ZyXEL NWA-3160

The NWA-3160 Dual-band Hybrid Access Point provides built-in Wireless Controller functionality for centralised management and configuration of up to 24 compatible wireless access points; this includes the NWA-3500 Dual-radio Access Point and the NWA-3550 Dual-radio Outdoor Access Point. This unique access point solution provides businesses with the benefits of traditional Wireless Controller systems but at a much lower cost of ownership. Moreover, the hybrid functionality means the NWA-3160 can also function as a stand-alone access point, or be managed by another NWA-3160 configured in controller mode. This gives a truly scalable solution that grows from a stand-alone access point to a centrally managed system without having to buy an expensive Wireless Controller.

Easy Deployment, Maintenance and Support
In Wireless Controller mode the NWA-3160 can centrally manage up to 24 compatible wireless access points, including the NWA-3500 Dual-radio Access Point and the NWA-3550 Dual-radio Outdoor Access Point. For network administrators this means reduced maintenance and support efforts. Rather than individually configuring and monitoring each wireless access point, network administrators can centrally deploy, manage and control the wireless infrastructure. For example, the network administrator can deploy new security profiles or upgrade firmware from a central point. This is especially useful when managing multiple access points in difficult to reach locations such as ceilings and loft spaces.

Flexible Installation
NWA-3160 is standard IEEE802.3af PoE compliant. Used in combination with a PoE switch, such as ZyXEL’s ES2024PWR, the device can be powered over the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for external power supplies. Combine this with its plenum rating and you have a flexible solution that is suitable for placement above drop-down ceilings and raised floors. Further, Dual-band support and detachable antennas give the flexibility of selecting from either 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio transmission, or extending wireless coverage with ZyXEL’s range of high gain antennas.

Secure
All communication between the controller and managed access points is securely transmitted over an encrypted tunnel ensuring sensitive configuration data is safe from hackers. And, since no configuration data gets stored on the managed access points, the data is even safe from theft. Combined with the latest, standards-based security for wireless data encryption and user authorisation, rogue access point detection, and the ability to easily manage and deploy security, NWA-3160 provides network administrators with enterprise-class security management.

Scalable
The NWA-3160 can be configured to function as a stand-alone access point, managed access point, or controller. Businesses can therefore deploy NWA-3160 as a stand-alone access point, and grow to centrally managed system by simply changing the operating mode and adding managed access points. In controller mode the NWA-3160 is capable of managing up to 24 access points while also functioning as a wireless access point. This provides a scalable solution capable of supporting up to 200 users.