 www.ua.zyxel.com ZyXEL Ukraine13, Pimonenko Str.Kiev, 04050Ukrainesales@ua.zyxel.com +380-44-494-49-32UNITED KINGDOMsupport@zyxel.co.uk +44-1344 30304408707 555779 (UK only) www.zyxel.co.uk ZyXEL Communications UKLtd.,11 The Courtyard,Eastern Road, Bracknell,Berkshire, RG12 2XB,United Kingdom (UK)sales@zyxel.co.uk +44-1344 303034 ftp.zyxel.co.uka. “+” is the (prefix) number you enter to make an international telephone call.METHODLOCATIONSUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONEAWEB SITEREGULAR MAILSALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide8Customer Support

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideTable of Contents 11Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................. 71Index........................................................................................................................ 77

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide12 Table of Contents

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide14 List of FiguresFigure 39 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 59Figure 40 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 60Figure 41 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 61Figure 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 62Figure 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 63Figure 44 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 69Figure 45 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 70Figure 46 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 71Figure 47 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 72Figure 48 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 72Figure 49 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 73Figure 50 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 74Figure 51 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 75

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide16 List of Tables

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuidePreface 17PrefaceCongratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL G-210H 802.11b/g Wireless USB AdapterYour G-210H allows you to connect and access wireless networks. Your G-210H also allowsyou to visually see the connection strength of the Access Point with its physical LED's. Your G-210H is easy to install and configure. About This User's GuideThis manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your G-210H for its various applications. Related Documentation• Supporting DiskRefer to the included CD for support documents.• Quick Start Guide The Quick Start Guide is designed to help you get up and running right away. It contains hardware installation/connection information.• ZyXEL Glossary and Web SitePlease refer to www.zyxel.com for an online glossary of networking terms and additional support documentation.User Guide Feedback 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. Syntax Conventions• “Enter” means for you to type one or more characters. “Select” or “Choose” means for you to use one predefined choice.• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “In Windows, click Start, Settings and then Control Panel” means first click the Start button, then point your mouse pointer to Settings and then click Control Panel.• “e.g.,” is a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” means “that is” or “in other words”.• The ZyXEL G-210H 802.11b/g Wireless USB Adapter may be referred to as the G-210H in this user’s guide.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide18 PrefaceGraphics Icons KeyWireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer Server Modem or Router Wireless Signal Internet Cloud

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 1 Getting Started 19CHAPTER 1Getting StartedThis chapter introduces the G-210H and prepares you to use the ZyXEL utility.1.1 About Your G-210H The G-210H is an IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless LAN adapter that connects to the USB port on your computer and allows you to search for and connect to wireless networks. The ZyXEL utility is a tool that helps you configure your G-210H. When connectced to the USB port, you can search for the best direction to point the G-210H by simply looking at the number of LED’s that illuminate.For more information about using the G-210H when it is not connected to a computer, please see the Quick Start Guide.1.2 Application OverviewThis section describes some network applications for the G-210H. 1.2.1 Station ModeThe G-210H is in wireless station mode by default. When the G-210H works as a wireless station (wireless client), you can either set the network type to Infrastructure and connect to an AP or use Ad-Hoc mode and connect to a peer computer (another wireless device in Ad-Hoc mode).1.2.1.1 Infrastructure To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the G-210H network type to Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the AP.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide20 Chapter 1 Getting StartedFigure 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 with each other. Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 1 Getting Started 211.3 G-210H Hardware and Utility InstallationFollow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL utility and make hardware connections.1.3.1 ZyXEL Utility IconAfter 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 G-210H is installed properly.Figure 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the G-210H. Refer to the following table for details. 1.4 Configuration Methods To configure your G-210H, use one of the following applications:• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (the Windows XP wireless configuration tool)• ZyXEL Utility (required when you want to use the G-210H as an access point)1.4.1 Enabling WZC Note: When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables WZC. If you want to use WZC to configure the G-210H, you need to disable the ZyXEL utility by right-clicking the utility icon ( ) in the system tray and selecting Exit. Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon COLOR DESCRIPTIONRed The G-210H is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a wireless network.Green The G-210H is operating in wireless station mode and is connected to a wireless network.Pale Blue The G-210H is operating in access point mode.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide22 Chapter 1 Getting StartedFigure 4 Enable WZCRefer to the appendices for information on how to use WZC to manage the G-210H.To re-activate the ZyXEL utility, double-click the ( ) icon on your desktop or click Start, (All) Programs, ZyXEL G-210H Wireless Adapter Utility, ZyXEL G-210H Wireless Adapter Software.1.4.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility Double-click on the ZyXEL wireless LAN utility icon in the system tray to open the ZyXEL utility. The ZyXEL utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide. Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the online help window.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide24 Chapter 2 TutorialFigure 6 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey2The wireless client automatically searches for available wireless networks. Click Scan if you want to search again. If no entry displays in the Available Network List, that means there is no wireless network available within range. Make sure the AP or peer computer is turned on, or move the wireless client closer to the AP or peer computer. See Table 4 on page 35 for detailed field descriptions.3To connect to an AP or peer computer, either click an entry in the list and then click Connect or double-click an entry (ZyXELUSA-X5 in this example). 4When you try to connect to an AP with security configured, a window will pop up prompting you to specify the security settings. Enter the pre-shared key and leave the encryption type at the default setting.Use the Next button to move on to the next screen. You can use the Back button at any time to return to the previous screen, or the Exit button to return to the Site Survey screen.Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings 5The Confirm Save window appears. Check your settings and click Save to continue.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide28 Chapter 2 Tutorial

