Ruckus Wireless today introduced the ZoneFlex system, a relatively inexpensive, centrally controlled WiFi system utilizing a ZoneDirector 1000 controller to manage their BeamFlex access points, the ZoneFlex 2942 ($349) and the ZoneFlex 2925 ($259).
The Ruckus ZoneFlex WLAN system is designed for small to medium businesses with up to a few hundred users.
The Ruckus ZoneDirector 1000 is a centrally managed multimedia Wi-Fi controller developed specifically for small-to-medium businesses. It manages the ZoneFlex network of APs – automatically adjusting transmit power levels and RF channel assignments and enabling redundant coverage in the event of an AP failure. It features power over Ethernet and a plenum-space fire rating.
The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 ($349) is their first centrally managed, multimedia 802.11g Wi-Fi access point. It features BeamFlex, their Wi-Fi beam steering technology, which automatically directs Wi-Fi signals towards the user. Ruckus says it supports up to 50 simultaneous data users or 20 concurrent voice calls, and can reduce by half the number of APs required.
The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 APs are automatically configured by the Ruckus Zone Director. Ruckus says a network of APs can be centrally configured in a matter of minutes through the ZoneDirector’s web-based wizard. The central controller coordinate path information among the meshed APs in real time to avoid sub-optimum backhaul links. Network coverage and performance is expanded without time consuming, manual RF and topology tuning.
The ZoneFlex 2925 ($259), is designed for the hotspot market. It delivers a collection of features and functionality not available in any low-end consumer product or high end enterprise system. It supports up to four unique BSSIDs that lets operators uniquely segment traffic and services. The ZoneFlex 2925 can provide tiered services, such as voice over Wi-Fi, IP-based video, secure enterprise access and tiered Wi-Fi services.
The Ruckus ZoneDirector and ZoneFlex 2942 integrate with existing security systems such as firewalls, intrusion detection system and authentication servers including RADIUS and ActiveDirectory. An internal authentication database allows enterprises to implement user authentication without the expenses and complexity associated with external authentication servers.
A Web-based wizard lets any computer-literate user configure an entire ZoneFlex WLAN in a matter of minutes through a few point-and-click screens. Users can configure ZoneFlex 2942s through the ZoneDirector – creating a secure and sophisticated WLAN in a matter of minutes. Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942s plugs into any Ethernet network and automatically discover the ZoneDirector. No RF tuning or client configuration.
With Network BeamFlex, Ruckus say capacity constrained organizations can deploy the ZoneFlex 802.11n AP to instantly increase wireless backhaul bandwidth while maintaining compatibility with the installed 802.11b/g client devices.
The company plans to offer a starter pack with six 2925 access points and the entry-level six-AP ZoneDirector for $2,000, which would normall go for about $2,700. The ZoneDirector controller ships in July in three models that can manage 6, 12, or 25 access points, for $1,200, $2,000, and $3,500, respectively.
