Zyxel Nebula

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Nebula is a cloud-based enterprise distributed network management center.

Zyxel Nebula is a cloud-based solution for building and managing an enterprise network. Specially designed for companies with a geographically distributed structure, without appropriate technical specialists in the staff.

The solution provides centralized remote management of compatible devices such as firewalls, routers, switches, and access points. The whole process is carried out using a single software console Nebula Control Center (NCC).

2022: 5G support and Wi-Fi security for SMBs

On January 17, 2022, the company Zyxel Networks announced the addition of support for its devices/to the 5GLTE Nebula ecosystem, as well as the provision of services safety directly wireless to access points.

Zyxel adds Nebula 5G/LTE routers and Wi-Fi hotspot security to its centralized network management system.

A large number of companies, regardless of their size and industry, have a growing need for digital transformation, as they are phasing out traditional business models in favor of social networking, e-commerce, virtual operations, and remote operations. Thus, continuity of access to the Internet becomes a requirement.

Primary or backup connection - easy to deploy and configure

With 5G/LTE-routers Zyxel, customers can set up a high-speed channel communications global network with in places with no cable infrastructure or create a backup network connection. Router management is available directly from Nebula, which makes it easier for system administrators to work, and the security of a distributed network makes it more controlled.

Wi-Fi Security Without User Intervention

Zyxel has implemented security services directly for access points; Connect and Protect (CNP). The service offers a flexible approach to security and can be configured on certain models of Zyxel wireless access points installed in home offices, in remote employees certain places in the company, for example, in accounting, in branches, etc. At the same time, the use of a separate one is not required: firewall the Nebula system implements all the functionality directly on the access point. A few clicks - mouse and at the level of the CNP access point, access harmful to websites is stopped, theft data attempts are prevented, breaking or priority for non-critical application traffic is reduced.

"Starting with the launch of Nebula in 2016, we are constantly developing it in response to changing customer needs. At this stage of development, we provide small and medium-sized businesses that have been badly affected by the pandemic and whose specific problems are ignored by most well-known network equipment manufacturers with an optimal solution that ensures stable network operation. We will continue to support and help them in the digital transformation of the business, " noted Gordon Yang, president of Zyxel Networks.

Wide range of devices

As of mid-January 2022, the Nebula centralized network management platform supports more than 80 network device models from the Zyxel product portfolio: switches, firewalls, gateways, access points and 5G/LTE routers. All this allows the customer to use the equipment that is optimal for his particular network and applications.

The list of products supported by the Nebula platform now includes Wi-Fi6 wireless access points (NWA90AX and WAX630S), two 5G routers (Nebula NR7101 and Nebula NR5101) and a 4G LTE router (Nebula LTE3301-PLUS).

2021

Include ATP Series Senior Firewalls in Zyxel Nebula Centralized Network Management System Ecosystem

On October 5, 2021, Zyxel Networks announced the inclusion of senior ATP series firewalls in the ecosystem of the Zyxel Nebula centralized network management system. Now SMBs and service providers will effectively manage network security and optimize network administrators in the face of a massive transition to hybrid operation. More details here.

USG Flex Firewall Compatibility

On April 12, 2021, Zyxel Networks announced the inclusion of USG FLEX series firewalls in the list of devices supported by the Zyxel Nebula centralized network management system. Using the ZLD5.0 firmware version, USG FLEX firewalls add intelligent network security to Nebula.

Zyxel includes USG FLEX Series firewalls in the list of devices supported by Zyxel Nebula Centralized Network Management System

According to the company, due to the massive transition to the remote site, which began after the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic came into force, companies need to connect their employees working from home to the corporate network to provide access to the resources of the corporate network they need. This poses additional risks of information leaks, along with issues of more complex management, monitoring and support for flexible personnel operations. Released by Zyxel update Single Nebula Network combines compatible wireless access points, switches, and firewalls.

The use of external cloud services, mass migration to a remote location, connection to the corporate network of personal mobile devices (BYOD) and devices [[Internet of Things (IoT)|[[Internet of Things (IoT)|[[Internet of things of Internet of Things (IoT)|[[Internet of things of Internet of Things (IoT)|the Internet of Things (IoT)]]]]]]]] create cyber threats, significantly complicate the management and protection of the network. As part of a comprehensive Nebula solution, Zyxel's USG FLEX Series firewalls provide a centralized, Zero-Trust Network Security approach to network security.

