Overview

The NWA access points can use WDS (Wireless Distribution System) to establish a link with other capable Zyxel access points.  By using WDS a network can have one access point wired in via Ethernet (the Root AP) for network/internet access and share the connection with access points within range (Repeaters). This type of connection is useful in environments where running Ethernet, coax or fiber may not be possible or cost efficient.

Supported Devices

NWA5121-N
NWA5121-NI
NWA5123-N
NWA5301-NJ
WAC6103D-I
WAC6502D-E
WAC6502D-S
WAC6503D-S
WAC6553D-E

Table of Content

Initial Setup
Manually Set IP on Windows OS
Manually Set IP on macOS
Accessing the WebUI
AP Profile Setup
WDS Profile Setup
Root AP Setup
Repeater Setup
Disable AC Discovery
Troubleshooting

Initial Setup

Start by connecting the power cord to the NWA/WAC access point and power the device ON.  Use the provided Ethernet cable to connect a computer directly to the NWA for the initial configuration.

By default the NWA/WAC access point has a static IP address configured of 192.168.1.2.  In order to access the Web Configurator and configure the settings on the access point the computer needs to be configured with a manual IP address within the range of 192.168.1.3~192.168.1.254.

Manually Set IP on Windows OS
Manually Set IP on macOS

Accessing the WebUI

To access the web configuration page (WebUI) please open a web browser on your computer (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.). On the address bar type http://192.168.1.2 to access the WebUI.

When prompted for user credentials, type in admin for the "User Name" and 1234 for the "Password".  Click the LOGIN button to enter the WebUI.

Note:  If the default password has been changed, use the new password to login.  If this is the first time setting up the device and it is not accepting the "1234" password, please press the RESET button on the device (located in rear panel) and hold it down for 10-15 seconds.

The following screen will prompt to update the administrator password.  Enter a new administrative password and click the "Apply" button to save the change.

Click "Ignore" to keep the default password (1234) and continue with the setup.

AP Profile Setup

On the far left of the web configurator (WebUI) there are 4 icons for the four different menus.  If you place the mouse pointer over each icon it will tell you what menu it is.  Click on the "Configuration" menu icon.

In the configuration menu go to, Object → AP Profile.

There is a tab for Radio and a tab for SSID on the "AP Profile" menu, click on the SSID tab.  More options/tabs will appear for SSID List, Security List, MAC Filter List, etc.  Click on the "Security List" tab if you wish to add wireless encryption to your wireless network.  On the security list tab press the Add button to enter a new security profile with the encryption method you wish to use, for this example we will set the encryption to WPA2 (AES).  Or, you can edit the "default" profile.

Now that the security profile has been created click on the SSID List tab to "Add" an SSID broadcast profile for your network.  Or, edit the "default" profile with the network name (SSID) you wish to use and security profile.

WDS Profile Setup

A WDS profile is used to establish the wireless link between the root access point and the satellite access point(s).  To create the WDS link profile go to Configuration → Object → WDS Profile, click the "Add" button to insert a new profile if you do not wish to use the default profile. Adding a user defined WDS profile provides extra security for the WDS link.

• Profile Name – Provide a profile name
• WDS SSID – Provide a WDS SSID, this is not a broadcast Wi-Fi clients can see/detect, only the Zyxel AP's can detect the signal
• Pre-Shared Key – Create a shared passcode for the WDS connection
• Click "OK" to apply/save the settings
  
  Note:  This profile must be created on all Zyxel access points (Root and Satellites/Repeaters)

Root AP Setup

The Root AP is the main access point that will share the internet connection with all other satellite access points.  The Root AP must be wired in directly into the network, via Ethernet cable.  Satellite access points only require power.  To configure the main access point on the network, go to Configuration → Wireless → AP Management. Depending on the access point you may have the option to configure multiple radios, specifically on simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz access points.  If all the AP's being used for this setup are dual radio (2.4GHz and 5GHz simultaneously) it is recommended that the Root AP configuration be setup using the 5GHz spectrum.

• Configure Radio 1 (2.4GHz spectrum) in AP Mode
• Select the AP profile to broadcast under "MBSSID Settings"
• Configure Radio 2 (5GHz spectrum) in Root AP mode (if AP model has dual radio support set Radio 1 as Repeater if using a single radio access point)
• Select the WDS Profile to use
• Select the AP profile to broadcast under "MBSSID Settings"
  

Repeater Setup

Repeat the process under the AP Profile Setup and WDS Profile Setup for the satellite access point(s) before continuing with the repeater mode setup.

To configure the satellite access points to establish a WDS link with the Root AP go to, Configuration → Wireless → AP Management.

• Configure Radio 1 (2.4GHz spectrum) in AP Mode
• Select the AP profile to broadcast under "MBSSID Settings"
• Configure Radio 2 (5GHz spectrum) in Repeater mode (if AP model has dual radio support set Radio 1 as Repeater if using a single radio access point)
• Select the WDS Profile to use
• Select the AP profile to broadcast under "MBSSID Settings"
  

Disable AC Discovery

If using the Zyxel access points (running firmware 4.20+) in a network with a Zyxel appliance supporting AP Controller mode, such as Next-Gen ZyWALL, UAG or NXC devices, it is recommended that AC Discovery feature be disabled on the Zyxel access points.  This will prevent the access point from discovering the AP Controller appliance on the network and changing to a managed mode. WDS only works on standalone mode, not supported with managed mode.

To disable the AC Discovery function on the Zyxel access point go to, Configuration → Network → AC Discovery and select the "Disable" option.

Troubleshooting

1. Devices are not linking up using WDS
• Verify that all access points are running the latest firmware version
• Check the 'WDS profile' to make sure the settings match on all access points (WDS SSID, Pre-Shared Key)
• Check for wireless interference and/or wireless distance (if Wi-Fi signal is to weak it will impact WDS sync)
• Contact Zyxel Technical support for additional support. Support is available Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM PT @ 800-255-4101 option 5. You can also get email support by completing the "Support Request Form" here.
2. When access point is connected to Next-Gen ZyWALL/USG/NXC/UAG device the Wi-Fi breaks
• Ensure that 'AC Discovery' is disabled on the access point before you plug into AP Controller enabled device
• Change AP Controller setup on Next-Gen ZyWALL/USG/NXC/UAG from an automatic mode to manual (this will prohibit the AP Controller appliance from automatically re-configuring CAPWAP enabled Zyxel access points)
• Contact Zyxel Technical support for additional support. Support is available Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM PT @ 800-255-4101 option 5. You can also get email support by completing the "Support Request Form" here.