ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL ZyAIR B-220 User manual

ZyAIR B-220
802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
User’s Guide
Version 5.00
February 2005

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Copyright 2
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 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.
Disclaimer
ZyXEL 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.
Trademarks
ZyNOS (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.

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
3 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Interference
Statement
The 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 1
Changes 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.
Caution
1The 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.

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Interference Statement 4
Certifications
Go to www.zyxel.com
1Select your product from the drop-down list box on the
ZyXEL home page to go to that product's page.
2Select the certification you wish to view from this page

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
5ZyXEL Limited Warranty
ZyXEL Limited Warranty
ZyXEL 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 value, and will be solely at the discretion of ZyXEL. This
warranty shall not apply if the product is modified, misused, tampered with, damaged by an
act of God, or subjected to abnormal working conditions.
Note
Repair 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 of character 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 Registration
Register online at www.zyxel.com for free future product updates and information.

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Customer Support 6
Customer Support
Please 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.
METHOD
LOCATION
SUPPORT E-MAIL TELEPHONEAWEB SITE
REGULAR MAIL
SALES E-MAIL FAX FTP SITE
WORLDWIDE
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.com
www.europe.zyxel.com
ZyXEL Communications Corp.
6 Innovation Road II
Science Park
Hsinchu 300
Taiwa n
[email protected] [phone] ftp.zyxel.com
ftp.europe.zyxel.com
NORTH
AMERICA
[email protected] [phone]
[phone]
www.us.zyxel.com ZyXEL Communications Inc.
1130 N. Miller St.
Anaheim
CA 92806-2001
U.S.A.
[email protected] [phone] ftp.us.zyxel.com
GERMANY
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.de ZyXEL Deutschland GmbH.
Adenauerstr. 20/A2 D-52146
Wuerselen
Germany
[email protected] [phone]
FRANCE
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.fr ZyXEL France
1 rue des Vergers
Bat. 1 / C
69760 Limonest
France
[phone]
SPAIN
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.es ZyXEL Communications
A l e j a n d r o V i l l e g a s 3 3
1 º , 2 8 0 4 3 M a d r i d
Spain
[email protected] [phone]
DENMARK
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.dk ZyXELCommunicationsA/S
Columbu svej 5
2860 Soeborg
Denmark
[email protected]k [phone]
NORWAY
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.no ZyXELCommunicationsA/S
Nils Hansens vei 13
0667 Oslo
Norway
[email protected]o [phone]
SWEDEN
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.se ZyXEL Communications A/S
Sjöporten 4, 41764 Göteborg
Sweden
[email protected] [phone]
FINLAND
[email protected] [phone] www.zyxel.fi ZyXEL Communications Oy
Malminkaari 10
00700 Helsinki
Finland
[email protected] [phone]
a. “+” is the (prefix) number you enter to make an international telephone call.

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
7Customer Support

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Table of Contents 8
Table of Contents
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
Chapter 1
Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 18
1.1 About Your ZyAIR ...............................................................................................18
1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation ..............................................................18
1.3 Configuration Methods .......................................................................................18
1.4 Windows XP Users Only ....................................................................................19
1.5 Accessing the ZyXEL Utility ...............................................................................19
1.6 ZyAIR Modes .....................................................................................................19
1.6.1 Change ZyAIR Mode ................................................................................20
Chapter 2
Wireless LAN Network........................................................................................... 22
2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................22
2.1.1 SSID .........................................................................................................22
2.1.2 Channel ....................................................................................................22
2.1.3 Transmission Rate (Tx Rate) ....................................................................22
2.1.4 Wireless Network Application ...................................................................22
2.1.4.1 Ad-Hoc (IBSS) .................................................................................23
2.1.4.2 Infrastructure ...................................................................................23
2.1.4.3 Access Point Mode .........................................................................24
2.1.5 Roaming ...................................................................................................24
2.2 Wireless LAN Security .......................................................................................25
2.2.1 Data Encryption with WEP ........................................................................25
2.2.2 IEEE 802.1x ..............................................................................................26
2.2.2.1 EAP Authentication .........................................................................26

