Ruckus ZoneFlex™ 7942-OT

Ruckus ZoneFlex™ 7942-OT Overview:

The 802.11n Smart Wi-Fi Access Point With Full-Throttle Throughput.

For high wireless data rates in the lowest-cost 802.11n access point (AP), ZoneFlex 7942-OT delivers. It’s the extra-caffeinated AP that optimizes advanced 802.11n techniques, such as spatial multiplexing, channel bonding, and frame aggregation. ZoneFlex 7942-OT can extend Wi-Fi coverage into hard-to-reach outdoor areas, whether deployed individually or as a system combined with indoor ZoneFlex 7942s and centrally managed by ZoneDirector™ Smart Wireless LAN (WLAN) controllers.

ZoneFlex 7942-OT implements BeamFlex™ smart antenna technology, which provides the high- performance, extended coverage that makes it ideal for multimedia. This envelope-shredding, high-gain antenna array delivers jaw-dropping density and range. It automatically tunes itself to adapt to constant changes in the environment, steering Wi-Fi signals on the best path, while rejecting interference in real time

With ZoneFlex 7942-OT, enterprises can gain:

• Support for up to 300Mbps of data capacity, up to 100 simultaneous data users or 20 concurrent voice calls.
• A new class of hotzones
• The ability to offer multimedia services
• A dual-polarized directional antenna system that provides stable connectivity to any Wi-Fi-enabled handheld device
• Flicker-free support for concurrent video streams and voice over Wi-Fi calls

The Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT is the first centrally managed, outdoor Wi-Fi access point that unleashes the promise of 802.11n, delivering unparalleled throughput.

Deployed individually, or as a system combined with indoor ZoneFlex 7942s and centrally managed by the Ruckus ZoneDirector Smart WLAN family of controllers, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT can extend Wi-Fi coverage into hard-to-reach outdoor areas. It is ideal for hotels and resorts providing Wi-Fi coverage around an outdoor pool area, schools and stadiums covering outdoor sports facilities, and general enterprises covering shipping docks and other outdoor areas.

802.11n carries the promise of high data rates and throughput. The Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT delivers on this promise by ensuring that the advanced techniques used in 802.11n, such as spatial multiplexing, channel bonding and frame aggregation, are optimized.

The ZoneFlex 7942-OT implements Ruckus-patented BeamFlexTM smart antenna technology that enables consistent, high performance, extended coverage and multimedia support as it automatically tunes itself to adapt to constant changes in the environment. This means fewer APs, more satisfi ed users, and a cost-effective system that can be installed anywhere by non-wireless experts.

A web-based wizard allows any computer user to configure ZoneFlex 7942-OTs through the ZoneDirector - creating a secure and sophisticated WLAN in a matter of minutes.

Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OTs simply plug into any Ethernet network and automatically discover the ZoneDirector. No RF tuning. No client configuration. A true plug-and-play multi-media WLAN that is ready to use.

Benefits:

• Breakthrough user performance and density
  Advanced antenna array and precision Quality of Service (QoS) software delivers 20 concurrent voice calls, 100 simultaneous data users or 300 Mbps of capacity per access point.
• No RF experts required
  Smart antenna array eliminates AP placement issues and minimizes adjacent AP interference while ZoneDirector controls dynamic channel assignment and power management.
• Hardened enclosure for outdoor deployment
  Enterprises covering shipping docks and other outdoor IP-65 water and dust proof plastic enclosure with fl exible mounting options ensures that no distortion of Wi-Fi signals is introduced.
• Extended coverage means fewer APs
  Directional, high-gain antennas dynamically combine to give hotspot operators and enterprises two- to four-times the coverage over typical consumer and enterprise APs.
• Optimized for voice over Wi-Fi
  Specialized antenna design, dynamic signal path selection and precision QoS software optimize delay-sensitive, high-density Voice-over- Wi-Fi (Vo-Fi) applications. Power Save (UAPSD) maximizes handset battery life.
• Proven video streaming support
  Ruckus smart antenna system and video QoS already proven for real time IP video streaming applications deployed by over 100 IPTV operators worldwide.
• "IT Lite" configuration and management
  Web-based wizard enables configuration of multiple APs across the entire WLAN in minutes. Once configured, the WLAN manages itself.
• Enables business class hotspot services
  New revenue opportunities for operators such as Voice-over-WLAN services, extended enterprise access, IP video applications and tiered service classes.

Ultra High Performance and Cost Effective

Based on the IEEE 802.11n standards, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT supports up to 300Mbps of data capacity. What differentiates the ZoneFlex 7942-OT is the integration of patented Ruckus BeamFlex Smart antenna technology that automatically adapts to the RF environment by steering Wi-Fi signals on the best path, while rejecting interference in real time.

