Net-Ctrl

Will depend on the type of survey you have completed - most - if not all - will charge on a day-rate basis. There are different approaches which will take a different amount of time. Predictive designs are typically free, ours are, this is off-site and requires scaled site plans description of built environment, users and applications. A predictive deployment is modelled around this input data. You have an APOS survey (AP On a Stick) - this requires a trained WiFi engineer to set-up an AP in every proposed location and walk the area to record coverage which is then put into a report. This takes the most time as you test every AP and move it to each location. Some will do an attenuation survey - this requires the engineer to put an AP behind a wall, stand the other side and record the signal loss. This data is then fed into the survey and a more accurate RF design is built - or you could do a post-deployment survey where the engineers surveys your existing deployment for black spots/density gaps etc. Additional Aps are then tested using the APOS approach. Typically you would do a predictive design first to have an idea on install method and associated costs, followed by the APOS survey, and then ideally and if budget allows a post-install survey of the new install. For day rate you would be looking anywhere from £700-1500 per day. We charge £795 per day as an idea. Remember though the survey is only good for the AP being used to test with - for example if you are considering many manufacturers you should ask that they all complete a survey. I hope this helps.

Thank you for the mention @msi_school - @gwendes - please send me a PM if you would like us to be involved and I can pass on contact details. We work with Ruckus, Aruba and Allied Telesis on networking projects.

If not already, you will need to use your old ZD admin user and password info. Just in case you're using the new ZD credentials.

Unfortunately the ZD3k wont support version 10.4. The last supported version was 10.2. To get the APs to talk to the ZD you will need to follow the previous SSH route and upload standalone FW to each AP. The ZD will then push out the FW it's running. Your backup file also wont work as it'll be on the wrong FW so you will need to reconfig. Sorry - sure not the new you wanted.

Just to add -if you're the original owner of the ZD1200 you may as well raise an RMA replacement with Ruckus. Even if just to sit as a cold-spare. They will ordinarily go through standard troubleshooting steps to confirm it's dead but then should accept the return/replacement. Only cost in doing that is the shipping.

I dont think the APs will auto-downgrade as the ZD wont know the FW version they're running if it's higher. You will need to upgrade the ZD to the same FW as the APs first. I'm not 100% on this but think that's correct. I believe you can upgrade if you have the support files, but I think there might be a certain version where it checks the support status before performing the upgrade. What FW is it coming to you on, and what FW do you need to upgrade it to? and I will investigate to see if you might run into any problems.

You can migrate to Unleashed for free. The only cost is your time to reset the APs and upload the Unleashed firmware. There are support contracts available but not a requirement to make this change. Sounds like you're all sorted though with the ZD3k.

If you want to get back up and running today we could help you with changing your deployment to Unleashed - you would need to SSH on to each AP and factory default it, then on its web page upload Unleashed firmware. We can send this over, or you can access it through the Ruckus Support centre. If you let me know AP models we can advise on which Unleashed FW version will work. Would also need to config the new Unleashed network as the ZD config backups isn't portable. You could then raise the RMA on the ZD1200 and once that has been replaced reverse the process above and upload the standard firmware and upload back-up config file. It's a little hands-on but could get you up and running today. We can help with the above if you need some guidance. Edit - The vSZ trial you mention is valid for 60 days but believe it's only for 1 AP.

Hi James - what APs are you running on the network? Two solid green lights I think mean a memory failure which would mean the device needs to be replaced most likely. If you are the original owner should be able to raise a request on Ruckus but without a valid support contract replacement is around 28 days. If you are in support - you can raise a NBD replacement request. If you need support raising the request - let me know.

With any wireless modifications, be it expanding an existing deployment, upgrading an ageing one or planning for a completely new network one of the first steps should be a Predictive Wireless Design. A Predictive Design also called a Planning Design or Predictive Survey uses specialist software to create a virtual representation of your site and predicted RF environment. Access Points are placed around the site based on best practice WiFi design to model a predicted deployment. The software interprets this model and produces a report showing the predicted signal strength and coverage amongst other metrics. You can also perform density planning using the predicted data. With a predicted AP count it is possible to build out proposals and costs for further discussion and review. The survey can be updated and remodelled following the review until a design has been confirmed. All documentation and reports are provided to the client for future review. Net-Ctrl offers these Predictive Designs free of charge. Any design does require manufacturer knowledge by the person completing it. Net-Ctrl primarily works with Ruckus but can also complete surveys based on Aruba (excl. Instant-On) and Cambium. To complete a Predictive Design, we will need: A copy of scales site plans Description of your built environment User profile – class sizes, device type and applications Following a Predictive Design, we would recommend an Active Survey/On-site Survey be completed by a trained professional. This enables the engineer to put the predictions to the test and ensure the AP layout will perform as expected. Please note this is a chargeable service on a day rate basis. For any questions, please feel free to comment on this thread or send them to me directly. Should you want Net-Ctrl to complete a free-of-charge Predictive Design please send me a PM or email [email protected] and we can begin the process. There is no buy-in to Net-Ctrl following this service. There are no expectations of further purchase and unless requested you will not be added to any mailing lists.