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 3 29CHAPTER 3Wireless LAN NetworkThis chapter provides background information on wireless LAN networks.3.1 Wireless LAN Overview The following figure provides an example of a wireless network with an AP. See Figure 2 on page 20 for an Ad Hoc network example.Figure 14 Example of a Wireless NetworkThe wireless network is the part in the blue circle. In this wireless network, devices A and B are called wireless clients. The wireless clients use the access point (AP) to interact with other devices (such as the printer) or with the InternetEvery wireless network must follow these basic guidelines.• Every device in the same wireless network must use the same SSID.The SSID is the name of the wireless network. It stands for Service Set IDentity.• If two wireless networks overlap, they should use a different channel.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 3 Wireless LAN Network 31Wireless networks can use encryption to protect the information that is sent in the wireless network. Encryption is like a secret code. If you do not know the secret code, you cannot understand the message.3.2.3.1 WEP3.2.3.1.1 Data Encryption WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between the G-210H and the AP or other wireless stations to keep network communications private. Both the wireless stations and the access points must use the same WEP key for data encryption and decryption.There are two ways to create WEP keys in your G-210H.• Automatic WEP key generation based on a “password phrase” called a passphrase. The passphrase is case sensitive. You must use the same passphrase for all WLAN adapters with this feature in the same WLAN.For WLAN adapters without the passphrase feature, you can still take advantage of this feature by writing down the four automatically generated WEP keys from the Security Settings screen of the ZyXEL utility and entering them manually as the WEP keys in the other WLAN adapter(s).• Enter the WEP keys manually.Your G-210H allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit WEP keys and only one key is used as the default key at any one time.3.2.3.1.2 Authentication Type The IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless stations and AP. Two authentication types are defined: Open and Shared.• Open mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue. The wireless station and the AP or peer computer do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless stations can associate with any AP or peer computer and listen to any transmitted data that is not encrypted.• Shared mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP or peer computer. This requires you to enable the wireless LAN security and use same settings on both the wireless station and the AP or peer computer.3.2.3.2 IEEE 802.1x The IEEE 802.1x standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of wireless stations and encryption key management. Authentication can be done using an external RADIUS server.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide32 Chapter 3 Wireless LAN Network3.2.3.2.1 EAP Authentication EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE 802.1x transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication. The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server and an intermediary AP(s) that supports IEEE 802.1x. The G-210H supports EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-PEAP. Refer to Appendix C on page 65 for descriptions.For EAP-TLS authentication type, you must first have a wired connection to the network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). A certificate (also called digital IDs) can be used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of each certificate owner.3.2.3.3 WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and key management than WPA. Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user authentication.Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. WPA and WPA2 use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption than TKIP.If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server, you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical) password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN. If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is less secure than WPA or WPA2.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 354.3 The Site Survey Screen Use the Site Survey screen to scan for and connect to a wireless network automatically.Figure 17 Station Mode: Site Survey The following table describes the labels in this screen. Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of wireless connection. This refers to the percentage of packets transmitted successfully. If there are too many wireless stations in a wireless network, collisions may occur which could result in a loss of messages even though you have high signal strength.Noise Level This field displays the noise level that the G-210H is detecting while linked with the connected AP.Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTIONTable 4 Station Mode: Site Survey LABEL DESCRIPTIONAvailable Network ListClick a column heading to sort the entries., denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless security is activated., denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is deactivated. or denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is activated.. denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is deactivated.SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 374.3.1.2 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSKFigure 19 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSKKey x (where x is a number between 1 and 4)Enter the WEP key in the field provided.If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.Enter either 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for example, 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type.orEnter 5 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9” (for example, MyKey) for ASCII key type. If you select 128 Bits in the WEP field,Enter either 26 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for example, 00112233445566778899AABBCC) for HEX key typeorEnter 13 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from “a-z”, “A-Z” and “0-9” (for example, MyKey12345678) for ASCII key type.Note: The values for the WEP keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another network.Save Click Save to confirm your selections and advance to the next screen. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.Table 5 Station Mode: Security Setting: WEP (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide38 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode ConfigurationThe following table describes the labels in this screen. 4.3.1.3 WPA/WPA2Figure 20 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA/WPA2Table 6 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSKLABEL DESCRIPTIONEncryption The encryption mechanisms used for WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK are the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials.Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 30 for more information.Pre-Shared Key Type a pre-shared key (same as the AP or peer device) of between 8 and 63 case-sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols) or 64 hexadecimal characters.Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another network.Save Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the next screen. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 4 Wireless Station Mode Configuration 39The following table describes the labels in these screens. 4.3.1.4 IEEE 802.1xConfigure IEEE 802.1x security with various authentication methods in this screen. Table 7 Station Mode: Security Setting: WPA/WPA2LABEL DESCRIPTIONEncryption The encryption mechanisms used for WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK are the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials.Select the encryption type (TKIP or AES) for data encryption.Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 30 for more information.Authentication TypeThe type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP.Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS, TTLS and PEAP.Session ResumptionSelect either Enable or Disable depending on whether or not you wish for the utility to reconnect your session to the server when your session is over.Login Name Enter a user name. This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.