8.1 Home Networking Overview

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a shared communication system connecting multiple networking devices within a confined area, such as a building or a floor. The Zyxel Device facilitates LAN configuration, including setting up a LAN DHCP server and managing IP addresses.

Figure 68 illustrates a typical Home Networking Example, showing devices connected via LAN to the Internet.

8.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter

• Configure LAN IP address, subnet mask, and DHCP settings using the LAN Setup screen.
• Assign static IP addresses to specific computers based on their MAC addresses using the Static DHCP screen.
• Enable UPnP and UPnP NAT traversal using the UPnP screen.
• Configure IP alias and public static IP using the Additional Subnet screen.
• Configure Vendor IDs for connected Set Top Box (STB) devices to enable automatic static DHCP entries.
• Remotely turn on a network device using the Wake on LAN screen.
• Identify a TFTP server for configuration file download using DHCP option 66 via the TFTP Server Name screen.

8.1.2 What You Need To Know

About LAN

IP Address

IP addresses are unique identifiers for devices on a network, enabling communication. Every networking device, including computers, servers, routers, and printers, requires an IP address and is also known as a host.

Subnet Mask

Subnet masks define the number of possible hosts on a network and can be used to divide a network into multiple sub-networks.

DHCP

A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, DNS, and other routing information to devices upon connection.

DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names to IP addresses and vice versa. It is crucial for accessing network devices without needing to know their IP addresses.

RADVD (Router Advertisement Daemon)

RADVD is used in IPv6 networks to respond to Router Solicitation requests, providing network prefix information for IPv6 address generation.

8.1.2.2 About UPnP

Identifying UPnP Devices

UPnP devices are identified by icons in the Network Connections folder. Selecting a UPnP device's icon allows access to its information and properties.

NAT Traversal

UPnP NAT traversal automates the process for applications to work across NAT. It enables devices to configure network addressing, announce their presence, and exchange service descriptions. This facilitates dynamic port mapping, learning public IP addresses, and assigning lease times to mappings.

Cautions with UPnP

The automated nature of UPnP NAT traversal can pose security risks by allowing unauthorized access to network information and configuration. Exercise caution when enabling UPnP.

8.1.3 Before You Begin

Before configuring static DHCP entries, gather the MAC addresses of your network devices.

8.2 LAN Setup

This screen allows you to set the Local Area Network (LAN) IP address and subnet mask for your Zyxel Device. You can also configure DHCP settings for automatic IP address assignment to devices.

To access the LAN Setup screen, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > LAN Setup.

Follow these steps to configure your LAN settings:

1. Enter the desired IP address in the IP Address field using dotted decimal notation. This will be the Zyxel Device's IP address.
2. Enter the IP subnet mask in the IP Subnet Mask field. The device automatically computes the subnet mask based on the IP address entered; it is generally recommended to leave this at its default unless specific subnetting is required.
3. Click Apply to save your settings.

Figure 69 shows the Network Setting > Home Networking > LAN Setup screen, detailing various configuration options including Interface Group, LAN IP Setup, IGMP Snooping, DHCP Server State, IP Addressing Values, DNS Values, LAN IPv6 Mode Setup, and more.

Table 32 provides a detailed description of each field within the LAN Setup screen, explaining its function and configuration options.

8.3 LAN Static DHCP

This feature allows you to assign specific IP addresses to individual computers on the LAN based on their unique MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. Each Ethernet device has a MAC address assigned at the factory, typically consisting of six pairs of hexadecimal characters (e.g., 00:A0:C5:00:00:02).

To configure static DHCP settings, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > Static DHCP.

Figure 70 displays the Network Setting > Home Networking > Static DHCP screen, where you can add static leases for devices requiring a fixed IP address. It's advisable to have the MAC addresses of your network clients readily available.

Table 33 describes the labels within the Static DHCP screen, including options to add new entries, view status, and manage MAC and IP addresses.

