Ruckus ZoneDirector 1000

Benefits:

• Simple to use, simple to manage
  Centralized management, quick setup, IT-Lite and automatic, real-time optimization of entire WLAN
• Ruckus SmartMesh™ streamlines costly and complex deployment
  Integrated SmartMesh technology automates deployment, eliminates the need to run Ethernet cable to every Smart Wi-Fi access point
• WLAN deployment in 5 minutes or less
  A web-based configuration wizard lets any computer user configure an entire WLAN in minutes. Ruckus ZoneFlex APs auto-discover the ZoneDirector
• Distributed forwarding architecture
  Maximizes data throughput by sending all data traffi c directly from the access points to the wired network
• Flexible deployment options
  The ZoneDirector interacts with existing network and security infrastructure and provides dynamic RF management across APs to eliminate AP placement issues
• Triple play ready
  Smart antenna array and precision Quality of Service (QoS) support within the ZoneFlex APs enable the reliable transport of voice, video and data traffic
• Easy monitoring and troubleshooting
  Customizable dashboard provides comprehensive at-a-glance network snapshot, and allows drill down to troubleshoot wireless problems
• Automatic user security
  Eliminates the requirement to configure and update individual PC client devices with unique encryption keys
• Complete integration
  Combines network management, dynamic RF management, location management and AP control within a low-cost solution
• Advanced WLAN features and functions
  Role-based user policies, internal authentication database, rogue AP detection and client thresholds per AP

Simple to Deploy

The Ruckus ZoneDirector integrates seamlessly with existing switches, firewalls, authentication servers and other network infrastructure. Ruckus ZoneFlex APs (whether wired or mesh APs using SmartMesh) automatically discover the Ruckus ZoneDirector, self configure and become instantly manageable. All clients trying to associate to the WLAN are sent to the ZoneDirector for authentication and authorization before network access is granted. And ZoneFlex APs integrate sophisticated RF management to focus RF signal toward clients, and away from interference, thereby automatically maximizing performance and coverage and reducing the number of APs typically required.

Simple to Manage

Once up and running, the ZoneDirector automatically manages the ZoneFlex network of APs — automatically adjusting transmit power levels and RF channel assignments as needed to prevent adjacent APs from interfering and enable redundant coverage in the event of an AP failure. Configuration changes can easily be applied to multiple APs or the entire system simultaneously. A customizable dashboard provides instant access to a variety of client and network information and events, and a real time heat map displays AP locations and signal coverage, as well as your Ruckus SmartMesh topology.

Simple to Secure

The ZoneDirector 1000 provides innovative new techniques that simplify and automate Wi-Fi security. In addition to enterprise- class 802.1x support, the ZoneDirector 1000 supports a patent-pending Dynamic Pre-Shared Key (PSK) capability that streamlines WLAN security.

First-time users simply plug their computers into the LAN and specify a URL that directs them to a captive Web 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 the user’s device is no longer trusted.

Ruckus SmartMesh Increases Flexibility, Reduces Costs

SmartMesh enables self-organizing and self-healing wireless meshing. SmartMesh eliminates the need to run Ethernet cabling to every Smart Wi-Fi AP, so administrators simply plug ZoneFlex APs into any power source and 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 inter nodal hops that degrade performance, automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes and requires fewer APs to be deployed.

Avoid Interference, Maximize Performance and Extend Reach with Network BeamFlex

Ruckus BeamFlex™, a patented Wi-Fi beam-steering technology, automatically delivers ensures predictable performance for multimedia traffic applications, extends range to eliminate Wi-Fi deadspots. With the ZoneDirector, the value of BeamFlex is extended beyond a single access point to the system-wide WLAN and Smart Wi-Fi meshing. The ZoneDirector automatically controls the channels assignments and transmit power levels of all ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi APs.

With BeamFlex, the ZoneFlex system continuously picks the best path for every packet to client as well as among mesh APs — automatically avoiding interference to guarantee the highest quality of service.

Mobility

The Ruckus Mobility module delivers faster and more secure Wi-Fi roaming for Voice over IP (VoIP) as well as data applications. A simple software license for the Ruckus ZoneOS (version 7.0 and higher), the Ruckus Mobility module adds key capabilities to the Ruckus ZoneFlex line of Smart Wireless controllers such as wireless LAN tunneling for voice over Wi-Fi applications and 802.1X fast roaming.

The Ruckus Mobility module minimizes erratic Wi-Fi behavior by enabling uninterrupted voice calls through the use of Layer 3 tunneling and using key caching techniques when roaming across ZoneFlex 802.11g/n access points (AP) to minimize roaming delays.

Innovative Security Features

All clients attempting to access the WLAN are sent to ZoneDirector for authentication and authorization. In addition, a patent-pending Dynamic Pre-Shared Key (PSK) capability streamlines WLAN security. First-time users simply plug their computers into the WLAN and specify a URL, which directs them to a captive Web portal for one-time authentication. Then, ZoneDirector automatically configures the user's system with the designated SSID and a unique, dynamically-generated encryption key.

Self-Organizing, Self-Healing Wireless Meshing

ZoneDirector's Smart Mesh eliminates the need to run Ethernet cabling to Smart Wi-Fi APs, since they can simply be plugged into any power source. Leveraging Smart Wi-Fi technology that provides extended range and dynamic signal controls, Smart Mesh Networking minimizes inter nodal hops that degrade performance, and automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes.

Interference Reduction And Highest Quality of Service

ZoneDirector 1000 automatically controls the channels assignments and transmit power levels of all ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi APs. Their sophisticated RF management focuses RF signals toward clients and away from interference, automatically maximizing performance and coverage and reducing the number of APs required. And through BeamFlex, ZoneFlex continually picks the best path for every packet to the client, as well as among mesh APs.

Advanced Performance Monitoring

ZoneDirector 1000 integrates with a unique performance utility, SpeedFlex™, which allows administrators to locally or remotely determine client Wi-Fi performance over the WLAN. It enables administrators to better plan, troubleshoot, monitor, and measure WLAN performance.

Features:

Smart/OS Software Suite and Application Engine

• Advanced software capabilities
• Elegant guest networking without the hassle
• Users access policies provide rich WLAN control
• Seamless integration with existing network infrastructure

Better Performance, Reduced Interference, and Extended Reach

• Utilizes BeamFlex™, a patented Wi-Fi beam-steering technology
• Automatically ensures predictable performance for voice, video, and multimedia
• Extends range to eliminate Wi-Fi deadspots
• Minimizes erratic Wi-Fi behavior, enabling uninterrupted voice calls, through the use of Layer 3 tunneling and using key caching techniques when roaming with the Ruckus Mobility Module

Easy to Use, Install, and Manage

• Seamlessly interfaces with existing network, security, and authentication infrastructure
• Is easily configured through point-and-click web-based wizard
• Automatically discovers and configures ZoneFlex access points (APs), which become instantly manageable

High Capability. Low Price.

• Bridges gap between deficient APs and cumbersome WLAN systems
• Requires fewer APs to be deployed
• Can be configured by non-IT staff

Diagram:

Sample Floor Layout
The ZoneDirector 1000 can be deployed anywhere within a Layer 2/3 network. All ZoneFlex APs automatically discover the ZoneDirector and are automatically provisioned.

Documentation:

Download the Ruckus ZoneDirector 1000 Datasheet (PDF).