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Product Features
Technical Overview
The NWA55AXE operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, supporting the complete IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax standard suite. This ensures backward compatibility with legacy client devices while maximizing performance for modern Wi-Fi 6 capable equipment. The access point employs Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology, which allows it to transmit data to multiple devices at the same time, significantly improving network efficiency and overall throughput in dense client environments.
Network security is handled through robust encryption standards, including WPA, WPA2, WPA3, and their personal (PSK) variants. The single Gigabit Ethernet port functions as a Power over Ethernet Powered Device (PoE PD) port, accepting standard 802.3af/at PoE power from a compatible switch or injector. This eliminates the need for a separate power outlet at the mounting location, a crucial feature for outdoor installations.
Key Product Advantages
The ZyXEL NWA55AXE combines advanced wireless technology with a purpose-built outdoor design to solve common deployment challenges. Its primary advantages lie in its robust construction, flexible configuration, and simplified management, which collectively reduce total cost of ownership and improve network reliability.
Outdoor Durability
The IP55 weatherproof rating certifies protection against dust and water jets, ensuring reliable operation in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures common in outdoor deployments.
- Withstands harsh environmental conditions
- Designed for permanent outdoor installation
Deployment Flexibility
The detachable external antennas allow for customization of the wireless coverage pattern. Administrators can install high-gain or directional antennas to extend range or focus signal strength where it's needed most.
- Antennas can be replaced or upgraded
- Enables tailored coverage for specific site layouts
Simplified Installation & Management
Power over Ethernet support reduces cabling complexity, while Zyxel's Nebula Cloud management platform offers an intuitive interface for remote setup, monitoring, and configuration without requiring on-site technical visits.
- Single-cable installation with PoE
- Centralized cloud management available
Deployment / Use Cases
This access point is engineered for scenarios where Wi-Fi coverage must extend beyond the walls of a building. Its outdoor rating and high performance make it suitable for creating seamless wireless networks across open or challenging terrains.
A primary use case is providing guest or employee Wi-Fi access in outdoor areas of businesses such as restaurants with patios, hotel poolsides, university quads, or corporate campuses. The robust build quality ensures service continuity despite exposure to the elements. Another key application is forming wireless bridges or mesh links between buildings. This can connect separate structures—like warehouses, offices, or retail units—without the expense and complexity of running underground fiber or Ethernet cabling, effectively creating a unified network across a dispersed site.
Outdoor Public & Enterprise Hotspots
Deploy in parks, plazas, stadium perimeters, or outdoor dining areas to deliver reliable, high-capacity public or secure corporate Wi-Fi.
Wireless Backhaul & Mesh Networking
Use Smart Mesh functionality to create dynamic wireless links between buildings, serving as a cost-effective alternative to physical cabling for network extension.
Physical Profile
The NWA55AXE features a compact, standalone form factor measuring 12.13" wide by 5.37" deep by 1.95" high (308 x 136.4 x 49.6 mm) and weighing approximately 1.28 lbs (580 g). This streamlined design, combined with included mounting screws, facilitates secure installation on walls, poles, or under eaves. The external antenna connectors are standard, allowing for straightforward antenna attachment or replacement in the field to meet specific coverage requirements.
- Width
- 12.13" (308 mm)
- Depth
- 5.37" (136.40 mm)
- Height
- 1.95" (49.60 mm)
- Weight
- 1.28 lb (580 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all essential components for a standard deployment.
Highlights
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band access point for high-speed, low-latency outdoor wireless.
- Delivers a maximum aggregate data rate of 1.76 Gbit/s for demanding applications.
- Features a 2x2 MU-MIMO radio design for efficient multi-client connectivity.
- Rugged IP55-rated enclosure built to withstand harsh outdoor environments.
- Includes a Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE PD support for simplified single-cable installation.
- Equipped with two external, detachable antennas for deployment flexibility.
- Supports Smart Mesh for easy creation of wireless bridges between buildings.
- Manageable via Zyxel's intuitive Nebula Cloud platform for remote setup and monitoring.
- Backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wireless standards.
- Includes robust WPA3 encryption for enhanced network security.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ZYXEL Communications Corp. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | NWA55AXE |
| Brand Name | ZYXEL |
| Product Model | NWA55AXE |
| Product Name | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio Outdoor PoE Access Point |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Wireless Access Point |
| Technical Information | |
| Wireless LAN Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Network Band | Dual Band |
| Frequency Band | 2.40 GHz,5 GHz |
| Total Number of Antennas | 2 |
| Number of External Antennas | 2 |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Wireless Transmission Speed | 1.76 Gbit/s |
| MIMO Technology | Yes |
| MIMO Type | Multi User MIMO |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption Standard | WPA-PSK,WPA2-PSK,WPA3-Personal,WPA,WPA2,WPA3 |
| Ingress Protection (IP) Rating | IP55 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| PoE PD Port | Yes |
| Network & Communication | |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Standalone |
| Antenna Form Factor | External |
| Height | 1.95" (49.60 mm) |
| Width | 12.13" (308 mm) |
| Depth | 5.37" (136.40 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.28 lb (580 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio Outdoor PoE Access Point PoE Injector Mounting Screws |
| Country of Origin | China |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the maximum wireless speed of the ZyXEL NWA55AXE?
The ZyXEL NWA55AXE supports a maximum aggregate wireless transmission speed of 1.76 Gbit/s (Gigabits per second). This high-speed performance is achieved through its Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology operating across both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual bands, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive outdoor applications.
Can this access point be used outdoors in all weather conditions?
Yes, the NWA55AXE is designed for outdoor use with an IP55 ingress protection rating. This rating certifies a degree of protection against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it resistant to rain, snow, and other typical outdoor elements for reliable operation in harsh environments.
Does the NWA55AXE support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
Yes, it features a single Gigabit Ethernet port that functions as a Power over Ethernet Powered Device (PoE PD) port. This means it can receive both data and electrical power over the same Ethernet cable from a compatible PoE switch or an included PoE injector, greatly simplifying installation in locations where a power outlet is not readily available.
What type of antennas does this access point have?
The access point comes with two external, detachable antennas. This design provides significant flexibility, as the standard antennas can be unscrewed and replaced with different antenna types (e.g., higher gain omni-directional or directional antennas) to better tailor the wireless coverage pattern to the specific needs of your deployment site.
How is the ZyXEL NWA55AXE managed and configured?
The access point can be easily configured and managed through Zyxel's Nebula Cloud management platform. This intuitive cloud-based interface allows network administrators to set up, monitor, and configure the device remotely, streamlining deployment and ongoing maintenance without requiring physical access to the unit after installation.
What is the benefit of the Smart Mesh feature?
The Smart Mesh feature allows the NWA55AXE to automatically form dynamic wireless links with other compatible access points. This is particularly useful for creating wireless bridges to connect networks between separate buildings or across large outdoor areas, effectively extending network coverage without the need for complex and costly trenching and cabling work.