How to Implement Multiple SSIDs with Unique VLAN IDs on Zyxel Nebula?

Zyxel_Bella

Nebula offers a robust and scalable solution for managing extensive wireless networks. If you're considering transitioning to the Zyxel Nebula platform and need to manage multiple SSIDs, each assigned to a unique VLAN ID, this post will guide you through the process. We'll also cover deploying these SSIDs across multiple access points (APs) to ensure efficient and effective network management.

Topology and Scenario

For large-scale environments such as buildings with multiple floors or apartments, managing numerous SSIDs with distinct VLAN IDs can enhance network segmentation and control.

In this scenario: You have 3 buildings, each with 6 floors, all rooms and floors has 1 AP. Each floor will have a specific SSID broadcasting unique VLAN IDs. There will be around more than 1-hundred APs, ensuring one AP per area or apartment. This setup is to make each area has isolated network traffic for better security and performance.

Solution

Many of customers successfully deploy hundreds of APs at a single site, especially in expansive or high-density environments like schools and hotels.

Nebula supports up to 24 distinct SSID profiles through AP Grouping and Tag feature to broadcast SSIDs on target APs. This can be extremely beneficial to organize and manage the SSIDs effectively.

For each AP has a single SSID, you can configure Programmable SSID(Nebula Pro pack required) but remind that the vlan will be the same.

Efficiently Create Dedicated SSID for each AP through “Programmable SSID”

For each floor has its own specific SSID and VLAN ID, from your description, APs across 3 buildings, each with 6 floors so total will be 18 SSIDs.

Enable the AP Group will allow the creation of up to 24 distinct SSID profiles.

[Nebula] How to configure AP Grouping to increase the SSID number?

With careful planning, using tags and groups to manage APs in specific zones, you can achieve an efficient SSID distribution across different areas. This approach ensures that each area maintains optimal performance and load balance.

For this scale, we recommend leveraging SSID profiles and radio settings configuration firstly before adding APs to Nebula. It is more efficient to set it up in advance so that all APs broadcast SSID first to reduce service downtime, and then use assign tag to apply the SSID only to specific target APs. However, if you want to enable the SSIDs after all settings are completed, you can set all SSIDs to Hidden first.

Consider scalability and future-proofing when planning your layout.

Follow these steps to manage your network seamlessly and ensure optimal performance and safety across your deployment.