Best Practices for Updating Zyxel Access Points

Before putting a Zyxel access point into operation, it is highly recommended to update the device to the latest available firmware version. Using the latest firmware helps fix known issues, improves system stability and security, and provides support for new features and compatibility improvements.

To ensure a successful firmware upgrade process, it is important to avoid any actions that may interrupt the installation. During the firmware update, it is not recommended to:

• disconnect the device power;
• reboot the access point;
• restart the PoE port on the switch;
• use automatic power recovery functions such as PoE Watchdog or PD Recovery, especially when upgrading devices running firmware versions below 7.30.

There are three main firmware upgrade methods:

1. Updating through the Web Interface using a firmware file downloaded from the Zyxel portal (for standalone devices).
2. Updating through Zyxel Nebula cloud management.
3. Updating through ZON (Zyxel One Network) management platform.

Firmware Update through Zyxel Nebula

The third firmware upgrade method is updating the device through Zyxel Nebula Control Center.

1. Log in to the Nebula Control Center.
2. Go to the site where the access point is registered.
3. Open the device status page and check the Firmware availability field.
   If a newer firmware version is available, the status will show Upgrade available.
4. Navigate to:
   Site-wide → Configure → Firmware management
5. Open the Devices tab.
6. Find and select your access point. In this example, we use Zyxel NWA130BE.
7. Check the device status and confirm that the firmware status shows Upgrade available.
8. Select the access point by enabling the checkbox next to the device.
9. Click Upgrade now to start the firmware update immediately.
   You can also use Schedule upgrade if you want to perform the update at a specific time.

10. 

11. After clicking Upgrade now, a confirmation window will appear.

12. 

13. Select the firmware type from the dropdown menu. In most cases, it is recommended to use the Latest option.
14. Click OK to confirm and start the firmware upgrade process.
15. During the firmware installation, the device will continue operating normally until the final reboot step.
16. The device reboot process usually takes around 3–5 minutes. It is recommended to perform firmware upgrades during periods of low network usage to minimize service interruption.
17. Wait until the access point comes back online and the new firmware version is displayed in Nebula.

Firmware update through the Web Interface

1. Open the Zyxel Download Library:
   https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/download?model=nwa130be

1. Find the latest available firmware version for your device model. In this example, we use Zyxel NWA130BE.
2. Download the firmware file to your computer.
3. Extract the downloaded archive. The firmware file must have the .bin extension.
4. Log in to the device Web Interface.
5. Go to Maintenance → File Manager → Firmware Package.
6. In the Upload File section, click Browse and select the extracted .bin firmware file.
7. Click Upload to start the firmware update.
8. Wait until the update process is completed. Do not power off, reboot, or disconnect the device during the update.

Firmware update using Zyxel One Network (ZON) Utility

The third firmware upgrade method is updating the device through the Zyxel One Network (ZON) Utility.

1. Install and open the Zyxel One Network Utility (ZON) on your computer.

https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/form/zon-utility-download 

How to use Zone, you can find in the article below

Zyxel One Network ZON - Configure Zyxel One Network Utility Tool

1. Make sure your computer and the access point are connected to the same network.
2. In the device list, find and select your access point. In this example, we use Zyxel NWA130BE.
3. Click the Firmware Upgrade icon in the top menu.
4. In the firmware upgrade window, you can choose one of the following options:
   • Online upgrade — ZON automatically downloads and installs the latest firmware version.
   • Local upgrade — manually select the firmware .bin file downloaded from the Zyxel portal.
5. If you use the Local upgrade option:
   • Open the Zyxel Download Library:
     https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/download?model=nwa130be
   • Download the latest firmware version for your device model.
   • Extract the downloaded archive.
   • Select the firmware file with the .bin extension by clicking Browse.
6. Enter the device administrator password.
7. Click OK to start the firmware upgrade process.
8. Wait until the upgrade is completed. During the update, do not disconnect power or reboot the device.