Default Login Details
User’s Guide
NWA50/90/55 Series
802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Access Point
Management IP
Address
User Name admin
Password 1234
http://DHCP-assigned IP
OR
http://192.168.1.2
Version 6.29/6.55 Edition 1, 04/2023
Copyright © 2023 Zyxel and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
This is a User’s Guide for a series of products. Not all products support all firmware features. Screenshots
and graphics in this book may differ slightly from your product due to differences in your product
hardware, firmware, or your computer operating system. Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information in this manual is accurate.
Some screens or options in this book may not be available for your product (see the product feature
tables in Section 1.2 on page 12).
Related Documentation
•Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide shows how to connect the Zyxel Device and access the Web Configurator.
•CLI Reference Guide
The CLI Reference Guide explains how to use the Command-Line Interface (CLI) and CLI commands
to configure the Zyxel Device.
Note: It is recommended you use the Web Configurator to configure the Zyxel Device.
• Web Configurator Online Help
Click the help icon in any screen for help in configuring that screen and supplementary information.
• Nebula Control Center User’s Guide
This User’s Guide shows how to manage the Zyxel Device remotely. The features of these devices can
be managed through Nebula Control Center. It also offers features that are not available when the
Zyxel Device is in standalone mode (see Section 2.1.2 on page 22).
•More Information
Go to support.zyxel.com to find other information on the Zyxel Device
.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
2
Document Conventions
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
These are how warnings and notes are shown in this guide.
Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your device.
Note: Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may need to
configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.
Syntax Conventions
• All models in this series may be referred to as the “Zyxel Device” in this guide.
• Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
• A right angle bracket ( > ) within a screen name denotes a mouse click. For example, Configuration >
Network > IP Setting means you first click Configuration in the navigation panel, then the Network sub
menu and finally the IP Setting tab to get to that screen.
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this guide may use the following generic icons. The Zyxel Device icon is not an exact
representation of your device.
Zyxel Device Router Switch Internet
Server Desktop Laptop IP Phone
Printer Smart T.V.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
3
Contents Overview
Contents Overview
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 12
AP Management .................................................................................................................................. 22
Hardware ............................................................................................................................................... 30
Web Configurator ................................................................................................................................. 33
Standalone Configuration ................................................................................................................44
Standalone Configuration ................................................................................................................... 45
Dashboard ............................................................................................................................................ 47
Setup Wizard ......................................................................................................................................... 53
Monitor ................................................................................................................................................... 59
Network ................................................................................................................................................. 71
Wireless ................................................................................................................................................... 78
User ......................................................................................................................................................... 91
AP Profile ................................................................................................................................................ 98
WDS Profile ........................................................................................................................................... 139
Certificates .......................................................................................................................................... 141
System .................................................................................................................................................. 157
Log and Report ................................................................................................................................... 175
File Manager ....................................................................................................................................... 181
Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................................... 193
LEDs ...................................................................................................................................................... 195
Reboot ................................................................................................................................................. 198
Local Configuration in Cloud Mode ..............................................................................................199
Cloud Mode ........................................................................................................................................ 200
Network ............................................................................................................................................... 203
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................... 206
Appendices and Troubleshooting .................................................................................................211
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 212
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
4
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Document Conventions ... .... .... ........................................................................................ .... ... ............3
Contents Overview .............................................................................................................................4
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................12
1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.2 Zyxel Device Product Feature Comparison ................................................................................ 12
1.3 Zyxel Device Roles .......................................................................................................................... 14
1.3.1 Root AP ................................................................................................................................... 17
1.3.2 Wireless Repeater .................................................................................................................. 17
1.3.3 Radio Frequency (RF) Monitor .............................................................................................19
1.4 Sample Feature Applications ........................................................................................................ 19
1.4.1 MBSSID .................................................................................................................................... 19
1.4.2 Dual-Radio ............................................................................................................................. 20
Chapter 2
AP Management................................................................................................................................22
2.1 Management Mode ...................................................................................................................... 22
2.1.1 Standalone ............................................................................................................................ 22
2.1.2 Nebula Control Center ......................................................................................................... 22
2.2 Switching Management Modes ................................................................................................... 24
2.3 Zyxel One Network (ZON) Utility .................................................................................................... 24
2.3.1 Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 24
2.3.2 Run the ZON Utility ................................................................................................................. 25
2.4 Ways to Access the Zyxel Device ................................................................................................. 28
2.5 Good Habits for Managing the Zyxel Device ............................................................................. 29
Chapter 3
Hardware............................................................................................................................................30
3.1 Zyxel Device LED ............................................................................................................................. 30
3.1.1 Zyxel Device LED ................................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 4
Web Configurator...............................................................................................................................33
4.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 33
4.2 Accessing the Web Configurator ................................................................................................. 33
4.3 Navigating the Web Configurator ............................................................................................... 36
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5
Table of Contents
4.3.1 Title Bar ................................................................................................................................... 37
4.3.2 Navigation Panel .................................................................................................................. 38
4.3.3 Standalone Mode Navigation Panel Menus ..................................................................... 38
4.3.4 Cloud Mode Navigation Panel Menus ............................................................................... 40
4.3.5 Tables and Lists ...................................................................................................................... 41
