The NWA90AX Pro is a budget-friendly option for enhancing your home or small business network, offering Reliable Wi-Fi 6 speeds.
Zyxel NWA90AX Pro
Our score: 3.8 out of 5
Up to 574Mbps (2.4 GHz)
Up to 2,400Mbps (5 GHz)
1x 2.5 Gbps Power over Ethernet port
Price Range: $110 - $120
Features
Brand: ZYXEL
Model Name: 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio PoE Access Point
Special Feature: Remote Access
Frequency Band Class: Dual-Band
Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ax
Compatible Devices: ET
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Recommended Uses For Product: Home
Included Components: Power Adapter, 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio PoE Access Point, Mounting Screws, Mount Plate
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
The Zyxel NWA90AX Pro is a great option for families who want reliable and fast Wi-Fi throughout their home. It's well-suited for households with multiple devices, ensuring everyone can stream, browse, or work online without interruptions. The dual-band feature allows it to handle various activities, from video calls to online gaming, all at once. Its compact design makes it easy to install, and the remote access feature adds convenience, letting you manage your network from anywhere. For families seeking a stable and high-performing internet connection, the Zyxel NWA90AX Pro is a worthwhile investment.
About This Equipment
Super Fast WiFi 6: Experience lightning-fast speeds up to 1.8Gbps with dual 2x2 MU-MIMO technology for smoother internet use.
Advanced Features: Benefit from Smart Mesh, seamless roaming, a captive portal, and WPA3 security for better performance and stronger security.
Flexible Power Options: Power the NWA90AX with either PoE+ or AC power. An AC adapter is included for your convenience.
Easy Setup: Setting up the NWA90AX is simple, with options to use either the local web interface or Nebula Cloud management.
Peace of Mind: Enjoy a 2-year warranty and a US-based support team for any assistance.
Setup
Inside the box, you'll find:
1x Access point
1x Power adapter
1x Ethernet cable
1x Quick Start Guide
1x Mounting plate
1x Bag of anchors and screws
1x EU plug adapter
While setting up the Zyxel NWA90AX Pro, we noticed it still uses old-style login credentials by default, which are considered less secure today. Even though you have to change the password during setup, it’s surprising to see this outdated method in 2023. Aside from this concern, the local setup was generally smooth, though we did encounter a couple of small issues before completing it.
If you plan to use Zyxel's Nebula cloud service, be aware that it will reset any local settings you've configured on the AP and disable local management options. The Nebula setup process is more complex, as you need to add the device to your cloud account first and then find the settings to create your Wi-Fi network. While IT professionals might find this straightforward, the average homeowner looking to boost their Wi-Fi might find this setup a bit challenging—we certainly did.
Zyxel NWA90AX Pro: Our Detailed Scorecard
Performance: ★★★★☆
Delivers speeds that match those of other access points we've tested.
Features: ★★★★☆
Offers useful features like landing page support and mesh failover.
Design: ★★★★☆
Includes a multi-gig PoE port and supports 160 MHz channels.
Setup: ★★★☆☆
The local setup is quick and straightforward.
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
It comes with two interfaces that can be a bit tricky to navigate.
(Each category is scored out of 5 points.)
Performance
The NWA90AX Pro supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2,400Mbps on the 5 GHz band using 160 MHz channels.
In our tests, the NWA90AX Pro delivered solid speeds for a single device when close to the router, performing similarly to some of our favorite home routers. However, since it has internal antennas, it didn't quite match the long-range speeds of routers with external antennas. At 120 feet, we measured an average speed of 149Mbps, compared to the ~250Mbps we usually see with routers that have external antennas.
One advantage of the NWA90AX Pro is its support for 160 MHz channels and a 2.5Gbps uplink port, which can boost speeds for Wi-Fi 6 devices. While these devices typically max out around 1.7Gbps at close range, local interference can limit multi-gig speeds. Achieving these higher speeds on the 5 GHz band can be challenging, which is why the 6 GHz band is often preferred for multi-gig wireless.
Many modern devices support 160 MHz channels, meaning two devices connected at the same time could each get up to 865Mbps, compared to only half that with 80 MHz channels. However, getting these channels to perform at their maximum capacity consistently can be difficult.
