Ruckus Stays In The Zone
Its access point aimed at the SMB space, ZoneFlex 7363 is a top-notch solution -- a concurrent, dual-band AP (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz) -- and becomes even more powerful when combined with another Ruckus offering, its Ruckus ZoneDirector 1000 management console.
The CRN Test Center has examined both, recommends both, and believes Ruckus has placed itself in an enviable position throughout the industry.
Here’s what we did:
In the CRN Test Center lab, it took a matter of minutes to unbox the Ruckus ZoneDirector 1000, connect it to the network, integrate the dual-band ZoneFlex 7363, and dive into the browser-based administrator console over the network. The wizard-based configuration tool provides for fast deployment, activation of encryption, and a census of authorized, rogue and other network or unaffiliated access points in range of the ZoneDirector 1000.
We’ve noted this previously: From a management perspective, the administration console allows for real-time monitoring of network performance, client device access, client account setup and potential network breaches. The solution monitors for radio interference and automatically changes an access point’s channel to keep performance strong. In our case, after about 45 minutes, it detected interference on Channel 1 and automatically switched over to Channel 6. It was transparent to client devices.
Throughout several dozen bandwidth tests over several hours, deploying Ixia’s IxChariot, the Ruckus solution consistently drove superior performance in speed compared with other 802.11n access points running in and around our lab. On a sustained level, the Ruckus solution consistently provided more than 95 Mbps of bandwidth. While Ruckus engineers say their testing shows it’s even exceeded that (a claim we don’t doubt, given the solid performance we’ve seen over the past couple of years from its product line), we think that the numbers we found in our Long Island lab indicate significant performance.
For the Ruckus solution, a driver is the company’s “smart antenna” technology -- where the ZoneFlex AP beams its signal rather than diffuses it. The result is a more precise signal less prone to interference and better able to deliver higher bandwidth capacities. It helps to make a noticeable difference in the quality of the signal. The overall solution, then, provides higher management capability, easier installation and better quality than we’d expect to see in a small or midsize enterprise solution.
Being able to run simplified, straightforward administration and management of an 802.11n solution provides a number of benefits. Compared with early-generation technology, Ruckus has built out a robust approach to providing next-generation Wi-Fi. That it’s easy to manage, and that a number of functions are automated, Ruckus’ product makes it that much more attractive. This should be the case particularly for resource-strained VARs or IT departments in smaller or midsize enterprises.
On its own, VARs should be able to deliver the ZoneFlex 7363 as a fine 802.11n solution. But even more value would come from combining it with the ZoneDirector 1000, we believe.
The combined solution is simple yet elegant: The ZoneDirector 1000 WLAN controller connects to the network via Ethernet; access point devices (in this case, the ZoneFlex 7363) integrate with the ZoneDirector 1000. Ruckus has simplified the installation, setup, configuration and management in such a strong manner as to likely reduce costs and administrative overhead, and reduce them greatly, for rolling out 802.11n technology.
The ZoneDirector 1000 is priced at $1,200 and supports up to six access points. The ZoneFlex 7363 is priced at $599.
The bottom line: Ruckus has been a leader in 802.11n development and products for the channel, and with the ZoneDirector 1000, the company is poised to drive its technology into a deeper presence in the enterprise.
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