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Ruckus Wireless adds ZoneFlex 7781CM access point to its SmartCell Architecture product portfolio

June 11, 2013

Ruckus Wireless has announced the launch of its new Ruckus ZoneFlex 7781CM outdoor access point (AP) with Ruckus BeamFlex adaptive antenna technology.  The ZoneFlex 7781CM is another key ingredient in the Ruckus SmartCell Architecture, which provides a proven recipe for building carrier class Wi-Fi networks to deal with the wireless data challenge sweeping across the industry. The Ruckus ZoneFlex 7781CM can be strand-mounted on a multiple system operator’s (MSO’s) aerial cable plant or it can be pedestal, wall or pole mounted as required. The ZoneFlex 7781CM supports the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3.0, EuroDOCSIS 3.0, and JCTEA STD-005 (Japan).

The integrated DOCSIS modem technology in the Ruckus ZoneFlex 7781CM allows Wi-Fi traffic to be backhauled over the Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) cable plant and powered from the cable plant at the same time. The ZoneFlex 7781CM features an extremely compact, lightweight form factor that is consistent with the requirements for strand mounting on aerial plant.

Leveraging Ruckus BeamFlex technology, the ZoneFlex 7781CM offers a greatly improved user experience in a wide variety of outdoor deployment scenarios. It can increase subscriber gain by as much as 6 dB and interference mitigation by as much as 15 dB, both of which are important in high-density applications. MSOs have been moving aggressively to deploy Wi-Fi technology as a way to provide additional services for their subscribers, reduce churn, and improve their competitive position.

A growing number of MSOs have been deploying Wi-Fi in both indoor venues, as well as in outdoor locations.  In fact, according to the latest figures from the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, U.S. cable MSOs alone have combined to deploy more than 120,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, with future, continued growth around the world a virtual certainty.

The Ruckus ZoneFlex 7781CM supports international cable standards, so MSOs in all geographies can easily leverage Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technology like BeamFlex in their HFC build-outs.

“It’s crucial for MSOs to take full advantage of the opportunity Wi-Fi represents for them,” said Rob Mustarde, VP of Worldwide Marketing, Ruckus Wireless. “The ZoneFlex 7781CM enables them to better retain existing customers, and even gain new ones by providing Wi-Fi not just in their customers’ homes, but in a wide variety of locations throughout the MSOs’ service area. We continue to provide key ingredients to help both carriers and MSOs grow their business with the best recipe for success.”

The Ruckus ZoneFlex 7781CM can be centrally managed by the Ruckus SmartCell Gateway (SCG) 200 or via the Ruckus ZoneDirector Smart WLAN controller, and can also be used in conjunction with either the Ruckus FlexMaster service management platform and/or a MSO’s own cable management system to take advantage of the best of both worlds in terms of cable network management and wireless monitoring. The ZoneFlex 7781CM also integrates a GPS receiver, allowing service providers to begin offering location-based services as well as continuous spectrum monitoring features.

Categories: Broadband, Equipment, Press Releases