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ZyXEL Communications NWD271N User Manual

Wlan 802.11n usb adapter
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NWD271N
WLAN 802.11n USB Adapter
User's Guide
Version 1.0
10/2008
Edition 1
www.zyxel.com

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Summary of Contents for ZyXEL Communications NWD271N

  • Page 1 NWD271N WLAN 802.11n USB Adapter User’s Guide Version 1.0 10/2008 Edition 1 www.zyxel.com...

  • Page 3: About This User's Guide

    About This User's Guide About This User's Guide Intended Audience This manual is intended for people who want to configure the NWD271N using the ZyXEL utility. You should have at least a basic knowledge of TCP/IP networking concepts and topology.

  • Page 4: Document Conventions

    Syntax Conventions • The NWD271N may be referred to as the “NWD271N”, the “device”, the “system” or the “product” in this User’s Guide. • Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
  • Page 5 Document Conventions Icons Used in Figures Figures in this User’s Guide may use the following generic icons. Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook computer Server Modem Telephone Internet Wireless Signal NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 6: Safety Warnings

    • ONLY qualified service personnel should service or disassemble this device. • Antenna Warning! This device meets ETSI and FCC certification requirements when using the included antenna(s). Only use the included antenna(s). This product is recyclable. Dispose of it properly. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started .......................... 21 Tutorial ............................27 Wireless LANs ........................... 37 ZyXEL Utility - Windows ......................49 Maintenance ..........................71 Troubleshooting and Specifications ..................75 Troubleshooting ......................... 77 Product Specifications ....................... 81 Appendices and Index ......................85 NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 8 Contents Overview NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started ........................21 1.1 Overview ..........................21 1.1.1 What You Need to Know .................... 21 1.1.2 Before You Begin ....................... 21 1.2 About Your NWD271N ...................... 22 1.2.1 Hardware ........................22 1.3 Application Overview ......................23 1.3.1 Infrastructure ......................23 1.3.2 Ad-Hoc ........................
  • Page 10 4.6.3 WPS: PIN - Use the PIN from the AP or Wireless Router .......... 67 4.7 Security Settings in Windows Vista ..................67 4.7.1 Using PEAP in Vista ....................68 4.7.2 Using TLS in Vista ..................... 69 NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 Part III: Appendices and Index.............. 85 Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address............. 87 Appendix B Wireless LANs ....................99 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management ..............113 Appendix D Legal Information ....................135 Appendix E Customer Support..................... 139 Index............................145 NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 12 Table of Contents NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 13: List Of Figures

    List of Figures List of Figures Figure 1 The NWD271N ......................... 22 Figure 2 Application: Infrastructure ......................23 Figure 3 Application: Ad-Hoc ......................... 24 Figure 4 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ....................24 Figure 5 Enable WZC ..........................25 Figure 6 Infrastructure Network ......................27 Figure 7 Example WPS Process: PBC Method ..................
  • Page 14 Figure 77 Vista: Enter Security Key ...................... 115 Figure 78 Vista: Connecting ......................... 115 Figure 79 Vista: Successful Connection ....................116 Figure 80 Vista: Choose a Connection Option ..................117 Figure 81 Vista: Connect Manually ....................... 117 NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 15 Figure 100 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................130 Figure 101 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ........... 131 Figure 102 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks ..........132 Figure 103 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks ..........132 NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 16 List of Figures NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 17: List Of Tables

    List of Tables List of Tables Table 1 NWD271N External View ......................22 Table 2 NWD271N LEDs ........................22 Table 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ....................25 Table 4 ZyXEL Utility Menu Summary ....................50 Table 5 Link Info ............................ 51 Table 6 Link Info: Trend Chart .......................
  • Page 18 List of Tables NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 19: Introduction And Configuration

    Introduction and Configuration Getting Started (21) Tutorial (27) Wireless LANs (37) ZyXEL Utility - Windows (49) Maintenance (71)

  • Page 21: Getting Started

    Getting Started 1.1 Overview The ZyXEL NWD271N USB adapter brings you a better Internet experience over existing 802.11g networks. With data rates of up to 300 Mbps, you can enjoy a breathtaking high-speed connection at home or in the office. It is an excellent solution for daily activities such as file transfers, music downloading, video streaming and online gaming.

