ZyXEL Communications G270S 80211g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter User Manual ZyXEL G 220F User s Guide V1 00 Oct 2004

ZyXEL Communications Corporation 80211g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter ZyXEL G 220F User s Guide V1 00 Oct 2004

users manual

ZyXEL G-270S802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 AdapterUser’s GuideVersion 1.004/2006Edition 2
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideCopyright 3CopyrightCopyright © 2006 by ZyXEL Communications Corporation.The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any part or as a whole, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, photocopying, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of ZyXEL Communications Corporation.Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.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.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide4CertificationsCertificationsFederal 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.If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio/television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: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 equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment, under 47 CFR 2.1093 paragraph (d)(2).2This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideCertifications 5Viewing 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 !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 G-270S User’s Guide6ZyXEL Limited WarrantyZyXEL 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 for global products, or at www.us.zyxel.com for North American products.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideCustomer Support 7Customer 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-270S User’s Guide8Customer SupportPOLANDinfo@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-270S User’s GuideTable of Contents 9Table of ContentsCopyright .................................................................................................................. 3Certifications ............................................................................................................ 4ZyXEL Limited Warranty.......................................................................................... 6Customer Support.................................................................................................... 7Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... 9List of Figures ........................................................................................................ 13List of Tables .......................................................................................................... 15Preface .................................................................................................................... 17Chapter 1Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 191.1 About Your ZyXEL G-270S ..............................................................................191.1.1 Application Overview ................................................................................191.1.1.1 Infrastructure ...................................................................................191.1.1.2 Ad-Hoc ............................................................................................201.2 ZyXEL G-270S Hardware and Utility Installation ...............................................211.3 Configuration Methods ......................................................................................211.4 Windows XP Users Only ....................................................................................211.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................211.6 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary ..........................................................................221.7 Connecting to a Wireless LAN ...........................................................................231.7.1 Site Survey ...............................................................................................23Chapter 2Wireless LAN Network ........................................................................................... 252.1 Wireless LAN Overview ....................................................................................252.1.1 SSID .........................................................................................................252.1.2 Channel ....................................................................................................252.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate) ....................................................................252.1.4 Super G ....................................................................................................262.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview ......................................................................262.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP ........................................................................262.2.2 IEEE 802.1x ..............................................................................................262.2.2.1 EAP Authentication .........................................................................27
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide10 Table of Contents2.2.3 WPA(2) .....................................................................................................272.2.3.1 Encryption ......................................................................................272.2.3.2 User Authentication ........................................................................282.2.4 WPA(2)-PSK Application Example ...........................................................282.2.5 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ..............................................282.3 Encryption Type .................................................................................................292.4 Preamble Type ...................................................................................................292.5 Introduction to OTIST .....................................................................................302.5.1 Enabling OTIST ........................................................................................302.5.1.1 AP ...................................................................................................302.5.1.2 Wireless Client ................................................................................312.5.2 Starting OTIST .........................................................................................322.5.3 Notes on OTIST ........................................................................................32Chapter 3ZyXEL Utility Configuration .................................................................................. 353.1 The Link Info Screen .........................................................................................353.1.1 Trend Chart ..............................................................................................363.2 The Site Survey Screen ....................................................................................373.2.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network ..............................................................383.2.2 Security Settings .......................................................................................383.2.2.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................383.2.2.2 WPA/WPA2 .....................................................................................393.2.2.3 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .....................................................................403.2.2.4 802.1x .............................................................................................413.2.3 Confirm Save Screen ................................................................................423.3 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................433.3.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................453.4 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................49Chapter 4Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 514.1 The About Screen .............................................................................................514.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ............................................................................514.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ..............................................................................52Chapter 5 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 535.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program ....................................................535.2 Problem with the Link Status ..............................................................................535.3 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................54Appendix A
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideTable of Contents 11Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 55Appendix BDisable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool..................................... 57Appendix CManagement with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 63Appendix DWireless Security ................................................................................................... 75Index........................................................................................................................ 81
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide12 Table of Contents
