As tenant expectations continue to soar, multi-dwelling unit (MDU) owners and managers must meet the growing demands of the market. This requires the best product from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and vendors to succeed and win competitive bids. This article explains how RUCKUS One^®, utilizing RUCKUS DPSK3 and RUCKUS AI, stands out as the all-in-one network solution for MDU environments. It offers a unified platform that meets all the needs of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to deliver a Managed Wi-Fi Solution across all bands, including 6 GHz. The article showcases the ability to integrate various network components and support complex network requirements using best-in-class Wi-Fi at an affordable price per door.

Wi-Fi as the “Fourth Utility”

Internet connectivity through Wi-Fi has become the “fourth utility.” Reliable internet access is now as essential to daily life as traditional utilities like electricity, water, and gas. This is perhaps the main reason why Real Estate Developers have chosen the pre-installed nature of “Managed Wi-Fi solutions” using Network Segmentation over the conventional physical residential gateway per unit, where each resident or tenant must wait for the next available truck roll, which can sometimes take weeks. People today want and expect reliable, high-performance Internet connectivity ready on Day One.

What is the Managed Wi-Fi Solution?

Managed Wi-Fi in a multi-dwelling units (MDU) property typically involves a Managed Service Provider (MSP) overseeing the deployment and operation of Wi-Fi services, with costs included in the association fees paid by unit owners or tenants’ rent. The provider strategically plans and installs access points for optimal coverage, based on a comprehensive professional design, reducing interference and ensuring consistent Wi-Fi access throughout the complex. This reliable infrastructure not only attracts and retains tenants but also supports ‘Smart Home’ solutions and enhances facility management efficiencies, offering tangible business benefits.

Benefits of reliable, high-performance managed Wi-Fi across the property for MDUs

• Differentiate properties in a competitive market by appealing to tech-savvy residents who demand fast Wi-Fi service everywhere.
• Boost tenant renewals, as satisfied tenants are more likely to renew their leases.
• Provide new wireless Smart Home and business services, including IoT applications like keyless entry, sensors, employee and asset location, analytics, and more.
• Enhance technology capabilities without hassle through centrally managed Wi-Fi services delivered by wireless experts who can proactively prevent problems.
• Simplify wireless service management with multiple control options available in the cloud or on-premises.
• Attract future tenants more effectively, as guests experiencing excellent Wi-Fi are more likely to consider the property for their next home.

Managed Wi-Fi solutions often leverage network segmentation to enhance security, performance, and management efficiency.

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation entails breaking down a network into smaller subnetworks, effectively isolating users’ end devices from each other to improve IT security and user experience. Devices are placed into separate virtual networks, preventing threats to enter the network from moving laterally across segments to other devices. This approach is particularly effective for MDU, such as apartment buildings, college dormitories, senior living facilities, or anywhere residents live communally. The cornerstone of Wi-Fi network segmentation is per-user/per-device PSKs.

What is per-user/per-device PSKs?

Per-user/per-device PSKs (Pre-Shared Keys) are proprietary PSKs solutions, designed to address the vulnerabilities associated with traditional PSK authentication, particularly in environments like MDU. The primary concern with using a single PSK for all devices on a WLAN is the vulnerability to social engineering. If the PSK is shared, whether inadvertently or deliberately, with unauthorized individuals, it jeopardizes the security of the entire WLAN.

Per-user/per-device PSKs offer a solution by assigning a unique PSK to each device or user. This means that each device uses its own unique PSK for connecting to the WLAN, and the MAC address or multiple MAC addresses (due to MAC randomization) of each device are mapped to a unique personal passphrase. These individual PSKs can be created dynamically or manually and are tied to a single SSID. This approach provides unique identity credentials for each device while keeping the simplicity of using a single SSID, enhancing security by isolating each device’s access credentials.

Benefits of the per-user per-device PSKs

• Enhance security by preventing decryption of unicast traffic
• Eliminates the management burden when a passphrase must be changed due to an individual leaving the Property/Company
• Allows granular, user-specific control of network privileges.
• Provide enhanced accounting functionality.
• Transparent for the client devices, acting as a regular PSK network on their side

The RUCKUS patented per-user per-device PSK Solution: Dynamic PSK^™

Dynamic PSK is a CommScope-patented technology that enhances network security by providing unique encryption keys for each user or device connecting to the RUCKUS network. Users can obtain their unique Wi-Fi passwords either through self-service or from an IT administrator, making the connection process intuitive and like home network setups. Unlike conventional PSKs, the Dynamic PSK solution allows administrators to define access policies and revoke access for individual users without affecting others. Wireless traffic is encrypted using WPA2^™-Personal or WPA3^™-SAE, optimizing a robust network and data security. The Dynamic PSK solution is a key part for RUCKUS Network Segmentation.

