Enhancements to GUI Redirect in Zyxel Access Points (APs)

Zyxel_Claudia

With the firmware 7.10 update, Zyxel has introduced an enhanced GUI redirect feature to improve the initial setup experience for administrators. This enhancement brings users are automatically redirected to the AP’s management interface upon connection.

1. GUI Redirect for Initial SSID

When an administrator connects a device to the initial SSID, the AP will now intercept any web request and redirect the user to the AP’s web management interface.

How the GUI Redirect Works:

1. Admin connects to the initial SSID (e.g., “Zyxel_XXXX”).
2. Attempts to access any website (e.g., www.example.com).
3. AP intercepts the request and redirects it to the AP’s management IP.
4. Admin logs in and configures the AP.

This new redirection method ensures that users can access the Web GUI easily without needing to remember specific IP addresses or URLs.

2. Browser Warnings

Because the AP is intercepting HTTPS traffic, browsers may warn users about a redirect (e.g., "You are trying to visit website A, but you are being redirected to website B").

Some browsers will allow users to proceed.

Websites like Google, banking portals, or other high-security sites enforce HSTS, which prevents redirection for security reasons. User can use a different browser to resolve.

3. When Does Redirection Stop?

The AP will automatically disable redirection when:

• Any WLAN settings are modified: Indicates that the user has configured the AP.
• The AP connects to a controller: The AP is now managed by an external system.
• The AP joins a Nebula organization: The AP switches to cloud management mode.

Once the AP is properly configured, it will stop intercepting and redirecting browsing traffic.