Ruckus Wireless Presents at Wireless Field Day 2

Victor Shtrom talks about Ruckus Wireless’ beamforming and antennas

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Victor Shtrom’s presentation at Tech Field Day on January 27, 2012, delved into the intricacies of Ruckus Wireless’ beamforming and adaptive antenna technology, known as BeamFlex. Shtrom began by explaining the fundamental issues with wireless signals, particularly the problem of multipath, where signals bounce off various objects, causing unstable performance. He illustrated this with a simulation borrowed from a geological survey, likening RF waves to water waves created by an earthquake. The core of Ruckus’ technology lies in its ability to dynamically adjust antenna patterns to optimize signal strength and quality for each client, thereby mitigating the effects of multipath and ensuring more stable and reliable wireless performance.

Shtrom emphasized the distinction between traditional chip-based beamforming, which is standardized in 802.11n, and Ruckus’ adaptive antennas. While chip-based beamforming relies on the phasing of signals between static antennas, Ruckus’ BeamFlex technology uses a combination of vertically and horizontally polarized antennas that can independently beamform. This allows Ruckus to dynamically adjust the signal direction on a per-client, per-packet basis, significantly improving throughput and reducing interference. Shtrom explained that this approach not only enhances signal strength but also minimizes the deep fades caused by multipath, ensuring more consistent and higher-quality wireless connections.

The presentation also highlighted the practical benefits of BeamFlex in real-world scenarios, such as high-density environments like stadiums, where reducing co-channel interference is crucial. Shtrom noted that BeamFlex’s ability to focus energy precisely where it is needed and avoid unnecessary signal dispersion helps maximize network capacity and efficiency. This is particularly important in environments with numerous devices competing for bandwidth. Additionally, Shtrom touched on the challenges of implementing similar technology on client devices, citing the constraints of device design and the need for collaboration with manufacturers. Overall, the presentation underscored Ruckus Wireless’ innovative approach to solving fundamental wireless communication challenges through advanced antenna technology.

Personnel: Victor Shtrom

David Stiff and Wilson So demonstrate 802.11u at Ruckus Wireless

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David Stiff and Wilson So from Ruckus Networks presented on the 802.11u protocol during their session at Wireless Field Day 2. The primary goal of 802.11u is to enhance the user experience in connecting to Wi-Fi networks, making it as seamless as connecting to cellular networks. Traditionally, users face a cumbersome process to connect to Wi-Fi, requiring them to find an SSID, enter credentials, or navigate through captive portals. With 802.11u, this experience is significantly simplified, enabling devices to automatically connect to available hotspots, thus ensuring a smoother transition between cellular and Wi-Fi networks without user intervention.

The presentation detailed how 802.11u operates, highlighting its dual requirements for access points and clients, as well as its ability to improve network discovery and authentication processes. Stiff and So explained the protocol’s reliance on elements like Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) for clients to query access points and the Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP), which provides essential service information, such as supported authentication methods. This capability not only allows devices to determine which services are available but also enables automatic selection of the most appropriate service based on user preferences and device compatibility, streamlining the connection process.

The speakers also addressed concerns regarding user control and preferences in connection management. While 802.11u seeks to automate connections for convenience, there are worries that this could limit user agency over which networks their devices connect to. Stiff and So indicated that while the protocol allows for enhanced automation, the implementation could vary between device manufacturers, thus impacting user choice. As 802.11u progresses towards certification and broader adoption, potential business opportunities for service integration and roaming hubs emerge, allowing public and private networks to work in tandem to provide superior connectivity options.

Personnel: David Stiff, Wilson So