  • Page 22: About Your Nwd271N

    Setup) compliant. WPS allows you to easily connect to another WPS-enabled device. The NWD271N is a USB adapter which connects to an empty USB port on your computer. See your NWD271N’s Quick Start Guide for installation instructions, and see the section on product specifications in this User’s Guide for detailed information.

  • Page 23: Application Overview

    Infrastructure and connect to an AP or use Ad-Hoc mode and connect to a peer computer (another wireless device in Ad-Hoc mode). 1.3.1 Infrastructure To connect to a network via an access point (AP), set the NWD271N network type to Infrastructure (see Chapter 4 on page 59).

  • Page 24: Hardware And Utility Installation

    After you install and start the ZyXEL utility, an icon for the ZyXEL utility appears in the system tray. The ZyXEL utility system tray icon displays only when the NWD271N is installed properly. When you use the ZyXEL utility, it automatically disables Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) in Windows XP.

  • Page 25: Configuration Methods

    Chapter 1 Getting Started The color of the ZyXEL utility system tray icon indicates the status of the NWD271N. Refer to the following table for details. Table 3 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon COLOR DESCRIPTION The NWD271N is not connected to a wireless network.

  • Page 26: Accessing The Zyxel Utility

    The ZyXEL utility screens are similar in all Microsoft Windows versions. Screens for Windows XP are shown in this User’s Guide. Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the online help window. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 27: Tutorial

    WPS device is as easy as pushing a button. 2.1.3 Before You Begin • Make sure that you have already familiarized yourself with the NWD271N’s features and hardware, as described in Chapter 1 on page •...

  • Page 28: Connecting To An Ap Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (Wps)

    It doesn’t matter which button is pressed first. You must press the second button within two minutes of pressing the first one. The AP sends the proper configuration settings to the NWD271N. This may take up to two minutes. Then the NWD271N is able to communicate with the AP securely.

  • Page 29: Pin Configuration

    When you use the PIN configuration method, you need to use both the NWD271N’s utility and the AP’s configuration interface. 1 In the NWD271N’s Adaptor tab, select WPS and PIN - Use this Device’s PIN. Note down the PIN in the screen that appears.

  • Page 30: Figure 8 Example Wps Process: Pin Method

    Chapter 2 Tutorial Figure 8 Example WPS Process: PIN Method WITHIN 2 MINUTES Authentication by PIN SECURITY INFO COMMUNICATION NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 31: Connecting To An Ap Without Using Wps

    Chapter 2 Tutorial 2.3 Connecting to an AP Without Using WPS There are three ways to connect the wireless client (the NWD271N) to a network without using WPS. • Configure nothing and leave the wireless client to automatically scan for and connect to any available network that has no wireless security configured.

  • Page 32: Figure 10 Zyxel Utility: Security Settings

    URL of any other web site in the address bar. If you are able to access the web site, your wireless connection is successfully configured. If you cannot access the web site, check the NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 33: Creating And Using A Profile

    Infrastructure and either manually enter or select the AP's SSID in the Scan Info table and click Select. 4 Choose the same encryption method as the AP to which you want to connect (In this example, WPA-PSK). NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Figure 15 Zyxel Utility: Profile Security

    7 Click Activate Now to use the new profile immediately. Otherwise, click the Activate Later button to go back to the Profile List screen. If you clicked Activate Later you can select the profile from the list in the Profile screen and click Connect to activate it. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 35: Figure 18 Zyxel Utility: Profile Activate

    10 If you cannot access the Internet, go back to the Profile screen. Select the profile you are using and click Edit. Check the details you entered previously. Also, refer to the Troubleshooting section of this User's Guide or contact your network administrator if necessary. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 36 Chapter 2 Tutorial NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 37: Wireless Lans

    Encryption The process of taking data and encoding it, usually using a mathematical formula, so that it becomes unreadable unless decrypted with the proper code or pass phrase. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Before You Begin

    • Every device in the same wireless network must use security compatible with the AP or peer computer. Security stops unauthorized devices from using the wireless network. It can also protect the information that is sent in the wireless network. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 39: Wireless Lan Security

    WLAN adapter(s). • Enter the WEP keys manually. Your NWD271N allows you to configure up to four 64-bit, 128-bit or 152-bit WEP keys. Only one key is used as the default key at any one time. 3.3.1.1.2 Authentication Type The IEEE 802.11b/g standard describes a simple authentication method between the wireless...
  • Page 40 AP or peer computer. • Auto authentication mode allows the NWD271N to switch between the open system and shared key modes automatically. Use the auto mode if you do not know the authentication mode of the other wireless stations.