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. Click Browse to select a certificate.Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). Consult your network administrator for more information.Server CA Select a certificate authority (CA) from the drop-down box to have the G-210H trust certificates from that CA only. Select Trust Any to accept certificates from any CA.PEAP Inner EAP This field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type field.The PEAP method used by the RADIUS server or AP for client authentication are EAP_TLS and EAP MS CHAP v2.Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another network.Save Click Save to confirm your selections and advance to the next screen. Refer to Section 4.3.2 on page 47. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide40 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode ConfigurationFigure 21 Station Mode: Security Setting: 802.1x The following table describes the labels in these screens. Table 8 Station Mode: Security Settings: IEEE 802.1xLABEL DESCRIPTIONAuthentication TypeThe type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server or AP.Select an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS, TTLS and PEAP.Session ResumptionSelect either Enable or Disable depending on whether or not you wish for the utility to reconnect your session to the server when your session is over.Login Name Enter a user name. This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a RADIUS server.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. Click Browse to select a certificate.Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). Consult your network administrator for more information.Server CA Select a certificate authority (CA) from the drop-down box to have the G-210H trust certificates from that CA only. Select Trust Any to accept certificates from any CA.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide46 Chapter 4 Wireless Station Mode ConfigurationFigure 27 Station Mode: Adapter The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 11 Station Mode: Adapter LABEL DESCRIPTIONAdapter SettingTransfer Rate In most networking scenarios, the factory default Auto setting is the most efficient and allows your G-210H to operate at the highest possible transmission (data) rate. If you want to select a specific transmission rate, select one that the AP or peer wireless device supports. Note: With USB1.0/1.1, the G-210H can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.Wireless Mode Select the wireless mode you wish to have the G-210H transmit in. Available options are to be transmitting in 802.11B/G Mixed mode which will alternate between 802.11B and 802.11G depending on the network environment, or 802.11B Only which will force the G-210H to broadcast in 802.11B network only.11B/G Protection The factory default setting is on Auto which is the most efficient and will allow your G-210H to automatically configure the network settings to best navigate through interfering networks.Enable Tx Burst Transmission bursting is a method that can boost performance by pushing high number of frames of data per transmission packet. Check this box to enable this feature.Fast Roaming at Fast Roaming is a feature that allows your G-210H to search for Access Points while you’re moving at a faster rate. Select at which dBm you wish for this feature to activate with the drop down menuEnable WMM WMM is the WiFi standard for wireless Quality of Service. Click on this button and then select from the two available check boxes Direct Link and WMM-Power Save Enable.Save Click Save to save the changes to the G-210H.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 5 47CHAPTER 5MaintenanceThis chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL utility.5.1 The About Screen The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the G-210H. To display the screen shown below, click the about ( ) button.Figure 28 About The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen. 5.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyXEL utility from your computer.1Click Start, (All) Programs, ZyXEL G-210H Wireless USB Adapter Utility, Uninstall ZyXEL G-210H Wireless USB Adapter Utility.Table 12 About LABEL DESCRIPTIONDriver Version This field displays the version number of the G-210H driver.Utility Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL utility.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide48 Chapter 5 Maintenance2Click Finish to complete uninstalling the software and restart the computer when prompted.Figure 29 Uninstall: Finish 5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility Note: Before you uninstall the ZyXEL utility, take note of your current wireless configurations.To perform the upgrade, follow the steps below.1Download the latest version of the utility from the ZyXEL web site and save the file on your computer.2Follow the steps in Section 5.2 on page 47 to remove the current ZyXEL utility from your computer.3Restart your computer when prompted.4Disconnect the G-210H from your computer.5Double-click on the setup program for the new utility to start the ZyXEL utility installation.6Insert the G-210H and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed properly.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideChapter 6 Troubleshooting 49CHAPTER 6 TroubleshootingThis chapter covers potential problems and the possible remedies. After each problem description, some instructions are provided to help you to diagnose and to solve the problem.6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility 6.2 Problem with the Link QualityTable 13 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTIONCannot start the ZyXEL Wireless LAN utilityMake sure the G-210H is properly inserted and the LED is on. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for the LED descriptions.Use the Device Manager to check for possible hardware conflicts. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, Hardware and Device Manager. Verify the status of the G-210H under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on the version of Windows). Install the G-210H in another computer.If the error persists, you may have a hardware problem. In this case, you should contact your local vendor.The ZyXEL utility icon does not display.Uninstall the utility from the computer, and try reinstalling it from the accompanying CD once more. If the error persists, please contact our technical support staff. Table 14 Troubleshooting Link Quality PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTIONThe link quality and/or signal strength is poor all the time.Search and connect to another AP with a better link quality using the Site Survey screen.Move your computer closer to the AP or the peer computer(s) within the transmission range.There may be too much radio interference (for example microwave or another AP using the same channel) around your wireless network. Lower the output power of each AP.Make sure there are not too many wireless stations connected to a wireless network.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix A 51APPENDIX AProduct SpecificationsTable 16 Product Specifications PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTALProduct Name ZyXEL G-210H 802.11g High Power Wireless USB AdapterInterface USB 2.0 compatibleStandards IEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11gAntenna Configuration 5dBi Directional Diversity AntennaNetwork Architectures InfrastructureAd-HocOperating Frequencies IEEE 802.11b/g: 2.4 - 2.4835GHzOperating Channels IEEE 802.11b: 11 channels (North America)IEEE 802.11g: 11 channels (North America)IEEE 802.11b: 13 channels (Europe)IEEE 802.11g: 13 channels (Europe)IEEE 802.11b: 13 channels (Japan)IEEE 802.11g: 13 channels (Japan)Data Rate IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1MbpsIEEE 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 MbpsModulation IEEE 802311b: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK).IEEE 802.11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Operating Temperature 0 ~ 55 degrees CentigradeStorage Temperature -20 ~ 70 degrees CentigradeOperating Humidity 20 ~ 90% (non-condensing)Storage Humidity 20 ~ 90% (non-condensing)Power TX power consumption: < 290mARX power consumption: < 220mAVoltage 5VWeight 35gDimension (L) 111 mm × (W) 35 mm × (H) 12 mmRADIO SPECIFICATIONSMedia Access Protocol IEEE 802.11Frequency Industrial Scientific Medical Band2.4 ~ 2.484 GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g)Channels 1 ~ 11 channels (USA, Canada and Taiwan)1 ~ 13 channels (Europe)1 ~ 13 channels (Japan)

