PoE12-3PD Cloud-Managed Accessories

Zyxel_Claudia

Zyxel's Nebula Control Center (NCC) introduces a new product line specifically for accessories, starting with the PoE12-3PD. These accessories can be managed both on-premise and through the cloud, offering flexibility and convenience for network administrators.

Key Features and Benefits

1. No Licensing Requirement:
   • Accessories like the PoE12-3PD do not count towards the licensing requirements for Base, Plus, or Professional packs. This means they are excluded from the license calculator, ensuring users are not charged for these devices.
2. Dedicated Menu in NCC:
   • The Nebula Control Center now features a dedicated "Accessories" section under the devices menu, allowing users to easily manage and monitor these products.
3. Comprehensive Management Options:
   • Accessories can be managed locally through a Web GUI, remotely via NCC, and using the ZON utility for basic tasks.

Cloud Management in NCC

1. Configuration Sync:
   • Changes made in NCC apply to the local device and vice versa. However, some settings like the system name update only from NCC to the device, not the other way around.
2. Light Tools:
   • Use the ping tool to test connectivity to downlink devices.
   • Reboot the device remotely as a last resort.
3. Remote Configurator:
   • Access the local Web GUI for advanced settings, similar to the configuration process for mobile routers.
   • Manually reconfigure port settings or power cycle a port.
4. Event Logs:
   • Check event logs stored on the local device for troubleshooting.
5. Connectivity Tracking:
   • Monitor the connection status to ensure network stability.
6. Site-Wide Topology Integration:
   • The PoE12-3PD is included in the site-wide topology, allowing for easy navigation and management within the network layout.
7. Automated Firmware Upgrades:
   • NCC handles firmware upgrades automatically, minimizing service disruption with continuous PoE support.
8. System Alerts:
   • Receive email notifications for system alerts, including offline status. With NCC 18.10, email alerts are free, adding extra value for cloud-managed accessories.

Limitations

1. MAC Address Table Sync:
   • Currently, the PoE12-3PD does not send its MAC address table to NCC, leading to potential inaccuracies in topology representation for devices without LLDP support.
2. Client Connection Tracking:
   • Full client connection tracking is not yet supported. Future updates aim to improve this feature, ensuring accurate representation in client connection logs.

Conclusion

The PoE12-3PD, as a cloud-managed accessory, brings management capabilities to network administrators, offering flexibility through local and remote configurations. The integration with NCC ensures seamless management, automated updates, and comprehensive monitoring, making it a valuable addition to any network infrastructure.