  • Page 41: Wifi Protected Setup

    WPA or WPA2. 3.4 WiFi Protected Setup Your NWD271N supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure wireless network. WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the WiFi Alliance.
  • Page 42 3 Look for the client’s WPS PIN; it will be displayed either on the device, or in the WPS section of the client’s configuration interface (see the device’s User’s Guide for how to find the WPS PIN - for the NWD271N, see Section 4.6 on page 64).

  • Page 43: How Wps Works

    If not, it generates the SSID and WPA(2)-PSK randomly. The following figure shows a WPS-enabled client (installed in a notebook computer) connecting to a WPS-enabled access point. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 44: Figure 21 How Wps Works

    When WPS is activated on both, they perform the handshake. In this example, AP1 is the registrar, and Client 1 is the enrollee. The registrar randomly generates the security information to set up the network, since it is unconfigured and has no existing information. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 45: Figure 22 Wps: Example Network Step 1

    In step 3, you add another access point (AP2) to your network. AP2 is out of range of AP1, so you cannot use AP1 for the WPS handshake with the new access point. However, you know that Client 2 supports the registrar function, so you use it to perform the WPS handshake instead. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 46: Limitations Of Wps

    WPS-enabled device could join the network. This is because the registrar has no way of identifying the “correct” enrollee, and cannot differentiate between your enrollee and a rogue device. This is a possible way for a hacker to gain access to a network. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 47 Check the MAC addresses of your wireless clients (usually printed on a label on the bottom of the device). If there is an unknown MAC address you can remove it or reset the AP. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 48 Chapter 3 Wireless LANs NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Zyxel Utility - Windows

    • On the Site Survey screen, you can connect to any available unsecured wireless network in range of the NWD271N, or open the security settings screen for any secured wireless network in range. See Section 4.4 on page 53 for details.\...

  • Page 50: Before You Begin

    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 preamble type, enable power saving and use WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: The Link Info Screen

    Network The SSID identifies the wireless network to which a wireless station is associated. Name (SSID) This field displays the name of the wireless device to which the NWD271N is associated. AP MAC This field displays the MAC address of the AP or peer computer to which the Address NWD271N is associated.

  • Page 52: Trend Chart

    (Kbps). Signal Strength The status bar shows the strength of the signal. The signal strength mainly depends on the antenna output power and the distance between your NWD271N and the AP or peer computer. Link Quality The status bar shows the quality of wireless connection. This refers to the percentage of packets transmitted successfully.

  • Page 53: The Site Survey Screen

    B for 802.11b, G for 802.11g or N for 802.11n. Channel This field displays the channel number used by each wireless device. Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x) or inactive (DISABLE). NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 54: Security Settings

    4.4.1 Security Settings When you configure the NWD271N to connect to a network with wireless security activated and the security settings are disabled on the NWD271N, the screen varies according to the encryption method used by the selected network. 4.4.1.1 WEP Encryption Configure WEP security in this screen.

  • Page 55: Figure 30 Security Setting: Wpa-Psk/Wpa2-Psk

    Configure WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security in this screen. The procedure to configure WPA or WPA2 is different in Windows Vista. See Section 4.7 on page 67 for information on setting up your NWD271N to use WPA or WPA2 in Vista. Figure 30 Security Setting: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK...

  • Page 56: Figure 31 Security Settings: Wpa/Wpa2

    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 EAP Type field. Enter the password associated with the user name above. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 57: Figure 32 Security Setting: 802.1X

    Configure IEEE 802.1x security with various authentication methods in this screen. The procedure to configure 802.1x is different in Windows Vista. See Section 4.7 on page 67 for information on setting up your NWD271N to use 802.1x in Vista. Figure 32 Security Setting: 802.1x NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 58: Table 11 Security Settings: Ieee 802.1X

    Click Back to go to the Site Survey screen to select and connect to another network. Next Click Next to confirm your selections and advance to the Summary screen (refer Section 4.4.2 on page 59.) Exit Click Exit to return to the Site Survey screen without saving. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 59: Summary Screen

    NWD271N cannot connect to a network. If you do not configure and activate a profile, each time you start the NWD271N, the NWD271N uses the default profile to connect to any available network that has no security enabled.