@techie17 - please send me a PM if you would like to take a look at your options. Stock continues to be a challenge across many suppliers. We're working closely with UK distribution to secure stock for summer projects so we will try to assist should you need support. We primarily work with Ruckus as our WiFi vendor of choice. That continues to be where we do most of our work and is our preferred manufacturer and where our skill set is most suited. We work with Aruba mainly on networking as well as Ruckus, so we can get Aruba WiFi pricing. We do also have partnership with Cambium which we tend to use for smaller schools.

Hello, with T610 and R510 you can go all the way up to 6.1 if you wanted to which is the latest release. The recommended version is however 5.2.2 - which is two releases behind (5.2.2 > 6.0 > 6.1). You can go straight from 5.1 > 5.2.2. If you wanted to go up to 6.1 you would need to go 5.1 > 5.2.2 > 6.1. All files can be found in the Ruckus Support portal. After logging in if you scroll down you should see various platforms - select the vSZ option and then select the 'Downloads' tab. There is a filter on the right that allows you to select a particular FW version. If you're having issues accessing the right file, send me a PM with your email and I will ask one of our engineers to send the relevant files over.

Hello all, I am looking to put together some webinars, in conjunction with Ruckus, on technology and solutions and wondered if there were any particular topics you would like covered? Initially, I was thinking of WiFi 6/6e/7 what's the difference, best practices, future of wifi technology. Designing networking around density. Then solution specifics, looking at Cloudpath which is their onboarding platform, managing multiple sites with SmartZone. Best practices with Ruckus specifically. I intend to keep them more educational than salesy. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas on this. Thanks, Josh

Quick reminder for those of you heading down to BETT to print off and take a competition entry slip with you and bring it to stand SK31 - we're near the S4 entrance. I hope you all enjoy the show.

Visit Net-Ctrl on stand SK31 for your chance to win. Net-Ctrl will be exhibiting at BETT 2022 on stand SK31 located through entrance S4 and two rows back. Each year we bring a small selection of solutions from manufacturers in our portfolio, these have been outlined later in this post. For those of you interested in learning a little more about who will be joining us at BETT you can also visit our dedicated BETT page. The Competition Each year we run an exclusive competition for our clients and members of EduGeek only, and this year is no different. If you visit Net-Ctrl at BETT 2022, you stand a chance to win a prize that I think rivals the 1989 Batmobile we gave away at the last BETT Show, the 2352 piece LEGO Creator Ghostbusters ECTO-1. How to Enter: It’s so simple to enter. All you need to do is: 1. Download and print our BETT 2022 competition entry slip 2. Fill in a few details 3. Visit us at BETT 2022 on stand SK31 and hand in your entry slip 4. Wait patiently to see if you’re our lucky winner (to be announced after the show) Easy! Download your entry slip now Our winner will be announced on the Net-Ctrl website and on EduGeek shortly after the show. We really look forward to meeting you again at BETT. Please do come and stop by and say 'Hi' to the team. We have some great solutions on the stand, a summary of them is below, but it would also be great to find out what you're working on and have a catch-up. Partners at BETT 2022: • Wireless, Switching, Onboarding and Analytics – Ruckus • Cyber Awareness and Phishing Simulation Training – Boxphish • Intercom and CCTV – Mobotix, Exacq, Illustra, Cloudvue and Commend • Bell, Class Change, PA and Lockdown – Bodet • Access Control – Tyco, CEM and Kantech

@WT-NB - did you get this resolved? Please let me know if not and I will speak to our engineers to see if they can assist you. Apologies for the delay on this I missed this thread otherwise would have offered some assistance sooner.

Good Morning, we can assist with both Fortinet and Palo Alto proposals if you don't already have a chosen supplier. It is not my area of expertise so I will keep this post brief, but the option is there for you if would like to discuss further with one of our team, please send me a DM

Hello, Our security partner Fortinet is running a webinar looking ahead at IT trends and cybersecurity challenges for 2022. It is running on Thursday 16th December from 10.00-11.00. They will be looking at: • Ongoing work-from-anywhere models • Digital experience requirements • Increasing sophistication of cyber threats • IT/OT integration This isn't EDU specific more of a general and broader view. Net-Ctrl isn't affiliated with this is in any way - just something I thought might be of interest to some of you. In addition, registering to attend in no way ties you to Net-Ctrl. There is a sign-up form in order to register with the basic information required. They normally release a recording post-session which I assume will also be the case here so if you are interested but can't attend the session it could still be worth signing up. To register, please follow the below link: https://global.fortinet.com/emea-lp-en-2022industrytrends Thanks, Josh

