Ruckus ZoneFlex™ 2942-OT Overview:
The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942-OT is the first centrally managed,
outdoor 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 combined with indoor
ZoneFlex 2942 and centrally managed by the Ruckus ZoneDirector
Smart WLAN family of controllers, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942-OT
can extend Wi-Fi coverage into hard-to-reach outdoor areas.
It is ideal for hotels and resorts providing Wi-Fi coverage
around an outdoor pool area, schools and stadiums covering outdoor
sports facilities, and general enterprises covering shipping
docks and other outdoor areas.
The ZoneFlex 2942-OT 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-OT integrates Ruckus-patented BeamFlexTM
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-OT through the ZoneDirector - creating a secure
and sophisticated WLAN in a matter of minutes. The Ruckus ZoneFlex
2942-OT 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.
Ultra High Performance and Cost Effective
Based
on the IEEE 802.11g standards, the Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942-OT supports
up to 54 Mbps of data capacity. What differentiates the ZoneFlex
2942-OT 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-OT 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-OT 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-OT to be installed without site survey
and RF planning. Plug any Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942-OT into an Ethernet
and the AP automatically discovers the Ruckus ZoneDirector and
self-configures.
The Ruckus ZoneFlex 2942-OT and ZoneDirector system seamlessly
integrate with existing security systems such as fi rewalls,
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-OT 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 allows administrators to plug ZoneFlex
2942-OT APs into PoE injector, 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-OT
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-OT 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-OT lets operators build a new class of
hotspots and offers multimedia hotspot services. Equipped with
a dual-polarized directional antenna system, the ZoneFlex 2942-OT
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-OT, 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.

ZoneFlex 2942 Smart Wi-Fi access points can be deployed
in standalone mode or managed by a centralized ZoneDirector.
The ZoneFlex 2942 can also be deployed with Ruckus SmartMesh,
eliminating the need to run Ethernet cables to every access
point.
Benefits:
Breakthrough user performance and density
Advanced antenna array and Quality of Service (QoS) software
delivers 20 concurrent voice calls, 100 simultaneous data users
or 20 Mbps of guaranteed user throughput throughout a 5,000
square foot facility.
No RF experts required
Smart antenna array eliminates AP placement issues and minimizes
adjacent AP interference while ZoneDirector controls dynamic
channel assignment and power management.
Hardened enclosure for outdoor deployment
IP-65 water and dust proof plastic enclosure with flexible mounting
options ensures that no distortion of Wi-Fi signals is introduced.
Extended coverage means fewer APs
Directional, high-gain antennas dynamically combine to give
hotspot operators and enterprises two- to four-times the coverage
over typical consumer and enterprise APs.
Optimized for voice over Wi-Fi
Specialized antenna design, dynamic signal path selection and
precision QoS software optimize delay-sensitive, high-density
Voice-over- Wi-Fi (Vo-Fi) applications. Power Save (UAPSD) maximizes
handset battery life.
Proven video streaming support
Ruckus smart antenna system and video QoS already proven for
real time IP video streaming applications deployed by over 100
IPTV operators worldwide.
"IT Lite" configuration and management
Web-based wizard enables configuration of multiple APs across
the entire WLAN in minutes. Once configured, the WLAN manages
itself.
Enables business class hotspot services
New revenue opportunities for operators such as Voice-over-WLAN
services, extended enterprise access, IP video applications
and tiered service classes.