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide52 Appendix AData Rate 54 Mbps with automatic fallback to 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 MbpsModulation IEEE 802.11b: CCK, DQPSK, DBPSKIEEE 802.11g: OFDMOutput Power IEEE 802.11b: 11dBm (+/- 1.5dBm) at 11MbpsIEEE 802.11g: 14dBm (+/- 1dBm) at 54MbpsRX Sensitivity IEEE 802.11b: 11 Mbps: -85 dBmIEEE 802.11g: 54 Mbps: -69 dBmSOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONSDevice Drivers Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS X 10.3 or HigherSecurity 64/128-bit WEPWPA/WPA-PSK/WPA2/WPA2-PSKIEEE 802.1xRoaming IEEE 802.11b/g compliantTable 16 Product Specifications (continued)

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix B 53APPENDIX BManagement with Wireless ZeroConfigurationThis appendix shows you how to manage your G-210H using the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration tool.Be sure you have the Windows XP service pack 2 installed on your computer. Otherwise, you should at least have the Windows XP service pack 1 already on your computer and download the support patch for WPA from the Microsoft web site.Windows XP SP2 screen shots are shown unless otherwise specified. Click the help icon ( ) in most screens, move the cursor to the item that you want the information about and click to view the help.Activating Windows Wireless Zero ConfigurationMake sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected in the Wireless Network Connection Properties screen. Refer to Appendix A on page 45.If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for information on starting WZC.Figure 30 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide54 Appendix BConnecting to a Wireless Network 1Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray to open the Wireless Network Connection Status screen.Figure 31 Windows XP SP2: System Tray IconThe type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the G-210H. Refer to the following table for details.2Windows XP SP2: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click View Wireless Networks to open the Wireless Network Connection screen.Figure 32 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection StatusTable 17 Windows XP SP2: System Tray IconICON DESCRIPTIONThe G-210H is connected to a wireless network.The G-210H is in the process of connecting to a wireless network.The connection to a wireless network is limited because the network did not assign a network address to the computer.The G-210H is not connected to a wireless network.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix B 55Windows 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 33 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status3Windows 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 34 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide56 Appendix BThe following table describes the icons in the wireless network list.Windows XP SP1: Click Refresh to reload and search for available wireless devices within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the Available networks list, click Configure and set the related fields to the same security settings as the associated AP to add the selected network into the Preferred networks table. Click OK to join the selected wireless network. Refer to the section on security settings (discussed later) for more information. Figure 35 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties44.Windows XP SP2: If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the Wireless Network Connection screen displays. You must set the related fields in the Wireless Network Connection screen to the same security settings as the associated AP and click Connect. Refer to the section about security settings for more information. Otherwise click Cancel and connect to another wireless network without data encryption. Table 18 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network ConnectionICON DESCRIPTIONThis 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 G-210H tries to associate to the preferred network first in the order that you specify. Refer to the section on ordering the preferred networks for detailed information.This denotes the signal strength of the wireless network.Move your cursor to the icon to see details on the signal strength.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix B 57If 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 36 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSKFigure 37 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security5Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the connection status in the wireless network list or the connection icon in the Preferred networks or Available networks list.The following table describes the connection icons.Security SettingsWhen you configure the G-210H to connect to a secure network but the security settings are not yet enabled on the G-210H, you will see different screens according to the authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.AssociationSelect a network in the Preferred networks list and click Properties to view or configure security.Table 19 Windows XP: Wireless NetworksICON DESCRIPTIONThis denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.This denotes the G-210H is associated to the wireless network.This denotes the wireless network is not available.