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
9Table of Contents
2.2.3 WPA ..........................................................................................................26
2.2.3.1 User Authentication .........................................................................26
2.2.3.2 Encryption .......................................................................................26
2.2.4 WPA-PSK Application Example ................................................................27
2.2.5 WPA with RADIUS Application Example ..................................................28
2.3 Authentication Type ............................................................................................29
2.4 Preamble Type ...................................................................................................29
Chapter 3
Wireless Station Mode Configuration .................................................................. 30
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................30
3.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................30
3.2.1 Trend Chart ...............................................................................................31
3.3 The Site Survey Screen .....................................................................................32
3.3.1 Connecting to a WLAN Network ...............................................................33
3.3.2 Security Settings .......................................................................................34
3.3.2.1 WEP Encryption ..............................................................................34
3.3.2.2 WPA-PSK ........................................................................................35
3.3.2.3 WPA-RADIUS ..................................................................................36
3.3.2.4 RADIUS ...........................................................................................38
3.4 The Profile Screen .............................................................................................40
3.4.1 Adding a New Profile ................................................................................42
3.5 The Adapter Screen ...........................................................................................46
Chapter 4
Access Point Mode Configuration........................................................................ 48
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................48
4.1.1 Additional Setup Requirements ................................................................48
4.2 The Link Info Screen ..........................................................................................48
4.3 The Configuration Screen ..................................................................................49
4.4 The MAC Filter Screen .......................................................................................51
Chapter 5
Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 54
5.1 The About Screen ..............................................................................................54
5.2 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility .............................................................................54
5.3 Upgrading the ZyXEL Utility ...............................................................................55
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................... 58
6.1 Problems Starting the ZyXEL Utility Program ....................................................58
6.2 Problem Connecting to an Access Point ............................................................58
6.3 Problem with the Link Status ..............................................................................59

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Table of Contents 10
6.4 Problems Communicating With Other Computers .............................................59
Appendix A
Product Specifications .......................................................................................... 60
Appendix B
Access Point Mode Setup Example ..................................................................... 62
Appendix C
Disable Windows XP Wireless LAN Configuration Tool..................................... 66
Appendix D
Management with Wireless Zero Configuration.................................................. 72
Appendix E
Types of EAP Authentication................................................................................ 86
Appendix F
Setting up Your Computer’s IP Address.............................................................. 88
Index.......................................................................................................................... 1

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
11 Table of Contents

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
List of Figures 12
List of Figures
Figure 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon .............................................................. 19
Figure 2 ZyXEL Utility: Change Modes .................................................................. 20
Figure 3 IBSS Example ......................................................................................... 23
Figure 4 BSS Example .......................................................................................... 23
Figure 5 Infrastructure Network Example .............................................................. 24
Figure 6 ZyAIR as an Access Point Example ....................................................... 24
Figure 7 Roaming Example ................................................................................... 25
Figure 8 WPA-PSK Authentication ......................................................................... 28
Figure 9 WPA with RADIUS Application Example .................................................. 28
Figure 10 Station Mode: Link Info ......................................................................... 30
Figure 11 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ..................................................... 32
Figure 12 Station Mode: Site Survey ..................................................................... 32
Figure 13 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP ................................................. 34
Figure 14 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-PSK ........................................... 35
Figure 15 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Encryption ................. 36
Figure 16 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Authentication ............ 37
Figure 17 Station Mode: Security Settings: RADIUS: WEP Encryption ............... 38
Figure 18 Station Mode: Security Settings: RADIUS: Authentication ..................... 39
Figure 19 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................ 41
Figure 20 Station Mode: Profile: Add New Profile ................................................. 42
Figure 21 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ............................................... 43
Figure 22 Station Mode: Profile: Wireless Settings ............................................... 44
Figure 23 Station Mode: Profile: Security Settings ................................................ 45
Figure 24 Station Mode: Profile: Confirm New Settings ........................................ 45
Figure 25 Station Mode: Profile: Activate the Profile ............................................. 46
Figure 26 Station Mode: Adapter .......................................................................... 46
Figure 27 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................ 49
Figure 28 Access Point Mode: Configuration ........................................................ 50
Figure 29 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter ............................................................ 52
Figure 30 About ..................................................................................................... 54
Figure 31 Confirm Uninstall ................................................................................... 55
Figure 32 Uninstalling the ZyXEL Utility ................................................................ 55
Figure 33 Windows 2000: Start ............................................................................. 62
Figure 34 Windows 2000: Network and Dial-up Connections ............................... 63
Figure 35 Windows 2000: Network Properties ...................................................... 63
Figure 36 WIndows 2000: Network Properties: Select Network Adapter .............. 64
Figure 37 Windows 2000: Local Network .............................................................. 64
Figure 38 Windows XP: System Tray Icon ............................................................ 66

