Wireless APs now support both cloud-managed and standalone modes – manage it your way
Businesses facing the struggle between cloud and on-premise network deployment will be able to put their mind at ease with Zyxel’s new NebulaFlexTM feature announced today. Currently supported by three Zyxel wireless access points, NebulaFlex frees traditional standalone APs to be managed in two modes – either cloud-managed or on-premises, giving businesses true flexibility in deployment while reducing extra hardware and software costs.
Managing standalone access points is straightforward and it perfectly fits in any small-sized area where just a few APs would provide sufficient WiFi coverage. Cloud-managed access points, on the other hand, are easy to install, configure and centrally manage WiFi networks from small to large – anytime and anywhere. The simplicity, limitless scalability, and feature-rich management have been luring businesses into the cloud.
Offering the best of both worlds, Zyxel now provides the freedom of choice with the hybrid access points that allow users to flexibly switch between the cloud-managed and standalone modes that best-fit their deployment needs. Users will be able to move to the cloud at any time they see fit, without needing to replace existing network investments or purchase additional hardware controllers or software. For those who already owned the selected Zyxel APs, it only takes a free firmware upgrade to enable NebulaFlex on the devices.
Created for businesses spread across multiple locations without proper network management expertise or resources, Zyxel Nebula is a 100% cloud-based networking and management solution which centrally and remotely manages all Nebula wired, wireless and security devices from a single pane of glass – the Nebula Control Center (NCC).
Without any additional costs, users who owned the hybrid access points will be able to reap the benefits of Zyxel Nebula Cloud, including 24/7 access to the Nebula dashboard, device/client monitoring and event log from anywhere in the world, and more. There’s also the option to upgrade to Nebula Professional Pack license for granular, enterprise-class features.
“We wanted to make it even easier and simpler for everyone to enjoy the flexibility and scalability that cloud networking could bring to their businesses,” commented Crowley Wu, Senior AVP of Zyxel Networking Business Unit. “With NebulaFlex, they don’t have to worry about the upfront costs of replacing the entire network infrastructure; there’s literally nothing to lose to try it out.”
NebulaFlex is currently supported in Zyxel wireless access points NWA1123-AC HD, NWA1123-AC PRO and NWA1123-ACv2 with firmware version 5.20 or above. A limited offer of 3-month Nebula Professional Pack license will be provided free of charge for users registering for Nebula Cloud Management via NebulaFlex before April 30, 2018.