Part I: Standalone Configuration...................................................................44
Chapter 5
Standalone Configuration.................................................................................................................45
5.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 45
5.2 Starting and Stopping the Zyxel Device ...................................................................................... 45
Chapter 6
Dashboard..........................................................................................................................................47
6.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 47
6.1.1 CPU Usage ............................................................................................................................. 50
6.1.2 Memory Usage ...................................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 7
Setup Wizard.......................................................................................................................................53
7.1 Accessing the Wizard ..................................................................................................................... 53
7.2 Using the Wizard ............................................................................................................................. 53
7.2.1 Step 1 Time Settings .............................................................................................................. 53
7.2.2 Step 2 Password and Uplink Connection ........................................................................... 54
7.2.3 Step 3 SSID .............................................................................................................................. 55
7.2.4 Step 4 Radio .......................................................................................................................... 56
7.2.5 Summary ................................................................................................................................ 57
Chapter 8
Monitor................................................................................................................................................59
8.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 59
8.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ....................................................................................... 59
8.2 What You Need to Know ............................................................................................................... 59
8.3 Network Status ................................................................................................................................ 60
8.3.1 Port Statistics Graph .............................................................................................................. 61
8.4 Radio List .......................................................................................................................................... 62
8.4.1 AP Mode Radio Information ................................................................................................64
8.5 Station List ........................................................................................................................................ 65
8.6 WDS Link Info ................................................................................................................................... 66
8.7 Detected Device ............................................................................................................................ 67
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Table of Contents
8.8 View Log .......................................................................................................................................... 69
Chapter 9
Network...............................................................................................................................................71
9.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 71
9.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ....................................................................................... 71
9.2 IP Setting .......................................................................................................................................... 71
9.3 VLAN ................................................................................................................................................ 73
9.4 NCC Discovery ................................................................................................................................ 76
Chapter 10
Wireless...............................................................................................................................................78
10.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 78
10.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ..................................................................................... 78
10.1.2 What You Need to Know ...................................................................................................79
10.2 AP Management .......................................................................................................................... 79
10.3 Rogue AP ....................................................................................................................................... 85
10.3.1 Add/Edit Rogue/Friendly List .............................................................................................. 88
10.4 DCS ................................................................................................................................................. 89
10.5 Technical Reference .................................................................................................................... 89
Chapter 11
User......................................................................................................................................................91
11.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 91
11.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ..................................................................................... 91
11.1.2 What You Need To Know ...................................................................................................91
11.2 User Summary ................................................................................................................................ 92
11.2.1 Add/Edit User ....................................................................................................................... 92
11.3 Setting ............................................................................................................................................ 94
11.3.1 Edit User Authentication Timeout Settings ........................................................................ 96
Chapter 12
AP Profile.............................................................................................................................................98
12.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 98
12.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ..................................................................................... 98
12.1.2 What You Need To Know ...................................................................................................98
12.2 Radio ............................................................................................................................................ 100
12.2.1 Add/Edit Radio Profile ...................................................................................................... 101
12.3 SSID ............................................................................................................................................... 107
12.3.1 SSID List ............................................................................................................................... 107
12.3.2 Add/Edit SSID Profile ......................................................................................................... 109
12.3.3 Setting Up General and Guest WiFi Networks on Both Radios .................................... 111
12.4 Security List .................................................................................................................................. 115
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7
Table of Contents
12.4.1 Add/Edit Security Profile ................................................................................................... 116
12.4.2 Creating a Security Profile ............................................................................................... 132
12.5 MAC Filter List .............................................................................................................................. 133
12.5.1 Add/Edit MAC Filter Profile ............................................................................................... 134
12.6 Layer-2 Isolation List .................................................................................................................... 135
12.6.1 Add/Edit Layer-2 Isolation Profile .................................................................................... 137
Chapter 13
WDS Profile........................................................................................................................................139
13.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 139
13.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 139
13.2 WDS Profile ................................................................................................................................... 139
13.2.1 Add/Edit WDS Profile ........................................................................................................ 140
Chapter 14
Certificates .......................................................................................................................................141
14.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 141
14.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 141
14.1.2 What You Need to Know ................................................................................................. 141
14.1.3 Verifying a Certificate ...................................................................................................... 143
14.2 My Certificates ............................................................................................................................ 144
14.2.1 Add My Certificates .......................................................................................................... 145
14.2.2 Edit My Certificates ........................................................................................................... 147
14.2.3 Import Certificates ............................................................................................................ 150
14.3 Trusted Certificates ..................................................................................................................... 151
14.3.1 Edit Trusted Certificates .................................................................................................... 152