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide58 Appendix BFigure 38 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: AssociationThe following table describes the labels in this screen.Table 20 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: AssociationLABEL DESCRIPTIONNetwork name (SSID) This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless network.Network AuthenticationThis field automatically shows the authentication method (Share, Open, WPA, WPA2 or WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK) used by the selected network. Data Encryption This field automatically shows the encryption type (AES, TKIP, WEP or Disable) used by the selected network. Network Key Enter the pre-shared key or WEP key.The values for the keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.Confirm network keyEnter the key again for confirmation.Key index (advanced)Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption.This field is available only when the network use WEP encryption method and the The key is provided for me automatically check box is not selected.The key is provided for me automaticallyIf this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the G-210H a key.This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not usedIf this check box is selected, you are connecting to another computer directly.OK Click OK to save your changes.Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix B 59AuthenticationClick the Authentication tab in the Wireless (network) properties screen to display the screen shown next. The fields on this screen are grayed out when the network is in Ad-Hoc mode or data encryption is disabled.Figure 39 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: AuthenticationThe following table describes the labels in this screen.Table 21 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: AuthenticationLABEL DESCRIPTIONEnable IEEE 802.1x authentication for this networkThis field displays whether the IEEE 802.1x authentication is active.If the network authentication is set to Open in the previous screen, you can choose to disable or enable this feature.EAP Type Select the type of EAP authentication. Options are Protected EAP (PEAP) and Smart Card or other Certificate. Properties Click this button to open the properties screen and configure certificates. The screen varies depending on what you select in the EAP type field.Authenticate as computer when computer information is availableSelect this check box to have the computer send its information to the network for authentication when a user is not logged on.Authenticate as guest when user or computer information is unavailableSelect this check box to have the computer access to the network as a guest when a user is not logged on or computer information is not available.OK Click OK to save your changes.Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide60 Appendix BAuthentication PropertiesSelect an EAP authentication type in the Wireless (network) properties: Authentication screen and click the Properties button to display the following screen. Protected EAP PropertiesFigure 40 Windows XP: Protected EAP PropertiesThe following table describes the labels in this screen.Table 22 Windows XP: Protected EAP PropertiesLABEL DESCRIPTIONValidate server certificateSelect the check box to verify the certificate of the authentication server.Connect to these serversSelect the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain.Trusted Root Certification Authorities:Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). Consult your network administrator for more information.Do not prompt user to authorize new server or trusted certification authorities.Select this check box to verify a new authentication server or trusted CA without prompting.This field is available only if you installed the Windows XP server pack 2.Select Authentication Method: Select an authentication method from the drop-down list box and click Configure to do settings.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix B 61Smart Card or other Certificate PropertiesFigure 41 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate PropertiesThe following table describes the labels in this screen.Enable Fast ReconnectSelect the check box to automatically reconnect to the network (without re-authentication) if the wireless connection goes down.OK Click OK to save your changes.Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.Table 22 Windows XP: Protected EAP PropertiesLABEL DESCRIPTIONTable 23 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate PropertiesLABEL DESCRIPTIONUse my smart card Select this check box to use the smart card for authentication.Use a certificate on this computerSelect this check box to use a certificate on your computer for authentication.Validate server certificateSelect the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.Connect to these serversSelect the check box and specify a domain in the field below to have your computer connect to a server which resides only within this domain. Trusted Root Certification Authorities:Select a trusted certification authority from the list below.Note: You must first have a wired connection to a network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). Consult your network administrator for more information.View Certificate Click this button if you want to verify the selected certificate.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide62 Appendix BOrdering the Preferred NetworksFollow the steps below to manage your preferred networks.1Windows XP SP2: Click Change the order of preferred networks in the Wireless Network Connection screen (see Figure 34 on page 55). The screen displays as shown. Figure 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred NetworksWindows XP SP1: In the Wireless Network Connection Status screen, click Properties and the Wireless Networks tab to open the screen as shown.Use a different user name for the connection:Select the check box to use a different user name when the user name in the smart card or certificate is not the same as the user name in the domain that you are logged on to.OK Click OK to save your changes.Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made.Table 23 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate PropertiesLABEL DESCRIPTION