  • Page 60: Figure 34 Profile

    This field displays the channel number used by the profile. Security This field shows whether data encryption is activated (WEP, WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK or 802.1x) or inactive (DISABLE). Transfer Rate This field displays the transmission speed of the selected profile in megabits per second (Mbps). NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 61: Adding A New Profile

    Select an available wireless device in the Scan Info table and click Select, or enter the SSID of the wireless device to which you want to associate in this field manually. Otherwise, enter Any to have the NWD271N associate to any AP or roam between any infrastructure wireless networks.

  • Page 62: Figure 36 Profile: Wireless Settings

    Wireless Mode This is the wireless standard the NWD271N uses. In Ad-Hoc mode, you can use only 802.11b or 802.11g. 3 If you selected 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...

  • Page 63: Figure 37 Profile: Wireless Settings

    4 The screen varies depending on the encryption method you select in the previous screen. The settings must be exactly the same on the AP or other peer wireless computers as they are on the NWD271N. Refer to Section 4.4.1 on page 54 for detailed information on wireless security configuration.

  • Page 64: The Adapter Screen

    Figure 40 Profile: Activate the Profile 4.6 The Adapter Screen To set the other advanced features on the NWD271N, click the Adapter tab. Figure 41 Adapter The following table describes the labels in this screen. Table 16 Adapter...

  • Page 65: Wps: Pbc (Push Button Configuration)

    Table 16 Adapter (continued) LABEL DESCRIPTION Power Saving Select Fast Power Save to save power. This forces the NWD271N to go to sleep Mode mode when it is not transmitting data. When you select Continuous Access Mode, the NWD271N will never go to sleep mode.

  • Page 66: Wps: Pin - Use This Device's Pin

    4.6.2 WPS: PIN - Use this Device’s PIN This screen allows you to use the WPS Personal Identification Number mode, by entering the NWD271N’s unique PIN in the configuration utility of the other WPS-enabled device. See Section 3.4.2 on page 41 for more information.

  • Page 67: Wps: Pin - Use The Pin From The Ap Or Wireless Router

    4.7 Security Settings in Windows Vista When you use the NWD271N in Windows Vista, the procedure for setting up WPA, WPA2 and 802.1x security settings is different from that of other operating systems (other security types are not affected).

  • Page 68: Using Peap In Vista

    Figure 46 Vista Security: Enter Credentials If you are not sure what to enter, contact your network administrator. 7 Click OK. The Enter Credentials screen disappears and the NWD271N tries to connect to the network. The ZyXEL utility’s Link Info screen displays, showing the connection status (see Section 4.3 on page...

  • Page 69: Using Tls In Vista

    If you do not have the right certificate, or are not sure which certificate you should use, contact your network administrator. 7 Click OK. The Select Certificate screen disappears and the NWD271N tries to connect to the network. The ZyXEL utility’s Link Info screen displays, showing the connection status (see Section 4.3 on page...
  • Page 70 Chapter 4 ZyXEL Utility - Windows NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Maintenance

    (or “kernel”) level. Doing so could irreparably damage your installation. 5.1.3 Before You Begin • Disconnect the NWD271N if you are going to uninstall or upgrade the ZyXEL utility, save your work in any other open programs, and then close them. 5.2 The About Screen The About screen displays driver and utility version numbers of the NWD271N.

  • Page 72: Uninstalling The Zyxel Utility

    Table 19 About LABEL DESCRIPTION Driver Version This field displays the version number of the NWD271N driver. Utility Version This field displays the version number of the ZyXEL utility. 5.3 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility Follow the steps below to remove (or uninstall) the ZyXEL utility from your computer.