14.3.2 Import Trusted Certificates ............................................................................................... 155
14.4 Technical Reference .................................................................................................................. 156
Chapter 15
System...............................................................................................................................................157
15.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 157
15.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 157
15.2 Host Name ................................................................................................................................... 157
15.3 Date and Time ........................................................................................................................... 158
15.3.1 Pre-defined NTP Time Servers List ..................................................................................... 160
15.3.2 Time Server Synchronization ............................................................................................ 161
15.4 WWW Overview .......................................................................................................................... 162
15.4.1 Service Access Limitations ............................................................................................... 162
15.4.2 System Timeout .................................................................................................................. 162
15.4.3 HTTPS ................................................................................................................................... 162
15.4.4 Configuring WWW Service Control ................................................................................. 163
15.4.5 HTTPS Example ................................................................................................................... 165
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Table of Contents
15.5 SSH ................................................................................................................................................ 170
15.5.1 How SSH Works .................................................................................................................. 171
15.5.2 SSH Implementation on the Zyxel Device ...................................................................... 172
15.5.3 Requirements for Using SSH ..............................................................................................172
15.5.4 Configuring SSH ................................................................................................................. 172
15.5.5 Examples of Secure Telnet Using SSH .............................................................................. 173
15.6 FTP ................................................................................................................................................. 174
Chapter 16
Log and Report....... .... ... ............................................. ... .... .... ...........................................................175
16.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 175
16.1.1 What You Can Do In this Chapter .................................................................................. 175
16.2 Log Setting ................................................................................................................................... 175
16.2.1 Log Setting Screen ............................................................................................................ 175
16.2.2 Edit Remote Server ............................................................................................................ 176
16.2.3 Active Log Summary ........................................................................................................ 178
Chapter 17
File Manager ....................................................................................................................................181
17.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 181
17.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 181
17.1.2 What you Need to Know .................................................................................................. 181
17.2 Configuration File ....................................................................................................................... 183
17.2.1 Example of Configuration File Download Using FTP ...................................................... 187
17.3 Firmware Package ..................................................................................................................... 188
17.3.1 Example of Firmware Upload Using FTP .......................................................................... 189
17.4 Shell Script .................................................................................................................................... 190
Chapter 18
Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................................193
18.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 193
18.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 193
18.2 Diagnostics .................................................................................................................................. 193
18.3 Remote Capture ........................................................................................................................ 194
Chapter 19
LEDs ...................................................................................................................................................195
19.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 195
19.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 195
19.2 Suppression Screen .................................................................................................................... 195
19.3 Locator Screen ........................................................................................................................... 196
Chapter 20
Reboot...............................................................................................................................................198
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Table of Contents
20.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 198
20.1.1 What You Need To Know ................................................................................................. 198
20.2 Reboot ......................................................................................................................................... 198
Part II: Local Configuration in Cloud Mode................................................ 199
Chapter 21
Cloud Mode .....................................................................................................................................200
21.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 200
21.2 Cloud Mode Web Configurator Screens ................................................................................. 200
21.3 Dashboard .................................................................................................................................. 201
Chapter 22
Network.............................................................................................................................................203
22.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 203
22.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 203
22.2 IP Setting ...................................................................................................................................... 203
22.3 VLAN ............................................................................................................................................ 205
Chapter 23
Maintenance....................................................................................................................................206
23.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 206
23.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ................................................................................... 206
23.2 Shell Script .................................................................................................................................... 206
23.3 Diagnostics .................................................................................................................................. 207
23.4 Remote Capture ........................................................................................................................ 208
23.5 View Log ...................................................................................................................................... 209
Part III: Appendices and Troubleshooting..................................................211
Chapter 24
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................212
24.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 212
24.2 Power, Hardware Connections, and LED ................................................................................ 212
24.3 Zyxel Device Management, Access, and Login ..................................................................... 213
24.4 Internet Access ........................................................................................................................... 217
24.5 WiFi Network ................................................................................................................................ 218
24.6 Resetting the Zyxel Device ........................................................................................................ 219
24.7 Getting More Troubleshooting Help .........................................................................................220
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
10
Table of Contents
Appendix A Importing Certificates ............................................................................................... 221
Appendix B IPv6............................................................................................................................... 245
Appendix C Customer Support ..................................................................................................... 253
Appendix D Legal Information ...................................................................................................... 258
Index.................................................................................................................................................266
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
11
1.1 Overview
This User’s Guide covers the models listed below:
• NWA50AX
• NWA90AX
• NWA55AXE
• NWA50AX PRO
• NWA90AX PRO
The Zyxel Device can be managed in one of the following methods: remote management through
Nebula Control Center (NCC) or local management in Standalone Mode. The Zyxel Device runs in
standalone mode by default, but it is recommended to use NCC management if it is available for your
device. For more information about Access Point (AP) management, see Section 2.1 on page 22.
