The DrayTek VigorAP 960C is a Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 access point. The new wireless standard does more than simply boost speeds for single users, it improves overall performance for busy environments. More efficient resource sharing results in greater overall performance, lower latency and less pauses in connectivity for users.

To achieve this, Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax brings in several new technologies (including some features used extensively by 4G and LTE networks), to enhance speeds even as many users demand content at the same time. As more devices need bandwidth more frequently, Wi-Fi 6 utilises the following key technologies to enable this:

Managing interference with wireless networks is often difficult, whether conflicting with neighbouring networks or managing channel assignment for wireless networks spanning multiple APs; If another network is transmitting on the same channel, this will cause drops in performance for everyone, while clients and access points wait for the air to clear before sending.

Wi-Fi 6 introduces a feature called 'BSS Colouring', with BSS being the Basic Service Set, or Access Point. Each Wi-Fi 6 wireless network adds a unique identifier/number to its transmissions. Wi-Fi 6 clients can use this to determine whether transmissions are coming from their own network or another. If the detected transmission doesn't match the BSS Colour of the wireless network, the client can choose to ignore the transmission if it's far enough away.

The result is better performance and better handling of interference, where wireless channels are shared with other networks.

Mesh wireless enables wireless networks to provide fast connectivity to all clients without cabling between VigorAP access points. Simply set up a Mesh Root and add some Nodes with the DrayTek Wireless App and the DrayTek Mesh will determine the best path between access points to provide the best user experience.

The Mesh Root VigorAP links up to your existing Internet router, such as the DrayTek Vigor 2862ac. The self-healing Mesh allows VigorAPs to re-establish their links if one VigorAP in the chain if the signal is blocked to a Mesh Nodes usual uplink.

Your devices see a single Wi-Fi network (SSID) and connect to the nearest VigorAP in the Mesh. Internet connectivity relays through the Mesh, using the 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 radio to rapidly transfer your data through other VigorAPs in the Mesh.

Please visit the DrayTek Mesh Model Compatibility page for details.

A DrayTek Mesh Wireless network can easily add new Mesh Nodes to expand. It self-organises links between up to 8 DrayTek VigorAP access points, ensuring the best coverage and performance.

If a Mesh Node's loses contact with its uplink, for instance if there's interference or the VigorAP it connects to is turned off, each Mesh Node VigorAP automatically re-connects to the next available point, resuming service with no manual intervention required.

Mesh Nodes further away will connect wirelessly to the nearest Mesh Node, with up to 3 wireless hops.

Alternatively, where a network connection is available for a VigorAP, join a Mesh Node to the network through Ethernet. Mesh Nodes nearby can join it instead of the Mesh Root, reducing wireless hops and improving overall performance.

The VigorAP 960C is designed to suit any application, with built-in PoE (Standard IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet) as standard , along with the option for powering via DC power supply. Connect the VigorAP to a PoE-enabled Ethernet switch or PoE injector to power it without local power to the unit (power supply) - the VigorAP 960C will take its power from the Ethernet cable.

PoE is ideal for office installations where Ethernet is available but power isn't. It also provides some great management features, the PoE Device Check feature of PoE VigorSwitch switches can monitor and alert if a PoE device stops responding, or providing its services.

In Mesh wireless networks, where PoE may not be possible, the VigorAP 960C can be powered via DC power supply, with its Ethernet port available for use as an uplink to the Mesh network.

For a convenient and tidy installation, the VigorAP 960C is designed for installation on ceilings and walls, blending into its surroundings with a matte finish. It's ideal for providing wireless access to large rooms and public spaces.

For mounting on solid ceilings and walls, a circular mounting plate (included with the unit) is fitted and then the VigorAP 960C is secured into place by twisting the VigorAP into the mounting plate.

For suspended ceilings, additional mounts are included to attach to ceiling T-rails, clipping securely into place.

Cabling for the VigorAP can be discreetly run through the mounting plate or through a cable gap in the side. An included cover for this gap can be installed where cables are run through to the back of the access point.

DrayTek's VigorACS central management platform makes it possible to manage all DrayTek products from the Cloud or your own private server. DrayTek's access points, switches and routers can all be managed through the VigorACS management portal, with all of the menu options and features available, just as if they were being set up locally. Dashboard view gives a full overview of a VigorAP's status and usage.

VigorACS is great for managing VigorAPs spread across multiple sites, with AP profiles to configure wireless settings, passwords and VLANs. Apply AP profiles to reconfigure all APs on one site or multiple sites in minutes.

Ideal Application: Cloud Management and Multi-Site Management.

To learn more about DrayTek's VigorACS central management platform, click here.

Managed VigorAP access points centrally through DrayTek Vigor router's web interface, to rapidly provision complex wireless configuration. Ideal for networks with 10 to 50 VigorAP access points, either on a single site or across multiple sites connected via VPN tunnel.

Provision selected groups to configure them all at once. Optional Auto Provisioning provisions VigorAPs straight out of the box with your Wireless configuration.

Ideal Application: Single-Site Management and Multi-Site Management via VPN. Up to 50 VigorAP, depending on router model.

New to the VigorAP 960C is the ability to manage all VigorAPs on one site as a group. Simply assign one VigorAP to work as the Root AP and discover other APs on the network to manage them as a group. Any changes made on the root VigorAP can be quickly provisioned to the rest of the group.

Ideal Application: Single-Site Management without DrayTek Vigor router. Up to 50 VigorAP.

To manage large networks of VigorAP access points on one site, DrayTek provide the free VigorConnect management server. A Windows-based server platform similar to VigorACS, which allows for instant oversight and rapid provisioning of all VigorAPs and VigorSwitches on a single site. Schedule firmware upgrades to occur out of hours or overnight.

Ideal Application: Large Single-Site Management. Up to 100 VigorAP and VigorSwitch.

To learn more about DrayTek's free VigorConnect management tool, click here.

Large wireless networks spanning multiple access points may sometimes seem slow to users, because their device is clinging on to a far away access point. Even when a closer access point is available for their device to connect to, which can slow down overall performance for all users connected to that now distant AP.

DrayTek solve this issue with AP-Assisted Roaming, which requires no central controller to operate. With AP-Assisted Roaming, VigorAPs communicate with each other to determine which clients can get a better signal as those clients move around.

If a client moves into range of another VigorAP access point, that AP informs the now distant AP, which makes an informed decision to disconnect the remote 'sticky' client. Allowing the client to quickly re-associate with their nearest AP, giving the user stronger signal and better speeds.

Click here to learn more about AP Assisted Roaming.