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideList of Figures 13List of FiguresFigure 1 Application: Infrastructure ....................................................................... 20Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc ................................................................................ 20Figure 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 21Figure 4 Menu Summary ....................................................................................... 22Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey ....................................................................... 23Figure 6 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings .............................................................. 24Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info ............................................................................ 24Figure 8 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication .................................................................... 28Figure 9 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ............................................. 29Figure 10 Link Info ................................................................................................ 35Figure 11 Link Info: Trend Chart ............................................................................ 36Figure 12 Site Survey ............................................................................................ 37Figure 13 Security Settings: WEP ........................................................................ 38Figure 14 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 ............................................................... 40Figure 15 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK .............................................. 41Figure 16 Security Settings: 802.1x ...................................................................... 41Figure 17 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................ 42Figure 18 Profile Screen ....................................................................................... 44Figure 19 Profile: Add New Profile ........................................................................ 45Figure 20 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel .......................................... 46Figure 21 Profile: Security Setting: Encryption Type ............................................. 47Figure 22 Profile: Security Setting ......................................................................... 48Figure 23 Profile: Confirm New Settings ............................................................... 48Figure 24 Profile: Activate the Profile .................................................................... 49Figure 25 Adapter Screen ..................................................................................... 49Figure 26 About ..................................................................................................... 51Figure 27 Uninstall: Finish ..................................................................................... 52Figure 28 Windows XP: System Tray Icon ............................................................. 57Figure 29 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 58Figure 30 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 58Figure 31 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 59Figure 32 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 59Figure 33 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 60Figure 34 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 60Figure 35 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 61Figure 36 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 61Figure 37 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available .................................................. 63Figure 38 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ..................................................... 64
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide14 List of FiguresFigure 39 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 64Figure 40 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ....................... 65Figure 41 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 65Figure 42 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ................ 66Figure 43 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK .. 67Figure 44 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............. 67Figure 45 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ..................... 68Figure 46 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................. 69Figure 47 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 70Figure 48 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ...................... 71Figure 49 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 73Figure 50 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks .................. 73Figure 51 WPA-PSK Authentication ....................................................................... 79Figure 52 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example ........................................... 80
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideList of Tables 15List of TablesTable 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 22Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen Summary ..................................................... 22Table 3 Link Info .................................................................................................... 35Table 4 Link Info: Trend Chart ............................................................................... 36Table 5 Site Survey ............................................................................................... 37Table 6 Security Settings: WEP ............................................................................ 39Table 7 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2 .................................................................. 40Table 8 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK ................................................. 41Table 9 Security Settings: 802.1x .......................................................................... 42Table 10 Confirm Save Screen ............................................................................. 43Table 11 Profile Screen ......................................................................................... 44Table 12 Profile: Add New Profile .......................................................................... 45Table 13 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel ............................................ 46Table 14 Adapter ................................................................................................... 49Table 15 About ...................................................................................................... 51Table 16 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program .................................... 53Table 17 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 53Table 18 Troubleshooting Communication Problem .............................................. 54Table 19 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 55Table 20 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 64Table 21 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 66Table 22 Windows XP: Wireless Networks ........................................................... 67Table 23 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 68Table 24 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 69Table 25 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 71Table 26 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 72Table 27 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 77Table 28 Wireless Security Relational Matrix ........................................................ 80
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide16 List of Tables
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuidePreface 17PrefaceCongratulations on your purchase of the ZyXEL G-270S 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter. Your ZyXEL G-270S is easy to install and configure. About This User's GuideThis manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your ZyXEL G-270S 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. They contain 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-270S 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter may be referred to as the ZyXEL G-270S in this user’s guide.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide18 PrefaceGraphics Icons KeyWireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer Server Modem Wireless Signal Telephone Switch Router Internet Cloud
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 1 Getting Started 19CHAPTER 1Getting StartedThis chapter introduces the ZyXEL G-270S and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.1.1 About Your ZyXEL G-270S The ZyXEL G-270S is an IEEE 802.11g compliant wireless LAN USB adapter. The following lists the main features of your ZyXEL G-270S. See the product specifications in the appendix for detailed features.• Automatic rate selection.• Security: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), IEEE 802.1x, WPA-PSK, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2-PSK and WPA2 Note: WPA2 and WPA2-PSK are only available in Windows XP and Windows 2000.• A built-in antenna• Driver and utility support for Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.1.1.1 Application OverviewThis section describes some network applications for the ZyXEL G-270S. 1.1.1.1 Infrastructure To connect to a network via an Access Point (AP), set the ZyXEL G-270S network type to Infrastructure. Through the AP, you can access the Internet or the wired network behind the AP.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide20 Chapter 1 Getting StartedFigure 1 Application: Infrastructure 1.1.1.2 Ad-Hoc In case you prefer to set up a small independent wireless workgroup without an AP, use the Ad-Hoc mode.Ad-hoc mode does not require an AP or a wired network. Two or more wireless clients communicate directly to each other. Figure 2 Application: Ad-Hoc
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 1 Getting Started 211.2 ZyXEL G-270S Hardware and Utility InstallationFollow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL Utility and make hardware connections.1.3 Configuration Methods To configure your ZyXEL G-270S, use one of the following applications:• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (recommended for Windows XP)• ZyXEL Utility (This guide shows you how to configure the ZyXEL G-270S using the ZyXEL Utility)• Odyssey Client Manager (not supplied) Refer to the Odyssey Client Manager documentation for more information.Note: Do NOT use WZC or the Odyssey Client Manager and the ZyXEL Utility at the same time.1.4 Windows XP Users Only You must disable WZC if you want to use the ZyXEL utility. Refer to the appendices on how to deactivate WZC or how to use WZC to manage the ZyXEL G-270S.Note: When you use the ZyXEL Utility, it automatically disables the Windows XP wireless configuration tool. 1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility After you install and start the ZyXEL Utility, an icon for the ZyXEL Utility appears in the system tray.Note: When the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon displays, the ZyXEL G-270S is installed properly.When you use the ZyXEL Utility, it automatically disables the Windows XP wireless configuration tool. Figure 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide22 Chapter 1 Getting StartedThe color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyXEL G-270S. Refer to the following table for details. 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 2000 are shown. Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the on-line help window.1.6 ZyXEL Utility Screen Summary This sections describes the ZyXEL Utility screens. Figure 4 Menu Summary The following table describes the menus. Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon COLOR DESCRIPTIONRed The ZyXEL G-270S is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a wireless network.Green The ZyXEL G-270S is operating in wireless station mode and connected to a wireless network.Table 2 ZyXEL Utility: Menu Screen SummaryTAB DESCRIPTIONLink Info Use this screen to see your current connection status, configuration and data rate statistics.Site Survey Use this screen to • scan for a wireless network• configure wireless security (if activated on the selected network).• connect to a wireless network.Profile Use this screen to add, delete, edit or activate a profile with a set of wireless and security settings.Adapter Use this screen to configure a transfer rate, enable power saving and use OTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology).
