WLC (wireless Lan Controller) built into the USG Flex 700?

jef

I want to setup roaming ssid wifi, I want to use our USG F700 and wax630s APs.
What more would I need?

Zyxel_Judy

Hi @jef ,

You have the option to configure a roaming environment with multiple WAX630S APs. However, it's important to note that roaming between a USG FLEX 700 firewall and a WAX630S AP is not feasible. The reason is that the USG FLEX 700 is exclusively a firewall device that can be used as an AP controller, however, does not possess wireless capabilities. At the time of this writing, the USG FLEX models with wireless features are the 100W and 100AX have the wireless feature.

To successfully implement a roaming environment between WAX630S APs (and the firewall as USG FLEX 100W, 100AX), please ensure the following:

• APs (firewalls) should share the same SSID name and security settings.
• There should be an overlapping wireless coverage of about 15% to 20% between the APs (firewalls).

For detailed guidance on setting up roaming, you can refer to our FAQs:

For AP in AP Controller mode: How to Set up Seamless Wireless Roaming? — Zyxel CommunityFor AP For AP in Nebula cloud mode: How to Set up Seamless Wireless Roaming on Nebula? — Zyxel Community

Zyxel_Judy

Hi users,

To measure the overlap in wireless coverage between APs, it's crucial to focus on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) as detected by the client devices.

Essentially, you need to determine the points where the signal from one AP begins to weaken and lose. So, another AP's signal needs to cover that area. You can accomplish this by walking the area with a device that measures RSSI from each AP. Using the distance in meters helps in confirming the transition zone. For instance, if an AP at its output power has a signal reach of 10 meters, the ideal spacing between two APs could be around 16-17 meters to ensure adequate coverage overlap.

You can optimize the deployment of your AP by adjusting its position or modifying its maximum output power to achieve the ideal setup.

Zyxel_Judy

Hi @jef ,

You have the option to configure a roaming environment with multiple WAX630S APs. However, it's important to note that roaming between a USG FLEX 700 firewall and a WAX630S AP is not feasible. The reason is that the USG FLEX 700 is exclusively a firewall device that can be used as an AP controller, however, does not possess wireless capabilities. At the time of this writing, the USG FLEX models with wireless features are the 100W and 100AX have the wireless feature.

To successfully implement a roaming environment between WAX630S APs (and the firewall as USG FLEX 100W, 100AX), please ensure the following:

• APs (firewalls) should share the same SSID name and security settings.
• There should be an overlapping wireless coverage of about 15% to 20% between the APs (firewalls).

For detailed guidance on setting up roaming, you can refer to our FAQs:

For AP in AP Controller mode: How to Set up Seamless Wireless Roaming? — Zyxel CommunityFor AP For AP in Nebula cloud mode: How to Set up Seamless Wireless Roaming on Nebula? — Zyxel Community

jef

Thanks Judy, I had already watched the "How to Set up Seamless Wireless Roaming?", that is video is why I had my question. In that "How to", it specifically show a "NXC" controller being used with a USG.

I wanted to make sure that the USG Flex 700 did NOT need any type of controller, that it would be the WLC.

I hope you can see where those types of "how to" videos are confusing.

jef

Also "There should be an overlapping wireless coverage of about 15% to 20% between the APs (firewalls)."
How exactly would "over lap" be measured?

Zyxel_Judy

Hi users,

To measure the overlap in wireless coverage between APs, it's crucial to focus on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) as detected by the client devices.

Essentially, you need to determine the points where the signal from one AP begins to weaken and lose. So, another AP's signal needs to cover that area. You can accomplish this by walking the area with a device that measures RSSI from each AP. Using the distance in meters helps in confirming the transition zone. For instance, if an AP at its output power has a signal reach of 10 meters, the ideal spacing between two APs could be around 16-17 meters to ensure adequate coverage overlap.

You can optimize the deployment of your AP by adjusting its position or modifying its maximum output power to achieve the ideal setup.

jef

"Essentially, you need to determine the points where the signal from one AP begins to weaken and lose"

I don't understand "weaken and lose", how weak is too weak. The dBm bounce all over the place.
How do I know when to reduce an AP's power?

Zyxel_Judy

Hi @jef ,

To verify the strength of the client signal, you can check the signal value in the wireless client list of the USG FLEX 700 or use a network analysis tool on your devices (such as mobile phones or laptops). A signal value weaker than -70dBm should be considered weak.

Additionally, the wireless signal indicator on a client's device can provide a quick visual assessment. If the indicator shows only one or two bars, it signifies that the signal strength is low.