Breaking Barriers: The RUCKUS Innovation for 6 GHz WPA3 Challenges

When the 6 GHz band was opened for unlicensed use in April 2020, the Wi-Fi Alliance mandated Wi-Fi Protected Access^® 3 (WPA3) and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) as the standards for Wi-Fi security for all Wi-Fi 6E devices and any future devices using the greenfield 6 GHz band. This posed a challenge for per-user, per-device PSKs implementations, as WPA3-SAE inherently prevents the use of multiple keys, eliminating the possibility of reverse-engineering the passphrase used in traditional Dynamic PSK and other vendor solutions.

However, there’s no need to be disheartened. Initially, there was no per-user per-device PSK solution for 6 GHz (WPA3-SAE mandatory), but in early 2023, RUCKUS introduced a groundbreaking innovation. The magic unfolds as the “RUCKUS Team” turns the impossible dream into reality with per-user, per-device PSKs on the 6 GHz band. After rigorous testing by the Development and Quality Assurance Teams, RUCKUS released the patented “Dynamic SAE (DSAE) or DPSK3.” This innovation made per-user, per-device PSKs possible in the 6 GHz band using WPA3-SAE, positioning RUCKUS as the first vendor in the industry to offer a multiple password solution on the new 6 GHz band without RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service). RUCKUS DPSK3 extends the successful Dynamic PSK technology to support WPA3, delivering all the benefits of the Dynamic PSK solution while keeping robust WPA3 security.

Key Advantages of Network Segmentation through DPSK3

• 6 GHz Band Compatible: The 6 GHz frequency addition marks the largest expansion of Wi-Fi spectrum ever, with 59 more channels, enabling a dramatic increase in bandwidth and reduction of latency. DPSK3 is fully compatible with the 6 GHz band.
• RUCKUS One Single Network Platform: Deploying DPSK3 within the RUCKUS One solution, alongside Property Management/Residential Portal, Identity Groups, and Adaptive Policy features, eliminates the need for third-party captive portals or advanced gateways. This makes DPSK3 in the RUCKUS One solution an affordable, optimal, and feature-rich solution for MDU, Higher Education Dorms, Hospitality, and other verticals.
• Clean Radio Frequency (RF) Air Space: A single SSID deployment throughout the property, using RUCKUS One AI RRM (Radio Resource Management through Artificial Intelligence), minimizes Co-Channel Interference (CCI), known as “the Wi-Fi Killer”. This creates a cleaner RF environment compared to the conventional “one standalone Wi-Fi router per unit” setup, where frequency coordination is impossible, substantially increasing CCI.
• Universal Coverage Throughout the Property: Residents/Tenants can access their private LAN using the same SSID from anywhere, in their unit, the Common Areas or any other space covered by the Wi-Fi Signal. Basically, their own private LAN follows them around the property, creating a ubiquitous network connection.
• Enhanced Network Security: By segmenting the network, any malware or breach in one segment of the network can be contained to that smaller network segment, making it more difficult to spread horizontally throughout the entire network. In the animation below the malware is confined to the specific microsegment/VLAN, affecting only one customer, and preventing horizontal propagation to other network segments.

• Defeats MAC Randomization (Private MAC Address): With RUCKUS Dynamic PSK and DPSK3 solutions, segmentation is achieved through the uniqueness of the password, independent of the MAC address. This means that even if a device uses multiple randomized MAC addresses, it will consistently use the same password. As a result, all those MAC addresses will be added to its private LAN, enabling seamless connectivity and optimizing security.
• Property Management can revoke access at any time without impacting others: Conventional PSKs involve shared Wi-Fi passwords, making it challenging to revoke access for an individual without affecting everyone else. In contrast, with RUCKUS Dynamic PSK and DPSK3 solutions, access can be individually managed. If a resident sells their unit or a tenant’s lease expires, access can be revoked through the Resident Portal or by Property Management. Additionally, Customer Service, the Network Operation Center (NOC) for ISPs, or any Network Administrator with proper privileges can manage access rights effectively.
• Private Network for each Tenant: The benefits of this Private LAN architecture include:
  • All devices belonging to a single tenant can communicate with each other, while preventing access to other tenants’ devices.
  • Residents or tenants can only view their own traffic when using packet sniffers like tcpdump or Wireshark, ensuring they cannot intercept others’ traffic.
  • Congestion is reduced by limiting unnecessary traffic flow between segments.
• Unique Public IP per Tenant: Each private network can be linked to a unique public IP address, granting tenants control over their inbound and outbound connectivity, benefits include:
  • The unique public address typically helps Service Providers comply with CALEA (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act) non-repudiation requirements, enabling the origin and the integrity of data to be verified.
  • Devices that rely on Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), such as game consoles, can function properly without any effort from the tenant or operator.
  • Applications that depend on broadcast and multicast-based protocols, such as multicast Domain Name System (mDNS), function properly.

