The best wireless LAN system for SMBs

One WLAN, many networks

In fact, Ruckus allows you to set up five separate networks on each ZoneFlex AP. So after configuring the basic secure network, I next set up a guest network on a separate SSID. The guest network had an open SSID, but initial contact with the network brought up a Web page that asked for a daily password, which could be made available to visitors from an attendant or receptionist, for example. I also set up a customer network on a third SSID. This network launched a page that required the user to agree to an explicit user policy and enter their name and e-mail address as user credentials. I found the ability to set up multiple networks to be useful. The fact that it took me no more than 15 minutes to set up any of the networks was truly impressive. (A note: I could have set up the networks in less than 10 minutes each if I hadn't gotten fancy with the graphics on the customer network. I really enjoyed putting the InfoWorld Test Center logo and my own fascinating terms of use on the log-in page. It's a weakness.)

Once the networks are set up, the ZoneDirector controller gives you all the information you'll need to manage them with no more complication than required in the initial deployment. A status screen shows each access point and all the clients associated with them. Another section shows rogue APs and rogue clients, along with options for dealing with the rogue clients. Among those options, by the way, are locking them out, sending them to the DMZ so that they're essentially harmless, or severely rate-limiting them so that they'll stick around long enough to be found and apprehended.

Because each of the access points also serves as a monitoring point, if you import a drawing of your building, you can get a nifty heat map of wireless coverage. To be brutally honest, I've always thought this particular function was more sizzle than steak when vendors have demonstrated it to me, but it's common in high-end systems, so I have to believe that customers find it useful.

Ripe for a Ruckus?

Ruckus is perfect for SMBs that want to manage a secure wireless system for their employees, but don't want to have to hire a wireless networking expert to deploy and administer the WLAN. Other wireless LAN systems, when driven by a WLAN expert or two, can do what Ruckus does, but the Ruckus system brings sophisticated deployment and management options to the table in a manner that makes them accessible to network generalists. For SMBs that want the same level of WLAN performance that large enterprises take for granted, without the networking skills and staffing requirements, Ruckus should be at the top of the list.

If you're an SMB that wants to provide wireless access to both employees and guest users, whether partners or customers, and keep both internal and guest networks secure, then Ruckus's ability to provide multiple networks on a single set of APs can make your life much easier and your wireless infrastructure much more useful. Finally, the performance provided by the Ruckus AP with its MIMO architecture and software-steerable antenna is good enough that it can reduce the overall number of APs required in many situations.

Ruckus isn't the least expensive option available to the SMB market. But it's one of the best combinations of price and performance you'll find.