By adding USG FLEX firewalls to the list of Nebula-compatible devices, system administrators will be able to apply policy-based security policies, detect and suppress suspicious actions and events using, antivirus intrusion detection Intrusion Detection Prevention (IDP), and a suspect URL address filter. If the USG FLEX firewall detects a threat on any of the client devices connected to the corporate network, it automatically synchronizes information the threat with the Nebula Control Center and forces security policies on all access points in. LAN

Compromised clients will be blocked or quarantined at the edge of the network to isolate the detected threat and prevent further damage.

Nebula optimizes the productivity of remote employees by providing them with remote access to the corporate network. With Nebula, the system administrator can apply all security policies of the corporate network and for employees working from home, hotel or cafe.

The Remote AP feature allows you to quickly and pre-configure Nebula access points to organize secure tunnels between remote sites and the organization's headquarters. Once a pre-configured and remote office-deployed access point has access to the Internet, it will immediately be configured and connected to the main office via a secure connection. Thus, remote office employees will be able to use the corporate network just as if they were in the central office.

The Nebula Unified Network provides the system administrator with a detailed picture of the state of the network. Using the management console, the administrator configures, monitors, and eliminates network failures. At the same time, the administrator can be anywhere in the world and work from any device. With access to all Nebula-managed networks and devices, the network administrator is able to manage from a single platform both individual networks and networks used by different clients of the service provider (multi-tenant) using a web browser or mobile application.

Restrictions on business operations introduced in 2020, mainly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a rapid transition to a remote location. As many industry analysts predict, this trend will continue after the end of the pandemic. The need to provide access to the corporate network for employees working outside the office has created a number of problems for SMB companies and service providers: now you need to support geographically distributed networks. emphasized by Gordon Yang, President of Zyxel Networks

The ZLD5.0 firmware will be distributed as a free update to all Zyxel USG FLEX Series firewalls. It can be downloaded from the cloud via the device management interface. Starting in April 2021, all Nebula-compatible equipment will use the device-based licensing model for 2021 years, which allows you to coordinate the licensing of network management functions and information security functions for the consistent and unified work of users.

2020

Nebula 9.2

On June 30, 2020 Zyxel , Networks unveiled an updated version of its Nebula 9.2 centralized network management solution. The update implements the use of DPPSK, which simplifies software safety WiFi in companies small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This also makes Nebula a solution with API an interface open to partners from vertical sectors who will be able to provide clouds network services controlled from it with its help.

As noted in Zyxel Networks, many SMB companies use access the same for WiFi password for both their employees and guests, who can find out malefactors what poses a serious risk to the security of the company's wireless network. In the presented version of Nebula, using the Dynamic Personal Pre-Shared Key (DPPSK) function, it was updated authentication through the cloud. When using DPPSK, each user is given a unique WiFi password. One click of a button on the Nebula software console can set the validity of this password, so the network administrator can safely control access to WiFi for dozens of users.

After the Nebula update presented, its APIs became open to service providers and system integrators who can use them to integrate Nebula with their WiFi solutions.

"The Zyxel Nebula changes provide SMB with tools with which they can easily and safely connect visitors, guests or company staff to their WiFi. We are pleased that Zyxel Networks has opened its APIs to service providers, which will give our customers and various SMB customers the opportunity to implement more convenient cloud-managed WiFi services for their business. We created our own solution for registration in the company's visitor and employee WiFi based on Azure and G Suite using Zyxel's DPPSK functionality, " noted Jonas Dekkers, co-founder of the Wiflex project at the Belgian company Complit Network

"The updated version of Nebula is not only hardware, but also an extension of the ecosystem of cloud solutions from Zyxel partners from vertical sectors and API integration. Nebula's security and authentication enhancements are based on the expertise of our technology alliances and simplify the protection of networks of companies that can focus on providing customers with emerging services, " noted' Crowley Wu, vice president of Zyxel Networking SBU '

Since the June release of Nebula, switches for Zyxel video surveillance systems of the GS1350 series have been added to the list supporting this cloud management solution. A feature of these specialized switches is the range of peripheral equipment (extended range) on all PoE ports up to 300 meters. And to reduce the downtime of the video surveillance system, they use the Auto PD Recovery function, which allows you to automatically restart a hung device that uses PoE power. The use of these switches allows the system administrator to manage the network from the cloud serving the video surveillance system: without leaving the service engineer to restart the IP camera installed at the remote site.

According to the developer, using the Nebula SSID NAT feature, a small company can configure a Nebula-compatible access point to work in router or gateway mode, capable of assigning IP addresses to wireless customers, for example, smartphones or laptops of employees or visitors, which reduces the cost of maintaining the network infrastructure of a small company.

In addition to the GS1350 series switches, the Nebula support family includes WiFi 6 access points (WAX610D and NWA210AX), XS1930 multi-gigabit switches and GS2220 traffic aggregation layer switches. As a result, the Nebula product portfolio as of June 30, 2020 consists of 52 devices of various types.