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix B 63Figure 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks2Whenever the G-210H tries to connect to a new network, the new network is added in the Preferred networks table automatically. Select a network and click Move up or Move down to change it's order, click Remove to delete it or click Properties to view the security, authentication or connection information of the selected network. Click Add to add a preferred network into the list manually.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide64 Appendix B

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix C 65APPENDIX CWireless SecurityTypes of EAP AuthenticationThis section discusses some popular authentication types: EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, PEAP and LEAP. Your wireless LAN device may not support all authentication types. EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) is an authentication protocol that runs on top of the IEEE 802.1x transport mechanism in order to support multiple types of user authentication. By using EAP to interact with an EAP-compatible RADIUS server, an access point helps a wireless station and a RADIUS server perform authentication. The type of authentication you use depends on the RADIUS server and an intermediary AP(s) that supports IEEE 802.1x.For EAP-TLS authentication type, you must first have a wired connection to the network and obtain the certificate(s) from a certificate authority (CA). A certificate (also called digital IDs) can be used to authenticate users and a CA issues certificates and guarantees the identity of each certificate owner.EAP-MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5)MD5 authentication is the simplest one-way authentication method. The authentication server sends a challenge to the wireless station. The wireless station ‘proves’ that it knows the password by encrypting the password with the challenge and sends back the information. Password is not sent in plain text. However, MD5 authentication has some weaknesses. Since the authentication server needs to get the plaintext passwords, the passwords must be stored. Thus someone other than the authentication server may access the password file. In addition, it is possible to impersonate an authentication server as MD5 authentication method does not perform mutual authentication. Finally, MD5 authentication method does not support data encryption with dynamic session key. You must configure WEP encryption keys for data encryption.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide66 Appendix CEAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security)With EAP-TLS, digital certifications are needed by both the server and the wireless stations for mutual authentication. The server presents a certificate to the client. After validating the identity of the server, the client sends a different certificate to the server. The exchange of certificates is done in the open before a secured tunnel is created. This makes user identity vulnerable to passive attacks. A digital certificate is an electronic ID card that authenticates the sender’s identity. However, to implement EAP-TLS, you need a Certificate Authority (CA) to handle certificates, which imposes a management overhead. EAP-TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Service) EAP-TTLS is an extension of the EAP-TLS authentication that uses certificates for only the server-side authentications to establish a secure connection. Client authentication is then done by sending username and password through the secure connection, thus client identity is protected. For client authentication, EAP-TTLS supports EAP methods and legacy authentication methods such as PAP, CHAP, MS-CHAP and MS-CHAP v2. PEAP (Protected EAP) Like EAP-TTLS, server-side certificate authentication is used to establish a secure connection, then use simple username and password methods through the secured connection to authenticate the clients, thus hiding client identity. However, PEAP only supports EAP methods, such as EAP-MD5, EAP-MSCHAPv2 and EAP-GTC (EAP-Generic Token Card), for client authentication. EAP-GTC is implemented only by Cisco.LEAPLEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a Cisco implementation of IEEE 802.1x. Dynamic WEP Key ExchangeThe AP maps a unique key that is generated with the RADIUS server. This key expires when the wireless connection times out, disconnects or reauthentication times out. A new WEP key is generated each time reauthentication is performed.If this feature is enabled, it is not necessary to configure a default encryption key in the Wireless screen. You may still configure and store keys here, but they will not be used while Dynamic WEP is enabled.Note: EAP-MD5 cannot be used with Dynamic WEP Key Exchange