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
13 List of Figures
Figure 39 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection ................................. 67
Figure 40 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection ................................. 67
Figure 41 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ............... 68
Figure 42 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ............... 68
Figure 43 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ...................... 69
Figure 44 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ...................... 69
Figure 45 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ............... 70
Figure 46 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Properties ............... 70
Figure 47 Windows XP SP2: WZC Not Available ................................................. 73
Figure 48 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon .................................................... 73
Figure 49 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection Status ...................... 74
Figure 50 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Status ...................... 75
Figure 51 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection ................................. 76
Figure 52 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Network Connection Properties ............... 77
Figure 53 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: WEP or WPA-PSK . 78
Figure 54 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection: No Security ............ 78
Figure 55 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association .................... 79
Figure 56 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication ................ 80
Figure 57 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ............................................... 81
Figure 58 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ..................... 83
Figure 59 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks ................. 84
Figure 60 Windows XP SP1: Wireless Networks: Preferred Networks ................. 85
Figure 61 WIndows 95/98/Me: Network: Configuration .......................................... 89
Figure 62 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: IP Address .............................. 90
Figure 63 Windows 95/98/Me: TCP/IP Properties: DNS Configuration ................. 91
Figure 64 Windows XP: Start Menu ....................................................................... 92
Figure 65 Windows XP: Control Panel ................................................................... 92
Figure 66 Windows XP: Control Panel: Network Connections: Properties ............ 93
Figure 67 Windows XP: Local Area Connection Properties ................................... 93
Figure 68 Windows XP: Advanced TCP/IP Settings .............................................. 94
Figure 69 Windows XP: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties .............................. 95
Figure 70 Macintosh OS 8/9: Apple Menu ............................................................. 96
Figure 71 Macintosh OS 8/9: TCP/IP ..................................................................... 96
Figure 72 Macintosh OS X: Apple Menu ................................................................ 97
Figure 73 Macintosh OS X: Network ...................................................................... 98

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
List of Tables 14
List of Tables
Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon ............................................................... 19
Table 2 Station Mode: Link Info ............................................................................. 31
Table 3 Station Mode: Link Info: Trend Chart ........................................................ 32
Table 4 Station Mode: Site Survey ........................................................................ 33
Table 5 Station Mode: Security Settings: WEP ..................................................... 34
Table 6 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-PSK ............................................. 36
Table 7 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Encryption .................... 36
Table 8 Station Mode: Security Settings: WPA-RADIUS: Authentication .............. 37
Table 9 Station Mode: Security Settings: RADIUS: WEP Encryption .................... 38
Table 10 Station Mode: Security Settings: RADIUS: Authentication ..................... 39
Table 11 Station Mode: Profile ............................................................................... 41
Table 12 Station Mode: Profile: Add New Profile ................................................... 42
Table 13 Station Mode: Profile: Select a Channel ................................................. 44
Table 14 Station Mode: Adapter ............................................................................ 46
Table 15 Access Point Mode: Link Info ................................................................. 49
Table 16 Access Point Mode: Configuration ......................................................... 50
Table 17 Access Point Mode: MAC Filter .............................................................. 52
Table 18 About ...................................................................................................... 54
Table 19 Troubleshooting Starting ZyXEL Utility Program .................................... 58
Table 20 Troubleshooting Access Point Connection Problem ............................... 58
Table 21 Troubleshooting Link Quality .................................................................. 59
Table 22 Troubleshooting Communication Problem .............................................. 59
Table 23 Product Specifications ............................................................................ 60
Table 24 Windows XP SP2: System Tray Icon ...................................................... 73
Table 25 Windows XP SP2: Wireless Network Connection .................................. 76
Table 26 Windows XP: Wireless Networks .......................................................... 78
Table 27 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Association ...................... 79
Table 28 Windows XP: Wireless (network) properties: Authentication .................. 80
Table 29 Windows XP: Protected EAP Properties ................................................ 82
Table 30 Windows XP: Smart Card or other Certificate Properties ....................... 83
Table 31 Comparison of EAP Authentication Types .............................................. 87