  • Page 73: Upgrading The Zyxel Utility

    5 Double-click on the setup program for the new utility to start the ZyXEL utility installation. 6 Insert the NWD271N and check the version numbers in the About screen to make sure the new utility is installed properly. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 74 Chapter 5 Maintenance NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 75: Troubleshooting And Specifications

    Troubleshooting and Specifications Troubleshooting (77) Product Specifications (81)

  • Page 77: Troubleshooting

    6.1 Power, Hardware Connections, and LEDs The NWD271N does not turn on. None of the LEDs turn on. 1 Make sure the NWD271N is correctly installed (refer to your Quick Start Guide). 2 Restart the computer to which the NWD271N is attached.

  • Page 78: Accessing The Zyxel Utility

    6.2 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility I cannot access the ZyXEL Utility 1 Make sure the NWD271N is properly inserted and the LEDs are on. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for information on how to properly connect the NWD271N. 2 Use the Device Manager to check for possible hardware conflicts. Click Start >...
  • Page 79 In Ad-Hoc Mode • Verify that the peer computer(s) is turned on. • Make sure the NWD271N 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.
  • Page 80 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 81: Product Specifications

    H A P T E R Product Specifications Table 20 Product Specifications PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL Product Name NWD271N WLAN 802.11n USB Adapter Interface USB 2.0 Standards IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n (Draft 2.0) Antenna 2.4GHz and 5 GHz Operating Temperature...
  • Page 82 European Union: CE EN55024 United States: FCC Part 15C Canada: RSS-210 European Union: CE EN 300 328 Taiwan: NCC LP0002 Wi-Fi Certification WPA/WPA2/WMM/WMM-PS Microsoft Certification WHQL: Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows XP (32- and 64-bit), Windows 2000 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 83 WEP 64bit, 128bit, WPA, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA2-PSK 802.1x (EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP), WPS. Note: EAP-TTLS is not supported in Windows Vista Wireless QoS Note: Not supported in Windows Vista. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Push button configuration Use device's PIN Use AP or Router's PIN NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 84 Chapter 7 Product Specifications NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 85: Appendices And Index

    Appendices and Index The appendices provide general information. Some details may not apply to your NWD271N. Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address (87) Wireless LANs (99) Windows Wireless Management (113) Legal Information (135) Customer Support (139) Index (145)

  • Page 87: Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer's Ip Address

    If you manually assign IP information instead of using a dynamic IP, make sure that your network’s computers have IP addresses that place them in the same subnet. In this chapter, you can set up an IP address for: • Windows XP/2000/NT on page 88 • Windows Vista Professional on page 93 NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 88: Figure 52 Windows Xp: Start Menu

    The following example uses the default Windows XP display theme but can also apply to Windows 2000 and Windows NT. 1 Click Start > Control Panel. Figure 52 Windows XP: Start Menu 2 In the Control Panel, click the Network Connections icon. Figure 53 Windows XP: Control Panel NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 89: Figure 54 Windows Xp: Control Panel > Network Connections > Properties

    3 Right-click Local Area Connection and then select Properties. Figure 54 Windows XP: Control Panel > Network Connections > Properties 4 On the General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties. Figure 55 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 90: Figure 56 Windows Xp: Internet Protocol (Tcp/Ip) Properties

    6 If you have a dynamic IP address, select Obtain an IP address automatically. 7 If you have a static IP address, select Use the following IP Address and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway fields. 8 Click Advanced. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 91: Figure 57 Windows Xp: Advanced Tcp/Ip Properties

    Gateway. To manually configure a default metric (the number of transmission hops), clear the Automatic metric check box and type a metric in Metric. 16 Click Add. 17 Repeat the previous three steps for each default gateway you want to add. 18 Click OK when finished. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 92: Figure 58 Windows Xp: Internet Protocol (Tcp/Ip) Properties

    1 Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. 2 In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and then press [ENTER]. You can also go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections, right-click a network connection, click Status and then click the Support tab. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 93: Figure 59 Windows Vista: Start Menu

    Figure 59 Windows Vista: Start Menu 2 In the Control Panel, click the Network and Internet icon. Figure 60 Windows Vista: Control Panel 3 Click the Network and Sharing Center icon. Figure 61 Windows Vista: Network And Internet NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 94: Figure 62 Windows Vista: Network And Sharing Center