Each Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT comes equipped with a state-of-the-art, high-gain smart antenna array designed to deliver unsurpassed density and range. Supporting up to 100 simultaneous data users or 20 concurrent voice calls while its superior coverage reduces the number of APs required, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT delivers the industry’s the most cost-effective 802.11n Wi-Fi solution.

Simple Deployment

The self-optimizing Ruckus BeamFlex technology allows the Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT to be installed without site survey and RF planning. Simply plug any Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT into an Ethernet and it automatically discovers the Ruckus ZoneDirector and self-configures.

The Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT and ZoneDirector system seamlessly integrate with existing security systems such as fi rewalls, intrusion detection systems and authentication servers including RADIUS and ActiveDirectory. An internal authentication database lets enterprises implement user authentication without the expense and complexity associated with external authentication servers.

Simple Deployment and Configuration

BeamFlex allows ZoneFlex 7942-OTs to be installed without site surveys and RF planning. Simply plug one into an Ethernet, and it automatically discovers the Ruckus ZoneDirector and self-configures. And ZoneFlex 7942-OT and ZoneDirector seamlessly integrate with existing security systems, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and authentication servers, including RADIUS and ActiveDirectory.

SmartMesh Increases Flexibility, Reduces Costs

Ruckus SmartMesh enables self-organizing and self-healing wireless meshing. SmartMesh eliminates the need to run Ethernet cabling to every Smart Wi-Fi AP, allowing administrators to simply plug ZoneFlex APs into any power source, then walk away. All configuration and management is delivered through the ZoneDirector Smart WLAN platform.

Leveraging patented Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technology that provides extended range and dynamic signal controls, SmartMesh minimizes the inter-nodal hops that can degrade performance, automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes, and requires fewer APs to be deployed.

Automatic User Security

Provisioning secure wireless access often involves configuring all the client devices with a wireless setting such as an SSID and encryption key. Typically organizations use a single pre-shared key for all employees. This is a security problem and an ongoing operational headache.

Ruckus patent-pending Dynamic PSK on the Ruckus ZoneDirector and ZoneFlex 7942-OT automates this process to assure integrity of the user authentication system. First-time users simply plug their computers into the LAN and specify a URL that directs them to a captive portal for a one-time authentication. Upon authentication, the ZoneDirector automatically configures the user’s system with the designated SSID and a unique, dynamically-generated encryption key. The key can be removed automatically upon expiration or manually when the user or their device is no longer trusted.

Business-Class, Multimedia Hotspots

The ZoneFlex 7942-OT now lets operators build a new class of hotspots and offer multimedia hotspot services. Equipped with dual-polarized directional antenna system, the ZoneFlex 7942-OT delivers stable connectivity to any Wi-Fi-enabled handheld device and flicker-free support for concurrent video streams and voice over Wi-Fi calls.

Self-Organizing, Self-Healing Wireless Meshing

ZoneFlex 7942-OT eliminates the need to run Ethernet cabling to every Smart Wi-Fi AP. Administrators simply plug ZoneFlex APs into any power source. All configuration and management is delivered through the ZoneDirector Smart WLAN platform and web-based wizard. A network of APs can be centrally configured in minutes.

Differentiated Services with Multiple SSIDs

Up to eight discrete SSIDs can be confi gured within each Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT, each with unique broadcast, QoS, security and management parameters assigned. This enables hot zone operators to easily offer tiered services to different user or traffic types. Enterprises can use this features to differentiate guest, contractor and employee access policies or to segment different traffic types.

Dynamic RF Management

A Ruckus ZoneFlex WLAN is inherently RF-coordinated as BeamFlex automatically steers Wi-Fi signals toward each receiver and away from noise in real time. And unlike omni antennas, Ruckus BeamFlex does not constantly radiate in all directions, thereby minimizing the chances of adjacent AP interference. As a last resort, the Ruckus ZoneDirector can dynamically exert control over the RF channel assignment and transmit power levels on the ZoneFlex APs to further optimize the RF environment without manual intervention.

Features:

Provides Enormous Areas of Coverage

• Perfect for outdoor pool areas at hotels and resorts
• Ideal for schools, stadiums, and other outdoor sports facilities
• Excellent for enterprises that have shipping docks and other outdoor areas

Requires Fewer APs

• Utilizes Smart Wi-Fi technology that provides extended range and dynamic signal controls
• Minimizes inter-nodal hops that degrade performance
• Automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes

True Plug-And Play and Unmatched Ease of Use

• Web-based wizard supports configuration by non-wireless expert through ZoneDirector
• Secure, sophisticated WLAN can be created in minutes
• No RF tuning or client configuration needed

Diagram:

Dynamic RF Management
ZoneFlex 7942-OT Smart Wi-Fi access points can be deployed in standalone mode or managed by a centralized ZoneDirector. The ZoneFlex 7942-OT can also be deployed with Ruckus Smart Mesh Networking and indoor ZoneFlex 7942 access points.

Documentation:

Download the Ruckus ZoneFlex 7942-OT Datasheet (PDF).