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix C 67For 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.WPA and WPA2Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and key management than WPA. Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user authentication.If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server, you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical) password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN. If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is less secure than WPA or WPA2.Encryption Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. WPA and WPA2 use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption than TKIP.Table 24 Comparison of EAP Authentication TypesEAP-MD5 EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS PEAP LEAPMutual Authentication No Yes Yes Yes YesCertificate – Client No Yes Optional Optional NoCertificate – Server No Yes Yes Yes NoDynamic Key Exchange No Yes Yes Yes YesCredential Integrity None Strong Strong Strong ModerateDeployment Difficulty Easy Hard Moderate Moderate ModerateClient Identity Protection No No Yes Ye s No

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide68 Appendix CTKIP uses 128-bit keys that are dynamically generated and distributed by the authentication server. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a block cipher that uses a 256-bit mathematical algorithm called Rijndael. They both include a per-packet key mixing function, a Message Integrity Check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism.WPA and WPA2 regularly change and rotate the encryption keys so that the same encryption key is never used twice. The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up a key hierarchy and management system, using the PMK to dynamically generate unique data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP and the wireless stations. This all happens in the background automatically.The Message Integrity Check (MIC) is designed to prevent an attacker from capturing data packets, altering them and resending them. The MIC provides a strong mathematical function in which the receiver and the transmitter each compute and then compare the MIC. If they do not match, it is assumed that the data has been tampered with and the packet is dropped. By generating unique data encryption keys for every data packet and by creating an integrity checking mechanism (MIC), with TKIP and AES it is more difficult to decrypt data on a Wi-Fi network than WEP and difficult for an intruder to break into the network. The encryption mechanisms used for WPA(2) and WPA(2)-PSK are the same. The only difference between the two is that WPA(2)-PSK uses a simple common password, instead of user-specific credentials. The common-password approach makes WPA(2)-PSK susceptible to brute-force password-guessing attacks but it’s still an improvement over WEP as it employs a consistent, single, alphanumeric password to derive a PMK which is used to generate unique temporal encryption keys. This prevent all wireless devices sharing the same encryption keys. (a weakness of WEP)User Authentication WPA and WPA2 apply IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate wireless stations using an external RADIUS database. WPA2 reduces the number of key exchange messages from six to four (CCMP 4-way handshake) and shortens the time required to connect to a network. Other WPA2 authentication features that are different from WPA include key caching and pre-authentication. These two features are optional and may not be supported in all wireless devices.Key caching allows a wireless client to store the PMK it derived through a successful authentication with an AP. The wireless client uses the PMK when it tries to connect to the same AP and does not need to go with the authentication process again.Pre-authentication enables fast roaming by allowing the wireless client (already connecting to an AP) to perform IEEE 802.1x authentication with another AP before connecting to it.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix C 69WPA(2)-PSK Application ExampleA WPA(2)s-PSK application looks as follows.1First 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).2The AP checks each client's password and (only) allows it to join the network if it matches its password.3The AP and wireless clients use the pre-shared key to generate a common PMK.4The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP or AES encryption process to encrypt data exchanged between them.Figure 44 WPA-PSK AuthenticationWPA(2) with RADIUS Application ExampleYou need the IP address of the RADIUS server, its port number (default is 1812), and the RADIUS shared secret. A WPA(2) application example with an external RADIUS server looks as follows. "A" is the RADIUS server. "DS" is the distribution system.1The AP passes the wireless client's authentication request to the RADIUS server.2The RADIUS server then checks the user's identification against its database and grants or denies network access accordingly.3The RADIUS server distributes a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) key to the AP that then sets up a key hierarchy and management system, using the pair-wise key to dynamically generate unique data encryption keys to encrypt every data packet that is wirelessly communicated between the AP and the wireless clients.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide70 Appendix CFigure 45 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application ExampleSecurity Parameters SummaryRefer to this table to see what other security parameters you should configure for each Authentication Method/ key management protocol type. MAC address filters are not dependent on how you configure these security features.Table 25 Wireless Security Relational MatrixAUTHENTICATION METHOD/ KEY MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLENCRYPTION METHODENTER MANUAL KEY IEEE 802.1XOpen None No DisableEnable without Dynamic WEP KeyOpen WEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP KeyYes Enable without Dynamic WEP KeyYes DisableShared WEP No Enable with Dynamic WEP KeyYes Enable without Dynamic WEP KeyYes DisableWPA TKIP/AES No EnableWPA-PSK TKIP/AES Yes DisableWPA2 TKIP/AES No EnableWPA2-PSK TKIP/AES Yes Disable

