Ruckus R500 Indoor 802.11ac Wi-Fi Access Point
DATA SHEET
Key Benefits
- STUNNING WI-FI PERFORMANCE: Provides an excellent user experience in challenging environments with BeamFlex™ adaptive antenna technology and 64 directional antenna patterns.
- GET OPTIMAL THROUGHPUT: Utilizes ChannelFly dynamic channel technology with machine learning to automatically select the least congested channels, ensuring the highest possible throughput.
- MULTIPLE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: Offers flexible management through the cloud or on-premises physical/virtual appliances.
- BETTER MESH NETWORKING: Simplifies complex mesh configurations with SmartMesh wireless meshing technology, enabling dynamic self-forming and self-healing networks, reducing cabling needs.
- EXPANDED BACKHAUL: Features two onboard 1GbE ports with Link Aggregation (LACP) to maximize throughput between the access point and the wired switch.
- MORE THAN WI-FI: Enhances network capabilities with Cloudpath security and management software, SPoT real-time Wi-Fi location engine and analytics, and SCI network analytics.
Product Overview
With the increasing demand for mobile devices, cloud applications, and Internet of Things (IoT) connections, even small to mid-size venues require robust Wi-Fi solutions. The Ruckus R500 802.11ac indoor access point offers an ideal balance of capacity, reliability, and affordability for medium-density locations. It incorporates patented Ruckus antenna optimizations and interference mitigation technologies, previously found only in premium high-density APs, in a low-profile form factor at a competitive price.
The R500 is a versatile solution for various medium-density enterprise and hotspot environments, including small to mid-size businesses, hotels, retail outlets, and branch offices. It can provide high-quality wireless data access in hotel common areas, and support high-quality video, wireless IP phones, and handheld point-of-sale scanners in retail and branch offices. It delivers superior performance and reliability compared to other solutions in its class for busy locations with diverse users, devices, and applications.
The R500 802.11ac AP integrates patented technologies from the Ruckus Wi-Fi portfolio:
- Extended coverage and improved signal reliability with patented BeamFlex+ utilizing multi-directional antenna patterns.
- Enhanced throughput by using ChannelFly, which dynamically identifies and utilizes the least congested Wi-Fi channels.
Additionally, the R500's mesh networking capabilities allow for easy deployment and connectivity for more devices in more locations without extra cabling. Its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support Link Aggregation for higher-capacity backhaul to the switch. Management is simplified through Ruckus' appliance, virtual, and cloud management options, whether deploying ten or ten thousand APs.
Image of the Ruckus R500 indoor Wi-Fi access point.
Diagram illustrating Ruckus BeamFlex Adaptive Antenna Technology, showing how it uses multiple directional antenna patterns to adapt to client devices and environments for improved signal strength and reduced interference.
Patented BeamFlex™ Technology
The R500 Smart Wi-Fi access points feature a software-controlled smart antenna with PD-MRC (polarization diversity). This technology delivers up to an additional 4 dB of BeamFlex gain and 10 dB of interference mitigation, significantly enhancing the performance of mobile devices that are in constant motion and changing orientation.
Advanced WLAN Applications with Smart/OS
When used with Ruckus Smart WLAN controllers, the R500 supports a wide array of value-added applications, including guest networking, Dynamic PSK, hotspot authentication, and wireless intrusion detection. Smart/OS allows for the creation and mapping of WLANs to the same or different APs or VLANs. In a centrally managed configuration, the R500 integrates with various authentication servers such as Microsoft's Active Directory, LDAP, and RADIUS.
Flexible Deployment Options
R500 APs can be deployed as standalone units or as part of a centrally managed wireless LAN using ZoneDirector Smart WLAN controllers. They can be deployed across any L2/L3 network, bridging traffic onto the local network, tunneling to a central location via L2TP or PPPoE, or routing between the WAN and NAT'ed private subnets. Ruckus controllers automate the configuration of each R500, ensuring quick and easy deployment.