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Use the Zyxel Device to set up a WiFi network with other IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax compatible devices
in either 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks or both at the same time.
When two or more APs are interconnected, this network is called a Wireless Distribution System (WDS).
See Section 1.3.2 on page 17 for more information on root and repeater APs and how to set them up.
The screens you see in the web configurator may be different depending on the Zyxel Device model
you’re using.
1.2 Zyxel Device Product Feature Comparison
The following table lists the features of the Zyxel Device.
Table 1 WiFi 6 Models Comparison Table
FEATURES NWA50AX NWA90AX NWA55AXE
Supported WiFi Standards IEEE 802.11a
Supported Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz
Supported Channel Width 2.4G: 20/40 MHz
IEEE802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IEEE802.11ax
5 GHz
5G: 20/40/80 MHz
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IEEE802.11ax
2.4 GHz
5 GHz
2.4G: 20/40 MHz
5G: 20/40/80 MHz
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IEEE802.11ax
2.4 GHz
5 GHz
2.4G: 20/40 MHz
5G: 20/40/80 MHz
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Table 1 WiFi 6 Models Comparison Table (continued)
FEATURES NWA50AX NWA90AX NWA55AXE
Available Security Modes None
Number of SSID Profiles 64 64 64
Number of WiFi Radios 2 2 2
Security Profile Radius Settings No Yes No
Security Profile Enterprise
Authentication Settings
Rogue AP Detection Yes Yes Yes
WDS (Wireless Distribution System) Root AP & Repeater Modes
Wireless Bridge No No Yes
Layer-2 Isolation No Yes No
Supported PoE Standards IEEE 802.3at IEEE 802.3at IEEE 802.3at
Power Detection No No No
External Antennas No No Yes
Internal Antennas Yes Yes No
Console Port 4-Pin Serial 4-Pin Serial No
Reset button Yes Yes No
LED Locator Yes Yes No
LED Suppression Yes Yes Yes
AC (AP Controller) Discovery No No No
NCC Discovery Yes Yes Yes
802.11r Fast Roaming Support Yes Yes Yes
802.11k/v Assisted Roaming Yes Yes Yes
Ethernet Storm Control No No No
Grounding No No No
Power Jack Yes Yes No
Maximum number of log
messages
Latest Firmware Version Supported 6.29 6.29 6.29
Enhanced-open
WEP
WPA2-MIX-Personal
WPA3-Personal
No Yes No
Yes Yes Yes
None
Enhanced-open
WEP
WPA2-MIX / WPA3 -
Personal & Enterprise
512 event logs
None
Enhanced-open
WEP
WPA2-MIX-Personal
WPA3-Personal
Table 2 WiFi 6 PRO Models Comparison Table
FEATURES NWA50AX PRO NWA90AX PRO
Supported WiFi Standards IEEE 802.11a
Supported Frequency Bands 2.4 GHz
Supported Channel Width 2.4G: 20/40 MHz
IEEE802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IEEE802.11ax
5 GHz
5G: 20/40/80/160 MHz
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IEEE802.11ax
2.4 GHz
5 GHz
2.4G: 20/40 MHz
5G: 20/40/80/160 MHz
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Table 2 WiFi 6 PRO Models Comparison Table (continued)
FEATURES NWA50AX PRO NWA90AX PRO
Available Security Modes None
Number of SSID Profiles 64 64
Number of WiFi Radios 2 2
Security Profile Radius Settings No Yes
Security Profile Enterprise
Authentication Settings
Rogue AP Detection Yes Yes
WDS (Wireless Distribution System) Root AP & Repeater Modes
Wireless Bridge No No
Layer-2 Isolation No Yes
Supported PoE Standards IEEE 802.3at IEEE 802.3at
Power Detection No No
External Antennas No No
Internal Antennas Yes Yes
Console Port 4-Pin Serial 4-Pin Serial
Reset Button Yes Yes
LED Locator Yes Yes
LED Suppression Yes Yes
AC (AP Controller) Discovery No No
NCC Discovery Yes Yes
802.11r Fast Roaming Support Yes Yes
802.11k/v Assisted Roaming Yes Yes
Ethernet Storm Control No No
Grounding No No
Power Jack Yes Yes
Maximum number of log
messages
Latest Firmware Version Supported 6.55 6.55
Enhanced-open
WEP
WPA2-MIX-Personal
WPA3-Personal
No Yes
Yes Yes
512 event logs
None
Enhanced-open
WEP
WPA2-MIX / WPA3 -
Personal & Enterprise
1.3 Zyxel Device Roles
This section describes some of the different roles that your Zyxel Device can take up within a network.
Not all roles are supported by all models (see Section 1.2 on page 12). The Zyxel Device can serve as a:
• Access Point (AP) - This is used to allow WiFi clients to connect to the Internet.
