ZoneDirector™ 3000
The First Simple and Powerful Enterprise Smart Wireless LAN Controller

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The Ruckus Wireless 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 confi gured 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.

Simple to Deploy

The Ruckus ZoneDirector integrates seamlessly with existing switches, fi rewalls, 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 confi gure 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. Confi guration 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 Smart Mesh Networking 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 enterprise-class 802.1x support, the ZoneDirector 3000 supports a patent-pending 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 confi gures 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 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.

Smart Mesh Networking Increases Flexibility, Reduces Costs

Ruckus Smart Mesh Networking enables self-organizing and self-healing wireless meshing. Smart Mesh Networking 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, Smart Mesh Networking minimizes inter-nodal hops that degrade performance, automatically adapts Wi-Fi connections between nodes to environmental changes and requires fewer APs to be deployed.