D-Link AirPlus XTREME G DWL-G680 User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
IEEE 802.11g
DWL-G680
D-Link AirPlus X TREME G
TM
WLAN Cardbus Adapter
version c1

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Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted ......................................................................................9
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................12
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................24
Troubleshooting...................................................................................37
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................42
ContactingTechnicalSupport ..............................................................44
Warrantyand Registration ...................................................................45

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G680
High-Speed 2.4GHz/802.11g Wireless CardbusAdapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
PrintedQuick InstallationGuide
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements for Configuration:
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An 802.11g or 802.11b access point (for Infrastructure mode),
or another 802.11g or 802.11b wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc,
Peer-to-Peer networking mode.)
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
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Alaptop or notebook computer with an available 32-bit
cardbus slot
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Introduction
TheDWL-G680 hasthenewest,strongestandmostadvanced securityfeaturesavailable
today.When usedwithother802.11WPA(Wi-FiProtectedAccess)and 802.1xcompatible
products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based on a
secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals. WPA uses TKIP
(Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to change the temporal key every 10,000
packets(a packetis akindofmessagetransmittedoveranetwork.)Thisensures
muchgreater securitythan thestandardWEPsecurity.(Bycontrast, theprevious
WEP encryption implementations required the keys to be changed manually.)
802.1x: Authentication which is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the
authentication process, the Authentication Server* verifies the identity of the
client attempting to connect to the network. Unfamiliar clients would be denied
access.
For home users thatwill not incorporate aRADIUSserverin their network, thesecurity
fortheDWL-G680, usedinconjunction withotherWPA-compatible 802.11products,will
still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-Shared Key mode of WPA,
the DWL-G680 will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11
network. You only need to input your encryption information once in the configuration
menu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure
security. With the DWL-G680, you will automatically receive a new key every time you
connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an 802.11b/
802.11ghigh-performance, wirelessadapterthatsupportshigh-speedwirelessnetworking
at home, at work or in public places.
Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G680 provides data transfers at up to 54 Mbps
(compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
products.The 802.11gstandardis backwards compatiblewith 802.11b products.
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Features
LEDs
LEDstands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-G680hasthefollowing LEDs:
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A blinking light indicates
data is being transmitted.
Activity
A steady light indicates a
connection to an access
point.
Link
Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the IEEE
802.11band802.11g standards,the DWL-G680canconnect withexisting802.11b-
or 802.11g- compliant routers, access points and cards. That means you can still
communicate with colleagues and friends while you have the ability to link to even
morewirelessnetworks.
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Faster Wireless Networking - Faster data transfers mean increased productivity.
With the DWL-G680 in your laptop PC, you will have the flexibility of wireless net-
working speeds that save you time and money.
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Better Security with 802.1x and WPA-With the DWL-G680 in your laptop PC you
cansecurelyconnect toa wirelessnetworkusing 802.1xforwireless authentication,
aswellas WPA(Wi-Fi ProtectedAccess) providingyoua much higherlevel of secu-
rityforyour dataandcommunication thanhaspreviously been available.
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32-bit Cardbus Performance/Plug &Play Connectivity -TheDWL-G680isapow-
erful 32-bit Cardbus Adapter that installs quickly and easily into laptop PCs, and
whenused withotherD-LinkAirPlus XtremeG products willautomatically connect
to the network out of the box.
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!User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.