Network Segmentation with DPSK3 Proof of Concept (POC) for a Partner

The purpose of this POC Lab was to deliver a “Single Pane of Glass” Managed Wi-Fi Solution on 6 GHz to a long-standing ISP/MDU Partner. This partner successfully implemented Network Segmentation using the RUCKUS Dynamic PSK solution across multiple properties, including MDUs, hotels, and university environments. However, as mentioned, with the introduction of 6 GHz and the requirement for WPA3, the Dynamic PSK solution was challenged, but the RUCKUS Team embraced this challenge and developed the DPSK3 solution.

Now, the partner’s requirements were not just about network security, they also needed an affordable and easy to deploy solution. Typically, with most vendors, achieving all three is difficult, often resulting in a compromise of one or two of the three. To provide a Wi-Fi network that is both reasonably secure and easy to deploy, customers often need to invest in expensive advanced gateways and/or costly RADIUS servers, increasing CapEx and reducing competitiveness. Alternatively, opting for a cheaper solution typically compromises security and performance. However, the RUCKUS solution offers partners all three benefits: security, affordability, and ease of deployment, along with RUCKUS’s unmatched RF performance. Configuration can be automated using the template capabilities built into the RUCKUS One solution, facilitating “cookie-cutter” future deployments.

Requirement added per Partner Feature Request

In addition to the above requirements, the partner, being an ISP, needed different Bandwidth Service Tier levels per user, such as:

1. Bulk Service: Bandwidth Down = 100 Mbps, Bandwidth Up = 100 Mbps
2. Silver Service: Bandwidth Down = 500 Mbps, Bandwidth Up = 500 Mbps
3. Gold Service: Bandwidth Down = 1000 Mbps, Bandwidth Up = 1000 Mbps

The RUCKUS Engineering and Development Team returned to the drawing board and undertook significant coding efforts to provide the Partner with the requested Rate Limiting option. At that point, the RUCKUS One solution became the single, cloud-based platform to manage all network components across all properties; enabling the partner to monitor, configure, and optimize networks remotely using the following features:

Main RUCKUS One Solution Features

Centralized and Automated Management

The RUCKUS One solution provides a single, unified platform for managing both wired and wireless networks, with automation tools for configuration, updates, and monitoring to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workload.

AI-Driven Analytics and Security

The platform leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for real-time network analytics, predictive maintenance, and robust security features, including intrusion detection and automated updates, to proactively manage and secure network performance.

Scalability and Remote Capabilities

Designed to scale with organizational growth, the RUCKUS One solution supports remote monitoring and management, allowing for efficient network optimization and bandwidth management across all properties.

Specific RUCKUS One Solution Features

Network Segmentation through DPSK3 Service on 6 GHz

The animation below illustrates the customer’s mobile phone in UNIT 104, initially connected on 6 GHz within their unit, roaming to different APs and bands, eventually reaching the pool area and going back to 6 GHz. Throughout this process, the device remains connected to its own private VLAN704. (Note: Hopefully, the phone is indeed water-resistant—just a lighthearted remark!)

Property Management

Enables the creation of an unlimited number of units for the MDU. For example, the system can accommodate a property with 500 units/ identities.

Residential Portal

The RUCKUS Resident Portal feature provides a user-friendly interface for managing network access in MDU. It allows property managers to create and manage multiple units, offering residents seamless connectivity and secure access to the network. The portal supports self-service options for residents to obtain, change/reset unique Wi-Fi credentials and control devices connected to their private network.

Adaptive Policy

Rate Limiting based on RADIUS Attributes for the different Tiers Services (Bulk: 100×100, Silver 500×500, Gold:1000×1000).

