The key enhancements added to the Ruckus LBS solution uniquely combine, for the first time, virtualized LBS software, calibration-free deployment, user presence detection, and integrated support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons to simplify the installation and provisioning of location-based wireless services. In addition, Ruckus has announced a partnership with Gimbal to enable effective beacon monetization and utilization of wireless networks. New capabilities in the Ruckus SPoT portfolio include:
• Ruckus SPoT Point – SPoT Point detects customer locations in real time by measuring location within a range of five to eight meters, with 80 percent accuracy. SPoT Point can also be deployed without calibration to allow immediate activation of location services with only a slight decrease in accuracy.
• Ruckus SPoT Presence – A new, easy-to-deploy, calibration-free version for those needing less precise LBS tracking information and/or smaller locations with fewer deployed access points. SPoT Presence uses proximity analysis to detect the total number of devices present at a location at the nearest point with Ruckus ZoneFlex™ APs.
• Ruckus SPoT Virtual Appliance Software (Virtual SPoT) – A new, virtualized version of LBS SPoT that can be managed in private or hybrid data centers. Virtual SPoT jobs with VMware vSphere (version 5.x and higher) deliver location services from enterprise and service provider data centers.
All versions of the Ruckus SPoT location service will now also include a Mapping Tool feature in the SPoT Administration Portal. The Mapping Tool allows for easy updating and editing of the SPoT coverage area, as well as access points (APs), locations, and Ruckus ZoneFlex zones, so any changes to the SPoT deployment design can be easily implemented. The Ruckus SPoT service requires no new hardware and can be used with the latest Ruckus ZoneFlex 802.11ac indoor and outdoor access points, as well as various 802.11n AP models, all new Ruckus SmartZone™ devices, and existing ZoneDirector™ control and management platforms.
Distributed management and integration of BLE beacons
As part of Ruckus' expanded LBS solution, Ruckus ZoneFlex access points will be able to provide two-way distributed management, an asset platform, and security monitoring for BLE beacons. The new Ruckus ZoneFlex R710 indoor access point and the ZoneFlex H500 Wall now support gimbal and iBeacon technology with Ruckus SmartZone and ZoneDirector controllers.
Under a new partnership with Gimbal, Ruckus ZoneFlex access points can now run Gimbal's proprietary firmware, helping to ensure maximum security for proximity beacon networks through Gimbal's unique, laminated, encrypted IDs. Gimbal-powered Ruckus access points will enable retailers, hotels, venues, advertisers, and out-of-home (OOH) networks to monetize their wireless networks by securely sharing access to their beacon networks with business partners, sponsors, or digital advertising networks. Ruckus ZoneFlex access points incorporate Gimbal technology and are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for batteries and acting as a detector for all nearby beacons.
Ruckus' LBS solution for schools, retailers, cities and transportation
Within educational settings, Ruckus's LBS solution can be used to track high-value assets issued, for example, in a school, further transforming the educational experience and inspiring new ways of learning. Across the campus, content can be accessed based on location and time of day. Students can also be located via mobile devices in case of an emergency.
For retailers, Ruckus' LBS solution provides valuable information about customer location and behavior, enables data mapping against sales records, and allows for proactive engagement with targeted content that creates a unique shopping experience for customers.
For cities and transport hubs, such as train stations and airports, Ruckus' LBS solution enables real-time monitoring of pedestrian traffic to optimize schedules, improve staffing services, reduce congestion, and enhance safety.
The LBS Robust Ecosystem program provides third-party mobile and analytics app developers with an open set of APIs for delivering comprehensive information and precise location data. This enables the development of value-added services for deeper customer insights and enhanced user engagement. Ecosystem program participants include: Aislelabs (real-time personalized in-store marketing); Purple WiFi (WiFi hotspot for system access via Facebook, Google+, and Twitter); SkyFii (guest WiFi, integrated/advanced real-time analytics with targeted content delivery); and RaGaPa (WiFi monetization and messaging).
