Zyxel NWA3160-N hybrid wireless solution advice needed

[CommodoreS]

We have been quoted to have a Zyxel NWA3160-N hybird wireless system installed at the school. The quote has come in much cheaper than the other systems we have been quoted for such as the Ruckus Solution.

 

I just wondered if anyone has tried using these and their thoughts. I found a review at ZyXEL NWA-3160 Wireless Access Point review | Wireless routers | Enterprise | Reviews | PC Pro which shows performance might be poor.

[snoerre]

you can use one AP in standalone mode and when you're ready, add more with one unit reconfigured as an AP Controller.

The designated AP Controller manages other NWA-3160 units and ZyXEL recently released a firmware upgrade that adds support for up to 24 compatible APs.

 

Short answer: no. Instead, take a look at http://dl.ubnt.com/datasheets/unifi/UniFi_AP_Datasheet.pdf and Unifi | Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.

[CommodoreS]

Do you have a long answer which explains in more detail why you have said No.

[m25man]

We used a combination of 3160's 3166 3500 3550's

They couldn't handle more than around 10 active clients at a time the 3550 external Dual Band Dual Radio was about the best AP of the bunch, which did manage about 30 clients a radio.

 

In my own experience it's ideally suited to small businesses that just need a simple to manage solution with a few clients, the dedicated gateway devices with captive guest portal are again ideal for the small B&B, Hotel or Bar.

 

The ZyXel NWA5000 is the enterprise class kit.

 

I have whole bunch of this stuff destined for EBay if your interested... I wouldn't recommend it myself been there seen it done it.