Hello all, We have a position open to join our in-house support team as a level 1 helpdesk support technician. The role is based at our office but also allows for remote working. For those that don't know about us - Net-Ctrl is an established business-to-business value-added technology reseller and integrator based in Ipswich that provides, integrates, and supports a hand-picked range of technology solutions into both public and private organisations. We work with innovative and market-leading technologies that tackle our client’s challenges head-on and have developed a portfolio that covers networking, cyber security and building management solutions. This opportunity is for someone to come in and expand on their knowledge of: Networking Cybersecurity Building Management solutions and look to progress within helpdesk support. To set expectations, you will not be dealing with fixing or deploying computers but will be empowered to work on enterprise technology solutions at scale. You will be responsible for working on client support tickets and being available on our support phone line. You will be the first port of call for our clients who are experiencing issues with their networking, cybersecurity or building management solution(s). The role requires effective troubleshooting with clear communication, and where required, to work with L2 and L3 engineers to resolve the issue(s) at hand. We are looking for someone with either existing Level 1 support experience who is looking for an opportunity to grow, or someone that is passionate about technology and wants to break into the industry. You will have access to all the tools required to succeed, including access to industry recognised certified training schemes, senior engineer guidance and support from the manufacturer’s field teams. You will gain hands-on experience as you get to grips with some of the latest solutions on the market. There is more information available on our website that goes into more detail on the role, whom you'll be working with, ideal candidates and desirable. View the job posting. If anyone has any questions feel free to send a PM or comment on this thread and I will get back to you ASAP. To apply - please email [email protected] - with a brief description of why you are interested in the role and where your interests in technology are as well as a CV to review. **APPROVED**

Good Morning, sorry to hear of the issues you're experiencing - I have checked with our engineers and it's not an issue they have seen before. I have a troubleshooting guide for your FW version which I can send on for review. There are some steps in there to take when a Master isn't being automatically assigned (extract is too long to post), and also showing how to manually assign via CLI. If you are in an existing support contract it might also be worth upgrading the FW on the system - it looks like the one you're using is a couple of years old now - 200.11 is the current version. If you would like the guide please send me a PM with an email and I can send it through to you. Sorry I don't have the fix - but hopefully the above may assist. Thanks, Josh

Hello - just to add that the T310 would be significantly less than £1k - you probably be looking around half that through an EDU Ruckus reseller. If you speak with your partner they should be able to review Google Maps images and descriptions of the area to give you an idea on whether this would work in possible install locations - if not send a Demo AP out for testing. The challenge right now is going to be securing stock if it is an urgent project - also will depend on your set-up to ensure it will work with the rest of your deployment. If you let me know FW version I can confirm this for you

Hi there - did you purchase a ZoneDirector 3000, Ruckus Cloud or a virtual SmartZone? The Ruckus Cloud and virtual SmartZone will continue to support your R510s - it is only the ZD3k that is going EOL in 2023 - this is was announced 3 years ago (2018) and forms its 5 year EOL cycle with Ruckus. APs can be flashed to Unleashed mode - we, or your incumbent can assist with this. A new Unleashed support agreement can be purchased to continue support following this.

Morning, we have installed this in a number of schools around specific requirements such as yours using both Bodet or NetGenium solutions. There are a number of different ways to alert students that we can customise around your requirements, light led for example, specific audio clips etc. It is not my area of expertise but if you would like to chat with someone around the installs, please send me a PM and I will pass it on to one of our team that specialises in this area.

I think the challenge for anyone looking right now is securing stock of the vendor of choice for equipment that meets the requirements before the deadline comes. I believe DFE are aware of delays across many manufacturers, so would hope will be reviewing possible extension. It may mean widening your vendor selection list to ensure relevant equipment can be provided in time. If anyone has been approved and would like to look at a Ruckus proposal that meets the requirements, please let us know.

They're two quite different solutions you're looking at. Whilst client experience will be important it will also come down to other factors likes time and budget. Aruba will of course be more money, but you will get the support of your chosen integrator through set-up, any teething issues and support matters, should they arise. If you also have HP ARUBA networking you would also benefit from using Central for both wired/wireless. In addition, the challenge with wireless moving forward is not going to be signal coverage, but managing density. With 1500 students, that is a heavy load. If you have a BYOD/1-to-1 scheme, then your network will take a hit and your concurrent users is only going to go up so you need a network that will provide that future proofing. If budget is limited, then Ubiq will provide a good solution that may require more time to upkeep and support yourself and through forums/notice boards so that is a factor to consider. But it will work. Regarding your AP count - I would assume that count has come from a predictive survey or even better an onsite survey by the company involved. It is risky to assume that Ubiq would be the same count/locations. Of course, this will be harder to test but you could look at sourcing a test AP of the Ubiq model you're looking at set it up in a proposed Aruba AP placement and run some tests yourself to compare the performance of the AP to that the engineer recorded on the day. Another factor to consider at the moment is going to be availability. All network suppliers are experiencing delays or limited portfolio so worth reviewing what AP models you're looking at and whether that is available. Best of luck with the project. I am sure other Edugeekers will be able to provide real world experiences of both.