Hybrid Wireless
ZyXEL's Unique Hybrid Wireless Solution
ZyXEL understands the market need for manageable Wireless networks that includes the flexibility to deploy the wireless network from one central device. ZyXEL’s Hybrid Wireless Access Points offer centralised management from an Access Point rather than the traditional, costly wireless controller/switch devices. ZyXEL’s unique Hybrid technology allows the Access Point to work in standalone, managed and controller modes, giving you a device with 3-in-1 functionality and the ability to manage up to 24 compatible Access Points.
Ideally suited to small and medium organisations across many sectors including education and hospitality ZyXEL’s Hybrid range can solve a number of challenges faced by these businesses and the advantages of a Hybrid Wireless Solution include:
1. Wireless Management
ZyXEL’s Hybrid Access Point can be set in three different modes: Stand Alone, Managed AP, and Controller Mode. In the first stage, Stand-Alone can fulfil the basic requirements. With the number of Access Points increasing, one of the Hybrid Access Points can be configured to Controller mode. In this configuration, the Hybrid Access Point not only provides Access Point functionality but also offers the ability to manage other Access Points. Similar to a WLAN switch, the Hybrid Access Point can eliminate problems of managing multiple Access Points. Moreover, the network administrator can leverage the experience of managing stand-alone Hybrid Access Points even without extra training to handle the Controller mode. ZyXEL provides a comprehensive offering of dual band single/dual radio, high power, and outdoor dual radio Access Points for versatile applications in indoor, outdoor, high density or long range environments.
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2. Security
ZyXEL’s Hybrid Access Point single management interface enables the h4opportunity to apply system security policy, changing passwords on a timely basis. The embedded Radius server simplifies the most sophisticated WPA2 implementation with no extras to buy, to build, or to maintain the Radius server. Between the controller and managed Access Points, the communication is tunnelled by the latest IETF-proposed Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Point protocol (CAPWAP) protocol encrypted with DTLS (AES 256 bit strength). Given the DTLS security, plus SSL web configuration, the confidential setting parameters are no longer exposed on Ethernet, or on the air. Moreover, no configuration is saved on the managed Access Point, reducing the risk of a confidential configuration being cracked if the Access Point is stolen, at the same time reducing the threat having the Access Point stolen.
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3. Wireless Performance
The ZyXEL Hybrid Access Point is equipped with auto-channel selection and optimisation. Access Points will collaborate to find the channel with the least interference. The RF statistics are centralised on the controller, giving a full view to network administrators. Advanced fine-tuning can be performed based on the information.
4. Enterprise Class Features
Businesses require many different features from their Access Point. ZyXEL’s Hybrid Access Points include state-of-the-art RF design, advanced QoS upon auto traffic classifier, collaborating MAC address control and filter, rogue Access Point detection, to the wide range of indoor, outdoor, 2.4G and 5Ghz optional antenna, it can keep versatile applications running without wiring, adding the value that network administrator expect for WiFi Networks.
5. Scalability
Unlike Wireless switch solutions, when the number of Access Points exceeds the limit of single Hybrid Access Point management, IT professionals do not need to replace it, or to buy extra WLAN switches, but simply change one of the Hybrid Access Points to Controller mode, instantly extending the management capacity.
6. Multi-Site management
Similar to, but not as limited as, other WLAN solutions, the Hybrid Access Point can manage Access Points in different subnets. Most importantly, the flexibility of Stand-alone, Managed and Controller mode frees the network administrator from the dilemma of having to choose a Stand-alone Access Point or WLAN switch.
Offering low total cost of ownership, ZyXEL’s unique Hybrid technology essentially turns the traditional Access Point into a controller or managed Access Point, as such helping to save both money and time. Hybrid technology delivers a truly scalable solution that can grow from a stand-alone Access Point to a centrally managed system capable of supporting up to 200 users, therefore providing business with the benefits of a traditional wireless controller but at fraction of the cost.