ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL ZyWALL 35 - Manual (Page 115)

ZyWALL 35 User’s Guide
Chapter 6 Wireless LAN and Authentication Server 113
C
H A P T E R
6
Wireless LAN and
Authentication Server
This chapter discusses how to configure Wireless LAN and Auth Server on the ZyWALL.
6.1 Wireless LAN Overview
This section introduces the wireless LAN (WLAN) and some basic scenarios.
6.1.1 Additional Installation Requirements for Using 802.1x
• A computer with an IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN card.
• A computer equipped with a web browser (with JavaScript enabled) and/or Telnet.
• A wireless station must be running IEEE 802.1x-compliant software. Currently, this is
offered in Windows XP.
• An optional network RADIUS server for remote user authentication and accounting.
6.2 Wireless LAN Basics
This section provides background information on WLAN.
6.2.1 Channel
A channel is the radio frequency(ies) used by IEEE 802.11b wireless devices. Channels
available depend on your geographical area. You may have a choice of channels (for your
region) so you should use a different channel than an adjacent AP (access point) to reduce
interference. Interference occurs when radio signals from different access points overlap
causing interference and degrading performance.
6.2.2 ESS ID
An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a group of access points or wireless gateways connected to
a wired LAN on the same subnet. An ESS ID uniquely identifies each set. All access points or
wireless gateways and their associated wireless stations in the same set must have the same
ESSID.