    Figure 62 Windows Vista: Network and Sharing Center 5 Right-click Local Area Connection and then select Properties. Figure 63 Windows Vista: Network and Sharing Center During this procedure, click Continue whenever Windows displays a screen saying that it needs your permission to continue. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 95: Figure 64 Windows Vista: Local Area Connection Properties

    Appendix A Setting Up Your Computer’s IP Address 6 Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then select Properties. Figure 64 Windows Vista: Local Area Connection Properties NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 96: Figure 65 Windows Vista: Internet Protocol Version 4 (Tcp/Ipv4) Properties

    8 If you have a dynamic IP address, select Obtain an IP address automatically. 9 If you have a static IP address, select Use the following IP address and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway fields. 10 Click Advanced. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 97: Figure 66 Windows Vista: Advanced Tcp/Ip Properties

    Gateway. To manually configure a default metric (the number of transmission hops), clear the Automatic metric check box and type a metric in Metric. 18 Click Add. 19 Repeat the previous three steps for each default gateway you want to add. 20 Click OK when finished. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 98: Figure 67 Windows Vista: Internet Protocol Version 4 (Tcp/Ipv4) Properties

    1 Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. 2 In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and then press [ENTER]. You can go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections, right-click a network connection, click Status and then click the Support tab. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 99: Appendix B Wireless Lans

    Intra-BSS traffic is traffic between wireless clients in the BSS. When Intra-BSS is enabled, wireless client A and B can access the wired network and communicate with each other. When Intra-BSS is disabled, wireless client A and B can still access the wired network but cannot communicate with each other. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 100: Figure 69 Basic Service Set

    An ESSID (ESS IDentification) uniquely identifies each ESS. All access points and their associated wireless clients within the same ESS must have the same ESSID in order to communicate. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 101: Figure 70 Infrastructure Wlan

    (AP) or wireless gateway, but out-of-range of each other, so they cannot "hear" each other, that is they do not know if the channel is currently being used. Therefore, they are considered hidden from each other. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 102: Figure 71 Rts/Cts

    AP will fragment the packet into smaller data frames. A large Fragmentation Threshold is recommended for networks not prone to interference while you should set a smaller threshold for busy networks or networks that are prone to interference. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 103: Table 21 Ieee 802.11G

    Use the dynamic setting to automatically use short preamble when all wireless devices on the network support it, otherwise the NWD271N uses long preamble. The wireless devices MUST use the same preamble mode in order to communicate.

  • Page 104: Table 22 Wireless Security Levels

    Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Most Secure WPA2 You must enable the same wireless security settings on the NWD271N and on all wireless clients that you want to associate with it. IEEE 802.1x In June 2001, the IEEE 802.1x standard was designed to extend the features of IEEE 802.11 to support extended authentication as well as providing additional accounting and control features.
  • Page 105 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. . NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 106 However, PEAP only supports EAP methods, such as EAP-MD5, EAP-MSCHAPv2 and EAP-GTC (EAP-Generic Token Card), for client authentication. EAP-GTC is implemented only by Cisco. LEAP LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a Cisco implementation of IEEE 802.1x. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 107: Table 23 Comparison Of Eap Authentication Types

    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. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 108: User Authentication

    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. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 109: Figure 72 Wpa(2) With Radius Application Example

    (PSK) must consist of between 8 and 63 ASCII characters or 64 hexadecimal characters (including spaces and symbols). 2 The AP checks each wireless client's password and allows it to join the network only if the password matches. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 110: Figure 73 Wpa(2)-Psk Authentication

    Enable without Dynamic WEP Key Open Enable with Dynamic WEP Key Enable without Dynamic WEP Key Disable Shared Enable with Dynamic WEP Key Enable without Dynamic WEP Key Disable TKIP/AES Enable WPA-PSK TKIP/AES Disable WPA2 TKIP/AES Enable WPA2-PSK TKIP/AES Disable NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 111: Antenna Gain

    The angle of the beam determines the width of the coverage pattern. Angles typically range from 20 degrees (very directional) to 120 degrees (less directional). Directional antennas are ideal for hallways and outdoor point-to-point applications. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 112 For a single AP application, place omni-directional antennas as close to the center of the coverage area as possible. For directional antennas, point the antenna in the direction of the desired coverage area. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 113: Appendix C Windows Wireless Management

    P P E N D I X Windows Wireless Management This appendix shows you how to manage your NWD271N using the Windows Vista and Windows XP wireless configuration tools. Windows Vista Take the following steps to connect to a wireless network using the Windows Vista wireless configuration tool (WLAN AutoConfig).