• Radio Frequency (RF) monitor - If your Zyxel Device supports rogue APs detection, it can serve as an
RF monitor and searches for rogue APs to help eliminate network threats. An RF monitor can simultaneously act as an AP.
• Root AP - A root AP connects to the gateway or switch through a wired Ethernet connection and
has wireless repeaters connected to it to extend its range.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
14
Chapter 1 Introduction
• Wireless repeater - A wireless repeater wirelessly connects to a root AP and extends the network’s
wireless range. A wireless repeater can also be a wireless bridge that connects to a root AP and
extends the network to wired client devices.
If a client (D) tries to set up his own AP (R) with weak security settings, the network becomes exposed to
threats. The RF monitor (M) scans the area to detect all APs, which can help the network administrator
discover these rogue APs.
Figure 1 Zyxel Device Application in a Network
Wireless Distribution System (WDS)
Wireless Distribution System (WDS) is a network system that allows you to distribute the network to areas
that require Internet connections. You can extend your network to unreachable areas with wireless
repeaters.
The following figure shows you how to create a secure WDS with two wireless repeaters. The root AP (Y) is
connected to a network with Internet access and has wireless repeaters (X and Z) connected to it to
expand the WiFi network’s range. Clients (A and B) can access the wired network through the wireless
repeaters (X and Z) and/or root AP.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
15
Chapter 1 Introduction
Figure 2 Wireless Distribution System Network Example
The Zyxel Device can also serve as a wireless bridge in Repeater mode. A wireless bridge connects two
wired networks through a wireless connection. When the Zyxel Device is connected to a root AP, enable
wireless bridge to allow traffic through the Ethernet port on the Zyxel Device to a wired network. Check
Section 1.2 on page 12 for models that support wireless bridge.
The following figure shows an example of a WDS with a repeater acting as a wireless bridge. The root AP
(X) is connected to a network with Internet access. The wireless repeater (Y) is connected to the root AP
(X) to expand the network. Clients (A and B) are connected to the wireless repeater through the switch/
gateway/router (G). They can access the network with the extended wired network the wireless bridge
(wireless repeater) provides.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
16
Chapter 1 Introduction
Figure 3 Wireless Bridge Network Example
1.3.1 Root AP
In Root AP mode, you can have multiple SSIDs active for regular WiFi connections and one SSID (WDS
SSID) for the connection with a repeater. WiFi clients can use either SSID to associate with the Zyxel
Device in Root AP mode. A repeater must use the repeater SSID to connect to the Zyxel Device in Root
AP mode. See Section 13.1 on page 139 for more details.
When the Zyxel Device is in Root AP mode, repeater security between the Zyxel Device and other
repeaters is independent of the security between the WiFi clients and the AP or repeater. When
repeater security is enabled, both APs and repeaters must use the same pre-shared key. See Section
10.2 on page 79 and Section 13.2 on page 139 for more details.
Unless specified, the term “security settings” refers to the traffic between the WiFi clients and the AP. At
the time of writing, repeater security is compatible with the Zyxel Device only.
1.3.2 Wireless Repeater
Using Repeater mode, your Zyxel Device can extend the range of the WLAN. In the figure below, the
Zyxel Device in Repeater mode (Z) has a wireless connection to the Zyxel Device in Root AP mode (X)
which is connected to a wired network and also has a wireless connection to another Zyxel Device in
Repeater mode (Y) at the same time. Z acts as a repeater that forwards traffic between associated WiFi
clients and the wired LAN. Y acts as a wireless bridge (repeater with WDS wireless bridging enabled) that
forwards traffic between wired clients and the wired LAN. Clients A and B access the AP and the wired
network behind the AP through repeaters Z and Y.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
17
Figure 4 Repeater Application
Chapter 1 Introduction
When the Zyxel Device is in Repeater mode, repeater security between the Zyxel Device and other
repeater is independent of the security between the WiFi clients and the AP or repeater. When repeater
security is enabled, both APs and repeaters must use the same pre-shared key. See Section 10.2 on
page 79 and Section 13.2 on page 139 for more details.
For NCC managed devices, you only need to enable AP Smart Mesh to automatically create wireless
links between APs. See the NCC User’s Guide for more details.
To set up a WDS in standalone mode APs, do the following steps. You should already have the root AP
set up (see the Quick Start Guide for hardware connections).
1 Go to Configuration > Object > WDS Profile in your root AP Web Configurator and click Add.
2 Enter a profile name, a WDS SSID, and a pre-shared key.
3 Go to Configuration > Wireless > AP Management, select the Radio WDS Profile of the radio on which
you are setting the WDS connection to use the WDS profile you set, and click Apply.
4 Do steps 1 and 3 for the wireless repeater using the same WDS SSID and pre-shared key.
5 Once the security settings of peer sides match one another, the connection between the root and
repeater Zyxel Devices is made.
