Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex R500 Unleashed

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Published September 2015, Part Number 800-70564-002 Rev C

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Unleashed

R500 Access Point

Quick Setup Guide

This Quick Setup Guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to

set up your Ruckus Wireless Unleashed R500 Dual Band 802.11ac WiFi

Access Point. After completing the steps described in this Guide, the

Unleashed Master Access Point (Master AP) will be created. Additional

Unleashed access points can be added to the network for additional

coverage and capacity.

Before You Begin

Before deploying Ruckus Wireless products, please check for the latest

software and release documentation.

• User Guides and Release Notes are available at

http://support.ruckuswireless.com/documents.

• Software Upgrades are available at

http://support.ruckuswireless.com/software.

• Open Source information is available at

http://opensource.ruckuswireless.com.

• Software License and Limited Warranty are available at

http://support.ruckuswireless.com/warranty.

Package Contents

• Unleashed R500 Access Point

• One wall-mount anchor kit, including two 1" No. 8 steel panhead

Phillips sheet metal screws, one 5mm M2.5 x 1.06 Torx security

screw, and wall-mount anchors

• One external T-bar bracket (two unassembled parts)

•One unit removal pin

• Regulatory flyer

• Product warranty statement

• Declaration of Conformity, if required

•This

Quick Setup Guide

Step 1: Collect Tools and Setup Requirements

Make sure that you have the following setup requirements:

• A PC/Mac/mobile client with a WiFi network adapter and a web

browser

• One Cat 5e Ethernet cable

• Network switch or router, with Internet connectivity

• An AC power adapter (sold separately), or

• an 802.3af or 802.3at -compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE)

switch or PoE injector

• No. 2 Phillips screwdriver and T8 Torx driver for wall mounting

anchor kit

• When mounting the Unleashed R500 to a truss or pole, two

customer-supplied cable ties

Step 2: Connect the AP to Power and Your Network

Figure 1. : Top view

1 After removing your Unleashed AP from its package, connect it

to your network switch or router using an Ethernet cable.

2 Using an AC adapter (sold separately), connect the AP 12VDC

port to a protected power source.

• Alternatively, connect the PoE port to a PoE injector or PoE

switch for both power and network connections.

3 Verify that the Power LED on the external enclosure is a steady

green.

Figure 2. : Bottom view

Step 3: Log In and Run the Setup Wizard

1 As soon as the Unleashed AP is powered on and connected to

the local network, it boots up and begins broadcasting a

temporary unencrypted ESSID named “Configure.Me-[xxxxxx]”

from the 2.4 GHz radio only.

2 Using your client’s WiFi configuration settings, select and

associate to the “Configure.Me-[xxxxxx]” SSID.

3 Launch a web browser and enter the following into the

browser’s URL bar:

unleashed.ruckuswireless.com, and

press

Enter.

Figure 3. Connect to the “ConfigureMe” SSID

Figure 4. : Select Create New Unleashed Network

4 Select Create New Unleashed Network, and click

Start to begin.

5 The “Configuring Unleashed Master” progress screen displays

the progress. Wait until the initialization process completes.

6 Once initialization is complete, ensure that you are still

connected to the “Configure.Me” SSID, and click

Next.

7 You will be redirected to the Setup Wizard. Complete the steps

in the Setup Wizard and click

Finish.

Note: If you will be using PoE, then you will need a Cat 5e (or

better) Ethernet cable to connect the AP to the PoE injector or

switch.

PoE Port 12VDC Port

Note: Do NOT disconnect the power or network cable from

the device during the setup process.

Note: The Unleashed Master initialization process can take

up to 5 minutes to complete.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex R500 Unleashed and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Step 1: Collect Tools and Setup Requirements

Step 2: Connect the AP to Power and Your Network

Step 3: Log In and Run the Setup Wizard

Step 4: Customize Your Wireless LANs

Step 5: Deploy Additional Unleashed Access Points

(Optional) Mounting Instructions

Mounting on a Flat Surface

Instructions for attaching the AP to a flat surface using mounting hardware.

Mounting on a Recessed Drop-Ceiling T-Bar

Instructions for mounting the AP to a recessed drop-ceiling T-bar.

Mounting on a Flush Drop-Ceiling T-Bar

Instructions for mounting the AP to a flush drop-ceiling T-bar using the integrated bracket.

Mounting on a Truss or Pole

Instructions for fastening the AP to a truss or pole using cable ties.

Summary

Step 1: Collect Tools and Setup Requirements

Step 2: Connect the AP to Power and Your Network

Step 3: Log In and Run the Setup Wizard

Step 4: Customize Your Wireless LANs

Step 5: Deploy Additional Unleashed Access Points

(Optional) Mounting Instructions

Mounting on a Flat Surface

Instructions for attaching the AP to a flat surface using mounting hardware.

Mounting on a Recessed Drop-Ceiling T-Bar

Instructions for mounting the AP to a recessed drop-ceiling T-bar.

Mounting on a Flush Drop-Ceiling T-Bar

Instructions for mounting the AP to a flush drop-ceiling T-bar using the integrated bracket.

Mounting on a Truss or Pole

Instructions for fastening the AP to a truss or pole using cable ties.