Nebula Control Center Console and Nebula smart engine

On January 13, 2020, Zyxel introduced a significantly revised version of its Nebula Cloud Networking Solution. In addition to the updated user interface, Nebula has introduced a number of intelligent management tools, as well as an expanded list of devices supporting this solution. The latest enhancements will help users maximize the potential of cloud-managed networks.

According to the company, customers who already use Nebula will immediately notice the main change: the Nebula Control Center console. Its ivory background fits well into the design of the mobile application and as a result provides a single Nebula user interface style.

The "dark mode" (dark mode) for all interfaces of Nebula providing more comfortable conditions during the work of the user in situations when eyes are tired of too bright light from the computer monitor is also presented. To switch between "dark" and "light" mode, you need to make only one click.

However, improvements are not limited to user interface design. The more user-friendly management console developed provides almost extensive options for configuring its parameters, for example, you can use widgets in the form of cards and a captive portal for Wi-Fi and gateways.

Nebula has added several more features that improve management from the cloud and save users time. Wiesard now supports the configuration of gateway parameters, providing fast and easy network configuration. Nebula smart engine simplifies network-wide correlation of settings and events. If the user wants to create a virtual private VLAN with a guest SSID, Nebula will provide step-by-step instructions for configuring the VLAN gateway interface. In addition, if the PoE feature is disabled on a scheduled switch to save power, Nebula will not notify access points that are connected to and powered by this switch by PoE that are disconnected.

The Nebula-enabled device line has been supplemented with powerful WAX650S, NWA110AX and WAX510D access points. They use WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology, as well as improved security, for example, MAC address filters for each SSID, WPA3 WiFi standard, and dynamic VLAN assignment are supported. The latter feature, which distributes users across multiple VLANs, is ideal for large educational institutions and enterprise networks, providing user isolation for more reliable security and simplifying management.

In this release, the family of cloud-based devices has expanded with the XS3800-28 switch. This 10 gigabit 28-port traffic aggregation layer switch can now be used as the core of the Nebula network. Applying this switch, which can now be managed from the cloud, will maximize network performance. In the coming months, it is planned to release a 10-gigabit switch with fewer ports, designed to serve small networks^[1]

2019: Wireless Connection Status Monitoring Feature

On June 25, 2019, Zyxel introduced an updated version of its Nebula network solution.

According to the company, the following functions are implemented in the latest version of the solution:

• Wireless health monitor to automatically analyze and optimize the performance of connected APs.
• Facebook WiFi for companies that want to use the portal social networks to connect to the WiFi of their guests and create market opportunities.

The Nebula monitoring function works transparently for users and optimizes the operation of the access point when its performance falls, which saves not only time, but also customer money. told Crowley Wu, vice president of Zyxel Networking SBU

Thanks to integration of Facebook of WiFi into the option Nebula Captive-portal provides to any company irrespective of its scale means of analytics and marketing. When using this feature, guests can connect to the company's WiFi using their social network account and they do not need to register and receive a password.

Zyxel extends the Nebula product portfolio and adds six access points to the list of compatible devices, starting with the WAC6100 and WAC6500 Series, including recently released street access points. As a result, the cloud product family as of June 2019 already has 34 models.

Each NebulaFlex Pro access point comes with a Professional Pack license for 1 year, giving users a good opportunity to appreciate the benefits of Nebula.

These APs will also support three control modes, so the user can easily switch them between standalone mode, controller-driven mode, and Nebula cloud.^[2]

2018

Nebula APP

On October 3, 2018, Zyxel Communications announced the release of an updated mobile application for its Nebula cloud management platform, with which companies can quickly respond to changing network requirements.

According to the developer, the Nebula APP release received positive ratings and reviews noted the ease of use and time savings due to the use of QR codes to quickly add a large number of additional devices to the network.

Zyxel expanded the functionality of the mobile application, simplifying the entire process of deploying and managing the WiFi network. According to the developer, the updated version of the APP application, which is available from October 3, 2018 for both iOS and Android, includes a full set of features for configuring and utilities to eliminate failures, as well as quick access to information about the state of the network in real time. Also updated and Nebula Control Center based on the browser, and it includes more than 20 additional functions, including:

• Mesh WiFi: use of available access points to extend network coverage;
• Traffic logs-Custom logs that collect information about traffic passing through the gateway;
• Topology: VPN fast visualization topology. virtual private network

Information Security Suite

On October 2, 2018, Zyxel announced the improvement of the Nebula cloud network management platform, adding a package of security solutions to it.

The release of the security solution suite means that customers can now strengthen their defenses against various threats, including malicious code and data breaches, using various security services included in the update.