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix D 71APPENDIX DSetting up Your Computer’s IP AddressAll computers must have a 10M or 100M Ethernet adapter card and TCP/IP installed. Windows 2000 and XP usually include TCP/IP.Configure the TCP/IP settings in order to "communicate" with your network. Windows 2000/XP1For Windows XP, click start, Control Panel. In Windows 2000/NT, click Start, Settings, Control Panel.Figure 46 Windows XP: Start Menu2For Windows XP, click Network Connections. For Windows 2000/NT, click Network and Dial-up Connections.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide72 Appendix DFigure 47 Windows XP: Control Panel3Right-click Local Area Connection and then click Properties.Figure 48 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties4Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) (under the General tab in Win XP) and click Properties.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix D 73Figure 49 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties5The Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window opens (the General tab in Windows XP).• If you have a dynamic IP address click Obtain an IP address automatically.• If you have a static IP address click Use the following IP Address and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway fields. Click Advanced.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide74 Appendix DFigure 50 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings6If you do not know your gateway's IP address, remove any previously installed gateways in the IP Settings tab and click OK.Do one or more of the following if you want to configure additional IP addresses:•In the IP Settings tab, in IP addresses, click Add.•In TCP/IP Address, type an IP address in IP address and a subnet mask in Subnet mask, and then click Add.• Repeat the above two steps for each IP address you want to add.• Configure additional default gateways in the IP Settings tab by clicking Add in Default gateways.•In TCP/IP Gateway Address, type the IP address of the default gateway in Gateway. To manually configure a default metric (the number of transmission hops), clear the Automatic metric check box and type a metric in Metric.• Click Add. • Repeat the previous three steps for each default gateway you want to add.• Click OK when finished.7In the Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties window (the General tab in Windows XP):• Click Obtain DNS server address automatically if you do not know your DNS server IP address(es).

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideAppendix D 75• If you know your DNS server IP address(es), click Use the following DNS server addresses, and type them in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields. If you have previously configured DNS servers, click Advanced and then the DNS tab to order them.Figure 51 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties8Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window.9Click OK to close the Local Area Connection Properties window.10Restart your computer (if prompted).Verifying Settings1Click Start, All Programs, Accessories and then Command Prompt.2In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and then press [ENTER]. You can also open Network Connections, right-click a network connection, click Status and then click the Support tab.

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide76 Appendix D

ZyXEL G-210H User’s Guide78 IndexLLink information 34Link quality 35Login name 39MMessage Integrity Check (MIC) 32, 67NNetwork type 34PPA2-PSK 37Pairwise Master Key (PMK) 68Passphrase 31Password phrase 31Power Saving Mode 46product specifications 51Profile 34activation 45add new 42, 43list 42name 42profiledelete 42edit 42QQuick Start Guide 17, 21RRadio interference 49RADIUS server 32Related Documentation 17SSecuritydata encryption 31security 52Security Parameters 70Signal strength 34, 36Site survey 35scan 36security settings 36SSID 29, 34, 35hide 30Support CD 17Survey 35Syntax conventions 17System tray 21TTemporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) 32, 67Trademarks 3Transfer rate 46transmission rate 51Transmit key 36Troubleshooting 49link status 49network communication 50starting ZyXEL Utility 49UUninstalling ZyXEL Utility 47Upgrading ZyXEL Utility 48important step 48USB connection 19User authentication 30, 68Vvoltage 51

ZyXEL G-210H User’s GuideIndex 79WWeb site 17WEPmanual setup 37passphrase 31security 31WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 31WEP Encryption 36WEP key 31automatic 31manual 31Wi-Fi Protected Access 32, 67Windows XP 21Wirelessindependent workgroup 20Wireless channel 30Wireless client 23wireless client 29Wireless frequency 44Wireless LANintroduction 29overview 29security 30Wireless LAN (WLAN) 29Wireless network 29wireless standard 51Wireless station modeconfiguration 33WLANSecurity parameters 70WPA 32, 38, 67WPA2 32, 38, 67WPA2-Pre-Shared Key 32, 67WPA2-PSK 32, 67WPA-PSK 32, 37, 67WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) 21ZZyXEL Limited WarrantyNote 5ZyXEL Utility 21accessing 22disable 21download 48help 22icon 21installation 21menu 33opening 22system tray icon 21upgrade 48version 47

Navigation menu