A web-based wizard allows any computer user to confi gure 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 confi guration. 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 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 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 APs are automatically confi gured by the Ruckus ZoneDirector. A network of APs can be centrally confi gured quickly and simply through the ZoneDirector’s web-based wizard.

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 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. Smart Mesh Networking 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 fi rst-of-its-kind automatic, robust user security enforcement. Provisioning secure wireless access often involves confi guring 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 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 confi gures 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 fl icker-free support for concurrent video streams and voice over Wi-Fi calls.

Differentiated Services with Multiple SSIDs

Up to eight discrete SSIDs can be confi gured 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.