“Matrix Like” Role Base Access Control (RBAC) for their different management Tiers

NOC, Engineering and others

Wi-Fi Calling

Facilitates cell phone calling in areas with low or no cellular signal.

Hotspot 2.0

This feature was a requirement from the MDU developers, enabling their users to automatically connect to Wi-Fi across multiple properties and roam seamlessly through OpenRoaming^™.

The All-in-One Solution for MDU Network Management: RUCKUS One

RUCKUS DPSK3, when deployed within the RUCKUS One solution, emerges as the most versatile and comprehensive solution for MDU environments. It provides a single platform that fulfills all the requirements a Managed Service Provider (MSP) needs to offer a Managed Wi-Fi Solution on all bands, including 6 GHz. All the features discussed in this publication are integrated into the RUCKUS One solution, serving as a single pane of glass to monitor, manage, and control Access Points, Switches, RUCKUS Edge^™, Property Units, Residential Portals, and Policies for Rate Limiting, Service Scheduling, and more. Additionally, it offers RUCKUS AI RRM, Analytics, and Reports, with upcoming support for features like PON (Passive Optical Networks) management and IoT integration.

© 2025 CommScope, LLC.  All rights reserved.  CommScope and the CommScope logo are registered trademarks of CommScope and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.  For additional trademark information see https://www.commscope.com/trademarks.  Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6E, WPA2, WPA3 and Wi-Fi Protected Access are trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. OpenRoaming is a trademark of the Wireless Broadband Alliance. All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. 

Today’s colleges and universities are facing unprecedented challenges. With changing student demographics, rising tuition costs, new learning models, and rising student expectations, institutions are rethinking the way they engage students, support faculty, and help staff stay productive.

Fortunately, higher education has long been a springboard for innovation, and today’s campuses are carrying on that tradition. One trend that is top of mind in education is the transformation of student interactions and administrative processes through technology. Although most institutions have long understood the value of learning, many have yet to fully integrate new digital capabilities in campus environments.

According to the Inside Higher Ed 2024 Survey of Campus Chief Technology/Information Officers, almost two in three (61%) personally believe that the digital transformation (Dx) of their institution is essential or at least a high priority. However, only a third (35%) say their institution has set specific goals for digital transformation.

Transforming education and the campus experience

Dx initiatives are strategic in nature, going beyond simply making hybrid, remote, or online learning available to students. At its best, Dx is truly transformative in nature. It’s all about applying technology to deliver a delightful, personalized campus experience. This experience smoothly goes wherever students go, from classrooms and administrative offices to research labs and dorms. Dx also focuses on collecting and intelligently applying data to processes, empowering administrators to make more informed decisions more quickly.

Transformation isn’t only about using better technology but also thinking about it differently. It’s about refocusing technology on performing manual, repetitive tasks that take your faculty and staff away from more important priorities. By offloading menial jobs to technology, you give your team more time to make a bigger impact and think more strategically. It’s the brains behind the notifications that give students, faculty and staff more attention and make them feel more appreciated.

Is your institution keeping pace?

Big changes are happening at institutions worldwide as they focus on achieving Dx by creating a more cohesive digital universe through the cloud, learning management systems (LMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. By modernizing and bringing together disparate elements of their digital infrastructure, colleges and universities can become more efficient and better engage students, faculty, and staff.

At the heart of these ambitious Dx plans is a robust, reliable wireless network. In a world where teaching, learning, and research happen everywhere, high-performance, always-on Wi-Fi^® technology is fundamental to enable network software to accurately collect data, help students feel comfortable, and supporting a diverse array of internet of things (IoT) devices.

Unlocking real education outcomes with RUCKUS

RUCKUS Networks understands the importance of campus connectivity, and we’ve demonstrated our ability to empower colleges and universities to create and maintain purpose-driven networks. From small private colleges to large state-run universities, we offer robust network solutions that create a stable foundation for Dx. With exclusive patented solutions such as BeamFlex^® and ChannelFly^® technology, RUCKUS^® Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 solutions consistently outperform in high-density, high-capacity environments.

For example, Butler University partnered with RUCKUS to refresh and future-proof its aging wired and Wi-Fi network. Based in Indiana, this small private university now delivers dependable connectivity across 300 acres, with faster speeds, more bandwidth, and easy onboarding. With its rapid deployment and simple management and maintenance, the solution has dramatically reduced CapEx and OpEx, saving the institution $1 million.

