1
Getting to Know Your NXC-8160
This chapter introduces the main features and applications of the NXC-8160.
1.1NXC-8160 Overview
The NXC-8160 is a WLAN controller that allows you to connect the NWA-8500 access points (APs) to extend your wireless network. The NXC-8160 centralizes the management of all of the connected APs. You can maintain the APs through the NXC-8160; thus eliminating the need to connect to and configure each AP individually. The AP acts as an antenna of the NXC- 8160.
If you have more than one NXC-8160 in your network, you can manage the other NXC- 8160(s) through a NXC-8160. You can also set one NXC-8160 as the main WLAN controller, and the other as the backup when the primary is not active or cannot work properly.
The NXC-8160 provides secure wireless connectivity to your wired network. The NWA-8500 supports two radios (wireless transmissions of signals) simultaneously which can be of the same or different IEEE 802.11 mode. That means both IEEE 802.11b/g and IEEE 802.11a compatible clients can wirelessly access the wired network behind the NXC-8160 through a connected access point.
"Only use firmware for your NXC-8160’s specific model.
See Chapter 11 on page 81 for a complete list of features.
1.2Application for the NXC-8160
Here are some examples of what you can do with your NXC-8160.
1.2.1 Wireless Internet Access
You can connect a cable or DSL modem/router to the NXC-8160 for broadband Internet access via an Ethernet port on the modem/router. Both IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11 b/g wirless clients can access the network behind the NXC-8160 through the access point(s) connected to the NXC-8160.