(Optional) If your Zyxel Device supports wireless bridging, you can extend a wired network from the port
on the wireless repeater, do the following steps:
6 Go to Configuration > Wireless > AP Management, select Setup WDS Wireless Bridging to enable wireless
bridge on the wireless repeater.
7 Connect the client device to the Zyxel Device’s port with an Ethernet cable.
NWA50/90/55 Series User’s Guide
18
Chapter 1 Introduction
Note: Make sure the VLAN settings on both the root AP and the wireless repeater are exactly
the same so they can communicate.
Note: When wireless bridge is enabled, wireless interfaces for client devices will be disabled.
You can only transmit data through the wireless repeater’s ports.
Note: Frequency bands 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz are not supported in Repeater
mode.
1.3.3 Radio Frequency (RF) Monitor
The Zyxel Device supports Rogue AP Detection (see Section 10.3 on page 85). Rogue AP Detection allows
the Zyxel Device to be set to work as an RF monitor to discover nearby Access Points. The information it
obtains from other APs is used to tag possible rogue APs and friendly APs. The Zyxel Device can still work
as an AP while it scans the environment for wireless signals.
1.4 Sample Feature Applications
This section describes some possible scenarios and topologies that you can set up using your Zyxel
Device.
1.4.1 MBSSID
A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the set of devices forming a single WiFi network (usually an access point and
one or more WiFi clients). The Service Set IDentifier (SSID) is the name of a BSS. In Multiple BSS (MBSSID)
mode, the Zyxel Device provides multiple virtual APs, each forming its own BSS and using its own
individual SSID profile.
You can configure multiple SSID profiles, and have all of them active at any one time.
You can assign different wireless and security settings to each SSID profile. This allows you to
compartmentalize groups of users, set varying access privileges, and prioritize network traffic to and
from certain BSSs.
To the WiFi clients in the network, each SSID appears to be a different access point. As in any WiFi
network, clients can associate only with the SSIDs for which they have the correct security settings.
For example, you might want to set up a WiFi network in your office where Internet telephony (VoIP)
users have priority. You also want a regular WiFi network for standard users, as well as a ‘guest’ WiFi
network for visitors. In the following figure, VoIP_SSID users have QoS priority, SSID01 is the WiFi network for
standard users, and Guest_SSID is the WiFi network for guest users. In this example, the guest user is
forbidden access to the wired Local Area Network (LAN) behind the AP and can access only the
Internet.
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Figure 5 Multiple BSSs
1.4.2 Dual-Radio
Some of the Zyxel Device models are equipped with dual WiFi radios. This means you can configure two
different WiFi networks to operate simultaneously.
Note: A different channel should be configured for each WLAN interface to reduce the
effects of radio interference.
You could use the 2.4 GHz band for regular Internet surfing and downloading while using the 5 GHz
band for time sensitive traffic like high-definition video, music, and gaming.
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Figure 6 Dual-Radio Application
Chapter 1 Introduction
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Chapter 2 AP Management
2.1 Management Mode
The Zyxel Device is a unified AP and can be managed by the NCC or work as a standalone device. We
recommend you use NCC to manage multiple APs (see the NCC User’s Guide).
The following table shows the default IP addresses and firmware upload methods for different
management modes.
Table 3 Zyxel Device Management Mode Comparison
MANAGEMENT MODE DEFAULT IP ADDRESS UPLOAD FIRMWARE THROUGH
Nebula Control Center Dynamic NCC Portal
Standalone Dynamic or
Static (192.168.1.2)
CHAPTER 2
AP Management
Built-in Web Configurator
When the Zyxel Device is in standalone mode and connects to a DHCP server, it uses the IP address
assigned by the DHCP server. Otherwise, the Zyxel Device uses the default static management IP
address (192.168.1.2). You can use the NCC Discovery screen to allow the Zyxel Device to be managed
by the NCC.
When the Zyxel Device is managed by the NCC, it acts as a DHCP client and obtains an IP address from
the NCC. It can be configured ONLY by the NCC. To change the Zyxel Device back to standalone
mode, use the Reset button to restore the default configuration. Alternatively, you need to check the
NCC for the Zyxel Device’s IP address and use FTP to upload the default configuration file at conf/
system-default.conf to the Zyxel Device and reboot the device.
2.1.1 Standalone
When working in standalone mode, the Zyxel Device is configured mainly with its built-in Web
Configurator. You can only connect to and set up one Zyxel Device at a time in this mode.
See Chapter 5 on page 45 for detailed information about the standalone Web Configurator screens.
2.1.2 Nebula Control Center
In this mode, which is also called cloud mode, you can manage and monitor the Zyxel Device through
the Zyxel Nebula cloud-based network management system. This means you can manage devices
remotely without the need of connecting to each device directly. It offers many features to better
manage and monitor not just the Zyxel Device, but your network as a whole, including supported
switches and gateways. Your network can also be managed through your smartphone using the
Nebula Mobile app. See Section on page 200 for an example NCC managed network topology.