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 1 Getting Started 231.7 Connecting to a Wireless LANThe following sections show you how to associate with a network using the ZyXEL Utility. You can either manually connect to a network or configure a profile to have the ZyXEL G-270S automatically connect to a specific network. Otherwise, configure nothing and leave the ZyXEL G-270S to automatically scan for and connect to any other available network without security.See the next chapters for detailed field descriptions.1.7.1 Site Survey After you install the ZyXEL Utility and then insert the ZyXEL G-270S, follow the steps below to connect to a network using the Site Survey screen.1Make sure a wireless network is available and within range.2Open the ZyXEL Utility and click the Site Survey tab to open the screen as shown next.3Click Scan to search for available wireless networks.Figure 5 ZyXEL Utility: Site Survey 4To join a network, either click an SSID in the table and then click Connect or double-click an SSID. 5If the wireless security is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security Settings screen displays. This screen varies according to the network’s encryption method. Configure the same security settings as the associated network.Note: If the selected network is unavailable or security settings are not correct, the ZyXEL G-270S will be disconnected.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide24 Chapter 1 Getting StartedFigure 6 ZyXEL Utility: Security Settings 6Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the network information in the Link Info screen. If the ZyXEL G-270S is not connected to a network, the fields in this screen are blank.Figure 7 ZyXEL Utility: Link Info
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 25CHAPTER 2Wireless LAN NetworkThis chapter provides background information on wireless LAN network.2.1 Wireless LAN Overview This section describes the wireless LAN network terms and applications.2.1.1 SSIDThe SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.2.1.2 ChannelA radio frequency used by a wireless device is called a channel.2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)The ZyXEL G-270S provides various transmission (data) rate options for you to select. Options include Fully Auto, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps. In most networking scenarios, the factory default Fully Auto setting proves the most efficient. This setting allows your ZyXEL G-270S to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication quality drops below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-270S automatically switches to a lower transmission (data) rate. Transmission at lower data speeds is usually more reliable. However, when the communication quality improves again, the ZyXEL G-270S gradually increases the transmission (data) rate again until it reaches the highest available transmission rate. You can select any of the above options. If you wish to balance speed versus reliability, select 54 Mbps in a networking environment where you are certain that all wireless devices can communicate at the highest transmission (data) rate. 1 Mbps or 2 Mbps are used often in networking environments where the range of the wireless connection is more important than speed. Note: With USB1.0/1.1, the ZyXEL G-270S can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.Your ZyXEL G-270S can transmit at up to 108 Mbps when connected to an AP or wireless router with the Super G feature enabled. Actual speeds attained also depend on the distance from the AP, noise, etc.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide26 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network2.1.4 Super GThe Super G technology works with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g products. It doubles IEEE 802.11g performance by bonding two 54Mbps channels and allowing larger frames to be sent. IEEE 802.11g wireless LAN devices using Super G can transmit at up to 108 Mbps.2.2 Wireless LAN Security Overview Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communications.Configure the wireless LAN security using the Profile Security Setting screen. If you do not enable any wireless security on your ZyXEL G-270S, the ZyXEL G-270S’s wireless communications are accessible to any wireless networking device that is in the coverage area.2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEPWEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption scrambles all data packets transmitted between the ZyXEL G-270S 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 ZyXEL G-270S.• 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 Setting 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 ZyXEL G-270S allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 152-bit WEP keys and only one key is used as the default key at any one time.2.2.2 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-270S User’s GuideChapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 272.2.2.1 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 ZyXEL G-270S supports EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP. Refer to Appendix D on page 75 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.2.2.3 WPA(2)Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a subset of the IEEE 802.11i standard. WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i) is a wireless security standard that defines stronger encryption, authentication and key management than WPA. Key differences between WPA(2) and WEP are improved data encryption and user authentication.If both an AP and the wireless clients support WPA2 and you have an external RADIUS server, use WPA2 for stronger data encryption. If you don't have an external RADIUS server, you should use WPA2-PSK (WPA2-Pre-Shared Key) that only requires a single (identical) password entered into each access point, wireless gateway and wireless client. As long as the passwords match, a wireless client will be granted access to a WLAN. If the AP or the wireless clients do not support WPA2, just use WPA or WPA-PSK depending on whether you have an external RADIUS server or not.Select WEP only when the AP and/or wireless clients do not support WPA or WPA2. WEP is less secure than WPA or WPA2.2.2.3.1 Encryption Both WPA and WPA2 improve data encryption by using Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Message Integrity Check (MIC) and IEEE 802.1x. In addition to TKIP, WPA2 also uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in the Counter mode with Cipher block chaining Message authentication code Protocol (CCMP) to offer stronger encryption.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 an easier-to-use, consistent, single, alphanumeric password.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide28 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network2.2.3.2 User Authentication WPA or WPA2 applies IEEE 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to authenticate wireless clients using an external RADIUS database.2.2.4 WPA(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 (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 derives and distributes keys to the wireless clients.4The AP and wireless clients use the TKIP or AES encryption process to encrypt data exchanged between them.Figure 8 WPA(2)-PSK Authentication2.2.5 WPA(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)-RADIUS 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-270S User’s GuideChapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 29Figure 9 WPA(2) with RADIUS Application Example2.3 Encryption TypeThe IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple encryption method between the wireless stations and AP. Two encryption types are defined: an Open system mode and a Shared key mode.• Open system mode is implemented for ease-of-use and when security is not an issue. The wireless station and the AP do not share a secret key. Thus the wireless stations can associate with any AP and listen to any data transmitted plaintext.