Ruckus Wireless has collaborated with AirMagnet to introduce ZonePlanner, a wireless LAN (WLAN) network planning tool designed specifically for use with Ruckus ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi access points (APs).
The company said that the ZonePlanner integrates directional high-gain antenna patterns derived from BeamFlex, and the Ruckus-patented and smart antenna array with AirMagnet’s planning tools.
According to Ruckus Wireless, ZonePlanner allows network managers to easily and accurately plan, design, deploy and manage Ruckus Smart WLAN networks in any indoor environment (in any Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi environment).
The company said that the combined technologies allows to direct Wi-Fi energy over the best performing signal paths to increase throughput and channel capacity while also to significantly improve reliability and range.
Brian Young, president of inVision Networks, said: "The combination of Ruckus ZoneFlex APs with the new ZonePlanner effectively takes all the guess work out of accurately designing and deploying a wireless LAN.
"The planning process with Ruckus APs is already simple because not only do we need far fewer APs to cover a given area with their smart antenna array, the APs automatically adjust Wi-Fi signals to real-time changes in the environment."
The company said that the ZonePlanner enables administrators to set AP channels, transmit power, antenna type, orientation, height and advanced 802.11n configuration options, and it streamlines deployment and network support with complete reports, bills of material, and accurate placement.
