Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex System Review ZD1000 7942 2942 2925
Click here for more information on the Ruckus ZoneFlex systems
Click here for review of new 7962 dual band access point
We are going to review the new centrally managed Ruckus ZoneFlex system with smart mesh capability. The ZoneFlex access point are managed by the ZoneDirector 1000 with software version 7.1.
When you plug the ZD into your network it will show in UPNP devices just click to start configuration.
The dashboard gives you an overview of the entire network
The ZoneDirector will automatically configure and manage ZoneFlex access points just plug them in and your up and running. When you plug a new AP into the ZD firmware is checked and updated if needed. To setup a a smart mesh network just plug a AP into the ZD until it is recognized and then you can move it to a new location without a ethernet connection. You can see below we have one ZF7942 wired in and another operating wirelessly using smart mesh.
There are several models of indoor and outdoor ZoneFlex access points we are using the ZF7942 for our testing. If you are planning on deploying a mesh network the 802.11n access points are the best choice. Since bandwidth is cut in half for every mesh hop having the extra throughput of 802.11n offers huge benefits even if your clients are not using 802.1n adapters.
Wall
mount 802.11bgn access point with PoE support
Wall
mount 802.11bg access point with PoE support.
Desktop
802.11bg access point
Multiple SSID's can be deployed on one or many AP's and tagged for separate VLAN's.
A captive portal can be enabled requiring the users to either sign in or agree to terms of service.
The guest account feature allows you to create a account that expires after a set time. This feature is great for restaurants or coffee shops.
The Zero It feature allows you to automatically configure the wireless clients with WPA keys or 802.1x certificates.
Users can be authenticated against a local database, active directory or radius server.
You can manage each connected client via the ZD interface.
With the speedflex tool throughput can be verified for each client.
The ZD is also a full featured wireless intrusion prevention system to proactively monitor for attacks and unauthorized access.
The ZD has a map utility that shows your floor plane with a site survey. you can also show rogue access points on the map automatically.
Click here for more information on the Ruckus ZoneFlex systems