Ruckus unveils location-based services solution

Ruckus Wireless unveiled a major expansion of SPoT location-based service (LBS). The expanded Ruckus LBS solution service providers and enterprises improve the ROI and monetization of their wireless infrastructure. Organizations can now actively engage with customers through value-added business services tailored for the user online experience.

Fundamental enhancements to the Ruckus LBS solution uniquely combine, for the first time, virtualized SPoT LBS software, calibration-free deployment, user presence and integrated support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beaconing to streamline the installation and delivery of location-based wireless services. Additionally, Ruckus announced that it has entered into an alliance with Gimbal to enable effective beacon monetization and utilization of wireless networks.

Ruckus SPoT portfolio includes Ruckus SPoT Point as its new capability. SPoT Point detects client locations in real-time within a range of five to eight meters, with 80% accuracy. SPoT Point can also be deployed without calibration to enable immediate activation of location services with only a small decrease in accuracy.

Ruckus SPoT Presence is a new, easy-to-deploy, calibration-free version for those who need less precise LBS tracking information and/or smaller venues with fewer access points deployed, SPoT Presence detects the overall number of devices present in a venue at the nearest Ruckus ZoneFlex access point (AP) using proximity analytics.

Ruckus SPoT virtual appliance software (virtual SPoT) – A new, virtualized version of SPoT LBS that can be managed off-site in private or hybrid data centers. Virtual SPoT works with VMware Vsphere (version 5.x or higher) to deliver location services from enterprise and service provider data centers.

All versions of the Ruckus SPoT location-based service also now include a Mapping Tool feature on the SPoT Administrative Portal. The Mapping Tool allows for easy updating and editing of the SPoT coverage area, and Ruckus ZoneFlex access point (AP) locations and zones, so that any changes to the SPoT deployment layout can be easily made. Ruckus SPoT service requires no new hardware and can be used with the latest Ruckus ZoneFlex indoor and outdoor 802.11ac access points, in addition to many 802.11n AP models and all new Ruckus SmartZone and existing ZoneDirector control and management platforms.

As part of the expanded Ruckus LBS solution, Ruckus ZoneFlex APs will be capable of serving as a two-way distributed management and asset and security monitoring platform for BLE beacons. The new Ruckus ZoneFlex R710 indoor access point and ZoneFlex H500 Wall Switch now support Gimbal as well as iBeacon technology with Ruckus SmartZone and Zone director controllers.