Simplified Guide to the Zyxel NWA90AX: Easy Setup, Secure Performance, and Flexible Management
Genuine WiFi 6 with Full OFDMA Support
The NWA90AX supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, allowing you to experience all the benefits of WiFi 6. This includes faster speeds, even in crowded areas, a wider range for your wireless network, and more capacity for connecting smart devices. It's designed to help you get the most out of WiFi 6 technology.
WiFi 6 Solution for Small Businesses
The Zyxel NWA90AX is an ideal WiFi 6 access point for small business owners who want to upgrade their network without spending too much or dealing with complicated setups. It's affordable and easy to use, making it a smart choice for small businesses.
Secure WiFi Authentication for Business Networks
The NWA90AX provides enterprise-level security for small businesses or home users. With features like a captive portal and IEEE802.1x authentication, it helps protect your network while also offering the option to customize login pages for branding or marketing purposes.
Simple Installation and Easy Configuration
No need to be a tech expert to set up the NWA90AX. It's easy to install and configure, making it perfect for small hotels, coffee shops, home offices, or retail stores. You can manage it using either the local web interface or the Nebula Cloud platform, allowing you to quickly set up guest and employee networks with just a few clicks.
Enterprise-Grade Stability and Durability
The NWA90AX is designed to last, with a special thermal design that prevents it from overheating. Whether you mount it on the ceiling, wall, or desktop, this access point offers reliable performance and a long service life.
Flexible Management Options
With NebulaFlex, the NWA90AX gives you the flexibility to manage it your way. You can choose between the local web interface or the Nebula Cloud platform. With Nebula, you can easily configure, monitor, and manage a variety of devices, like access points, switches, and firewalls, without worrying about losing access or remembering passwords.
Customer Reviews: What Are Users Saying
1. Great Signal Strength and Reliable Performance
I purchased this AP after dealing with a cheaper model that kept dropping 2.4GHz connections. The Zyxel NWA90AX Pro has been a game-changer. It offers a compact design, easy installation, and significantly better signal strength. I'm getting 6-8db better on 2.4GHz than with my previous AP, and the connection has been rock solid so far.
2. Excellent Value for Advanced Features
This is my third Zyxel AP, and I've already bought a fourth. It's a great value, offering many advanced features at a lower cost compared to competitors. However, it does require some networking knowledge to set up and use, but the options available allow for fine-tuning exactly what you need.
3. Solid Home Coverage with Easy Setup
I use the NWA90AX Pro in my basement as a secondary AP, and it works perfectly alongside my main AP. The setup was straightforward, and both APs covered my entire property with strong Wi-Fi. The hardest part was getting the roaming to work smoothly, but overall, it's been a great experience.
4. Small, Powerful, but Clunky Interface
The Zyxel NWA90AX Pro is compact and easy to mount, but the management GUI could be better. Some settings are buried in poorly named menus, and the software sometimes glitches, not saving settings. Despite this, the performance and range are impressive, especially for the price.
5. Easy Multi-AP Setup with Nebula Cloud
I've installed multiple APs, and the Zyxel NWA90AX Pro is the best for ease of deployment. The Nebula app makes adding and configuring multiple APs simple. I set up my SSID and password once, and the app automatically applied the settings to all APs. The units are small but powerful, providing excellent coverage across my home.
Final Thoughts: Is the Zyxel NWA90AX Pro Worth It?
The Zyxel NWA90AX Pro is a solid choice if you're looking for reliable Wi-Fi with good coverage and a range of features. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and offers strong performance, especially for home use or small businesses. While the management interface can be a bit tricky and some advanced features require a subscription, the overall value is hard to beat. If you need a dependable access point that’s easy to install and offers good speed and coverage, the Zyxel NWA90AX Pro is worth considering.
FAQs
Q: How do I set up the Zyxel NWA90AX Pro?
The Zyxel NWA90AX Pro can be set up using either the local web interface or the Nebula cloud platform. The local setup is straightforward, with a Quick Start Guide included in the box to help you get started. If you prefer cloud management, Nebula offers more advanced features but requires you to register the device first, which can be more complex.
Q: Can I use the Nebula app if the AP is in standalone mode?
No, the Nebula app only works when the access point is registered with a Nebula cloud account. If you choose to operate the NWA90AX Pro in standalone mode, you will need to use the local web interface for management.
Q: What security features does the NWA90AX Pro offer?
The NWA90AX Pro provides enterprise-level security features such as WPA3 encryption, a captive portal, and IEEE 802.1X authentication. These features help secure your network, making it suitable for both business and home environments.
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