RUCKUS also helped Penn State modernize its network. Its new infrastructure supports 300 buildings on the University Park campus and 170 buildings across the state, while providing flexibility to grow with the university’s future needs. The institution has reduced power consumption in its buildings, minimized its carbon footprint, and saved millions of dollars.

Digital transformation is just one of several trends that are changing the face of higher education. Institutions are also exploring new innovative ways to make data-based decisions, streamline productivity, entrust technology to take on more responsibilities and enrich the campus experience.

To learn more about what lies on the horizon—and proactively plan for it—read our new eBook, “2025 Top 5 Trends for Higher Education.”

The European Union’s introduction of NIS2 marks a significant evolution in cybersecurity regulation, building upon and expanding the original Network and Information Security Directive.

As a comprehensive framework for securing Europe’s digital infrastructure, the directive establishes stringent requirements for essential and important services, fundamentally transforming how organizations must approach their security responsibilities. (European Union) EU member states must implement through legislation the enforcement of the NIS2 directive. But what does NIS2 mean for your network, and how can you ensure compliance with its requirements?

The EU NIS2 Directive is a comprehensive update to the original NIS Directive to improve critical infrastructure security. NIS2 addresses the limitations of its predecessor (NIS) by expanding scope, harmonizing incident reporting, and enforcing stricter penalties for non-compliance up to 2% of a company’s global annual revenue or €10 million.

What is NIS2 and what are its key features?

Targeting a wider range of organizations, NIS2 now applies to essential entities that support sectors like energy, healthcare, financial services, and important entities addressing sectors such as postal and courier services, manufacturing, and data center operations.

The objective is to mandate that public and private entities across these sectors adhere to a uniform standard of cybersecurity capabilities to mitigate potential threats that could disrupt key societal services, basic necessities, and functions or compromise sensitive data. Companies that supply or support these essential and important entities may also need to comply with NIS2 directives.

Overview of NIS2 Cybersecurity Requirements

NIS2 establishes a comprehensive framework for an overall level of cybersecurity, built around four core pillars: risk management, incident handling, business continuity, and information sharing. These pillars are supported by ten detailed categories, which can be distilled into the following key requirements:

• Risk Management and Cybersecurity Policies: Organizations must develop and maintain comprehensive cybersecurity risk management measures and frameworks incorporating regular risk assessments, threat modeling, and clearly documented security policies. These frameworks should adapt to emerging threats and evolving business needs.
• Incident Reporting and Response: Any cyber incident that could have a significant impact on services or compromise data must be reported within 24 hours as an “early warning,” emphasizing the urgency of a swift, well-coordinated response; this is just an example of required NIS2 incident response capacities in the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape.
• Business Continuity and Crisis Management: Entities plan for how they intend to ensure business continuity in case there is a major cyber incident and how they will recover quickly in the aftermath.
• Supply Chain Security: Acknowledging that suppliers are often a weak link, NIS2 mandates enhanced scrutiny of third-party security standards.
• Data Integrity and Confidentiality: Measures to protect data integrity and confidentiality are essential, aligning with data protection laws like GDPR to avoid unauthorized access or breaches.

NIS2 Directive and a Company’s Network Security

NIS2 mandates must be reflected in a company’s approach to network security. With expanded legal measures, the mandate that NIS2 be incorporated into EU member state national law, and the inclusion of more sectors, organizations who support essential or important business, or are themselves essential or important businesses, are now accountable for meeting a high common level of cybersecurity standards. This accountability should be reflected in cyber resilience throughout the network architecture and infrastructure.

Does the NIS2 Directive apply just to Information Systems and Cloud?

While network security measures are crucial to NIS2 compliance, the directive’s scope extends far beyond information systems or cloud computing. It requires active engagement from C-level executives and board members who must oversee security governance, build organizational awareness, and ensure accountability. This includes strategic cooperation on incident response, security awareness and training, and facilitating cross-border information sharing across all organizational levels.

What are the Essential Controls for NIS2 Compliant Network Security?

With the broad focus of NIS2, the network is still a central focus and implementation area for cybersecurity controls, access control and management, incident identification and response, and many other security requirements that can help with a company’s NIS2 compliance. Specifically, NIS2 requires network security controls that focus on prevention, detection, cyber crisis management, and recovery. Here are some key controls that must be implemented across multiple network layers:

• Network Segmentation: Separating networks into distinct zones prevents attackers from moving laterally across systems, limiting the potential damage of a breach.
• Access Controls: Enforcing strong identity verification and role-based access to enforce that only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas of the network.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): These tools help monitor network traffic for unusual activity, intended to stop potential threats before they escalate.
• Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments: Continuous security checks enable organizations to identify and address weak spots before they’re exploited.
• Endpoint Detection and Response: EDR solutions allow for real-time monitoring and faster detection of compromised devices within the network.
• Incident Response Planning and Training: A well-documented incident response plan, coupled with regular training, ensures that employees understand how to respond to an incident swiftly and effectively.