Complete Local and Remote Management
Each R500 can be managed via a Web-based GUI, SNMP, or the Ruckus FlexMaster Wi-Fi remote management system. Local management is also possible through Ruckus' Smart WLAN controllers. FlexMaster is a LINUX-based platform that uses industry-standard protocols for bulk configuration, fault detection, monitoring, and troubleshooting across a wide area connection. Controllers enable local management and control of APs, adding services like transmit power control and guest networking.
Features
Wireless
- Dual-band concurrent (5GHz/2.4GHz)
- Adaptive antenna technology and advanced RF management
- Up to 4 dB BeamFlex gain / 10 dB interference mitigation / 3 dBi physical antenna gain
- Automatic interference mitigation, optimized for high-density environments
- Integrated smart antenna technology
- IP multicast video streaming support
- Advanced QoS packet classification and automatic priority for latency-sensitive traffic
- Dynamic, pre-user rate-limiting for hotspot WLANs
- WPA-PSK (AES), 802.1X support for RADIUS and Active Directory
- Ethernet 802.1x port-based authentication (authenticator and supplicant)
- BYOD, Zero-IT and Dynamic PSK
- Admission control/load balancing
- Band steering and airtime fairness support
Interfaces
- 2 x 1GbE ports with PoE on one port
Power
- Standard 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Accessories
- Mounting bracket
Software
- Captive portal and guest accounts
- Application recognition and control
- SmartWay Bonjour gateway
- Router mode with NAT and DHCP services
- Secure Hotspot
- SPoT location engine and analytics
- Band balancing
- SmartMesh wireless meshing technology (when used with management)
Illustration of various antenna combinations that can be chosen for high availability of Wi-Fi.
Image showing the R500's two 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, with one port supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Text describing high-gain directional antenna elements that enhance signal gain and interference mitigation for extended range and reliability.
Network Integration
The R500 delivers best-in-class 802.11ac performance and reliability at a competitive price, making it an ideal wireless solution for mid-range enterprise and branch office applications.
Network diagram illustrating the integration of the R500 access point into both Branch Office and Enterprise network infrastructures. It shows connections via ZoneDirector, Firewall, Router, and authentication servers (RADIUS/AD/LDAP), and details various SSIDs (Corp, Voice, Guest) for different user groups.
Deployment Scenarios
Hotel Common Areas
The R500 is ideal for deployment in hotel common areas to provide high-quality wireless data access, as well as wired connections for IP phones and guest devices.
Illustration of the R500 access point deployed in a hotel common area, showcasing its sleek design and capabilities for providing wireless data access and wired connections for IP phones and guest devices. Callouts highlight: dual-band (2.4/5GHz) support for concurrent Internet and IP-based video services; wired ports for connecting IP devices like laptops and VoIP phones; and multiple SSIDs for high-speed Internet access and other services.
Retail / Branch Offices
The R500 is ideal for deployment in retail stores to provide inconspicuous wireless connection for high-quality video, wireless IP phones, and data access for handheld PoS bar code scanners.
Illustration of the R500 access point deployed in a retail or branch office environment, highlighting its discreet wireless connectivity for video, IP phones, and data access for handheld point-of-sale scanners. Callouts emphasize: wired ports to connect devices such as cash registers and printers; multiple SSIDs for differentiated user services (e.g., guest Wi-Fi, point of sale, voice); and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for point-of-sale devices, supported by the 5GHz band and smart antenna system ideal for 802.11ac clients.
