Ruckus ZoneDirector 3000

Ruckus ZoneDirector™ 3000 Overview:

Power Meets Simplicity in an Enterprise-Class Multimedia Wireless LAN Controller.

Now, any organization with a limited IT staff and budget can quickly and inexpensively create a highly-secure wireless LAN (WLAN)—with ZoneDirector 3000. Capable of centrally managing up to 250 ZoneFlex 802.11g and 802.11n Smart Wi-Fi access points (APs), ZoneDirector 3000 is designed for ease of use, high performance, and low cost of ownership.

ZoneDirector 3000 integrates seamlessly with existing switches, firewalls, authentication servers, and other network equipment, and can be placed within any Layer 2/3 network. All Ruckus ZoneFlex APs (wired or meshed) then automatically discover ZoneDirector, self configure, and become instantly manageable. What could be easier? Nothing.

Once ZoneDirector 3000 is up and running, it automatically manages ZoneFlex APs, adjusting transmit power levels and RF channel assignments to prevent adjacent APs from interfering, and providing redundant coverage if an AP fails. Configuration changes can easily be applied to multiple APs, or to the entire system, simultaneously. A customizable dashboard provides instant access to client and network information and events, and a real-time heat map displays AP locations and signal coverage, as well as Smart Mesh Networking topology.

The Ruckus ZoneDirector 3000 is the first enterprise-class Smart Wireless LAN system that delivers a secure, robust and easily expandable WLAN solution at an unmatched total cost of ownership.

Capable of managing up to 250 ZoneFlex 802.11g and 80211n Smart Wi-Fi access points from a central point, the Ruckus ZoneDirector 3000 is designed for simplicity and ease of use.

Unlike conventional wireless LAN systems that are costly, complex and cumbersome to deploy, the ZoneDirector 3000 is ideal for any enterprise that requires a high-performance wireless LAN that can be easily deployed and managed. The ZoneDirector 3000 integrates advanced features such as intelligent beam steering, smart wireless meshing and dynamic Wi-Fi security not found in any other WLAN system.

The Ruckus ZoneDirector 3000 can be deployed and operated by non-wireless experts and installed quickly and easily. Any organization with limited IT staff and budget can create a robust and secure multimedia WLAN in a matter of minutes.

The Ruckus ZoneDirector easily integrates with network, security and authentication infrastructure already in place and is easily configured through a point-and-click web wizard. Ruckus ZoneFlex access points (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.

 

Benefits:

• Unmatched scalability
  Supporting up to 250 APs, the ZoneDirector 3000 can easily serve the largest campus deployments
   
• 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
   
• Simple to use, simple to manage
  Centralized management, quick setup, IT-Lite and automatic, real-time optimization of entire WLAN
   
• IT lite deployment in 5 minutes or less
  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
   
• 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. The ZoneDirector can be placed within any Layer 2/3 network. All Ruckus ZoneFlex APs (wired or meshed) then automatically discover the Ruckus ZoneDirector, self configure and become instantly manageable.

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 SmartMesh topology.

ZoneDirector Smart WLAN systems integrate a unique performance utility from Ruckus called SpeedFlex™. Ruckus SpeedFlex allows administrators to locally or remotely determine client Wi-Fi performance over the wireless LAN. With SpeedFlex, administrators can now better plan, troubleshoot, monitor and measure WLAN performance, eliminating the need to use Internet-based speed tools that often provide inaccurate results of the local Wi-Fi environment.

Simple to Secure

The ZoneDirector 3000 provides innovative new techniques that simplify and automated Wi-Fi security. In addition to enterpriseclass 802.1x support, the ZoneDirector 3000 supports a patentpending Dynamic Pre-Shared Key (PSK) capability that streamlines WLAN security.

First-time users plug their computers into the LAN and specify a URL that directs them to a captive web portal for a one-time authentication. After successful authentication, the ZoneDirector automatically configures the client system with the designated SSID and a dynamically-generated encryption key.

The key is bound to the client, and can be removed upon expiration when the user or the user's device is no longer trusted.

The Ruckus ZoneDirector centralizes authentication and authorization decisions for all APs, providing secure admission control across the WLAN. It works with any backend authentication database such as RADIUS and ActiveDirectory and also comes with an internal authentication database.

Avoid Interference, Maximize Performance and Extend Reach with Network BeamFlex

Ruckus BeamFlex™, a patented Wi-Fi beam-steering technology, ensures predictable performance for multimedia traffic applications and extended range to eliminate Wi-Fi deadspots. With 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 channel assignments and transmit power of all ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi APs. And with BeamFlex, the ZoneFlex system continuously picks the best path for every packet, to both clients outside the network and mesh APs inside the network, automatically avoiding interference, to guarantee the highest quality of service.

SmartMesh Increases Flexibility, Reduces Costs

Ruckus SmartMesh enables self-organizing and selfhealing wireless meshing. SmartMesh eliminates the need to run Ethernet cabling to every Smart Wi-Fi AP, allowing administrators to simply plug in ZoneFlex APs to any power source, then 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.

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.

Unique Performance Utility:

ZoneDirector 3000 integrates SpeedFlex™, which allows administrators to locally or remotely determine client Wi-Fi performance. With SpeedFlex, administrators can better plan, troubleshoot, monitor, and measure WLAN performance.

Streamlined, Bulletproof Security:

ZoneDirector 3000 supports enterprise-class 802.1x with any backend authentication database, such as RADIUS and ActiveDirectory, and also comes with an internal authentication database. First-time ZoneDirector users simply plug their computers into the WLAN, and specify a URL that directs them to a captive web portal for first-time authentication. Then, ZoneDirector automatically configures the client system with the designated SSID and a dynamically-generated encryption key that centralizes authentication and authorization decisions for all APs, providing secure admission control across the WLAN.

Features:

Smart/OS Software Suite and Application Engine

• Advanced software capabilities
• Elegant guest networking without the hassle
• Users access policies provide rich WLAN control
• Multi-site authentication to scale large deployments
• Seamless integration with existing network infrastructure

Groundbreaking Wireless Features

• BeamFlex Wi-Fi beam-steering technology avoids interference and ensures peak performance for voice, video, and multimedia
• Provides WLAN-wide network, security, RF, and location management, plus SmartMesh wireless meshing
• Extended range eliminates 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 Deploy and Manage

• Integrates with any existing network, security, and authentication infrastructure
• Can be installed in minutes
• Automatically discovers and configures ZoneFlex APs

Outstanding Price/Performance

• Unmatched total cost of ownership
• Provides features not found in costlier WLAN systems
• Requires little IT time

Better Quality Of Service With Fewer APs:

Leveraging Smart Wi-Fi technology that provides extended range and dynamic signal controls, ZoneDirector 3000’s Smart Mesh Networking:

• Minimizes inter-nodal hops that degrade performance
• Automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes
• Automatically controls the channel assignments and transmit power of all ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi APs
• Guest pass generation
• WIDS
• Fast roaming
• Distributed forwarding

The result? Fewer APs need to be deployed. And with BeamFlex, the ZoneFlex system continuously picks the best path for every packet, to clients outside the network and mesh APs inside the network.

Deployment:

ZoneFlex Architecture
The ZoneDirector 3000 can be deployed anywhere within a Layer 2/3 network. All ZoneFlex APs are dynamically discovered and automatically provisioned by the ZoneDirector.

Specifications:

 

 

Documentation:

Download the Ruckus ZoneDirector 3000 Datasheet (PDF).