Introducing ZoneDirector
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Overview of ZoneDirector
Ruckus Wireless ZoneDirector serves as a central control system for Ruckus ZoneFlex
Access Points (APs). ZoneDirector provides simplified configuration and updates, wireless
LAN security control, RF management, and automatic coordination of Ethernet-connected
and mesh-connected APs.
Using ZoneDirector in combination with Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex APs allows deployment
of a Smart Mesh network, to extend wireless coverage throughout a location without
having to physically connect each AP to Ethernet. In a Smart Mesh network, the APs
form a wireless mesh topology to route client traffic between any member of the mesh
and the wired network. Meshing significantly reduces the cost and time requirements
of deploying an enterprise-class WLAN, in addition to providing much greater flexibility
in AP placement.
ZoneDirector also integrates network monitoring, sophisticated user access controls,
integrated Wi-Fi client performance tools, highly configurable guest access features and
advanced security features within a single system.
User authentication can be accomplished using an internal user database, or forwarded
to an external Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server such as RADIUS
or Active Directory. Once users are authenticated, client traffic is not required to pass
through ZoneDirector, thereby eliminating bottlenecks when higher speed Wi-Fi
technologies, such as 802.11ac, are used.
This user guide provides complete instructions for using the Ruckus Wireless web
interface, the wireless network management interface for ZoneDirector. With the web
interface, you can customize and manage all aspects of ZoneDirector and your ZoneFlex
network.
ZoneDirector Physical Features
Three models of ZoneDirector are currently available:
•
on page 15
•
on page 17
•
on page 19
The following section describes the physical features of these ZoneDirector models.
ZoneDirector 1200
This section describes the following physical features of ZoneDirector 1200:
•
Buttons, Ports, and Connectors
on page 16
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Ruckus Wireless ZoneDirector™ Release 10.0 User Guide
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