Finally, ZoneDirector automatically tags unidentified wireless APs as rogue access points. Such APs could be set up by employees, for example, and inadvertently give hackers a way to circumvent the corporate firewall. However, this feature may not be useful in environments where nearby businesses operate other wireless networks.
Ruckus Wireless Wi-Fi Throughput, Performance
At a three-meter range with line of sight, the ZoneFlex 7982 scored an average of 314Mbps for UDP downlink performance and 298Mbps in UDP uplink performance at a distance of three meters. At 10 meters and through two concrete walls, the speed drops to 88Mbps and 79Mbps, respectively. (These results are an average of three tests conducted with a 2012 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro using the built-in SpeedFlex performance measurement tool.)
Analysis: How Smart Wi-Fi Improves Wireless Network Performance
Though it is evident that the ZoneFlex 7982 is certainly capable of delivering superlative throughputs, the above results clearly demonstrates how structures and the environment can have an adverse effect on real-world performance. If anything, the simple performance test bolsters the argument that factors such as cost, ease of management and robustness should be given high weight as well.
Of course, it must be noted that laptops that incorporate the three-stream multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna required to support 450Mbps Wi-Fi speeds are still fairly uncommon. An alternative would be a USB dongle armed with a three-stream MIMO antenna, though this detracts from the portability that laptops offer.
Ruckus APs, ZoneDirector Good Fit for SMBs
Our time with Ruckus Wireless hardware shows that it can be used to build a robust, high-performance Wi-Fi infrastructure. With capabilities expected of business-grade Wi-Fi hardware, we were impressed with its ease of management.
Indeed, Ruckus claims that ZoneDirector 1100 can be deployed and operated by nonwireless experts, and we agree. That said, rudimentary wireless knowledge is still necessary, and a certain level of competency with networking is also assumed. However, it is gratifying to see that Ruckus has made it possible for any network administrator or IT manager to be able to easily set up a Wi-Fi network.