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Wireless Basics
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless
adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as
Ethernetadaptercards.
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatiblehigh-speed wirelessconnectivity withinyour home,business orpublicaccess
wirelessnetworks.D-Linkwireless products will allowyouaccess to the data youwant,
whenandwhereyouwant it.Youwillbeable toenjoythefreedomthat wirelessnetworking
brings.
AWireless LocalAreaNetwork (WLAN)is acomputernetworkthattransmitsand receives
datawithradio signals insteadofwires. WLANsareused increasingly inbothhome and
office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities.
Innovativeways toutilizeWLANtechnologyarehelpingpeopletoworkandcommunicate
more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed
infrastructurehaveproven to bebeneficialfor many users.
People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location
within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time
informationcansignificantly improve workerefficiency.
Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and
relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of
implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be
impractical.
Installation and Network Expansion - Installing aWLANsystemcan be fast and
easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless
technologyallowsthe network to gowherewirescannot go - evenoutsidethe home or
office.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventionalEthernet networkdevices.
Scalability - WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of
specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range
fromPeer-to-Peernetworks suitablefora smallnumberof userstolarger Infrastructure
networkstoaccommodatehundreds or thousands ofusers,dependingon the number
ofwirelessdevices deployed.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
TheDWL-G680WirelessCardbusAdapterutilizesthe802.11bandthe802.11gstandards.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the
data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing OFDM technology.
Thismeansthat in mostenvironments,within the specifiedrangeofthis device, youwill
be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your
network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting high-speed
digitaldataover aradiowaveutilizingOFDM (OrthogonalFrequencyDivisionMultiplexing)
technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals
that are thentransmitted simultaneously atdifferent frequenciesto the receiver. OFDM
reducesthe amountof crosstalk (interference)insignaltransmissions.TheD-LinkDWL-
G650will automaticallysensethe bestpossible connectionspeedto ensurethegreatest
speedandrange possible.
802.11g offersthe most advanced networksecurityfeaturesavailable today, including:
WPA, 802.1x, TKIP,AES and Pre-Shared Key mode.
The DWL-G680 is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you
have an existing 802.11b network, the devices in that network will be compatible with
802.11g devices at speeds up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range.
TheDWL-G680iscompatible with the followingwirelessproducts:
D-Link Air DWL-650,D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+,
WirelessCardbusAdapters used with laptopcomputers
D-Link Air DWL-520,D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+,
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ and D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-2000AP
Enhanced 2.4GHz WirelessAccess Points
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D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, D-Link AirPro DI-764,D-Link Air Xpert DI-774,
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
WirelessRouters
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G680 lets you access your network, using a
wireless connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind,
however, that thenumber, thickness andlocationof walls, ceilings, orotherobjectsthat
thewirelesssignals mustpassthrough,maylimittherange.Typicalrangesvarydepending
on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or
business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:
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Keepyourproduct away (at least3-6feet or 1-2 meters)fromelectrical devices
orappliancesthatgenerate RF noise.
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Keepthenumberofwallsandceilings betweenthe DWL-G680andothernetwork
devices toaminimum -eachwall orceilingcan reduceyourDWL-G680’s range
from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls
or ceilings is minimized.
1
Beawareof the direct linebetweennetwork devices.Awall that is 1.5feetthick
(.5meters),at a 45-degreeangleappearsto be almost3feet (1 meter)thick.At
a2-degreeangle itlooksover 42 feet(14 meters) thick!Positiondevices sothat
thesignalwilltravel straight through awallor ceiling (instead ofatanangle) for
betterreception.
2
Buildingmaterialscanimpedethewirelesssignal- asolidmetaldoororaluminum
studsmayhave a negativeeffect on range.Tryto position wirelessdevicesand
computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or
opendoorwaysand not other materials.
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Getting Started
Onthefollowing pages wewillshow you anexampleof an Infrastructure Network and
anAd-Hoc Network.
An Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router. The
Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains the following
D-Linknetworkdevices(your existing network maybecomprisedof other devices):
A wireless router - D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPro DWL-G680
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520, D-Link Air DWL-520,
or D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
Acablemodem - D-Link DCM-201
Therearebasicallytwo modes of networking:
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Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for Peer-to-Peer
communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer,
such as two or more DWL-G680 Wireless CardbusAdapters.
Infrastructure – using an access point, or wireless router, such as
theDI-624.
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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
For a typical wireless
setup at home (as shown
above), please do the
following:
Youwill needbroadbandInternet access (aCableor DSL-subscriber lineinto
yourhomeor office).
ConsultwithyourCableorDSL providerforproperinstallationofthemodem.
ConnecttheCable orDSLmodem to yourbroadbandrouter.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with your router).
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, you can install the
D-LinkAirPlusXtreme G DWL-G520 WirelessPCIAdapter intoanavailable
PCI slot on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).
InstalltheD-Link DWL-G680 WirelessCardbusAdapterintoa laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G680).
If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet net-
workadapter(such as aDFE-530TX+) to therouteralso.