• Shared key mode involves a shared secret key to authenticate the wireless station to the AP. This requires you to enable the wireless LAN security and use same settings on both the wireless station and the AP. 2.4 Preamble TypePreamble is used to signal that data is coming to the receiver. Short preamble increases performance as less time sending preamble means more time for sending data. All IEEE 802.11b/g compliant wireless adapters support long preamble, but not all support short preamble. Select Long preamble if you are unsure what preamble mode the wireless adapters support, and to provide more reliable communications in busy wireless networks. Select Long and Short to have the ZyXEL G-270S automatically use short preamble when access point/wireless stations support it, otherwise the ZyXEL G-270S uses long preamble. Note: The ZyXEL G-270S and the access point/wireless stations MUST use the same preamble mode in order to communicate.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide30 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network2.5 Introduction to OTIST In a wireless network, the wireless clients must have the same SSID and security settings as the access point (AP) or wireless router (we will refer to both as “AP” here) in order to associate with it. Traditionally this meant that you had to configure the settings on the AP and then manually configure the exact same settings on each wireless client.OTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology) allows you to transfer your AP’s SSID and WEP or WPA-PSK security settings to wireless clients that support OTIST and are within transmission range. You can also choose to have OTIST generate a WPA-PSK key for you if you didn’t configure one manually.2.5.1 Enabling OTISTYou must enable OTIST on both the AP and wireless client before you start transferring settings.We use the Prestige 334WT in this guide as an example. Screens may vary slightly for your ZyXEL devices.Note: The AP and wireless client(s) MUST use the same Setup key.2.5.1.1 APOn the Prestige 334WT, you can enable OTIST using the Reset button or the web configurator. If you use the Reset button, the default (01234567) or previous saved (through the web configurator) Setup key is used to encrypt the settings that you want to transfer. Hold in the Reset button for one or two seconds. Note: If you hold in the Reset button too long, the device will reset to the factory defaults!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 Ye s 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.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 31 2.5.1.2 Wireless ClientStart the ZyXEL Utility and click the Adapter tab. Select the OTIST check box, enter the same Setup Key as your AP’s and click Save.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide32 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network2.5.2 Starting OTIST Note: You must click Start in the AP OTIST web configurator screen and Save in the wireless client(s) Adapter screen all within three minutes (at the time of writing). You can start OTIST in the wireless clients and AP in any order but they must all be within range and have OTIST enabled. 2.5.3 Notes on OTIST1If you enabled OTIST in the wireless client, you see this screen each time you start the ZyXEL utility. Click Yes for it to search for an OTIST-enabled AP.2If an OTIST-enabled wireless client loses its wireless connection for more than ten seconds, it will search for an OTIST-enabled AP for up to one minute. (If you manually have the wireless client search for an OTIST-enabled AP, there is no timeout; click Cancel in the OTIST progress screen to stop the search.)1In the AP, a web configurator screen pops up showing you the security settings to transfer. After reviewing the settings, click OK.2This screen appears while OTIST settings are being transferred. It closes when the transfer is complete. • In the wireless client, you see this screen if it can't find an OTIST-enabled AP (with the same Setup key). Click OK to go back to the ZyXEL utility main screen.• If there is more than one OTIST-enabled AP within range, you see a screen asking you to select one AP to get settings from.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 2 Wireless LAN Network 333When the wireless client finds an OTIST-enabled AP, you must still click Start in the AP OTIST web configurator screen or hold in the Reset button (for one or two seconds) for the AP to transfer settings.4If you change the SSID or the keys on the AP after using OTIST, you need to run OTIST again or enter them manually in the wireless client(s).5If 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.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide34 Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 35CHAPTER 3ZyXEL Utility ConfigurationThis chapter shows you how to configure your ZyXEL G-270S in wireless station mode.3.1 The Link Info Screen When the ZyXEL Utility starts, the Link Info screen displays, showing the current configuration and connection status of your ZyXEL G-270S.Figure 10 Link Info The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 3 Link Info LABEL DESCRIPTIONWireless Network StatusProfile Name This is the name of the profile you are currently using.Network Name (SSID)The SSID identifies the Service Set to which a wireless station is associated. This field displays the name of the wireless device to which the ZyXEL G-270S is associated.AP MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of the wireless device to which the ZyXEL G-270S is associated.Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure(BSS) or Ad Hoc) of the wireless network.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide36 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration3.1.1 Trend Chart Click Trend Chart in the Link Info screen to display a screen as shown below. Use this screen to view real-time data traffic statistics.Figure 11 Link Info: Trend Chart The following table describes the labels in this screen. Transmission Rate This field displays the current transmission rate of the ZyXEL G-270S in megabits per second (Mbps).Security This field displays whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x), TKIP (WPA/WPA-PSK), AES (WPA2/WPA2-PSK)) or inactive (DISABLE).Channel This field displays the radio channel the ZyXEL G-270S is currently using.StatisticsTransmit Rate This field displays the current data transmission rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).Receive Rate This field displays the current data receiving rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).Authentication This field displays the authentication method of the ZyXEL G-270S.Network Mode This field displays the network standard (B or G) of the wireless device. Total Transmit This field displays the total number of data frames transmitted.Total Receive This field displays the total number of data frames received.Link Quality This field displays the quality of the signal of the ZyXEL G-270S.Trend Chart Click this button to display the real-time statistics of the data rate in kilobits per second (Kbps).Signal Strength The status bar shows the strength of the signal.Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of the signal.Table 3 Link Info (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTIONTable 4 Link Info: Trend Chart LABEL DESCRIPTIONTransmit 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).
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 373.2 The Site Survey Screen Use the Site Survey screen to scan for and connect to a wireless network automatically.Figure 12 Site Survey The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 5 Site Survey LABEL DESCRIPTIONAvailable Network ListClick a column heading to sort the entries.,, ordenotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless security is activated.denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is deactivated.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is activated.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is deactivated.SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.Signal This field displays the signal strength of each wireless device.Scan Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.Connect Click Connect to associate to the selected wireless device.Site Information Click an entry in the Available Network List table to display the information of the selected wireless device.Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the wireless device.Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device.Encryption This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x), WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (Disabled).
