Smart apps simplify WiFi setup

Ruckus Wireless has unveiled four Smart WiFi mobile applications that will assist system integrators, value-added resellers and network administrators in conducting site surveys and wireless LAN (WLAN) performance tests.

Developed by Ruckus, this suite of Smart Wi-Fi mobile applications includes the SpeedFlex, S.W.A.T., Zapper, and ZD Remote apps, and each are available now at no cost on the Apple iTunes App Store and other online outlets.

‚”Anyone who has ever deployed a wireless network of any size clearly understands how difficult it can be to optimise Wi-Fi performance and coverage,‚” said Rob Mustarde, VP of Marketing for Ruckus Wireless. ‚”We wanted to radically simplify this process with tools that are intuitive to use and understand, and which offer a compelling value in the data they deliver.‚”

With the new Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi mobile applications, network managers are now able to determine where to best place Wi-Fi access points (APs) for optimal coverage and performance. In addition, users can use these Ruckus tools, such as Zapper, as a mechanism for making statistically valid performance comparisons between different vendor systems, with the ability to view all the comparative performance data on the same screen.

‚”These kinds of tools are invaluable for schools like ours that have large scale deployments in numerous sites,‚” said Joe McBreen, CIO of St. Vrain Valley School District. ‚”Wi-Fi performance is a constantly moving target that ebbs and flows as conditions change. Arming our administrators with these mobile apps helps us to reduce the operational headaches that often come with Wi-Fi.‚”

St. Vrain Valley School District, a district consisting of 47 schools located in Longmont, Colorado, recently replaced its legacy Wi-Fi witha Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi solution. St. Vrain is a 411-square-mile district with 27,000 students. More than 1,000 802.11n ZoneFlex access points now provide Wi-Fi access for a myriad of applications.

SpeedFlex Delivers Real-Time Wi-Fi Performance Data

For iOS and Android users, SpeedFlex is a wireless throughput performance-testing tool based on the Ruckus open source performance test tool that gives users a simple, easy way to collect site performance data. This throughput based analysis tool can be used to validate the performance of an existing installation, or assist in planning a new site deployment. SpeedFlex captures real-time throughput (uplink/downlink), packet loss and site data, and lets users take pictures and send an email with the results packaged in a PDF file.

S.W.A.T. (to the Rescue) Helps Speed the Site Survey Process

S.W.A.T. is a wireless assessment tool for performance testing, and site survey companion to Ruckus SpeedFlex. This easy to use Ruckus app gives users a simple way to collect comprehensive site performance data. It can be used to validate the performance of an existing installation, or assist in planning a new site deployment. By connecting to a SpeedFlex server, such as a Ruckus ZoneFlex AP or ZoneDirector controller, network managers can instantly test network throughput. With S.W.A.T., users can also plot the results with a graphical representation of their actual test environment. The Android version of S.W.A.T. allows users to see RSSI, channel, frequency and data rates.

Zapper Delivers Best and Worst Case Performance Analysis for Any Wi-Fi System

Zapper is a real time performance analysis tool. Built on the open source ZAP wireless library, this application lets users test the performance of an existing network, validate APs, and perform competitive testing to help make accurate comparisons.

Zapper presents results in a unique and easy-to-understand cumulative distribution function (CDF) graph. The CDF representation visually communicates the full distribution of expected throughput rates against the percentage probability of that throughput at the specific test location. This gives administrators a much more complete picture of the expected performance of their Wi-Fi network so they can adequately plan for worse case scenarios as well as compare the actual performance of different vendor access points.

ZD Remote Brings Simplified WLAN Management to Mobile Devices

Designed for use with the Apple iPad, Ruckus ZD Remote is for users of the Ruckus ZoneDirector management appliance. ZD Remote offers real-time monitoring of Ruckus Smart WLANs to provide stats, dashboard widgets, client details and live logs. With ZD Remote, administrators can easily monitor one or more ZoneDirector controllers on a mobile device. Going forward, ZD Remote will add select ZoneDirector configuration controls, allowing administrators to quickly and easily manage their Ruckus WLAN environments.

Availability

SpeedFlex is now available for the Apple iPad and iPhones (iOS 5.1 or later) via the Apple iTunes App Store, and will be available for Android smartphones by the end of March 2013 via the Google play store. SpeedFlex S.W.A.T. is also currently available on the Apple iTunes App Store for Apple iPad (iOS 5.1 or later), and is also now available for Android tablets (7‚” andlarger) via the Google play store. Zapper is also available now via the Apple iTunes App Store, and is compatible with the Apple iPad (iOS 5.1 or later), with future support for Android devices. ZD Remote will be available by the end of March 2013, with initial support for the Apple iPad (iOS 5.1 and higher), and with future support for Android devices.

To learn more about these freeRuckus Smart Wi-Fimobile test and monitoring applications, please visit:http://ruckuswireless.com/products/mobile-apps. A complete Ruckus Wireless Product Guide, complete with online video content, is also available via Apple iTunes.

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