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
15 List of Tables

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Preface 16
Preface
Congratulations on your purchase of the ZyAIR B-220 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter.
Your ZyAIR is easy to install and configure.
About This User's Guide
This manual is designed to guide you through the configuration of your ZyAIR for its various
applications.
Related Documentation
• Supporting Disk
Refer 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 Site
Please 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 [email protected] 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 choices.
• The SMT menu titles and labels are in Bold Times New Roman font. Predefined field
choices are in Bold Arial font. Command and arrow keys are enclosed in square
brackets. [ENTER] means the Enter, or carriage return key; [ESC] means the Escape key
and [SPACE BAR] means the Space Bar.
• Mouse action sequences are denoted using a comma. For example, “click the Apple icon,
Control Panels and then Modem” means first click the Apple icon, then point your
mouse pointer to Control Panels and then click Modem.
Note: Register 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.

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
17 Preface
• For brevity’s sake, we will use “e.g.,” as a shorthand for “for instance”, and “i.e.,” for
“that is” or “in other words” throughout this manual.
• The ZyAIR B-220 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter may be referred to as the ZyAIR in
this user’s guide.
Graphics Icons Key
Wireless Access Point Computer Notebook Computer
Server Modem Wireless Signal
Telephone Switch Router
Internet Cloud

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 Getting Started 18
CHAPTER 1
Getting Started
This chapter introduces the ZyAIR and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.
1.1 About Your ZyAIR
The ZyAIR is an IEEE 802.11b compliant wireless LAN adapter. With the ZyAIR, you can
enjoy the wireless mobility within the coverage area.
The following lists the main features of your ZyAIR.
• Your ZyAIR can communicate with other IEEE 802.11b/Wi-Fi compliant wireless
devices.
• Automatic rate selection.
•Offers 64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for network security.
• Proprietary SoftAP feature turns your ZyAIR into an access point (AP).
• Low CPU utilization allowing more computer system resources for other programs.
• A built-in antenna
• Driver and utility support for Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows 2000
and Windows XP.
1.2 ZyAIR Hardware and Utility Installation
Follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide to install the ZyXEL Utility and make
hardware connections.
1.3 Configuration Methods
To configure your ZyAIR, use one of the following applications:
• Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) (recommended for Windows XP)
• ZyXEL Utility (required when you want to use the ZyAIR as an access point)
• Odyssey Client Manager
Note: DO NOT use the Windows XP configuration tool or the Odyssey Client
Manager and the ZyXEL Utility at the same time.

ZyAIR B-220 User’s Guide
19 Chapter 1 Getting Started
Refer to the Odyssey Client Manager documentation for more information.
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 ZyAIR.
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.
Figure 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
The color of the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon indicates the status of the ZyAIR. 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.
1.6 ZyAIR Modes
You can set your ZyAIR to operate in either wireless station or access point (AP) modes.
Note: When the ZyXEL Utility system tray icon displays, the ZyAIR is
installed properly.
Table 1 ZyXEL Utility: System Tray Icon
COLOR DESCRIPTION
Red The ZyAIR is operating in wireless station mode but is not connected to a wireless
network.
Green The ZyAIR is operating in wireless station mode and connected to a wireless network.
Pale Blue The ZyAIR is operating in access point mode.
Note: Click the icon (located in the top right corner) to display the on-line
help window.