What iz zees Ruckus...

[garethEds]

So I've been following the Ruckus threads with interest. A wireless solution - sounds good, but do I need it?

 

I've been asked to put wireless in the staffroom and in the sixth form common room. Nowhere else for now. Is Ruckus the way to go? Or would a simple AccessPoint work (and be cheaper)

 

What are the benefits of Ruckus over other solutions (of which I know nothing)

 

GJE

[Haptic]

Ruckus Managed Wireless is the most cost effective solution for education in the market at the moment, we as Ruckus Big Dog Partners have been providing this solution to many a happy edugeek member who im sure will come along shortly to give you there feedback,

If you feel this is the solution for you be sure to pm me your details and I can give you more info and pricing;)

[mb2k01]

For simple wireless in a couple of rooms a traditional AP approach will be far easier and cheaper.

 

I've not deployed Ruckus but I've evaluated it. I'd only look at Ruckus as a contender if you are looking at growing your wireless infastructure over time.

If you have no plans, and just want these two rooms and they will only get occasional / low-end use, get a couple of off-the-shelf AP's and set up RADIUS on a server.

 

I have to admit I'm at a bit of a loss as to why so many people on here sing it's praises. It didn't inspire me at all, and it much more costly than other managed wireless systems that work just as well.

That said, I'm aware that the amount of people on here actually using it can't all be wrong, so it must have something going for it which I've missed!

[sparkeh]

Whether to go for a managed wireless depends on what you want now and what you want to do in the future.

 

If you are just having a few laptops in the common room connecting with no plans of future development then yes you could say that managed wireless is a bit over the top.

However if the school is planning to expand wlan coverage in the future then this could be the first part of a larger project and worth investing in.

 

edit: oh yeah worth noting that there are other solutions out there, check out the range before choosing. For instance our HP Procurve wlan is superb.

Edited December 17, 2009 by sparkeh

[Edu-IT]

We recently purchased a Ruckus solution, site wide wireless coverage here now. It's very easy to manage and the connection is great.

[localzuk]

We're doing a progressive roll-out of Ruckus at our school - with an initial 3 AP's connected to a controller licensed for 12 (which can be increased).

 

This is similar to your situation. Consider the possibility that you will extend it in the future, being able to simply drop new APs in without any extra work other than plugging them in, and you should go with a managed solution I'd say. Unmanaged devices are just so much hassle.

[featured_spectre]

Agree'd, Unmanaged wireless is a massive hassle, I wouldn't dream of switching back. Simon did us a crackin deal which undercut everyone else but still gives great support. We have 3 SSIDs running concurrently, 2 on WEP and 1 on WPA2, which we would not have been able to do without ruckus.

[Abaddon]

I've heard that Ruckus does not provide any level of wireless security such as WPA etc, and that it's all server-end security.. is this correct?

[Edu-IT]

I've heard that Ruckus does not provide any level of wireless security such as WPA etc, and that it's all server-end security.. is this correct?

Not true at all. There's security options included.

[Abaddon]

Ok then.. I did think that a bit strange! Thanks for for the info...