Getting To Know Your Nxc-8160; Nxc-8160 Overview; Application For The Nxc-8160; Wireless Internet Access - ZyXEL Communications NXC-8160 User Manual

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H A P T E R

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 the NWA-8500 access points
(APs) to extend your wireless network. The NXC-8160 centralizes the management of all of
the connected APs. You can maintain the APs through the NXC-8160; thus 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 a NXC-8160. 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
supports two radios (wireless transmissions of signals) simultaneously which can be of the
same or different IEEE 802.11 mode. That means both IEEE 802.11b/g and IEEE 802.11a
compatible clients can wirelessly access the wired network behind the NXC-8160 through a
connected access point.
Only use firmware for your NXC-8160's specific model.
See Chapter 11 on page 81

1.2 Application for 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.
NXC-8160 User's Guide
for a complete list of features.
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