The Importance of Network Security

As organizations increasingly rely on complex digital infrastructures to manage sensitive data and essential operations, network security has become one of the cornerstones of effective information system security. Effective network security protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data—a triad critical for maintaining trust with customers, partners, and regulatory bodies. Implementing the right controls and best practices, from granting and authenticating access and threat detection to documented and practiced incident response management, companies can use strong network security to reduce the threat landscape and the need to utilize incident response plans.

Network security breaches have real-world consequences, so a properly implemented and secure network architecture is fundamental. Network compromises can cause cascading effects, impacting not just the organization itself but also its customers, partners, and the broader industry. A secure network minimizes disruptions, shields critical data from unauthorized access, and provides a foundation for achieving compliance with NIS2 and other international standards.

Conclusion

NIS2 marks a significant transformation in European cybersecurity, introducing rigorous standards and embedding accountability throughout every level of organizational security infrastructure. For organizations, this means not just fulfilling compliance requirements but building a security-first culture that values and prioritizes robust network architecture and defenses. By implementing essential controls, companies can establish resilience and responsiveness, meeting NIS2’s requirements while protecting their networks from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Network security is not just a technical necessity but a business imperative, required for both operational continuity and sustained trust in doing business.

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RUCKUS Edge^™ extends the capabilities of the AI-driven RUCKUS One^® platform to the network edge, delivering faster, more secure, and simplified service management for high-performance, low-latency experiences across MDUs, hospitality, and educational institutions.

The demand for high performance, always on, network connectivity, that is easy to deploy and manage has skyrocketed. Whether it’s providing seamless streaming services across the campus in multi-dwelling units (MDUs), enabling real-time guest services in hospitality, or ensuring consistent access to cloud-based learning tools in educational institutions, the pressure is on to deliver high-quality, low-latency network experiences.

While cloud-based applications are powerful, effortless to deploy, and accessible from anywhere, they can sometimes fail to meet the split-second response time expectations of today’s tech-savvy users.  The RUCKUS Edge service delivery platform is designed to extend the capabilities of the AI driven, cloud-based RUCKUS One^® platform to the network edge, delivering faster performance, greater security, and simplified management.

What is RUCKUS Edge?

At its core, the RUCKUS Edge  Services Delivery Platform brings the power of the RUCKUS One cloud platform to the edge of the network. By doing so, it transforms how services are deployed and managed, enabling organizations to deliver high-performance, low-latency experiences right where they’re needed most—whether that’s in a university campus, a hotel room, or an apartment complex.

Figure 1: RUCKUS Edge appliance orchestrated by RUCKUS One cloud-based platform

Why did we build RUCKUS Edge?

The massive adoption of cloud-based applications in industries like hospitality, education, and MDUs has created new challenges. These include increased latency, data privacy concerns, and security risks. Traditional, centralized cloud models often struggle to meet the high-performance demands of these verticals, resulting in degraded service quality and increased vulnerability.

The RUCKUS Edge platform directly addresses these challenges by bringing service delivery to the edge of the network, closer to the user. By processing data locally, RUCKUS Edge reduces latency and strengthens security, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience.

In hospitality, for example, guests now expect real-time, personalized services, from booking to in-room experiences powered by IoT devices. Edge computing enables hotels to deliver these services quickly and efficiently, without the delays associated with centralized cloud models. Similarly, in MDUs, residents increasingly expect fast, reliable access to smart home applications, entertainment services, and high-speed internet—RUCKUS Edge delivers on these expectations, keeping residents satisfied and engaged.

Key Features of RUCKUS Edge

The RUCKUS Edge platform is built to solve the growing challenges of network performance, security, and management in distributed cloud-based environments. The integration of the RUCKUS One service catalog as a centralized hub for deploying RUCKUS Edge diverse array of services positions RUCKUS as a key player in the evolving landscape of hybrid enterprise . Here’s a look at the key features that make the RUCKUS Edge platform a must have for organizations in sectors like hospitality, MDUs, education, and beyond.

