ZyXEL X-550 User’s Guide
Chapter 1
Getting To Know Your X-550
This chapter introduces the ZyXEL X-550 and prepares you to use the ZyXEL Utility.
1.1About Your ZyXEL X-550
The ZyXEL X-550 XtremeMIMOTM Wireless Broadband Router is an 802.11g high-performance, wireless router that supports high-speed wireless networking in Home, SOHO, or even SMB environments.
Unlike most routers, the X-550 provides data transfers at up to 108 Mbps (compared to the standard 54 Mbps) when coupled with other MIMO products. The X-550 is also backwards compatible with older 802.11b networks making it a true versatile device. This means there is no need to change your entire network to maintain connectivity. 802.11b naturally has a lower throughput rate than 802.11g, but you will not lose the ability to communicate when you incorporate the 802.11g standard into your 802.11b network. You may choose to slowly change your network by gradually replacing the 802.11b devices with 802.11g devices.
1.2Features
•Supports IEEE 802.11b/g 2.4GHz WLAN with 2.412 to 2.484GHz frequency band operation
•Provides MIMO advantages
•Intelligent receiving with directional antennas enable faster throughput and longer ranges
•Intelligent transmissions enable a more efficient performing network
•Built-in StreamEngine™ feature allows intelligent and automatic traffic prioritizing
•Data rates of 1,2.5.5,6,9, 11,12,18,24,36,48,54Mbps and Turbo Mode speeds up to 108Mbps.
Turbo Mode is an AtherosTM proprietary speed boosting technology that must be used in conjunction with other devices using the AtherosTM radio technology
•Hardware encryption for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2/WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) without performance degradation
•WPA2/WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) authorizes and identifies users based with a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval, for example:
Pre Shared Key mode means that the home user, without a RADIUS server,
will obtain a new security key every time he or she connects to the network, vastly improving the safety of communications on the said network
•User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
•Connect multiple computers to a Cable or DSL modem to share a single Internet connection
•DHCP server enables all networked computers to automatically receive IP addresses
•Web-based interface for easy management and configuration
•Supports special applications that require multiple connections
•Equipped with four 10/100 Ethernet ports, one WAN port all with Auto MDI/MDIX