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Chapter 2 AP Management
NCC allows different levels of management. You can configure each device on its own or configure a
set of devices together as a site. You can also monitor groups of sites called organizations, as shown
below.
Table 4 NCC Management Levels
Organization
Site A Site B
Device A-1 Device A-2 Device B-1 Device B-2
It graphically presents your device/network statistics and shows an overview of your network topology,
as shown in the following figure. It also sends reports, alerts, and notifications for events, such as when a
site goes offline.
Figure 7 Traffic Monitoring Graph From NCC
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Chapter 2 AP Management
See the NCC (Nebula Control Center) User’s Guide for how to configure Nebula managed devices. See
Chapter 22 on page 203 if you want to change the Zyxel Device’s VLAN setting or manually set its IP
address.
Note: Make sure your network firewall allows TCP ports 443, 4335, and 6667 as well as UDP port
123 so the device can connect to and sync with the NCC.
2.2 Switching Management Modes
The Zyxel Device is in standalone mode by default, with NCC discovery enabled.
Standalone-to-NCC
Register the Zyxel Device at the NCC website and then turn on the Zyxel Device. Make sure that NCC
Discovery is enabled (see Section 9.4 on page 76). The NCC manages the Zyxel Device automatically
when it is discovered. Settings on the Zyxel Device will be overwritten with what you have configured on
the NCC website.
NCC-to-Standalone
Unregister the Zyxel Device from the NCC organization/site. The Zyxel Device will automatically reset to
its factory defaults and return to standalone mode.
2.3 Zyxel One Network (ZON) Utility
ZON Utility is a program designed to help you deploy and manage a network more efficiently. It detects
devices automatically and allows you to do basic settings on devices in the network without having to
be near it.
The ZON Utility issues requests via Zyxel Discovery Protocol (ZDP) and in response to the query, the device
responds back with basic information including IP address, firmware version, location, system and model
name in the same broadcast domain. The information is then displayed in the ZON Utility screen and you
can perform tasks like basic configuration of the devices and batch firmware upgrade in it. You can
download the ZON Utility at www.zyxel.com and install it on your computer (Windows operating system).
2.3.1 Requirements
Before installing the ZON Utility on your PC, please make sure it meets the requirements listed below.
Operating System
At the time of writing, the ZON Utility is compatible with:
• Windows 7 (both 32-bit / 64-bit versions)
• Windows 8 (both 32-bit / 64-bit versions)
• Windows 8.1 (both 32-bit / 64-bit versions)
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• Window 10 (both 32-bit / 64-bit versions)
Note: To check for your Windows operating system version, right-click on My Computer >
Properties on your computer. You should see this information in the General tab.
Note: It is suggested that you install Npcap, the packet capture library for Windows operating
systems, and remove WinPcap or any other installed packet capture tools before you
install the ZON utility.
Hardware
Here are the minimum hardware requirements to use the ZON Utility on your PC.
• Core i3 processor
•2 GB RAM
• 100 MB free hard disk
• WXGA (Wide XGA 1280x800)
2.3.2 Run the ZON Utility
Chapter 2 AP Management
1 Double-click the ZON Utility to run it.
2 The first time you run the ZON Utility, you will see if your device and firmware version support the ZON
Utility. Click the OK button to close this screen.
Figure 8 Supported Devices and Versions
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Chapter 2 AP Management
If you want to check the supported models and firmware versions later, you can click the Show
information about ZON icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Then select the Supported
model and firmware version link. If your device is not listed here, see the device release notes for ZON
Utility support. The release notes are in the firmware zip file on the Zyxel web site.
Figure 9 ZON Utility Screen
3 Select a network adapter to which your supported devices are connected.
Figure 10 Network Adapter
4 Click the Go button for the ZON Utility to discover all supported devices in your network.
Figure 11 Discovery
5 The ZON Utility screen shows the devices discovered.
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Chapter 2 AP Management
Figure 12 ZON Utility Screen
6 Select a device and then use the icons to perform actions. Some functions may not be available for
your devices.
Note: You must know the selected device admin password before taking actions on the
device using the ZON Utility icons. If the selected device is being managed or has been
managed by the NCC, check Local credentials in the NCC's Site-wide > Configure >
Site settings screen for the selected device's current password.
Figure 13 Password Prompt
The following table describes the icons numbered from left to right in the ZON Utility screen.
Table 5 ZON Utility Icons
ICON DESCRIPTION
1 IP Configuration Change the selected device’s IP address.
2 Renew IP Address Update a DHCP-assigned dynamic IP address.
3 Reboot Device Use this icon to restart the selected device(s). This may be useful when troubleshooting
or upgrading new firmware.