  • Page 114: Figure 75 Vista: The Connect To Window

    If the network to which you want to connect does not display, see the section on setting up a connection manually on page 116. 3 If security is enabled, you may be prompted to enter your security key. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 115: Figure 77 Vista: Enter Security Key

    Appendix C Windows Wireless Management Figure 77 Vista: Enter Security Key Your computer tries to connect to the wireless network. Figure 78 Vista: Connecting If your computer has connected to the wireless network successfully, the following screen displays. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 116: Figure 79 Vista: Successful Connection

    (if your network’s SSID is hidden, for example), take the following steps to configure your network connection manually 1 Click Set up a connection or network at the bottom of the Connect to screen. The following screen displays. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 117: Figure 80 Vista: Choose A Connection Option

    Select the type of security used by the network to which you want to connect. The types of available security shown depend on your computer’s wireless client. In this field, WPA(2)-Personal is the same as WPA(2)-PSK, and WPA(2)- Enterprise is the same as WPA(2) NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 118: Figure 82 Vista: Successfully Added Network

    Otherwise, click Connect to..In the window that displays, double-click the new network’s name to connect to the network. Setting Up An Ad-Hoc Network Take the following steps to set up a wireless connection between two computers in Windows Vista. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 119: Figure 83 Vista: Set Up An Ad-Hoc Network

    Figure 84 Vista: Ad-hoc Options 3 Enter the Network name (SSID) you want to use for your network. Select a Security type. If you are not sure what kind of security you want to use, click the Help me choose link. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 120: Figure 85 Vista: Ad-Hoc Network Ready

    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 Configuration 1 Click Start > Control Panel and double-click Network Connections. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 121: Figure 86 Windows Xp Sp1: Wireless Network Connection Status

    Figure 87 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status 4 The Wireless Network Connection Properties screen displays. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 122: Figure 88 Windows Xp Sp1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

    Figure 88 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties Figure 89 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties If you see the following screen, refer to article 871122 on the Microsoft web site for information on starting WZC. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 123: Figure 90 Windows Xp Sp2: Wzc Not Available

    DESCRIPTION The NWD271N is connected to a wireless network. The NWD271N is in the process of connecting to a wireless network. The connection to a wireless network is limited because the network did not assign a network address to the computer.

  • Page 124: Figure 92 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Network Connection Status

    Figure 93 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status 3 Windows XP SP2: Click Refresh network list to reload and search for available wireless devices within transmission range. Select a wireless network in the list and click Connect to join the selected wireless network. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 125: Figure 94 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Network Connection

    This denotes that this wireless network is your preferred network. Ordering your preferred networks is important because the NWD271N tries to associate to the preferred network first in the order that you specify. Refer to the section on ordering the preferred networks for detailed information.

  • Page 126: Figure 95 Windows Xp Sp1: Wireless Network Connection Properties

    If there is no security activated for the selected wireless network, a warning screen appears. Click Connect Anyway if wireless security is not your concern. Figure 96 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 127: Figure 97 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security

    This denotes the wireless network is not available. Security Settings When you configure the NWD271N to connect to a secure network but the security settings are not yet enabled on the NWD271N, you will see different screens according to the authentication and encryption methods used by the selected network.

  • Page 128: Table 29 Windows Xp: Wireless (Network) Properties: Association

    This field is available only when the network use WEP encryption method and the The key is provided for me automatically check box is not selected. The key is If this check box is selected, the wireless AP assigns the NWD271N a key. provided for me automatically This is a If this check box is selected, you are connecting to another computer directly.