The Ruckus Wireless Unleashed R500 Access Point is a dual-band 802.11ac WiFi access point designed for creating or expanding a wireless network. It functions as part of the Ruckus Unleashed system, where one R500 AP acts as the "Master AP" to manage the network, and additional R500 APs can be added as "member APs" to extend coverage and capacity.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Unleashed R500 is to provide wireless connectivity for client devices within a local area network. When powered on and connected to the local network, it broadcasts a temporary, unencrypted ESSID (e.g., "Configure.Me-[xxxxxx]") from its 2.4 GHz radio. This allows a client device (PC/Mac/mobile client with WiFi) to connect to the AP and access a web-based setup wizard for initial configuration.

Once configured, the Master AP establishes the Unleashed network, which includes defining Wireless LANs (WLANs) with specific settings. These WLANs are then broadcast by the Master AP and any connected member APs, allowing client devices to connect to the secure wireless network. The Unleashed system centralizes management, meaning that once the Master AP is configured, additional member APs automatically retrieve all WLAN and other network settings upon connection, simplifying deployment.

The R500 supports both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and a 12VDC power adapter for power, offering flexibility in deployment scenarios. It integrates with a network switch or router that provides Internet connectivity, enabling client devices connected to the R500 to access the internet.

Usage Features:

Easy Setup Wizard: The device features a guided setup wizard accessible via a web browser. After connecting to the temporary "Configure.Me" SSID, users navigate to unleashed.ruckuswireless.com to initiate the setup process. This wizard guides users through creating a new Unleashed network, configuring initial WLAN settings, and setting up administrator credentials.
Master AP Initialization: The setup process involves an "Unleashed Master" initialization, during which the selected R500 AP configures itself to manage the network. This process can take up to 5 minutes.
Dashboard Management: After successful login, users are presented with an "Unleashed Dashboard," which provides an overview of the Ruckus Unleashed network. From this dashboard, users can manage existing WLANs, create new WLANs, and view connected clients and access points.
WLAN Customization: The dashboard allows for fine-tuning the settings of existing WLANs and creating additional ones. This includes editing configurations such as security protocols, SSIDs, and other wireless parameters.
Scalable Deployment: The Unleashed system is designed for scalability. Once the Master AP is configured, additional R500 APs can be easily added to the network. These "member APs" simply need to be connected to the same Layer 2 network (subnet) and powered on; they will automatically discover the Master AP and join the Unleashed network, extending wireless coverage without requiring individual configuration.
Flexible Power Options: The R500 can be powered either by an external 12VDC power adapter (sold separately) or through an 802.3af or 802.3at compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch or PoE injector. This allows for deployment in locations where traditional power outlets may not be readily available, simplifying cabling.
Various Mounting Options: The R500 offers multiple mounting possibilities to suit different environments:
- Flat Surface Mounting: Can be mounted directly to a wall or ceiling using screws and anchors. A mounting template is provided for accurate drill hole placement.
- Recessed Drop-Ceiling T-Bar Mounting: Utilizes an enclosed T-bar bracket to attach the AP to a recessed drop-ceiling T-bar. The bracket minimizes ceiling tile displacement.
- Flush Drop-Ceiling T-Bar Mounting: Can be mounted to a flush drop-ceiling T-bar using an integrated bracket mechanism, where the AP rotates to lock into place.
- Truss or Pole Mounting: Can be secured to a truss or pole using customer-supplied cable ties fed through slots on the back of the AP.
Locking Mechanism: For flat surface mounting, a unit removal pin is used to release a locking mechanism, allowing the AP to be securely attached or detached from the mounting screws. Similar mechanisms are used for T-bar mounting to ensure the AP is firmly in place.

Maintenance Features:

Software Upgrades: Ruckus Wireless provides software upgrades for the Unleashed R500, which can be accessed through their support website. Keeping the software updated ensures optimal performance, security, and access to new features.
Documentation Access: Comprehensive user guides and release notes are available online, providing detailed information on device operation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Open Source Information: Information regarding open-source components used in the device's software is accessible, adhering to open-source licensing requirements.
Warranty Information: Software license and limited warranty details are provided, outlining the terms of support and coverage for the device.
LED Indicators: The Power LED on the external enclosure provides a visual status indicator. A steady green light indicates that the device is powered on and functioning correctly.
Unit Removal Pin: A specialized unit removal pin is included with the package. This pin is essential for releasing the locking mechanisms used in various mounting configurations, facilitating secure installation and removal of the AP for maintenance or relocation.
Security Screw: For flush drop-ceiling T-bar mounting, a Torx security screw is used to lock the AP in place, providing an additional layer of security against unauthorized removal. A T8 Torx driver is required for this.
System Reboot/Power Cycle: During the setup process or after configuration changes, the system may require a reboot. Users are advised not to disconnect power or network cables during these critical phases to avoid data corruption or incomplete configuration.
Network Reconnection: After certain configuration changes (e.g., modifying WLAN settings), client devices may be temporarily disconnected from the network. Users will need to manually reconnect to the configured WLAN.
Troubleshooting Resources: The availability of online documentation and support resources allows users to troubleshoot common issues and find solutions, ensuring continuous operation of the wireless network.

Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex R500 Unleashed Specifications

General

Wireless Standard	802.11ac
MIMO Technology	2x2:2
Power over Ethernet (PoE)	802.3af/at
Spatial Streams	2
Maximum Power Consumption	12.95 W
BeamFlex+	Yes
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Antenna	Integrated
Antenna Gain	5 dBi
Operating Temperature	0°C (32°F) to +50°C (122°F)
Mounting Options	Wall, ceiling
Model	ZoneFlex R500 Unleashed
Maximum Data Rate	1300 Mbps