The security solution suite provides three-tier network security and comes with a one-year free license for each user of the Nebula NSG Series gateways.

This package includes App Patrol, an IDP that proactively identifies blocks and cyber attacks prioritizes applications to improve productivity and prevents bandwidth misuse. Filtering is also included in the package, content including filtering by name domains URL and to HTTPS block access to dangerous and foreign sites. Finally, the package antivirus provides protection against malicious code.

Cloud networks without annual payment

author '= Crowley Wu, Senior Vice President, Zyxel Networking Business Unit ' After the release of Nebula, we noted that the owners of some small firms do not want to switch to using infrastructure with cloud. They fear that they will need to not only invest in equipment, but also buy licenses, and licensing costs will gradually increase, and if in the future they cannot find money to renew licenses, then this equipment will turn into a useless pile of iron. Our cost-free acquisition model and affordable devices that support Nebula management eliminate the barrier that prevented customers from adopting an approach that simplifies the management of their networks.

Although Nebula is free, it not only uses basic control features, but comes with a suite of powerful control and analysis utilities that run in the Nebula Control Center (NCC) based on a browser, including reporting tools with detailed information about traffic and network resource usage, as well as tools for configuring the network throughout the site.

Zyxel as an option offers "bolt on" licenses for additional Professional Pack and Security Pack packages, providing customers with a flexible approach and access to additional functionality while maintaining the ability to always manage their equipment without an annual license renewal fee.

Announcement of the NebulaFlex

In February 2018, Zyxel introduced NebulaFlex - a functionality for the Zyxel Nebula cloud system for building and managing networks. Now three models of the company's autonomous access points (Zyxel NWA1123-AC HD, NWA1123-AC PRO and NWA1123-ACv2) can be managed from the Nebula cloud ecosystem. To do this, it is enough to update the firmware of the devices for free. The solution provides flexibility when deploying a wireless network, reducing the cost of additional hardware and software.

NebulaFlex - gives companies freedom of choice, turning ordinary, autonomous access points into hybrid ones. You can now flexibly switch between cloud-controlled mode and standalone mode to meet your current wireless business requirements.

You can switch to management from the cloud at any time, without replacing your existing network infrastructure, buying additional iron or software. Those who have already deployed supported Zyxel AP models will only need to upgrade their firmware for free to use NebulaFlex.

Users who already have hybrid access points will be able to get the capabilities of the Zyxel Nebula network construction and management ecosystem at no additional cost, including access to the Nebula management software environment at any time and anywhere. In addition, by purchasing a Nebula Professional Pack license, you can implement optional enterprise-class granular management features.

As of February 5, 2018, NebulaFlex support Zyxel NWA1123-AC HD, NWA1123-AC PRO and NWA1123-ACv2 access points with firmware version 5.20 or later.

2017: Launch in Russia

On July 29, 2017, Zyxel Communications announced the launch of Nebula in Russia, an ecosystem of hardware and software for centralized organization and management of networks based on wired and wireless Zyxel devices.

Zyxel Nebula Cloud Network Management Solution is a comprehensive, cloud-based business solution. The solution consists of access points, switches, and enterprise-class security gateways that are managed by a single software console. Nebula simplifies the construction and scaling of network infrastructure, implements simple, intuitive and scalable network management of any volume. With automated hardware provisioning and centralized remote management, a Nebula-based network can deploy and maintain any organization, even if it does not have a trained IT professional.

The technology is aimed at enterprises with several offices, various locations, for example, hotels, chain cafes or shops, in the process of servicing computer networks. The Nebula cloud solution allows you to centrally manage components of the entire network, consisting of many segments in different parts of the world.

Nebula Ecosystem View, (2017)

Nebula supports wireless access points, routers, hardware firewalls, etc. The real-time system collects and outputs a lot of data to one screen:

• traffic statistics,
• device status,
• network segment location, load.

Management is implemented through a web interface on the computer, tablet and smartphone of the operator, which will be notified about everything that happens on the network, wherever it is located.

Nebula allows simultaneous management of several remote network segments, it is possible to save and load settings when starting an additional segment. Through the mobile application, the installer scans the QR code on the cover of the connected device, it is automatically registered and configured for operation, downloading the latest firmware and determining the current parameters. This saves technicians from being present at the site when setting up.

author = Crowley Wu, Vice President, Business Solutions Department, Zyxel Business applications are moving rapidly into clouds, and this is a defining trend in cloud networks. Nebula accelerates network deployment, and the cloud control center takes care of everything else. The enterprise does not need to worry about the high costs of hardware and software, since now the network is managed through the cloud.

Notes