Nebula Control Center (NCC) Physical Ports Display Revision

Zyxel_Claudia

With the latest Nebula Control Center (NCC) release (version 18.20), Zyxel has introduced a significant update to the physical ports display interface for network devices, particularly enhancing the user experience on switches and other devices managed through NCC. This update includes changes to port visualization, status indicators, and port types, making it easier for network administrators to quickly understand device connectivity and configurations. In this article, we’ll walk through these improvements and explain how they enhance network management.

Key Changes and Enhancements

1. Port Arrangement by Type:
   • Ports are now grouped by type, with clear dividers for copper ports and fiber ports.
   • Combo ports (ports that support both copper and fiber) are also clearly labeled, helping users quickly identify available connection types.
2. Status Colors Indicating Link Speed:
   • Link speed is now visually represented by color-coded indicators:
     • Orange: 10 or 100 Mbps
     • Green: 1 Gbps
     • Purple: 5 Gbps
     • Gray: Port is down
     • Hollow: Port disabled
   • These color indicators simplify identifying the speed of active ports, aiding in monitoring and troubleshooting.
3. Port Status Icons:
   • Icons are added within the port display to indicate specific functionalities:
     • Arrow Icon: Shows if the port is configured as an uplink, simplifying the process of identifying uplink connections.
     • PoE Indicator: A lightning bolt icon denotes ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability.
     • Stacking Icon: This icon appears on devices supporting stacking, useful for administrators managing stacked switch configurations.

Supported Devices and Future Expansions

The physical ports display revision applies to select Zyxel device series, including:

• Device Local GUI
• NCC :USG FLEX H Series (Other models TBD) and all Switch Series
• Mobile App: All Switches and Firewalls

For certain firewall models, full adoption of the new display style is currently under discussion and may be added in subsequent NCC releases.

Benefits of the New Physical Ports Display

• Improved Usability: The new layout and iconography make it easier to interpret port configurations and link statuses at a glance.
• Enhanced Troubleshooting: The clear visual distinction between active and inactive ports, uplinks, PoE status, and link speeds aids in faster, more accurate troubleshooting.
• Consistent Experience Across Platforms: By applying this new display style across NCC, the local device GUI, and the mobile app, Zyxel offers a consistent experience for network admins regardless of how they access device information.

Conclusion

The physical ports display revision in NCC 18.20 is a valuable update for network administrators, providing a clearer and more organized view of device ports, link speeds, and port functionalities. This revision aligns with Zyxel’s commitment to simplifying network management and enhancing visibility into device connectivity.