  • Page 129: Figure 99 Windows Xp: Wireless (Network) Properties: Authentication

    Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made. Authentication Properties Select an EAP authentication type in the Wireless (network) properties: Authentication screen and click the Properties button to display the following screen. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 130: Figure 100 Windows Xp: Protected Eap Properties

    Select the check box to automatically reconnect to the network (without re- Reconnect authentication) if the wireless connection goes down. Click OK to save your changes. Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 131: Figure 101 Windows Xp: Smart Card Or Other Certificate Properties

    Click OK to save your changes. Cancel Click Cancel to leave this screen without saving any changes you may have made. Ordering the Preferred Networks Follow the steps below to manage your preferred networks. NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 132: Figure 102 Windows Xp Sp2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks

    Properties and the Wireless Networks tab to open the screen as shown. Figure 103 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks 2 Whenever the NWD271N 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 NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 133 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management the security, authentication or connection information of the selected network. Click Add to add a preferred network into the list manually. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 134 Appendix C Windows Wireless Management NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 135: Appendix D Legal Information

    ZyXEL Communications Corporation. Published by ZyXEL Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.
  • Page 136 • IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. is firmware-limited to channels 1 through 11. 注意 ! 依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法 第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用 者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。 第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現 有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。 前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射頻電機須忍 受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。 在 5250MHz~5350MHz 頻帶內操作之無線資訊傳輸設備，限於室內使用。 本機限在不干擾合法電臺與不受被干擾保障條件下於室內使用。 NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 137: Zyxel Limited Warranty

    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. Registration Register your product online to receive e-mail notices of firmware upgrades and information at www.zyxel.com. NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 138 Appendix D Legal Information NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 139: Appendix E Customer Support

    • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.com.tw • Telephone: +886-3-578-3942 • Fax: +886-3-578-2439 • Web: www.zyxel.com, www.europe.zyxel.com • FTP: ftp.zyxel.com, ftp.europe.zyxel.com • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Corp., 6 Innovation Road II, Science Park, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan Costa Rica • Support E-mail: soporte@zyxel.co.cr • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.co.cr •...
  • Page 140 Appendix E Customer Support • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications, Czech s.r.o., Modranská 621, 143 01 Praha 4 - Modrany, Ceská Republika Denmark • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.dk • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.dk • Telephone: +45-39-55-07-00 • Fax: +45-39-55-07-07 • Web: www.zyxel.dk • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Columbusvej, 2860 Soeborg, Denmark Finland •...
  • Page 141 • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Malaysia Sdn Bhd., 1-02 & 1-03, Jalan Kenari 17F, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia North America • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.com • Support Telephone: +1-800-978-7222 • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.com • Sales Telephone: +1-714-632-0882 • Fax: +1-714-632-0858 • Web: www.zyxel.com NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 142 Appendix E Customer Support • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications Inc., 1130 N. Miller St., Anaheim, CA 92806- 2001, U.S.A. Norway • Support E-mail: support@zyxel.no • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.no • Telephone: +47-22-80-61-80 • Fax: +47-22-80-61-81 • Web: www.zyxel.no • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications A/S, Nils Hansens vei 13, 0667 Oslo, Norway Poland •...
  • Page 143 • Sales E-mail: sales@zyxel.co.uk • Telephone: +44-1344-303044, 08707-555779 (UK only) • Fax: +44-1344-303034 • Web: www.zyxel.co.uk • FTP: ftp.zyxel.co.uk • Regular Mail: ZyXEL Communications UK Ltd., 11 The Courtyard, Eastern Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2XB, United Kingdom (UK) NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 144 Appendix E Customer Support NWD271N User’s Guide...

  • Page 145: Index

    31, 59 download driver version 71, 72 dynamic WEP key exchange Basic Service Set, See BSS EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) EAP Authentication EAP authentication EAP type EAP-PEAP 40, 106 EAP-TLS CCMP EAP-TTLS Certificate Authority NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 146 See IBSS power saving infrastructure power saving mode Initialization Vector (IV) preamble installation preamble mode interface product registration Internet access product specifications profile 51, 60 activation add new configure 31, 33 default delete LEDs edit lights NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 147 WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) scan security settings WEP Encryption sleep mode WEP key generation SSID 31, 38, 51, 53, 78 Wi-Fi Protected Access 40, 107 statistics Wi-Fi Protected Setup syntax conventions Windows system tray Windows XP NWD271N User’s Guide...
  • Page 148 40, 55, 107, 108 application example WPA-PSK 41, 55, 107, 108 application example see also Wi-Fi Protected Setup activating network connection not available preferred network security setting system tray icon WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) ZyXEL Utility accessing ZyXEL utility accessing NWD271N User’s Guide...

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