ZWO entry for NWA55AXE

Hi @CableTiePhil,

Thank you for reaching out to the Zyxel Community regarding your ZWO planner query for the NWA55AXE and WiFi planning, especially concerning mesh.

Initial Solution:

Since the NWA55AXE may not be listed in older versions of the ZWO planner software (v1.0.7), we recommend considering Zyxel APs with similar specifications for heatmap representation. The NWA55AXE is an outdoor, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point. You could look for other outdoor Wi-Fi 6 APs within the ZWO planner to get a representative heatmap.

For WiFi planning with mesh in mind, Zyxel offers different mesh technologies depending on your management mode:

• Smart Mesh: This is the recommended solution for APs managed through the Nebula Control Center (NCC) and is designed to extend Wi-Fi coverage seamlessly.

  • Smart Mesh requires both APs to be added to the same Nebula site and have the latest firmware.
  • You can enable "Smart Mesh" in Nebula under Configure > Access points > AP & port settings > General setting.
  • For the NWA55AXE, you would enable "Wireless bridge" on its AP information page (Device > Access points) once configured and updated.

• Wireless Distribution System (WDS): This is used for standalone APs to extend network systems. While technically identical to Smart Mesh in configuration and running, WDS is for standalone devices.

• ZyMesh: This is for APs managed by an on-premise AP controller. However, it's important to note that WiFi 7 APs do not support ZyMesh, and Zyxel is transitioning to Smart Mesh for WiFi 7 and future AP models, particularly with the USG FLEX H series firewalls.

The NWA55AXE does support wireless bridge functionality, which is essential for mesh setups.

Information Collection Guide:

To assist you further, please provide the following details:

• ZWO Planner Version: Please confirm the exact version of the ZWO planner you are using.
• Intended Management Mode: Do you plan to manage your APs via Nebula Cloud or in standalone mode?
• Network Topology: A simple diagram or description of your current network setup and your proposed mesh deployment.
• Firmware Version: The current firmware version of your NWA55AXE devices.
• Screenshots: Any error messages or specific views from the ZWO planner that show the NWA55AXE missing.

If you plan to use Nebula Cloud management:

• Please enable Zyxel Support Access via Help > Support Request in the Nebula console.
• Provide your Organization or Site name. This allows our support team to directly view your cloud environment configuration, significantly shortening troubleshooting time.