Zyxel Launches First Industrial WiFi 7 Access Point
- New device designed for demanding factory and warehouse environments
Zyxel Networks has introduced its first industrial-grade wireless access point, the IAP500BE, part of the BE5000 4-Stream WiFi 7 Dual-Radio NebulaFlex Pro series. The device is built for challenging indoor settings such as warehouses and maintenance workshops, offering durability, extended coverage, and high-speed WiFi 7 performance. As industrial sites evolve into highly connected ecosystems, reliable connectivity remains a major obstacle. Zyxel aims to bridge this gap by extending ultra-fast WiFi into production floors and remote corners.
WiFi 7 Performance for Industrial Infrastructure
Large industrial spaces often suffer from signal interference, dead zones, and delays due to high ceilings, long corridors, and dense shelving. The IAP500BE addresses these issues by reducing downtime and improving efficiency. Features include multi-gigabit WiFi 7 connectivity with low latency for factory equipment, sensors, handheld devices, automated guided vehicles, and control systems. Smart Mesh MLO technology combines multi-link operation with mesh networking, boosting throughput by up to 40% while expanding coverage.
An exclusive RF-First design minimizes interference from nearby WiFi, mobile, and Bluetooth networks. Optimized antenna isolation ensures stronger and cleaner signals. These capabilities make the device suitable for environments with high device density. The access point is positioned as a solution for enterprises seeking to modernize their industrial connectivity.
Reliability in Harsh Conditions
Industrial network failures can be costly, so the IAP500BE is engineered for continuous operation. Its metal housing and fanless design protect against shocks, dust, and oil while enabling efficient heat dissipation. The unit operates between -25°C and 65°C and includes 6KV lightning protection and 15KV ESD safeguards. Dual power inputs with reverse polarity protection ensure resilience against power source or wiring faults, reducing maintenance and replacement needs.
These durability features allow the device to withstand extreme conditions without compromising performance. Enterprises can rely on stable connectivity even in environments prone to electrical or weather-related disruptions. The design reflects Zyxel’s focus on minimizing downtime. Long-term reliability is emphasized as a core advantage.
Flexible Deployment and Management
The IAP500BE offers versatile installation options, including DIN-rail mounting, wall placement, or enclosure setups. External antenna support ensures optimal coverage across industrial floors. Management is simplified with three modes: standalone operation, local controller management, or full integration with the Nebula Cloud platform. Each unit includes a one-year Nebula Pro Pack license, enabling advanced cloud features immediately.
Organizations can run isolated private networks or scale to centralized cloud-managed deployments. Updates and maintenance remain efficient under all configurations. This flexibility makes the device adaptable to diverse industrial requirements. Zyxel positions the IAP500BE as a tool to accelerate digital transformation in manufacturing and logistics.
WiFi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, is expected to deliver peak speeds above 30Gbps with reduced latency compared to WiFi 6. Its multi-link operation capability allows devices to transmit data simultaneously across multiple bands, a feature particularly valuable in dense industrial environments where interference and congestion are common.
