ZyXEL G-220F User Guide - Page 26

ZyXEL G-220F User’s Guide

Chapter 2 Wireless LAN Network

26

C

HAPTER

2

Wireless LAN Network

This 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

SSID

The SSID (Service Set Identity) is a unique name shared among all wireless devices in a

wireless network. Wireless devices must have the same SSID to communicate with each other.

2.1.2

Channel

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

2.1.3

Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)

The ZyXEL G-220F 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-220F to operate at the maximum transmission (data) rate. When the communication

quality drops below a certain level, the ZyXEL G-220F 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-220F 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-220F can only transmit at up to 11Mbps.

2.2

Wireless LAN Security Overview

Wireless LAN security is vital to your network to protect wireless communications.

Section	Page
G-220F User’s Guide	1
Copyright	2
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement	3
ZyXEL Limited Warranty	5
Customer Support	6
Table of Contents	8
List of Figures	12
List of Tables	14
Preface	16
Getting Started	18
1.1.1 Application Overview	18
1.1.1.1 Infrastructure	18
1.1.1.2 Ad-Hoc	19
1.1.1.3 Access Point Mode	19
1.2 ZyXEL G-220F Hardware and Utility Installation	20
1.4 Windows XP Users Only	20
1.6.1 Site Survey	21
1.7.1 Change ZyXEL G-220F Mode	23
Wireless LAN Network	26
2.1.1 SSID	26
2.1.2 Channel	26
2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate)	26
2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP	27
2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x	27
2.2.2.1 EAP Authentication	27
2.2.3 WPA(2)	28
2.2.3.1 User Authentication	28
2.2.3.2 Encryption	28
2.2.4 WPA(2)-PSK Application Example	29
2.2.5 WPA with RADIUS Application Example	29
2.3 Authentication Type	30
2.4 Preamble Type	30
2.5.1 Enabling OTIST	31
2.5.1.1 AP	31
2.5.1.2 Wireless Client	32
2.5.2 Starting OTIST	32
2.5.3 Notes on OTIST	33
Wireless Station Mode Configuration	34
3.2 The Link Info Screen	34
3.2.1 Trend Chart	35
3.3 The Site Survey Screen	36
3.3.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network	37
3.3.2 Security Settings	38
3.3.2.1 WEP Encryption	38
3.3.2.2 WPA-PSK	39
3.3.2.3 WPA-RADIUS	40
3.3.2.4 RADIUS	42
3.4 The Profile Screen	43
3.4.1 Adding a New Profile	44
3.5 The Adapter Screen	48
Access Point Mode Configuration	50
4.1.1 Additional Setup Requirements	50
4.2 The Link Info Screen	50
4.3 The Configuration Screen	51
4.4 The MAC Filter Screen	53
Maintenance	56
Troubleshooting	60
6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program	60
6.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point	60
6.3 Problem with the Link Status	61
6.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers	61
Product Specifications	62
Access Point Mode Setup Example	64
Configuring the Computer on Which You Install the ZyXEL G- 220F	64
Configuring the Wireless Station Computer	66
Appendix C	68
Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool	68
Via the Wireless Network System Tray Icon	68
Via the Control Panel	71
Appendix D	74
Management with Wireless Zero Configuration	74
Activating Wireless Zero Configuration	74
Connecting to a Wireless Network	75
Security Settings	78
Association	79
Authentication	80
Ordering the Preferred Networks	83
Types of EAP Authentication	86
Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address	90
Windows 95/98/Me	90
Installing Components	91
Configuring	92
Verifying Settings	93
Windows 2000/NT/XP	93
Verifying Settings	97
Macintosh OS 8/9	97
Verifying Settings	99
Macintosh OS X	99
Verifying Settings	100
Index	102
A	102
C	102
D	102
E	102
F	102
G	102
H	102
I	102
L	103
M	103
N	103
O	103
P	103
Q	103
R	103
S	103
T	103
U	104
V	104
W	104

ZyXEL G-220F User Guide - Page 26

Wireless LAN Network, 2.1.1 SSID, 2.1.2 Channel, 2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate

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