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.

  1. The first step of the logging in process is to connect your computer device to your Zyxel router. How you connect will depend on your chosen device, though a computer or laptop and wired connection are best. Using a phone or tablet and Wi-Fi can also work.

  2. Once you have established a connection with your Zyxel router, you need to open up your web browser. Your browser could be Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, as some examples

  3. Once your browser is open, you should search for the IP address of the router, which should be 192.168.1.1, which is the default IP address for Zyxel routers. If that address does not work, search the base of the router, which should have the correct IP address labeled. Alternatively, you can search for your router online and find the information there.

  4. Searching for the IP address will bring you to the router’s interface login page. Here, you will need to type in the username and password before you can start making any changes. The router’s base should have the login details on a small label. If not, you can try the default login details listed here.

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.

  • ARMOR Z1 AC2350 Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Router – The ARMOR Z1 is a dual-band router offering two Wi-Fi networks, with the 2.4Ghz band offering up to 600mbps while the 5Ghz band provides up to 1733mbps. The AC part of the name indicates the router provides 802.11acWi-Fi, which is one of the most potent types of Wi-Fi at the moment. That speed is what makes your gaming and streaming online experience enjoyable. The ARMOR Z1 also comes with a dual-core 1.4ghz processor, which also attributes to the experience of the user, especially when they are performing heavy tasks over the Wi-Fi network

  • ARMOR Z2 AC2600 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Router – The ARMOR Z2 is the next level up from the Z1. This dual-band router offers 800mbps on the 2.4Ghz band and 1733mbps on the 5Ghz band. The ARMOR Z2 then makes use of MU-MIMO to ensure the network distribution gets optimized for efficiency. The slightly more powerful processor, which is a dual-core 1.7ghz, will ensure all users get a smooth and speedy online experience.

NBG

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

  • NBG6815 AC2200 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Router – The NBG6815 is a dual-band router, with the 2.4Ghz band providing up to 450mbps and the 5Ghz band offering up to 1733mbps. These powerful networks, combined with the MU-MIMO technology, ensures users of the router, are getting the best experience. This router also features Gigabit ports, ensuring faster speed with a wired connection.

  • NBG6615 AC1200 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Router – The NBG6615 is another dual-band router that also makes use of MU-MIMO. The 2.4Ghz band offers up to 300mbps, and the 5Ghz band offers up to 867mbps. This router, like the one above, also has Gigabit ports.

  • NBG6604 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Router – The NBG6604 is a dual-band router, with the 2.4Ghz band providing speeds up to 300mbps, and the 5Ghz band providing up to 867mbps. Four antennas give a long-range distribution of the provided networks.

  • NBG6515 AC750 Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Router – The NBG6515 is one of the smallest routers offered by Zyxel. The two bands deliver up to 300mbps at 2.4Ghz and up to 433mbps at 5Ghz.

  • NBG-418N v2 Wireless N300 Home Router – The NBG-418N v2 is the smallest router available from Zyxel, with a single 2.4Ghz 801.11n Wi-Fi network offering up to 300mbps.

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.

Most Popular ZyXEL Router Login and Passwords


Model IP Address Username Password
NBG6615 192.168.212.1 admin 1234
MWR222 192.168.10.1 1234 -
EMG3425-Q10AA01 192.168.1.1 1234 admin
EMG3415-B10A 192.168.200.1 - admin
Keenetic Giga III 192.168.1.1 admin admin
PK5001Z (CenturyLink) 192.168.0.1 'randomly generated'' admin
Prestige 964 192.168.1.1 user 1234

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