Figure 71 illustrates the Static DHCP Configuration/Edit screen, where you can manually enter or select device information, including MAC and IP addresses, to assign a fixed IP address to a device.

Table 34 provides details on the fields within the Static DHCP Configuration/Edit screen.

8.4 UPnP Settings

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a standard for peer-to-peer network connectivity, allowing devices to dynamically join networks, obtain IP addresses, and communicate capabilities. UPnP devices can seamlessly join and leave networks.

For more information on UPnP, refer to Section 8.4.1.

To configure UPnP settings, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > UPnP.

Note: To utilize UPnP NAT-T, ensure NAT is enabled in the Network Setting > Broadband > Edit/Add New WAN Interface screen.

Figure 72 shows the Network Setting > Home Networking > UPnP screen, which describes UPnP as a networking standard for easy connectivity among UPnP-enabled devices and software.

Table 35 describes the UPnP settings, including enabling UPnP and UPnP NAT-T. It also includes a caution regarding potential security implications of UPnP applications accessing the Web Configurator.

The table also details NAT port forwarding rules automatically added by UPnP NAT-T.

8.4.1 Turning on UPnP in Windows 7 Example

This section provides a step-by-step guide on enabling UPnP in Windows 7. Ensure your computer is connected to the Zyxel Device's LAN port and both devices are powered on.

1. Click the Start icon, then Control Panel, and navigate to the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
3. Select Turn on network discovery and click Save Changes. This enables your computer to find and be found by other devices on the network, simplifying file and printer sharing.

8.4.2 Turning on UPnP in Windows 10 Example

This section details how to enable UPnP in Windows 10. Activate UPnP on the Zyxel Device by navigating to Network Setting > Home Networking > UPnP.

1. Click the Start icon, then Settings, and select Network & Internet.
2. Click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click Change advanced sharing settings.
4. Under the relevant network profile (e.g., Domain), select Turn on network discovery and click Save Changes. This enhances network visibility for sharing files and printers.

8.5 LAN Additional Subnet

This screen allows you to configure IP alias and public static IP settings. IP alias enables the partitioning of a physical network into multiple logical networks over a single Ethernet interface. The Zyxel Device acts as the gateway for these logical LAN networks. You can also configure firewall rules to manage access to these subnets.

If your ISP provides Public LAN service, the Zyxel Device can utilize a LAN IP address accessible from the WAN.

To access the Additional Subnet screen, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > Additional Subnet.

Figure 73 shows the Network Setting > Home Networking > Additional Subnet screen, which allows configuration of public static IP and IP alias settings.

Table 36 describes the labels within the Additional Subnet screen, including options for Group Name, Active status, IPv4 Address, and Subnet Mask for both IP Alias and Public LAN configurations.

8.6 STB Vendor ID

This screen is used to configure the Vendor IDs of connected Set Top Boxes (STBs). This allows the Zyxel Device to automatically create static DHCP entries for STBs when they request IP addresses.

To access this screen, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > STB Vendor ID.

Figure 74 shows the Network Setting > Home Networking > STB Vendor ID screen, where you can enter Vendor IDs to help the modem identify STBs.

Table 37 describes the labels for Vendor ID 1-5, Cancel, and Apply options.

8.7 Wake on LAN

This feature allows you to remotely power on a device connected to the LAN network, provided the remote device also supports Wake on LAN.

You will need the MAC address of the LAN device, which can usually be found on a label on the device or in its documentation.

To access the Wake on LAN screen, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > Wake on LAN.

Figure 75 shows the Network Setting > Home Networking > Wake on LAN screen, allowing users to wake up their PC via LAN if it supports the Wake on LAN feature.

Table 38 describes the labels for Wake by Address, IP Address, MAC Address, and the Wake Up button.

8.8 TFTP Server Name

The TFTP Server Name screen allows you to specify a TFTP server for configuration file downloads using DHCP option 66. RFC 2132 defines this option for TFTP server identification, supporting either the IP address or the hostname of the server.

To access this screen, navigate to Network Setting > Home Networking > TFTP Server Name.