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide38 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration3.2.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network Follow the steps below to connect to a WLAN network using the Site Survey screen.1Click Scan to search for all available wireless networks within range.2To join a network, click an entry in the table to select a wireless network and then click Connect.3If the WEP encryption is activated for the selected wireless network, the Security Setting screen displays. You must set the related fields in the Security Setting screen to the same security settings as the associated wireless device. Refer to Section 3.2.2 on page 38 for more information.Otherwise click the Back or Exit button and connect to another wireless network without data encryption.4Verify that you have successfully connected to the selected network and check the network information in the Link Info screen.3.2.2 Security Settings When you configure the ZyXEL G-270S to connect to a network with wireless security activated and the security settings are disabled on the ZyXEL G-270S, the screen varies according to the encryption method used by the selected network.3.2.2.1 WEP EncryptionFigure 13 Security Settings: WEP 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.Table 5 Site Survey (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTION
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 39The following table describes the labels in this screen. 3.2.2.2 WPA/WPA2Note: WPA2 and WPA2-PSK are only available in Windows XP and Windows 2000.Table 6 Security Settings: WEP LABEL DESCRIPTIONSecurity SettingWEP Select 64 Bits, 128 Bits or 152 Bits to activate WEP encryption and then fill in the related fields.Select Disable to deactivate WEP encryption.Encryption Type Select an encryption type. Choices are Open and Shared. Refer to Section 2.3 on page 29 for more information.Pass Phrase When you select the radio button, enter a passphrase of up to 63 case-sensitive printable characters. As you enter the passphrase, the ZyXEL G-270S automatically generates four different WEP keys and displays it in the key field below. Refer to Section 2.2.1 on page 26 for more information.Transmit Key Select a default WEP key to use for data encryption. The key displays in the field below.Key x (where x is a number between 1 and 4)Select this option if you want to manually enter the WEP keys. Enter the WEP key in the field provided.If you select 64 Bits in the WEP field.Enter either 10 hexadecimal digits in the range of “A-F”, “a-f” and “0-9” (for example, 11AA22BB33) for HEX key type.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.If you select 152 Bits in the WEP field, Enter either 32 hexadecimal digits in the range of "A-F", "a-f" and "0-9" (for example, 00112233445566778899AABBCCDDEEFF) for HEX key type or Enter 16 ASCII characters (case sensitive) ranging from "a-z", "A-Z" and "0-9" (for example, MyKey12345678901) for ASCII key type.Note: The values for the WEP keys must be set up exactly the same on all wireless devices in the same wireless LAN.ASCII WEP keys are case sensitive.Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen. Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 42. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide40 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility ConfigurationFigure 14 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2The following table describes the labels in this screen. 3.2.2.3 WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSKNote: WPA2 and WPA2-PSK are only available in Windows XP and Windows 2000.Table 7 Security Settings: WPA/WPA2LABEL DESCRIPTIONAuthentication TypeSelect an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and PEAP.Login Name Enter a user name. This is the user name that you or an administrator set up on a WPA/WPA2 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. Select a certificate from the drop-down list box.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.Validate Server CertificateSelect the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.PEAP Inner EAP This field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type field.The PEAP protocol is MS CHAP v2.Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen. Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 42. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 41Figure 15 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSKThe following table describes the labels in this screen. 3.2.2.4 802.1xFigure 16 Security Settings: 802.1x Table 8 Security Settings: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSKLABEL DESCRIPTIONSecurity SettingEncryption 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.The encryption types for WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK are TKIP and AES respectively. Refer to Section 2.2.3 on page 27 for more information.Pass Phrase Type a passphrase from 8 to 63 case-sensitive ASCII characters (including spaces and symbols).Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen. Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 42. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide42 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility ConfigurationThe following table describes the labels in this screen. 3.2.3 Confirm Save ScreenUse the Confirm Save screen to confirm and save the security settings.Figure 17 Confirm Save Screen Table 9 Security Settings: 802.1xLABEL DESCRIPTIONAuthentication TypeSelect an authentication method from the drop down list. Options are TLS and PEAP.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. Select a certificate from the drop-down list box.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.Validate Server CertificateSelect the check box to check the certificate of the authentication server.PEAP Inner EAP This field is only available when you select PEAP in the Authentication Type field.The PEAP protocol is MS CHAP v2.Back Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to other network.Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Confirm Save screen. Refer to Section 3.2.3 on page 42. Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 43The following table describes the labels in this screen. 3.3 The Profile Screen A profile is a set of wireless parameters that you need to connect to a wireless network. With a profile activated, each time you start the ZyXEL G-270S, it automatically scans for the specific SSID and joins that network with the pre-defined wireless security settings. If the specified network is not available, the ZyXEL G-270S will be disconnected.If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the ZyXEL G-270S, the ZyXEL G-270S uses the default profile to connect to any available network with security disabled. The default profile is a profile that allows you to connect to any SSID without security.Click the Profile tab in the ZyXEL Utility program to display the Profile screen as shown next.The profile function allows you to save the wireless network settings in this screen, or use one of the pre-configured network profiles.Table 10 Confirm Save ScreenLABEL DESCRIPTIONSecurity SettingNetwork Name This field displays the SSID previously entered.Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the wireless device.Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile.Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x) or inactive (Disabled).Back Click Back to return to the Encryption/Authentication screenSave Click Save to save the changes back to the ZyXEL G-270S and display the Link Info screen. Otherwise, click Back to go back to the Encryption Type screen or click Exit to discard changes and go back to the Site Survey screen.Exit Click Exit to discard changes and return to the Site Survey screen.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide44 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility ConfigurationFigure 18 Profile Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 11 Profile ScreenLABEL DESCRIPTIONProfile List Click a column heading to sort the entries.,, ordenotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless security is activated.denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is deactivated.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is activated.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is deactivated.Profile Name This is the name of the pre-configured profile.SSID This is the SSID of the wireless network to which the selected profile associate.Connect To use a previously saved network profile, select a pre-configured profile name in the table and click Connect.Add To add a new profile into the table, click Add.Delete To delete an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and click Delete.Edit To edit an existing wireless network configuration, select a profile in the table and click Edit.Profile Info The following fields display detail information of the selected profile in the Profile List table.Network Type This field displays the network type (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc) of the profile.SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of the profile.Channel This field displays the channel number used by the profile.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 453.3.1 Adding a New ProfileFollow the steps below to add a new profile.1Click Add in the Profile screen. An Add New Profile screen displays as shown next. Click Next to continue.Figure 19 Profile: Add New Profile The following table describes the labels in this screen. Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP (WEP or 802.1x), WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK) or inactive (DISABLE).Transfer Rate This field displays the transfer speed of the selected profile in megabits per second (Mbps).Table 11 Profile Screen (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTIONTable 12 Profile: Add New Profile LABEL DESCRIPTIONAdd New ProfileProfile Name Enter a descriptive name in this field.SSID Select an available wireless device in the Scan Info table and click Select, or enter the SSID of the wireless device to which you want to associate in this field manually. Otherwise, enter Any to have the ZyXEL G-270S associate to or roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.Network Type Select the Infrastructure radio button to associate to an AP. Select the Ad-Hoc radio button to associate to a peer computer.Next Click Next to go to the next screen.Exit Click Exit to go back to the previous screen without saving.Scan Info This table displays the information of the available wireless networks within the transmission range.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide46 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration2If you select the Infrastructure network type in the previous screen, skip to step 3. If you select the Ad-Hoc network type in the previous screen, a screen displays as follows. Select a channel number and click Next to continue.Figure 20 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel The following table describes the labels in this screen. ,, ordenotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode and the wireless security is activated.denotes that the wireless device is in infrastructure mode but the wireless security is deactivated.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode and the wireless security is activated.denotes that the wireless device is in Ad-Hoc mode but the wireless security is deactivated.SSID This field displays the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) of each wireless device.Scan Click Scan to search for available wireless devices within transmission range.Select Select an available wireless device in the table and click Select to add it to this profile.Whenever you activate this profile, the ZyXEL G-270S associates to the selected wireless network only.Table 13 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a ChannelLABEL DESCRIPTIONWireless SettingChannel Select a channel number from the drop-down list box. To associate to an ad-hoc network, you must use the same channel as the peer computer.Back Click Back to return to the Add New Profile screen.Table 12 Profile: Add New Profile (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTION
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 473If you select Infrastructure network type in the first screen, select WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x from the drop-down list box to enable data encryption. If you select Ad-Hoc network type in the first screen, you can only use WEP encryption method. Otherwise, select DISABLE to allow the ZyXEL G-270S to communicate with the access points or other peer wireless computers without any data encryption and skip to step 5.Figure 21 Profile: Security Setting: Encryption Type 4The screen varies depending on the encryption method you select in the previous screen. The settings must be exactly the same on the APs or other peer wireless computers as they are on the ZyXEL G-270S. Refer to Section 3.2.2 on page 38 for detailed information on wireless security configuration.Next Click Next to confirm your selection and advance to the Encryption Type screen.Exit Click Exit to discard changes and return to the Add New Profile screen.Table 13 Profile: Wireless Setting: Select a Channel (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTION
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide48 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility ConfigurationFigure 22 Profile: Security Setting 5This read-only screen shows a summary of the new profile settings. Verify that the settings are correct. Click Save to save and go to the next screen. Click Back to return to the previous screen. Otherwise, click Exit to go back to the Profile screen without saving.Figure 23 Profile: Confirm New Settings 6To use this network profile, click the Activate Now button. Otherwise, click the Activate Later button. Note: Once you activate a profile, the ZyXEL Utility will use that profile the next time it is started.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 3 ZyXEL Utility Configuration 49Figure 24 Profile: Activate the Profile 3.4 The Adapter Screen To set the advanced features on the ZyXEL G-270S, click the Adapter tab.Figure 25 Adapter Screen The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 14 AdapterLABEL DESCRIPTIONAdapter SettingTransfer Rate Select a transfer speed from the drop-down list box. Choose from Fully Auto (default), 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 48 Mbps and 54 Mbps.Preamble Type Select a preamble type. Choices are Long Only and Long and Short.The default setting is Long and Short. Refer to Section 2.4 on page 29 for more information.Power Saving ModeSelect Maximum or Normal to save power (especially for notebook computers). This forces the ZyXEL G-270S to go to sleep mode when it is not transmitting data.When you select Off, the ZyXEL G-270S will never go to sleep mode.SuperG Select the check box to have the ZyXEL G-270S transmit at up to 108 Mbps when connected to an AP or wireless router with the Super G feature enabled.