The 802.11ax standard has dramatically improved performance, offering higher speeds, lower latency, and better throughput thanks to technical innovations such as OFMDA, 1024-QAM, BSS Coloring, MU-MIMO, and more. However, D-Link is finding that many installations use Wi-Fi 6 access points with Gigabit ports, or routers and switches with Gigabit ports, which are currently the most common. This 1,000 Mbps bandwidth creates a bottleneck for the performance of access points like the DAP-X3060 and DAP-X3060OU, which are capable of delivering up to 2,401 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. To maximize performance, both models include a 2.5G LAN port. This 2,500 Mbps bandwidth eliminates the bottleneck, provided they are connected to routers or switches with a 2.5G or Multi-Gigabit port, such as multiple models in D-Link's switch portfolio, which is migrating all its switches to solutions with Multi-Gigabit ports.

Settings from the app

Another aspect to consider when choosing an enterprise access point is its installation. Typically, to configure the SSID, password, and other technical parameters of the Wi-Fi network it will cover, you need to connect a computer to its console port to access its management interface and perform these operations. If you're in an environment where multiple access points need to be installed, as is common in businesses, large hotels, or other public spaces, the task is more complex and can increase installation time. To streamline this process, D-Link has developed the free Nuclias Connect app, which allows you to copy the network profile (containing the SSID, password, and technical parameters for security, quality of service, bandwidth management, etc.) directly to one or multiple access points. All of this is done with just a couple of clicks in the app, which easily discovers the access points and then transfers the network profile file, whether they will be managed in a unified way or left in standalone mode for smaller environments.

With Nuclias Connect, network administrators can remotely manage both switching functionalities (using D-Link Smart Managed Switches) and Wi-Fi network functions—deployed with D-Link indoor, outdoor, and industrial access points—via a modern and intuitive web interface from a single sign-on portal. It offers multi-site and multi-tenant capabilities. Nuclias Connect is free and requires no licenses.

Key features of the DAP-X3060 series
: • Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 (2401 Mbps on 5 GHz, 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz)
• Support for 160 MHz channels to improve bandwidth on compatible client devices.
• One 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port, avoiding Gigabit port bottlenecks.
• PoE support (802.3at standard) for receiving power and data over the same network cable when connected to PoE switches or PoE injectors.
• DAP-X3060OU with a rugged IP-68 rated housing and an operating temperature range of -30°C to 60°C.
• Dual-band, 2x2 MIMO, band-steering, and airtime fairness
• Standalone or centralized mode with free Nuclias Connect software, which also manages D-Link Smart Managed Switches
• Easy configuration of network parameters (SSID, password, security, QoS, bandwidth management, etc.) in bulk for multiple access points from the Nuclias Connect mobile app.
• Fast 802.11k/r roaming for seamless connectivity.
• Compliant with the demanding CE-EN60601-1-2 certification for installation in environments with electromedical equipment particularly sensitive to electromagnetic fields, allowing for installation in hospitals, clinics, etc.
• Official Wi-Fi 6 certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance.
The D-Link DAP X-3060 and DAP-X3060OU access points are now available from official D-Link distributors with a recommended retail price of €179 and €309, respectively.

More information about Multi-Gigabit Ethernet LAN networks

The IEEE 802.3bz standard for IP-based Ethernet LANs, also known as Multigigabit or NBASE-T networks, defines link speeds of 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps. It offers the advantage of using standard twisted-pair copper cable with an RJ-45 connector to achieve speeds of 2.5 and 5 Gbps. Until now, there was a considerable leap in switching options from Gigabit to 10 Gigabit, with high costs associated with native 10GBASE-T solutions. Now, thanks to 802.3bz, it is possible to find copper ports on the same switch with Multigigabit support and auto-negotiation of link speeds (10/100/1000/2.5G/5G/10G), allowing the connection of devices that require speeds beyond Gigabit, such as Wi-Fi 6 access points, workstations, servers, NAS drives, and links to network cores.

D-Link is adapting its switch portfolio to 802.3bz for a progressive technological transition from Gigabit to the versatility of Multi-Gigabit; unmanaged desktop models, Smart and PoE midranges, native 10 Gigabit models and Managed Enterprise L3 ranges with physical stacking.

More information