This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for setting up Wi-Fi on Zyxel VMG series devices, covering essential steps like configuring a wireless network name (SSID) and establishing a strong WPA2 security profile, along with tips for optimizing performance, instructions for configuring primary and guest Wi-Fi networks, and modifying wireless settings, including changing SSID name (WIFI name), Wi-Fi password, and guest network details, applicable to various VMG models such as VMG1312, VMG3925, VMG4380, VMG9823, VMG8924, VMG8825 and others.
For certain settings, you can refer to our video instructions or continue to the main section of the article below.
How to Activate Guest WLAN SSID | How to Change SSID and WLAN Password |
Note: In this article, we will give an example of how to configure WIFI for both legacy devices with obsolete menus and newer devices.
Login to Device WEB GUI
To access the VMG device web configuration screen to configure the wireless settings, please connect your computer directly to an available LAN port. A wired computer is needed to minimize downtime for the Wi-Fi configuration. During the configuration process, wireless devices will lose connection to the network, this is why it is not recommended to make any configuration changes via wireless.
- Open the web interface of your VMG by typing in its assigned IP address in your browser http://192.168.1.1
Note: If your VMG uses proprietary firmware from your ISP, you may need to contact them for the IP address and admin login credentials for the web configurator. Once you enter the correct IP in your browser, you'll see a login screen requesting the admin credentials.
- Enter the ZyXEL admin credentials (username: `admin`, password: `1234`) or use the ISP-provided credentials. After logging in, you'll be prompted to create a new admin password. You can either create a new password and click "Apply" to save, or check the box "No need to change password. Do not show this page next time" to keep the default password, then click "Apply."
- New WEB GUI
- Old WEB GUI
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WIFI Setup
To configure the SSID, wireless security, or other settings, such as changing the SSID name, activating guest WIFI, or changing the password for WIFI, follow the instructions below.
- The WiFi Settings Screen New WEB GUI
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- The WiFi Settings Screen Old WEB GUI
To set a wireless network name (SSID), wireless security or make other changes to the wireless network mouse over the Network Setting menu option at the bottom of the screen. Select Wireless from the pop-up menu.
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In the wireless menu, you'll find several tabs (e.g., General, Guest/More AP, MAC Authentication). The "General" tab is where you can configure the wireless network name (SSID) and wireless security settings.
- Band: Choose 2.4GHz or 5GHz from the dropdown.
- Wireless: Enable or disable wireless for the selected band.
- Channel: Choose "Auto" for automatic channel selection or manually pick a channel.
- Bandwidth: Select the channel width.
- Control Sideband: Available when using 40MHz or higher bandwidth.
- Wireless Network Name: Enter a unique SSID.
- Max Clients: Set the maximum number of devices allowed to connect.
- Hide SSID: Check to hide the SSID (not recommended).
- Multicast Forward: Enable to convert multicast to unicast traffic.
- Max Upstream/Downstream Bandwidth: Set the max data rates.
- Security Level: Use WPA2-PSK, and create a secure password.
Scroll down, click "Apply" to save settings, and repeat for the 5GHz band.
Wi-Fi Optimization and Security Tips
Disable Legacy 802.11 Technology:
If your devices support 802.11n or better, disable older 802.11a/b/g standards. In the General tab, select the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band, then go to the Others tab and set "802.11 Mode" to 802.11n Only for 2.4GHz and 802.11n/ac for 5GHz.
Wireless Channel Selection:
To minimize interference, conduct a site survey to find the optimal channel. Use hardware appliances for comprehensive results or free software for Wi-Fi signals only.
Channel Bandwidth (Bonding):
For the 2.4GHz band, use 20MHz bandwidth to avoid interference. For 5GHz, channel bonding is more effective due to more non-overlapping channels.
WPA2 for Wireless Security:
Use WPA2 encryption to ensure high performance and security. WPA2 is required for 802.11n/ac standards and supports up to 63 characters in a password.
Disable WPS:
Disable WPS due to security vulnerabilities. The 8-digit PIN can be cracked within hours