ZoneFlex™ 2942
The First Centrally Managed 802.11g Smart Wi-Fi Access Point with Mesh Support
The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 is the first centrally managed, multimedia 802.11g Wi-Fi access point (AP) that delivers advanced features and functionality not available in any low-end consumer AP or high-end WLAN system.
Deployed individually, or as a system centrally managed by the Ruckus ZoneDirector Smart WLAN family of controllers, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 can be deployed with or without Ethernet cabling. Support for Ruckus SmartMesh™ streamlines costly and complex deployment headaches, eliminating the need to run Ethernet cabling to every access point. This minimizes operational overhead, making the ZoneFlex 2942 ideal for hotels, schools, airports and enterprises everywhere.
The ZoneFlex 2942 is also perfect for hot spot operators that want to deliver business-class hot-spot services — such as voice over Wi-Fi, IP-based video or secure enterprise access.
Each ZoneFlex 2942 integrates Ruckus-patented BeamFlex™
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 satisfied users,
and a cost-effective system that can be installed anywhere
by wireless novices.
A web-based wizard allows any computer user to configure the ZoneFlex 2942 through the ZoneDirector — creating a secure and sophisticated WLAN in a matter of minutes. The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 simply plugs into any Ethernet network and automatically discovers the ZoneDirector. No RF tuning. No client configuration. A true plug-and-play multimedia WLAN that is ready to use, stable and high performance./p>
Ultra High Performance and Cost Effective
Based on the IEEE 802.11g standards, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 supports up to 54 Mbps of data capacity. What differentiates the ZoneFlex 2942 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 2942 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 2942 delivers the industry’s most cost-effective 802.11g Wi-Fi solution.
Simple Deployment
The self-optimizing Ruckus BeamFlex technology allows the Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 to be installed without site survey and RF planning. Plug any Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 into an Ethernet and the AP automatically discovers the Ruckus ZoneDirector and self-configures.
The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 and ZoneDirector system seamlessly integrate with existing security systems such as firewalls, 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 Configuration
Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 APs are automatically configured by the Ruckus ZoneDirector. A network of APs can be centrally configured quickly and simply through the ZoneDirector’s web-based wizard.
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. Patented Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technology provides extended range and dynamic signal controls. SmartMesh minimizes inter-nodal hops that might degrade performance, automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes, and requires deployment of fewer APs.
Automatic user security
Used with the Ruckus ZoneDirector, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942 provides first-of-its-kind automatic, robust user security enforcement. 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 2942 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 2942 lets operators build a new class of hotspots and offers multimedia hotspot services. Equipped with a dual-polarized directional antenna system, the ZoneFlex 2942 delivers stable connectivity to any Wi-Fi-enabled handheld device and flicker-free support for concurrent video streams and voice over Wi-Fi calls.
Differentiated Services with Multiple SSIDs
Up to eight discrete SSIDs can be configured within each Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942, 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, 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.