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide50 Chapter 3 ZyXEL Utility ConfigurationOTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security) Select this check box to enable auto security.Setup Key Enter the same setup key (up to eight printable characters) as the ZyXEL AP or wireless router to which you want to associate. The default OTIST setup key is "01234567". Note: If you change the OTIST setup key on the ZyXEL AP or wireless router, you must also make the same change here.Start Click Start to encrypt the wireless security data using the setup key and have the ZyXEL AP or wireless router set your ZyXEL G-270S to use the same wireless settings as the ZyXEL AP or wireless router. You must also activate and start OTIST on the ZyXEL AP or wireless router at the same time. The process takes three minutes to completeSave Click Save to save the changes back to the ZyXEL G-270S and return to the Link Info screen.Table 14 AdapterLABEL DESCRIPTION
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 4 Maintenance 51CHAPTER 4MaintenanceThis chapter describes how to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL Utility.4.1 The About Screen The About screen displays related version numbers of the ZyXEL G-270S. To display the screen as shown below, click the about ( ) button.Figure 26 About The following table describes the read-only fields in this screen. 4.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyXEL Utility from your computer.1Click Start, Programs, ZyXEL G-270S Utility, Uninstall ZyXEL G-270S Utility.2Click Finish to complete uninstalling the software and restart the computer when prompted.Table 15 About LABEL DESCRIPTIONDriver Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL G-270S driver.Utility Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL Utility.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide52 Chapter 4 MaintenanceFigure 27 Uninstall: Finish 4.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility Note: Before you uninstall the ZyXEL Utility, take note of the current network configuration.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 4.2 on page 51 to remove the current ZyXEL Utility from your computer.3Restart your computer when prompted.4Disconnect the ZyXEL G-270S from your computer.5Double-click on the setup program for the new utility to start the ZyXEL Utility installation.6Insert the ZyXEL G-270S and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed properly.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideChapter 5 Troubleshooting 53CHAPTER 5 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.5.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program5.2 Problem with the Link StatusTable 16 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTIONCannot start the ZyXEL Wireless LAN UtilityMake sure the ZyXEL G-270S is properly inserted and the LED is on. 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 ZyXEL G-270S under Network Adapter. (Steps may vary depending on the version of Windows). Install the ZyXEL G-270S 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.If you install the Funk Odyssey Client software on the computer, uninstall (remove) both the Funk Odyssey Client software and ZyXEL utility, and then install the ZyXEL utility again after restarting the computer.Table 17 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. Relocate or reduce the radio interference.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide54 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting5.3 Problems Communicating With Other ComputersTable 18 Troubleshooting Communication Problem PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTIONIn wireless station mode, the computer with the ZyXEL G-270S installed cannot communicate with the other computer(s).In Infrastructure Mode• Make sure that the AP and the associated computers are turned on and working properly. • Make sure the ZyXEL G-270S computer and the associated AP use the same SSID.• Change the AP and the associated wireless clients to use another radio channel if interference is high.• Make sure that the computer and the AP share the same security option and key. Verify the settings in the Profile Security Setting screen.In Ad-Hoc (IBSS) Mode• Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on.• Make sure the ZyXEL G-270S computer and the peer computer(s) are using the same SSID and channel.• Make sure that the computer and the peer computer(s) share the same security settings.• Change the wireless clients to use another radio channel if interference is high.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix A Product Specifications 55APPENDIX AProduct SpecificationsTable 19 Product Specifications PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTALProduct Name ZyXEL G-270S 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 AdapterInterface USB 2.0 bus-poweredStandards IEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11gNetwork Architectures InfrastructureAd-HocSecurity 64/128/152-bit WEP EncryptionOperating Temperature 0 ~ 50 degrees CentigradeStorage Temperature -10 ~ 60 degrees CentigradeOperating Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)Storage Humidity 20 ~ 95% (non-condensing)Power Consumption TX: <480mA RX: <430mAVoltage 5VWeight 25.8 gDimension (L) 95 mm × (M) 30 mm × (H) 16 mmRADIO SPECIFICATIONSMedia Access Protocol IEEE 802.11Frequency USA (FCC) & Canada & Taiwan 11 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.462GHzEurope (ETSI) 13 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.472GHzJapan (TELEC) 14 Channels: 2.412GHz~2.483GHzData Rate 11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM): 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps 11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 MbpsModulation 11g: OFDM (64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK, BPSK)11b: PBCC, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), (CCK, DQPSK, DBPSK)Output Power 11g: 64QAM 20dBm typical +/-3dBi11b: DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK 17dBm typical +/-3dBiRX Sensitivity 11g (OFDM): 54 Mbps: < -68 dBm (typical)11b (CCK): 11 Mbps: < -83 dBm (typical)SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONSDevice Drivers Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide56 Appendix A Product SpecificationsRoaming IEEE 802.11b/g compliantWEP 64/128/152-bit WEP encryptionTable 19 Product Specifications (continued)
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool 57APPENDIX BDisable Windows XP Wireless LANConfiguration ToolWindows XP includes a configuration tool (also known as Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC)) for wireless devices. Follow the steps below to disable the configuration tool in Windows XP after you install the ZyXEL Utility. The screen varies depending on the version of Windows XP service pack.Via the Wireless Network System Tray IconIf the network icon for wireless connections is not present in the system tray, see the next section.1Double-click the network icon for wireless connections in the system tray. Figure 28 Windows XP: System Tray Icon2Windows XP SP1: When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click Advanced….