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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc Network
InstalltheD-Link DWL-G680WirelessCardbusAdapter intoonelaptop
computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.)
Install another DWL-G680intoa laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.)
Set the wireless configuration for the adapters toAd-Hoc mode, set the
adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP address to each computer
on theAd-Hoc network. (Seetheboxbelow).
When assigning IP addresses to the computers on the network, please remember
that the IP address for each computer must be in the same IP address range
as all the computers in the network, and the subnet mask must be exactly the
same for all the computers in the network.
For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.2 with a
subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be assigned an IP
address of 192.168.0.3 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, etc.
IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP address,
one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.
IPAddress

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Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
thatenableswindows configuration.
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or the
D-LinkConfigurationUtility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
To usethe D-LinkConfigurationUtility withXP,right-click
on the wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-handcornerof your computer screen.
In the window that appears, select View
Available Wireless Networks and click
theAdvanced button.The screen at right
willappear.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
ConfigurationUtilityicon. *Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
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Using the Configuration Utility
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G680uses the Configuration Utility as the
management software. The utility provides the user an easy interface to change any
settingsrelatedto the wirelessadapter.After youhavecompleted the installationof the
DWL-G680(refertotheQuickInstallationGuide thatcamewithyourpurchase)whenever
you start the computer, the Configuration Utility starts automatically and the system
trayiconisloaded in the toolbar (seeillustrationbelow*.)Clicking on the utility iconwill
start the Configuration Utility. Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to
click on Start>Programs>D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G >D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
Utility.
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Link Info
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the
settingsforthe DWL-G680:
SSID:
TheServiceSetIdentifieristhename
assigned to the wireless network.
ThefactorySSID settingisdefault.
Tx Rate:
Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to a maximum
of54Mbps.
Status:
Displays the MAC address of the
access point or router to which the
DWL-G680isassociated.
Channel:
Thechannelselection is automaticallydeterminedby the DWL-G680.
Frequency:
802.11g indicates that the DWL-
G650 is communicating in the
2.4GHzband.
Encryption:
You can see if WEP(Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Wireless Mode:
EitherInfrastructure orAd-Hoc will bedisplayedhere. (Please seetheGetting
Started section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)
Signal Strength/Link Quality:
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with that access
pointorrouter.
Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-G680 wireless connection to the access point.
The signal strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the
DWL-G680.The percentage coincides withthegraphical bar.
AirPlus Xtreme GWireless Utility
802.11g
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Wireless Mode:
Authentication:
Keys 1-4:
Select the default key.
Data Encryption:
IP Settings:
Click on the pull-down menu; select from the
followingoptions:
Infrastructure - Connecting to the WLAN
using an access point.(This is the default
setting).
Ad-Hoc -Wirelessmodeused when
connecting directly to a computer equipped
withawirelessadapter in a Peer-to-Peer
environment.
Chooseoneof the followingmodes:
ClickApply to save changes.
When youclick IP Settings intheConfiguration window, the pop-upscreenabove will
appear.Configure theIPSettings inthis window.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American StandardCode for InformationInterchange) is a code for
representingEnglishlettersasnumbers from 0-127
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
Select Enabled or Disabled.
IP Settings
Open Authentication - The DWL-G680is
visibletoalldeviceson the network.
Shared Authentication - Allows
communicationonlywithother devices with
identical WEP settings.
Auto - Will automatically adjust to theAuthentication mode of the wireless
access point or router.
Key Length:
Select the key length and eitherASCII or hexadecimal format.
SSID:
Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a
wireless network.Access points and wireless
devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN
(Wireless LocalArea Network) must use the same
SSID. The default setting is default.
AirPlus Xtreme G Wireless Utility

