ZoneDirector™ 1000
The First "IT Lite" Centralized Control System for Multimedia Wireless LANs
The Ruckus Wireless ZoneDirector 1000 is the first centrally managed multimedia Wireless LAN (WLAN) solution controller developed specifically for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and hot zone operators.
With simplicity and ease of use in mind, the Ruckus ZoneDirector 1000 is purpose-built to address the gap between standalone, feature deficient access points (APs) that must be individually managed and the costly, complex highend enterprise systems that are overkill for most small business environments.
The Ruckus ZoneDirector is ideal for small businesses that require a robust and secure wireless LAN that can be easily deployed, centrally managed and automatically tuned.
The ZoneDirector 1000 is also perfect for operators who want to offer business class hot spot services such as voice over Wi-Fi, IP-based video, secure enterprise access and tiered Wi-Fi services in venues such as hotels, airports, schools and public buildings.
The Ruckus ZoneDirector easily integrates with network, security and authentication infrastructure already in place and is easily configured through a point-and-click web-based wizard. Ruckus ZoneFlex APs automatically discover and are configured by the ZoneDirector.
Redundant and secure, the Ruckus ZoneDirector provides WLAN-wide network, security, RF and location management within a single, easy-to-use and affordable WLAN system.
Completely Plug-and-Play
- Web-based wizard provides IT-free configuration of a robust wireless LAN in a matter of minutes
- Auto-discovery from any PC using UPnP
- Auto-discovery of APs
- No complicated Command Line Interface (CLI) configuration
- Advanced WLAN features simplified
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.