Physical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | DC Input: 12 VDC 1.0A Power over Ethernet 802.3af |
| Physical Size | 15.8 cm x 15.8 cm x 4 cm (6.2 in x 6.2 in x 1.57 in) |
| Weight | 350 g (0.77 lb.) |
| Data Ports | 2 auto MDX, auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps, RJ-45, PoE port (on one port) |
| Mounting Options | Electrical wallbox; Standard US and EU single gang wall jack Optional bracket for offset & wall mount |
| Lock Options | Hidden latching mechanism Kensington Lock Hole T-bar Torx Bracket (902-0108-0000) Torx screw & padlock (sold separately) |
| Environmental Conditions | Operating Temperature: 0°C - 50°C Operating Humidity: 10% - 95% non-condensing |
| Power Draw | PoE-Powered: Idle: 4W, Typical: 5.95W, Peak: 10.5W 12VDC-Powered: Idle: 4W, Typical: 6.13W, Peak: 11.1W |
Performance and Capacity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Concurrent Stations | Up to 512 clients per AP |
| Simultaneous VoIP Clients | Up to 30 |
RF Specifications
Antenna
- Adaptive antenna providing up to 64 unique antenna patterns per radio
- Full omnidirectional polarization diversity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical Antenna Gain | Up to 3 dBi |
| BeamFlex™ SINR TX Gain | Up to 4 dB |
| BeamFlex™ SINR RX Gain | 3-5 dB (PD-MRC) |
| Interference Mitigation | Up to 10 dB |
| Minimum RX Sensitivity | Up to -100 dBm |
* BeamFlex gains are statistical system-level effects translated to enhanced SINR based on observations over time in real-world conditions with multiple APs and many clients.
Wi-Fi Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz and 5GHz) |
| Supported Data Rates | 802.11n/ac: 6.5Mbps - 173.4Mbps (20MHz), 13.5Mbps - 400Mbps (40MHz), 29.3Mbps - 867Mbps (80MHz) 802.11a: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps |
| Radio Chains | 2x2 |
| Spatial Streams | 2 |
| RF Power Output (Aggregate) | 26 dBm for 2.4 GHz, 25 dBm for 5GHz |
| Channelization | 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz |
| Operating Channels | US/Canada: 1-11, Europe (ETSI X30): 1-13, Japan X41: 1-13 5 GHz channels: Country dependent |
| Frequency Band | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n: 2.4-2.484 GHz IEEE 802.11a/ac: 5.15-5.25 GHz; 5.25-5.35 GHz; 5.47-5.725 GHz; 5.725-5.85 GHz |
| Power Save | Supported |
| Wireless Security | WPA-PSK, WPA-TKIP, WPA2-AES, 802.11i Authentication via 802.1X with ZoneDirector, local authentication database, support for RADIUS, LDAP, and ActiveDirectory |
| Certifications** | U.S., Europe, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam WEEE/RoHS compliance EN-60601-1-2 (Medical) Wi-Fi Alliance EN50121-1 Railway EMC EN50121-4 Railway Immunity IEC 61373 Railway Shock & Vibration UL 2043 plenum rated 5GHz UNII-1 (2014) |
* Maximum power varies by country
** For current certification status please see price list
Management Options
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment Options | Standalone (individually managed) Managed by ZoneDirector (9.8.1 & Above) Managed by SmartZone (3.0 & above) Managed by FlexMaster Managed by SmartCell™ Gateway 200 (2.5 & above) |
| Configuration | Web User Interface (HTTP/S) CLI (Telnet/SSH), SNMP v1, 2, 3 TR-069 via FlexMaster FTP or TFTP, remote auto available |
* Some features not supported - e.g., mesh
Warranty: Sold with a limited lifetime warranty. For details see: http://support.ruckuswireless.com/warranty
Product Ordering Information
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 901-R500-XX00 | R500 Smart Wi-Fi 802.11ac Access Point (Concurrent dual band 802.11ac Access Point, no power adapter) |
| 9U1-R500-WW00 | R500 Smart Wi-Fi 802.11ac Unleashed Access Point (Concurrent dual band 802.11ac Unleashed Access Point, no power adapter) |
Optional Accessories
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 902-0108-0000 | Spare, Accessory Mounting Bracket |
| 902-0173-XXYY | Power Adapter, AC/DC wall plug, 100-240Vac 50/60Hz |
| 902-0162-XXYY | PoE injector (sold in quantities of 10 or 100) |
When ordering Indoor APs, you must specify the destination region by indicating -US, -WW, or -Z2 instead of XX. When ordering PoE injectors or power supplies, you must specify the destination region by indicating -US, -EU, -AU, -BR, -CN, -IN, -JP, -KR, -SA, -UK, or -UN instead of -XX.
For access points, -Z2 applies to the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, and Vietnam.