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide58 Appendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration ToolFigure 29 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network ConnectionWindows XP SP2: When a Wireless Network Connection window displays, click Change advanced settings under Related Tasks and then the Wireless Networks tab.Figure 30 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection3In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is not selected. Click OK.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool 59Figure 31 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection PropertiesFigure 32 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide60 Appendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration ToolVia the Control Panel1If the icon for the wireless network connection is not in the system tray, click Start, Control Panel and double-click Network Connections. 2Double-click on the icon for wireless network connection to display a status window as shown below. 3Click Properties and click the Wireless Networks tab.Figure 33 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection StatusFigure 34 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool 614In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is not selected. Click OK. Figure 35 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection PropertiesFigure 36 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide62 Appendix B Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 63APPENDIX CManagement with Wireless ZeroConfigurationThis appendix shows you how to manage your ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter using the Windows XP wireless zero configuration tool.Be sure you have the Windows XP service pack 2 installed on your computer. Otherwise, you should at least have the Windows XP service pack 1 already on your computer and download the support patch for WPA from the Microsoft web site.Windows XP SP2 screen shots are shown unless otherwise specified. Click the help icon ( ) in most screens, move the cursor to the item that you want the information about and click to view the help.Activating Wireless Zero 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 B on page 57.If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for information on starting WZC.Figure 37 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide64 Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero ConfigurationConnecting 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 38 Windows XP SP2: System Tray IconThe type of the wireless network icon in Windows XP SP2 indicates the status of the ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter. 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 39 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection StatusTable 20 Windows XP SP2: System Tray IconICON DESCRIPTIONThe ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter is connected to a wireless network.The ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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 ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter is not connected to a wireless network.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 65Windows 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 40 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 41 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide66 Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero ConfigurationThe 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 42 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 21 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 ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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-270S User’s GuideAppendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 67If 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 43 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSKFigure 44 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 ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter to connect to a secure network but the security settings are not yet enabled on the ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter, you will see different screens according to the authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.Table 22 Windows XP: Wireless NetworksICON DESCRIPTIONThis denotes the wireless network is an available wireless network.This denotes the ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter is associated to the wireless network.This denotes the wireless network is not available.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide68 Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero ConfigurationAssociationSelect a network in the Preferred networks list and click Properties to view or configure security.Figure 45 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: AssociationThe following table describes the labels in this screen.Table 23 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 or WPA-PSK) used by the selected network. Data Encryption This field automatically shows the encryption type (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 ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter a key.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 69AuthenticationClick 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 46 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: AuthenticationThe following table describes the labels in this screen.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.Table 23 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTIONTable 24 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.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide70 Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero ConfigurationAuthentication 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 47 Windows XP: Protected EAP PropertiesAuthenticate 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.Table 24 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication (continued)LABEL DESCRIPTION
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 71The following table describes the labels in this screen.Smart Card or other Certificate PropertiesFigure 48 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate PropertiesTable 25 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.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.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide72 Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero ConfigurationThe following table describes the labels in this screen.Ordering 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 41 on page 65). The screen displays as shown. Table 26 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.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.
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration 73Figure 49 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.Figure 50 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks2Whenever the ZyXEL wireless LAN adapter 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-270S User’s Guide74 Appendix C Management with Wireless Zero Configuration
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideAppendix D Wireless Security 75APPENDIX DWireless 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-270S User’s Guide76 Appendix D Wireless SecurityEAP-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-270S User’s GuideAppendix D Wireless Security 77For 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 27 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 Yes No
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide78 Appendix D Wireless SecurityTKIP 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 sucessful 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-270S User’s GuideAppendix D Wireless Security 79WPA(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 51 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-270S User’s Guide80 Appendix D Wireless SecurityFigure 52 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 28 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-270S User’s GuideIndex 81IndexNumerics802.1x 41AAbout 51activating a profile 48Adapter 49Ad-Hoc 46Advanced Encryption Standard 27, 77advanced settings 49AES 27antenna 19antenna power output 55authentication 39authentication methodopen system 29shared key 29CCA 76Certificate Authority 76Certificationsviewing 5channel 25, 36, 37, 46configuration methodimportant note 21Odyssey Client Manager 21Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) 21ZyXEL Utility 21connecting to a WLAN 38Copyright 3creating a new profile 45current configuration 35current connection status 35Customer Support 7Ddata encryption 37Disclaimer 3driver version 51Dynamic WEP Key Exchange 76EEAP 28Enabling OTIST 30Encryption 27, 77Extensible Authentication Protocol 28FFCC 4Ggetting started 19graphics icons key 18Hhardware connections 21Iinitialization vector (IV) 78installationutility 19Interference Statement 4
ZyXEL G-270S User’s Guide82 IndexLlink information 35MMessage Integrity Check 27Message Integrity Check (MIC) 77MIC 27Nnetwork type 35OOdyssey Client Manager 21One-Touch Intelligent Security Technology 30open system authentication 29OTIST 32OTIST (One-Touch Intelligent Security) 50OTIST Introduction 30PPairwise Master Key (PMK) 78passphrase 26, 39password phrase 26Power Saving Mode 49preamble 49product specifications 55profile 35, 44activation 48add new 44, 45delete 44edit 44information 44QQuick Start Guide 17, 21Rradio interference 53real-time data traffic statistics 36Related Documentation 17Ssave power 49Scan Info 46security 26, 55data encryption 26Security Parameters 80Setup Key 30shared key authentication 29signal strength 37site survey 37connecting to a WLAN network 38scan 37security settings 38sleep mode 49SSID 35, 37SSID (Service Set Identity) 25Starting OTIST 32statistics 36support CD 17syntax conventions 17TTemporal Key Integrity Protocol 27Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) 77TKIP 27Trademarks 3transmission rate 36, 45, 49transmission rate (Tx Rate) 25transmit key 39Trend Chart 36troubleshooting 53link status 53network communication 54starting ZyXEL Utility 53
ZyXEL G-270S User’s GuideIndex 83Uuninstalling ZyXEL Utility 51upgrading ZyXEL Utility 52important step 52User Authentication 28, 78Vvoltage 55WWEP 26, 38, 39manual setup 26, 39passphrase 26, 39WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 26Wi-Fi Protected Access 27, 77Windows XP 21wireless LANauthentication 29channel 25introduction 25security 26SSID 25transmission rate 25Wireless LAN (WLAN) 25wireless standard 55wireless station modeconfiguration 35WLANSecurity parameters 80WPA 27, 39, 77WPA2 27, 39, 77WPA2-Pre-Shared Key 27, 77WPA2-PSK 27, 40, 77WPA-PSK 27, 40, 77WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) 21ZZyXEL Limited WarrantyNote 6ZyXEL Utility 21accessing 21help 22opening 22system tray icon 21upgrade 52version 51

Navigation menu