ZyXEL 3000 Series User Manual

Key Features

Best Choice for Enterprise

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3-in-1 Hybrid AP including AP Controller Mode, Managed AP Mode and Stand-alone AP Mode

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Centralized Management for Up to 24 WLAN Access Points

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Back-up Redundancy Supported to Provide Reliable Connection Service

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Secured Tunnels for Communication between Controller and Managed AP to Prevent Leaking of Configurations

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Enterprise-class Access Point Functionalities with Comprehensive Configuration Interfaces

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Built with LSOH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Material for Plenum Rating UL 2043 Support

WLAN Deployments

ZyXEL’s Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series is a business-class access point that offers all

the usual enterprise features in addition to being a hybrid wireless controller and RADIUS

server. With the “hybrid” features, Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 brings the lowest TCO

(total cost of ownership) by turning the traditional AP into a controller or a managed AP in

contrast to traditional controller systems.

Key Benefits

No Extra Cost Converting Stand-alone AP Architecture into Management WLAN Architecture

The ZyXEL Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series is a “hybrid” AP that acts as a enterprise-class AP in

“stand-alone” mode and/or in “AP controller” mode at the same time. The hybrid AP has full flexibility to

deploy secure and reliable WLAN networks and is able to manage up to 24 APs and is suitable for

companies with 300-500 staffs. In the initial phase constructing a WLAN, the 3000 Series AP can be

configured as a fully functional AP in “stand-alone” mode; with more APs installed, the 3000 Series AP can be

set to the AP controller mode to manage all other access points. When a new branch office is established,

one of the managed 3000 Series AP can become another controller to manage a separate WLAN network.

Simplified Management with Scalability

The Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series can centrally manage up to 24 access points for diversified

applications; these access points could include dual-band NWA-3160, dual-band and dual-radio NWA-3500,

high-power NWA-3163, draft 11n 2.0 support NWA-3166 and outdoor dual-radio NWA3550. The capability

to support a wide range of managed access points enables network administrators to choose the best AP

for desired applications, and the management interface reminiscing single AP also helps the staff to easily

oversee all the WLAN access points, even they are not on the same site.

Enterprise

Enterprise Wireless LAN

Wireless LAN

ZyXEL Wireless LAN

ZyXEL Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series

Access Points 3000 Series

Secure Architecture for Reliable, Scalable Wi-Fi Networks

The Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series meets the security and high availability demanded by

enterprises as all communications between the hybrid AP and managed AP are performed in a secured

tunnel. Since no configuration data is stored on the managed AP, sensitive setup information is not exposed

even if the AP is stolen. The hybrid AP also provides the scalability to manage APs across different networks.

Enterprise-class Access Point Functionality

The Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series is a series of full-function, enterprise-class AP providing

802.11a/b/g connectivity, up to 8 SSIDs per radio, profile-based management, leading QoS technology for

VoWiFi applications, as well as comprehensive management features for massive deployments.

Plenum Rating with Ease of Deployment

The Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series is also equipped with PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) capabilities

designed for small to medium enterprises. It is built with LSOH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) material and is

compliant with UL2043, the so-called plenum rating. It reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gases

emitted during the production process to protect people and equipments from the harmful emission. With

the mentioned features, 3000 Series AP is the best choice to add wireless access to your existing business

network or hospitality environment.

Enterprise Wireless LAN

SNMP

SG 1000

ZyWALL US

urity

Unified Sec

NWA-31

Hybrid AP

Redundancy

Assignmen

NWA-3166

NWA-3160

Dual-band

Enterprise Wireless LAN

ZyXEL Wireless LAN

ZyXEL Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series

Access Points 3000 Series

Key Applications

Remote Management

Wi-Fi deployment with several distributed branch offices is common and the management over the equipments of these independent sites is also essential to the

enterprises. ZyXEL Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series is featured with various of management solutions that can help HQ supervise its multiple sites.

W D S W L A N E TH N P W R /S YS

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Gatewa

Config

erver

ZyWALL USG 200

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atewa

Headquarters

Firmware/Config

Remote Site

Networ

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Branch 3

Centralized Management

ZyXEL Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series, including NWA-3160, NWA-3163, NWA-3166, NWA-3500 and outdoor AP NWA3550, can be configured as WLAN controller

or managed AP. With this comprehensive feature, the Wi-Fi overlay networks can be monitored and managed in real-time. Also, back-up redundancy feature is

considered for controller which can guarantee the users with uninterrupted service.

W D

S W L A

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Enterprise AP and WLAN Controller

WDS

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W D S W L A N E T H N

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Pay as You Grow

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Stand-alone AP Mode

When a company is small in business, it might need only 2 to 3 APs in the field, and configuration wouldn’t be a problem. But as the company grows, the number of AP

may increase and become a management headache if they require individual configuration and management. As a hybrid AP solution, ZyXEL’s Wireless LAN Access

Points 3000 Series has the “AP controller” mode and can be configured to manage as many as 24 APs, allowing enterprises to pay as they grow with easy, centralized

configuration and management.

When an expanding business unit considers transforming into a managed WLAN structure, additional investments would be made to replace all devices in the field.

However, ZyXEL users can turn the existing independent WLAN APs, including MWA-3160, NWA-3163, NWA-3166, NWA-3500 and NWA3550, into a centralized

management system with easy firmware upgrades. To expanding companies, this is truly a protection to earlier investments.

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S W L

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Business Size

Small

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Middle/Large

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Management WLAN Architecture

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Managed AP Mode

Back-Up Redundancy

ZyXEL’s Wireless LAN Access Points 3000 Series allows a secondary AP in “AP controller” mode assigned to take over management tasks if the primary AP in “AP

controller” mode shuts down accidently. The information between the primary AP and the secondary AP is synchronized under two conditions:

The connection is set up for the first time

Whenever configurations are changed on the primary AP

When the primary AP comes back into service, all APs in “managed AP” mode will connect back to the primary one automatically.

Shut Down

W D

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Primary AP in AP Controller Mode

WA-316

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Synchronize

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Secondary AP in AP Controller Mod

NWA-3166

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