1. Hybrid Cloud Management via RUCKUS One
   RUCKUS Edge is integrated with RUCKUS One, an AI Driven, hybrid cloud platform that centralizes network management across wired, wireless, and IoT networks. This means that network administrators, whether managing MDUs, campuses, or hotels, can control their entire network infrastructure from a single, intuitive interface. RUCKUS One streamlines everything from network configuration to monitoring and troubleshooting, reducing the need for on-site management. For large, geographically dispersed properties, this is a massive time-saver and helps to reduce operational complexity.

   With RUCKUS One, managing multiple network types becomes simple. You no longer need to manage separate systems for wired, wireless, and IoT environments. The platform provides a unified, holistic view of the entire network, making it easier to validate that every aspect of the infrastructure is running optimally.

2. Local Breakout with Edge appliance
   The RUCKUS Edge appliance acts as the local service delivery point, handling traffic forwarding and breakout locally. For environments that experience high bandwidth usage, such as MDUs, college campuses, or hotels, this is crucial. Rather than backhauling traffic to the cloud, the edge appliance processes it locally, significantly reducing latency. This means faster response times for bandwidth-intensive applications like streaming, gaming, or real-time collaboration tools.

   In MDUs, for example, residents increasingly demand fast, reliable access to smart home applications and entertainment services. The RUCKUS Edge platform enables them to stream movies, play online games, or use their voice assistants wherever they are in the property without experiencing lag or service interruptions. Similarly, in educational institutions, students and faculty can access cloud-based learning platforms across the campus without the frustration of long loading times or dropped connections.

3. Advanced Security and Privacy with VXLAN Based SD-LAN Tunneling
   Security is a top priority in today’s connected world, and the RUCKUS Edge platform is designed to ensure that users have secure, isolated access to network resources. This is achieved through VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) tunneling, which creates virtual Layer 2 networks over a Layer 3 infrastructure. In practice, this allows for network segmentation, enabling different user groups—whether they’re tenants in an apartment complex, students on a university campus, or guests at a hotel—to have secure, isolated access to the network.

   This level of security and privacy is especially important in environments where multiple groups of users require access to shared network infrastructure. For example, on a university campus, students, staff, visitors, and contractors all need network access, but it’s critical that their data remain private and secure. VXLAN enables each group to operate within its own secure virtual network, protecting data privacy and improving overall security.

4. Seamless Wi-Fi^® Roaming for Continuous Connectivity with SD-LAN
   One of the key challenges in large, distributed environments like MDUs or educational campuses is maintaining a seamless connection as users move from one area to another. The RUCKUS Edge platform enables seamless Wi-Fi roaming across an entire site without interrupting user connections, preserving connected devices’ IP addresses while users roam from one Wi-Fi access point (AP) to the next. This is particularly beneficial in environments where mobile connectivity is critical, such as for students moving between lecture halls, or tenants navigating a large residential complex.

   For example, tenants in MDUs can walk around their buildings with their devices, streaming music, making video calls, or controlling smart home devices, without ever losing their connection. The ability to roam seamlessly across the network improves the overall user experience and reduces the frustration caused by dropped connections.

5.  AI-Driven Analytics, Automation and Assurance
   Network management can be complex, but the RUCKUS Edge platform makes it easier by leveraging AI-powered insights for network analytics, performance optimization, and automated issue detection and AI-driven resolution. This proactive approach means that potential network issues, such as bandwidth bottlenecks or overloaded access points, can be detected and resolved before they affect users.

   The AI engine embedded in the RUCKUS One platform delivers robust service assurance for IT and business intelligence to line-of-business stakeholders to help get the most from enterprise networks. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, this cloud service simplifies life by automatically classifying service incidents by severity—tracing root causes and recommending steps for remediation.

   For environments like MDU, hotels, or universities where uninterrupted connectivity is critical, this level of automation helps prevent downtime and delivers always on access the services they need. AI-driven automation also reduces the burden on IT staff by automating routine tasks such as firmware updates, network optimization, and troubleshooting, freeing up valuable time and resources.

6. Personal Identity Networks for a Personalized Experience via SD-LAN
   In environments like student housing or MDUs, where residents have multiple connected devices—smart TVs, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi speakers, etc.—the ability to personalize their network experience is key. RUCKUS Edge offers Personal Identity Networks* (PINs), allowing users to have their own personalized network segment that travels with them throughout the property.

   With a PIN, tenants or students can manage their devices as if they had their own private network, even when connected to shared infrastructure. This enhances the user experience by making it easier to connect and control devices while maintaining security and privacy across a shared network environment.

