Access Point Review: ZyXEL Convertible AP/Controller

A wireless network can give a small business a lot of flexibility, but if you didn’t plan for more than a couple of independent access points (AP), you could find yourself struggling to manage an increasingly complex WLAN. Wi-FiPlanet takes a look at a wireless AP from ZyXEL that can operate in three different modes, making it easier to scale up according to your needs.

Small office WLANs often start with just a few stand-alone APs. But, as WLAN size and complexity grows, centralized management pays off. Businesses that invest in enterprise-class managed APs can easily scale, but what about SMBs that can't "think big" right from the start?

To address this need, ZyXEL developed the NWA-3166 ($399): a 3-in-1 convertible device that can operate as an autonomous AP, managed AP, or combo controller/AP. Wi-Fi Planet took the NWA-3166 out for a spin to see how this little chameleon changes its colors.

Read the complete wireless small business network article