4 Reset Configuration to
Default
5 Locator LED Use this icon to locate the selected device by causing its Locator LED to blink.
6 Web GUI Use this to access the selected device Web Configurator from your browser. You will
7 Firmware Upgrade Use this icon to upgrade new firmware to selected device(s) of the same model. Make
8 Change Password Use this icon to change the admin password of the selected device. You must know
Use this icon to reload the factory-default configuration file. This means that you will
lose all previous configurations.
need a username and password to log in.
sure you have downloaded the firmware from the Zyxel website to your computer and
unzipped it in advance.
the current admin password before changing to a new one.
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Chapter 2 AP Management
Table 5 ZON Utility Icons (continued)
ICON DESCRIPTION
9 Configure NCC
Discovery
10 ZAC Use this icon to run the Zyxel AP Configurator of the selected AP.
11 Clear and Rescan Use this icon to clear the list and discover all devices on the connected network again.
12 Save Configuration Use this icon to save configuration changes to permanent memory on a selected
13 Settings Use this icon to select a network adapter for the computer on which the ZON utility is
The option is available if the selected device supports Nebula Control Center (NCC)
discovery. You must have Internet access to use this feature. Use this icon on the
selected device to enable or disable the Nebula Control Center (NCC) discovery
feature.
If the feature is enabled, the selected device will try to connect to the NCC. If the
selected device has successfully connected to the NCC and is registered on the NCC,
it will change to the Nebula cloud mode.
device.
installed, and the utility language.
The following table describes the fields in the ZON Utility main screen.
Table 6 ZON Utility Fields
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Type This field displays an icon of the kind of device discovered.
Model This field displays the model name of the discovered device.
Firmware Version This field displays the firmware version of the discovered device.
MAC Address This field displays the MAC address of the discovered device.
IP Address This field displays the IP address of an internal interface on the discovered device that
first received an ZDP discovery request from the ZON utility.
System Name This field displays the system name of the discovered device.
Location This field displays where the discovered device is.
Status This field displays whether changes to the discovered device have been done
successfully. As the Zyxel Device does not support IP Configuration, Renew IP address
and Flash Locator LED, this field displays “Update failed”, “Not support Renew IP
address” and “Not support Flash Locator LED” respectively.
NCC Discovery This field displays if the discovered device supports the Nebula Control Center (NCC)
discovery feature.
If the feature is enabled, the selected device will try to connect to the NCC. If the
selected device has successfully connected to the NCC and is registered on the NCC,
it will change to the Nebula cloud mode.
Serial Number Enter the admin password of the discovered device to display its serial number.
Hardware Version This field displays the hardware version of the discovered device.
IPv6 Address This field displays the IPv6 address of an internal interface on the discovered device
that first received an ZDP discovery request from the ZON utility.
2.4 Ways to Access the Zyxel Device
You can use the following ways to configure the Zyxel Device.
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Chapter 2 AP Management
Web Configurator
The Web Configurator allows easy Zyxel Device setup and management using an Internet browser. If
your Zyxel Device is managed by the NCC, use this only for troubleshooting if you cannot connect to the
Internet. This User’s Guide provides information about the Web Configurator.
NCC
This is the primary means by which you manage the Zyxel Device in cloud (NCC) mode. With the NCC,
you can remotely manage and monitor the Zyxel Device through a cloud-based network management
system. See the NCC User’s Guide for more information.
ZON Utility
Zyxel One Network (ZON) Utility is a utility tool that assists you to set up and maintain network devices in a
simple and efficient way. You can download the ZON Utility at www.zyxel.com and install it on your
computer (Windows operating system). For more information on ZON Utility see Section 2.3 on page 24.
Command-Line Interface (CLI)
The CLI allows you to use text-based commands to configure the Zyxel Device. You can access it using
remote management (SSH) or via the console port. See the Command Reference Guide for more
information.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
This protocol can be used for firmware upgrades and configuration backup and restore.
2.5 Good Habits for Managing the Zyxel Device
Do the following things regularly to make the Zyxel Device more secure and to manage it more
effectively.
• Change the password often. Use a password that’s not easy to guess and that consists of different
types of characters, such as numbers and letters.
• Write down the password and put it in a safe place.
• Back up the configuration (and make sure you know how to restore it). Restoring an earlier working
configuration may be useful if the Zyxel Device becomes unstable or even crashes. If you forget your
password, you will have to reset the Zyxel Device to its factory default settings. If you backed up an
earlier configuration file, you will not have to totally re-configure the Zyxel Device; you can simply
restore your last configuration.
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See the Quick Start Guide for hardware installation and connections.
3.1 Zyxel Device LED
The LED of the Zyxel Device can be controlled by using the suppression feature such that the LED stays lit
(ON) or OFF after the Zyxel Device is ready. Refer to Section 19.1 on page 195 for the LED Suppression
and Locator menus in standalone mode.
Chapter 3 Hardware
CHAPTER 3
Hardware
3.1.1 Zyxel Device LED
Figure 14 NWA50AX/NWA90AX/NWA50AX PRO/NWA90AX PRO LED
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