This article will explain the purpose and the features of the CNP (Connect & Protect) service offered by Zyxel to protect the WiFi users directly from the APs, instead of from the firewall. 

What is CNP (Connect & Protect)? 

CNP is a licensed protection service that is attached to access points in the network in order to protect the WiFi users and simultaneously sustaining WiFi performance. It helps you protect against security breaches and business and personal data leakage happening from unsafe web contents and malicious websites.

How does the CNP work? 

Safeguarding Privacy & Data

With CNP/CNP+ you can be assured that the users' privacy are safe from being revealed because it de-identifies personal identity and data to secure the privacy of venue owners and network users because sensitive business information and online activities are not monitored by network providers when you use a WiFi Connection.

IP Reputation Filter

With IP reputation filter, the users can be safe by being unable to access malicious and other websites and website contents that are known to be unsafe. If a user is trying to access a malicious site, it will be blocked and redirected to a safe website and an attack has been prevented.

Optimizing WiFi Connectivity with Bandwidth Throttle

CNP+ offers more than just the IP reputation filter, but also supports application-level network visibility and bandwidth throttle to streamline crucial business operations like mobile applications, or latency-sensitive applications such as online streaming or voice and video calls. Here you can connect your ultra-fast 11ax APs and get the protection needed while enjoying an incredibly smooth WiFi experience. 

Nebula Enabled

Not only can you rely on CNP to get a better WiFi experience for your users, but you can also rely on it to keep you up-to-date with the real-time updates from the Nebula App. CNP/CNP+ can be connected to Nebula and then you can manage the business WiFi anytime, anywhere in a single platform.

What access points (APs) are capable of CNP? 

Connect & Protect (CNP, IP Reputation Filter)

NWA1123ACv3, WAC500, WAC500H

Connect & Protect Plus (CNP+, IP Reputation Filter & App Visibility with Bandwidth Throttle)

NWA110AX, NWA210AX, WAX510D, WAX610D, WAX630S & WAX650S

Licensing

CNP License 

Include IP Reputation Filter

Supported models - NWA1123ACv3, WAC500, WAC500H

CNP+ License

Includes IP Reputation Filter & Application visibility with bandwidth throttling

Supported models - NWA110AX, NWA210AX, WAX510D, WAX610D, WAX630S & WAX650S

How does the licensing work? 

The licenses bought are a subscription based-license that needs to be purchased per access point in Nebula Cloud where you can buy 1 month licenses and 1 year licenses. 

If a AP license expires, the APs will go into a grace period, meaning that you have 15 days to renew the license before the license disappears from the APs and the users will no longer be protected.