Logging In To Your Zyxel Router

To make use of the wonder that is the internet, you need to set up your router. However, setting up your router is not as simple as plugging in all of the cables. You will need to access the router’s interface for the initial setup. To get to that page, you need to log in to your router, which can seem a complicated task on its own. Luckily, for those not so adept with technology, the below step-by-step guide will walk you through the login process, which will then open you up to the capabilities of your router.

Who Are Zyxel?

Zyxel Communications Corp, shortened to Zyxel, is a networking device manufacturer based out of Taiwan. Zyxel was founded in 1988 by Dr. Shun-I Chu, who started the company out of his apartment. Since launching, Zyxel has achieved many firsts before its competitors, which includes the world’s first portable hand-sized firewall, as well as the world’s first ADSL2+ gateway, which is a type of broadband connection. Zyxel, as a company, also has a selection of prestigious awards behind its name.

Zyxel offers a variety of devices to help provide every aspect of a network for both domestic and commercial use. Zyxel’s range consists of Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi network extenders, personal cloud storage, security firewalls, network management for business customers, and more. Zyxel aims for its products to create networks for the future, with over 150 countries making use of Zyxel’s products. This innovation and customer-centric based approach are why they have been ahead of many competitors.

As well as being successful in their business growth, Zyxel also takes the environment seriously. Zyxel earned the world’s first certification for ISO 14006, which is a guideline for keeping their products eco-friendly. Zyxel also has an ISO 50001 certification for its energy management. Zyxel has earned these two certifications by taking specific steps that include:

• Zyxel sets targets and put plans in place to lower their pollution and save energy.
• Zyxel volunteers to control and, if possible, reduce their greenhouse gas output.
• Zyxel ensures the raw materials used in their products come from a sustainable supply source.

Comparing Zyxel Routers

Zyxel currently offers two ranges of domestic routers, the ARMOR series, and the NBG series.

ARMOR

The ARMOR series of routers are a pair of high-powered routers aimed at giving gamers a stable and powerful internet connection. The physical design of the routers caters to this market, with a sleek but aggressive design inspired by jet planes and sports cars.

NBG

The NBG series of routers are designed for general home use, though the higher-end models can still meet the most taxing demands.

What Should I Look For In A Zyxel Router?

Zyxel has a broad range of routers able to meet the needs of many. However, the barrage of numbers can make choosing a router difficult. The priority for many is the speed of the network, which Zyxel outline in the model of the router. For example, the ARMOR Z2 router is an AC2600. This number means that the router provides an overall network speed on 2600mbps, which, because the router is dual-band, is split between two bands. The AC is also important to note as not all devices work with all types of Wi-Fi. The AC relates to 802.11ac, which is the most popular type of Wi-Fi at the moment. The 5Ghz band of a router is providing the 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Some older devices and games consoles only work with the 802.11n Wi-Fi network, which is why it is beneficial to have a dual-band router.

While on the subject of speed, though most devices now use Wi-Fi, you want to ensure your wired devices are not suffering. You can do this by opting for a router that comes with Gigabit ports, which are significantly faster than the standard Ethernet ports.

Once you have found a router that meets your speed and Wi-Fi type requirements, you can consider additional features. Some of the above routers come with MU-MIMO technology. MU-MIMO stands for multi-user, multiple-input, and multiple-output technology. In layman terms, the router can connect with multiple devices simultaneously, while balancing the network requirement, which, in turn, leads to an overall smoother experience for users of the network.

The number of antennas a router has can also contribute to the user experience. More antennas equal better network distribution.

Your Security

Once you have a router that meets your internet usage needs, you need to consider your online security. Zyxel uses the two most popular security scheme to ensure the networks their routers provide have sufficient protections. The WPA/WPA2 security scheme is the most secure; however, WPA/WPA2 can cause compatibility issues with older devices. If that is the case, the WEP security scheme can get around this problem, though at the expense of a less secure network. The advantage of a dual-band router is that you can set up separate security schemes on each on the provided networks, meaning nearly all devices will connect with one network or the other. You can access the security settings of your router through the router interface, with the step-by-step guide above helping you get to that menu.