Developed by Ruckus, the suite of free apps includes the SpeedFlex, S.W.A.T., Zapper, and ZD Remote. Available on the Apple iTunes App Store, Google Play and other online outlets, the apps are designed to allow network managers to determine where to best place Wi-Fi access points (APs) for optimal coverage and performance.

In addition, users can use these tools as a mechanism for making statistically valid performance comparisons between different vendor systems, with the ability to view all the comparative performance data on the same screen.

“These kinds of tools are invaluable for schools like ours that have large scale deployments in numerous sites,” said Joe McBreen, CIO of St. Vrain Valley School District. “Wi-Fi performance is a constantly moving target that ebbs and flows as conditions change. Arming our administrators with these mobile apps helps us to reduce the operational headaches that often come with Wi-Fi.”

St. Vrain Valley School District, a district consisting of 47 schools located in Longmont, CO, recently replaced its legacy Wi-Fi with a Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi solution. St. Vrain is a 411-square-mile district with 27,000 students. More than 1,000 802.11n ZoneFlex access points now provide Wi-Fi access for a myriad of applications.

Real-Time Wi-Fi Performance Data

For iOS and Android users, SpeedFlex is a wireless throughput performance-testing tool based on the Ruckus open source performance test tool that gives users a way to collect site performance data. This throughput based analysis tool can be used to validate the performance of an existing installation, or assist in planning a new site deployment.The tool captures real-time throughput (uplink/downlink), packet loss and site data, and lets users take pictures and send an email with the results packaged in a PDF file.

S.W.A.T. is a wireless assessment tool for performance testing, and site survey companion to SpeedFlex. The app allows users to collect comprehensive site performance data. It can be used to validate the performance of an existing installation, or assist in planning a new site deployment. By connecting to a SpeedFlex server, such as a Ruckus ZoneFlex AP or ZoneDirector controller, network managers can instantly test network throughput. With S.W.A.T., users can also plot the results with a graphical representation of their actual test environment. The Android version allows users to see RSSI, channel, frequency and data rates.

Zapper is a real time performance analysis tool. Built on the open source ZAP wireless library, this app lets users test the performance of an existing network, validate APs, and perform competitive testing to help make accurate comparisons. Results are presented in a cumulative distribution function (CDF) graph which visually communicates the full distribution of expected throughput rates against the percentage probability of that throughput at the specific test location.

Designed for use with the Apple iPad, Ruckus ZD Remote is for users of the Ruckus ZoneDirector management appliance. The app offers real-time monitoring of Ruckus Smart WLANs to provide stats, dashboard widgets, client details and live logs. Administrators can monitor one or more ZoneDirector controllers on a mobile device. Going forward, ZD Remote will add select ZoneDirector configuration controls, allowing administrators to manage their Ruckus WLAN environments.