Zyxel unveils multi-gig PoE switches for WiFi 6 & 7

Zyxel Networks has launched the XMG2230 Series, a range of multi-gigabit Layer 3 access switches designed to support small and medium-sized businesses as they transition to WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 standards. Featuring Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, these switches are engineered to handle the intensive bandwidth and power demands of modern office networks, retail environments, and distributed sites.

By providing a robust infrastructure for high-performance wireless access points, IP surveillance cameras, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the series ensures that diverse hardware ecosystems can operate seamlessly on a single local network.

The series comprises two primary models, the XMG2230-28HP and the XMG2230-52HP, offering flexible port configurations to suit different organisational needs. Zyxel has designed the range to include both all-2.5GbE connectivity and hybrid options that combine 1GbE and 2.5GbE ports.

This versatile approach acknowledges the practical reality for many smaller organisations, which often manage a patchwork of legacy equipment alongside newer, high-speed endpoints. By facilitating this mix of speeds, the XMG2230 Series provides a scalable path for businesses to upgrade their digital infrastructure without requiring an immediate, wholesale replacement of existing hardware.

Multi-gig links

2.5GbE access ports have become a common stepping stone for organisations that want higher throughput without replacing existing cabling. Zyxel said the switches can raise access speeds while allowing firms to keep current copper infrastructure in place.

Both models include 10G SFP+ uplink ports. Zyxel said the uplinks are intended to handle aggregated traffic from access devices and reduce congestion between wiring closets and the rest of the network. In many small deployments, uplink bandwidth becomes a constraint as WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 adoption increases and as video and collaboration traffic rises.

The new range sits in the "Layer 3 access" category. That places it between simpler Layer 2 switches and more complex routing platforms. Zyxel described the feature set as "Full Layer 2 and essential Layer 3 capabilities". It said this can reduce reliance on separate core infrastructure in some deployments.

Power budgets

A central focus for the XMG2230 line is the amount of Power over Ethernet available for connected devices. Zyxel said the switches support both PoE++ and PoE+. Those standards are used to power devices such as higher-draw wireless access points as well as lower-power endpoints.

Under AC power, Zyxel said the switches can provide a PoE budget of up to 960W. The company said this level of PoE can remove the need for separate power injectors in some installations, which can simplify deployments where power sockets are limited.

Zyxel also pointed to a higher ceiling when an external DC supply is used. It said PoE capacity can scale up to 2400W via external DC. Zyxel framed that as relevant to industrial sites, small data centres and smart city-style deployments that need to power many endpoints from the switching layer.

Resilience design

The XMG2230 Series features a built-in AC power supply complemented by an external DC input option, a configuration Zyxel developed to eliminate single points of failure during power interruptions.

This dual-source design provides organisations with the flexibility to utilise existing DC infrastructure or deploy DC backup specifically where it is required. Such redundancy is increasingly vital as businesses become more reliant on network-dependent systems, including security hardware, payment terminals, and real-time communication tools.

In sectors such as retail and hospitality, where local connectivity is the backbone of daily operations, even brief power fluctuations can cause significant disruptions. By integrating power resiliency into the switch architecture, Zyxel aims to safeguard these critical services against downtime. This hardware-level protection ensures that essential devices remain powered and connected, maintaining operational continuity in environments where consistent uptime is non-negotiable.

Management options

Zyxel said the XMG2230 Series supports Nebula Cloud for device onboarding and centralised management. The firm's Nebula platform is used to manage networks across multiple sites from a single interface. It is a common model among networking suppliers targeting smaller IT teams that need to manage distributed locations.

For audiovisual deployments, Zyxel said the switches include a Networked AV mode. The company described it as optimised for low-latency Audio over IP use cases, and referenced Dante and AES67 support. Such features are increasingly used in meeting rooms, campus environments and digital signage networks.

The XMG2230 Series is also Trade Agreements Act compliant, according to Zyxel. The company said the compliance status is relevant for government procurement and regulated projects that require products to originate from designated countries.

"The XMG2230 series is designed for SMBs that need enterprise-class power without enterprise-level complexity," said Mr. Gary Chen, ANZ regional head at Zyxel Networks. "By combining multi-gig performance, high-power PoE, resilient design and flexible management, we're helping businesses build robust network foundations through a new era of reliable connectivity."