ZyXEL Communications NXC-8160, User Manual

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NXC-8160 User’s Guide
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H A P T E R
1
Getting to Know Your NXC-8160
This chapter introduces the main features and applications of the NXC-8160.
1.1
NXC-8160 Overview
The NXC-8160 is a WLAN controller that allows you to connect NWA-8500 access points
(APs) to extend your wireless network. The NXC-8160 centralizes the management of the
connected APs. You can maintain the APs through the NXC-8160, eliminating the need to
connect to and configure each AP individually. The AP acts as an antenna of the NXC-8160.
If you have more than one NXC-8160 in your network, you can manage the other NXC-
8160(s) through one of them. You can also set one NXC-8160 as the main WLAN controller,
and the other as the backup when the primary is not active or cannot work properly.
The NXC-8160 provides secure wireless connectivity to your wired network. The NWA-8500
access point can broadcast on two radio channels simultaneously, allowing it to support two
wireless networks; moreover, these channels can use either the same or different IEEE 802.11
wireless modes. This means both IEEE 802.11b/g and IEEE 802.11a clients can wirelessly
connect to the wired network behind the NXC-8160 through any associated access point.
See Chapter 10 on page 107 for a complete list of features.
1.2 Applications of the NXC-8160
Here are some examples of what you can do with your NXC-8160.
1.2.1 Wireless Internet Access
You can connect a cable or DSL modem/router to the NXC-8160 for broadband Internet
access via an Ethernet port on the modem/router. Both IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11 b/g
wirless clients can access the network behind the NXC-8160 through the access point(s)
connected to the NXC-8160.