ZyXEL's NWA-3166 wireless access point

Network management - Building and maintaining a wireless network is not difficult when all your employees are interested in this way of connecting. However, when you need to set up security configuration and service quality configuration (QoS) for access point points in an office building, a dedicated wireless management product is very attractive.

ZyXEL's NWA-3.166 (priced at $ 400 - February 10, 2010) is a "hybrid AP" - a wireless access point that can work as a wireless AP controller, a managed access point. , or an independent access point. Its object is that small businesses want to expand their wireless network while minimizing the need for extra effort and no need for a dedicated wireless controller.

Like an access point, the NWA-3166 has many hard features. The AP itself supports 802.11n Wi-Fi and has a 2x3 MIMO (multiple-in, multiple-out) antenna configuration that increases the coverage and signal strength of the network. Each AP can broadcast up to 16 different SSIDs (this is useful for setting up virtual APs with customized access policies, secret codes, QoS rules, etc.); The default configuration includes built-in options for optimizing VoIP traffic and limiting access to the network.

The improved features of NWA-3166 for larger companies include Layer-2 Isolation, a feature that allows network access restrictions based on the customer's MAC address, and Intra-BSS Traffic Blocking for management. Access AP based on the device's MAC address. Through both of these features, you can restrict access to certain wireless clients on the same network / AP without locking all devices on the network (such as a printer or server. , .vv.).

The NWA-3166 is not only a good access point but also small business network administrators can be attracted by most of the product's control functions. If running in AP Controller Mode, you can use it to manage SSIDs, MAC filters, Layer-2 Isolation, radio profiles, and up to 24 other ZyXEL AP features on the network. You can configure the essential requirements for the network in the AP controller then send that configuration down to all managed access points without having to configure each AP for each.

Installing the NWA-3166 does not require expertise beyond what you may already know from network management. Product box with Adapter power supply, AP block, 6-foot long Ethernet cable, a cable control panel for access to the configuration of command-line interface (professional IT), wall screw, a manual fast, and a document CD with 330 pages of manuals. The NWA-3166 supports power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing you to place APs wherever you want without worrying about wall outlets and extension wires; That means you have to make sure the PoE injector is private to use this feature.

Setting up AP via web interface is very simple. The provided documents are very clear and easy to follow, it provides some example scenarios for some advanced configuration options (such as installing on a RADIUS server or working with multiple SSID). These documents are definitely not settings for your network but will reduce the hardship for anyone who is new to the network - it explains the basic concepts well enough for you to learn one or two things. that during the installation process.

We have introduced other options in this under-developed product class. NETGEAR is an example, it has products for managing and controlling wireless hardware and software for small and medium businesses with similar features, but its product area extends from a price application of 50. $ to specialized equipment for $ 910. ZyXEL NWA-3166 is in the middle of two extremes: For $ 400 for a hybrid AP / controller, it seems to be a better fit for small businesses that can't afford a formal network controller but Still want to save time with AP management functions.