Figure 76 shows the Network Setting > Home Networking > TFTP Server Name screen, indicating that option 66 is used to identify a TFTP server name.

Table 39 describes the labels for TFTP Server Name, Cancel, and Apply options.

Chapter 9: Routing

9.1 Overview

The Zyxel Device typically uses a default gateway to route outbound traffic from LAN computers to the Internet. To direct data to devices not reachable via the default gateway, static routes can be employed.

Figure 78 illustrates an example of Routing Topology, showing a computer (A) connected to the Zyxel Device's LAN interface. The Zyxel Device routes most traffic from A to the Internet via its default gateway (R1). Static routes can be created to connect to services behind other routers, such as R2 (ISP) or R3 (separate network).

9.2 Routing Settings

This screen allows you to view and configure static route rules on the Zyxel Device. Static routes are beneficial for optimizing time and bandwidth usage, particularly when LAN devices transfer files or packets, especially in networks with multiple Internet connections.

To access the Static Route screen, navigate to Network Setting > Routing > Static Route.

Figure 79 displays the Network Setting > Routing > Static Route screen, outlining the purpose of static routes for efficient data transfer.

Table 40 describes the labels within the Static Route screen, including options to add new static routes, edit, or delete existing ones.

9.2.1 Add/Edit Static Route

Use this screen to add or edit static routes. Click Add new static route on the Routing screen or the Edit icon next to an existing route.

Note: The Gateway IP Address must be within the range of the selected interface in the Use Interface setting.

Figure 80 shows the Routing: Add/Edit screen for configuring new static routes.

Table 41 describes the labels within the Routing: Add/Edit screen.

9.3 DNS Route

This screen allows you to view and configure DNS routes on the Zyxel Device. A DNS route entry defines a policy for forwarding specific DNS queries to a particular WAN interface. A maximum of 20 DNS routes can be added.

To access the DNS Route screen, navigate to Network Setting > Routing > DNS Route.

Figure 81 displays the Network Setting > Routing > DNS Route screen, explaining that a DNS route entry defines a policy for forwarding DNS queries.

Table 42 describes the labels within the DNS Route screen, including options to add new DNS routes, edit, or delete them.

9.3.1 Add DNS Route

You can manually add DNS route entries by clicking Add New DNS Route in the Network Setting > Routing > DNS Route screen.

Figure 82 shows the DNS Route Add screen for configuring DNS routes.

Table 43 describes the labels within the DNS Route Add screen.

9.4 Policy Route

Routing traditionally relies solely on the destination address, with the Zyxel Device selecting the shortest path. Policy routes enable the Zyxel Device to override default routing behavior and alter packet forwarding based on administrator-defined policies. Policy-based routing is applied to outgoing packets before normal routing.

Source-based policy forwarding can be used to direct traffic from different users through different connections or to distribute traffic across multiple paths for load balancing.

To configure policy routes, navigate to Network Setting > Routing > Policy Route.

Figure 83 displays the Network Setting > Routing > Policy Route screen, explaining the purpose of policy routes.

Table 44 describes the labels within the Policy Route screen.

9.4.1 Add/Edit Policy Route

Click Add New Policy Route in the Policy Route screen or the Edit icon next to an existing policy to configure the necessary information for a policy route.

Figure 84 shows the Policy Route: Add/Edit screen for configuring policy routes.

Table 45 describes the labels within the Policy Route: Add/Edit screen.

9.5 RIP Settings

Routing Information Protocol (RIP) allows devices to exchange routing information with other routers. It supports RIP versions RFC 1058 and RFC 1389.

To activate RIP for a WAN Interface, select the desired RIP version and operation, and check the Enabled box. To disable RIP, uncheck the Enabled box. Click Apply to save the configuration.

To access the RIP screen, navigate to Network Setting > Routing > RIP.

Figure 85 displays the Network Setting > Routing > RIP screen, detailing how to activate or stop RIP.

Table 46 describes the labels within the RIP screen.