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Ad-Hoc Channel:
All devices in the Ad-Hoc net-
work must be set to the same
channel.
Click Apply if you have made any changes.
Data Packet Parameter:
SettheFragmentation Threshold andtheRTS Threshold.Pleasesee below.
Profile IP Settings:
You can Enable or Disable the IP Settings portion of your profile here. If you select
Disable youwillneedto configure the IP addressinformationeach time you connect to
a network. Ifyou select Enable you willmaintainthe same IP address informationeach
time you connect to a network.
Select Enable or Disable.
Launch Utility on Startup:
Power Mode:
Disable -This default setting consumes the most power.
Enable - This setting consumes the least power.
Fragmentation Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If you experience a high packet
error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value
range of 256 to 2432. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor
performance.
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If inconsistent data flow is a
problem,onlyaminor modification should be made.
RTS Threshold:
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Advanced
Starting Ad-Hoc Network:
This setting is always 2.4GHz.
Super G:
Enable or Disable the Super G
function(108Mbps).In orderto
communicate,alldevices must
share the same setting for this
feature.
Frequency:
Select802.11b/g-2.4GHz or
802.11b.

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Add
In this window you can select
thetype ofnetwork connection
you will be using.
Click OK to save the
changes.
Advanced
If you clicked on Add, you can
configure,inthiswindow,allthe
properties of a profile that you
wish to add to the network.
Ifyou clickedon Configuration
or Properties you can config-
ure,in thiswindow,allthe prop-
erties of a profile that already
exists in the network.
Click OK to save the
changes.
If you choose to use the IEEE
802.1X feature,pleasesee the
detailedinstructionson the fol-
lowingpages.
If you select WPA in the
Authenticationfield,please
seedetailedinstructions for
configuringWPAon the
followingpages.

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Configuration > 802.1x
To use 802.1x and to configure its settings, please do the following:
IEEE 802.1X -
Select Enabled.
ClickAuthentication Config
Select the EAP Type you
wanttouse.Configure the
informationneeded for
authenticating.
ClickOK
TrustedCAList.
InnerAuthentication Protocol.
For an explanation of
the terms shown in this
window please see the
following pages.
Advanced Security Settings

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > EAP Types
EAP Type InnerAuthentication
Protocol Information needed
forAuthenticating
EAP-TLS
EAP-
MSCHAPv2
Certificate
UserName
UserName
Password
DomainName
LEAP UserName
Password
PAP TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
CHAP TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
MSCHAP
TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
DomainName
EAP-TTLS
MSCHAPv2
TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
DomainName

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > EAP Types (continued)
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > Definitions of Terms
Validate Server Certificate:
Check Validate Server Certificate to verify the identity of the authentication server
based on its certificate when using EAP-TTLS, PEAP, and EAP-TLS. (This is
checkedbydefault.)
Certain protocols, such as EAP-TTLS, PEAP, and EAP-TLS, allow you to verify the
identity of the authentication server as the server verifies your identity. This is called
mutualauthentication.
You can select trusted authentication server certificates using theAdd button at the
Trusted CA List (at the bottom of the Advanced Security Settings page).
EAP Type InnerAuthentication
Protocol Information needed
forAuthenticating
EAP-
GenericToken card
EAP-MD5 UserName
Password
EAP-MSCHAPv2
EAP-MD5 TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
TTLSIdentity
UserName
Password
DomainName
UserName
Password
EAP-TTLS
PEAP
EAP-
GenericToken card
EAP-MSCHAPv2 UserName
Password
DomainName

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Domain Name:
Each server has a domain name that uniquely identifies it. That domain name is
normallycontained in theSubject CN fieldoftheserver certificate.Aserver domain
nameendswiththe name of a largeradministrativedomain,to which the server
belongs.
TTLS Identity:
EAP-TTLS has a unique feature that other protocols do not offer. Because it sets up
an encrypted tunnel for your credentials, it is also able to pass your login name
through that tunnel. That means that not only are your credentials secure from
eavesdropping,butyouridentity is protected as well.Thus,with EAP-TTLS you have
two identities: an inner one, and an outer one. The inner identity is your actual user
name. Your outer identity can be completely anonymous. Set your outer identity in
the TTLS Identity field.
Trusted CA List:
TheTrusted CA List allowsyou to configure whichauthenticationserversyou trust for
the purpose of logging you into the network.
Click Add at the Trusted CA List at the bottom of the Advanced Security Settings
page. Select the Trusted CA that you want to add and click OK.
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > Definitions of Terms (continued)