7. Redundant Clusters for High Availability
   For organizations that require high availability and network resiliency, RUCKUS Edge offers the ability to deploy edge appliances in redundant active-active clusters. This means that if one appliance fails, other appliances within the cluster seamlessly take over without service interruption. Additionally, load is distributed across appliances within a cluster to increase capacity and maintain response time under heavy load. This level of protection is crucial for mission-critical environments where any amount of downtime can have significant consequences.

   
   Figure 2: High Availability with RUCKUS Edge Active-Active Cluster

8. Pay-as-You-Go Flexibility and Scalability
   One of the standout features of the RUCKUS Edge platform is its flexible, subscription-based pricing model. This allows organizations to pay only for the services they use, reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) while maintaining the flexibility to scale as needed. Whether you’re managing a small residential complex or a large, multi-building campus, RUCKUS Edge can scale with your needs.

9. Flexible Deployment Options
   RUCKUS Edge can be deployed as virtual or physical appliances to meet the needs of organizations of all types and sizes

   Physical appliances: Plug and play RUCKUS Edge appliances are well suited for organizations that have “lean IT” departments with limited virtualization expertise or those that wish to further simplify deployments in tenant locations.

   Virtual appliances: RUCKUS Edge virtual appliances are targeted at organizations with specialized IT teams that have expertise in deploying a virtualized infrastructure across central and on-site locations.

SD-LAN: A RUCKUS Edge Service That Redefines Network Flexibility

As organizations move through their digital transformation, the demands on the network infrastructure rapidly evolves. Traditional network architectures struggle to keep pace with the dynamic requirements of modern environments like multi-dwelling units (MDUs), university campuses, enterprises, and hospitality venues. Enter SD-LAN (Software-Defined LAN), a powerful Edge service from RUCKUS, managed from the cloud that revolutionizes the way networks are designed, deployed, and managed.

SD-LAN brings advanced network virtualization and automation directly to the network edge. This next-gen networking solution offers organizations a new level of flexibility, allowing them to easily create and manage custom virtual overlay networks to meet the specific needs of different applications, users, or device types—all while simplifying network operations through centralized cloud management.

Figure 3: SD-LAN Edge Services Enable LAN Virtualization

Key Features of RUCKUS^® SD-LAN

1. Seamless SD-LAN Overlay Networks
   One of the most compelling features of SD-LAN is its ability to create seamless overlay networks on demand. These virtual networks, which can be configured in just a few clicks via the RUCKUS One interface, provide fine-grained control over network traffic, segmentation, and security. Each overlay can be customized to meet the unique needs of different user groups, applications, or device types. This allows organizations to offer tailored network experiences, whether for IoT devices in hospitality settings, resident networks in MDUs, or academic systems on college campuses.

   By leveraging VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) technology, RUCKUS SD-LAN allows Layer 2 networks to be extended over Layer 3 infrastructures. This makes it possible to create large-scale virtualized networks that span multiple physical locations, providing seamless connectivity and service consistency for distributed environments.

2. Centralized Cloud Management
   As a RUCKUS Edge service, SD-LAN is fully managed via the RUCKUS One cloud platform, which provides a unified interface for network administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their networks across multiple sites. This centralized cloud management system eliminates the need for complex on-premises hardware, simplifying IT operations and reducing management overhead.

   Through the cloud-based interface, administrators can create and deploy SD-LAN overlays, assign network policies, and enforce security protocols—all from a single dashboard. This level of control not only streamlines network management but also makes it easier to enforce compliance with organizational policies and standards.

3. Dynamic Traffic Segmentation and Security
   Security is a major concern for any network, especially in environments where multiple user groups share the same infrastructure. RUCKUS SD-LAN offers dynamic traffic segmentation, which isolates different user groups or applications into their own virtual network segments. This makes sure that each group operates independently and securely, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

   For example, in an educational setting, students, faculty, contractors, and visitors each require different levels of network access. With RUCKUS SD-LAN, network administrators can easily create separate virtual networks for each group, making sure that sensitive data is kept private while providing each group with the connectivity and resources they need.

   Additionally, private LAN segments with customized services and devices discovery allow administrators to quickly deploy dedicated networks for specific use cases or applications. This level of network segmentation is essential for maintaining security in distributed environments like MDUs, hotels, and campuses.

4. Scalable Architecture
   As organizations grow and their networking needs evolve, SD-LAN is designed to scale effortlessly. The system leverages cluster load balancing, to distribute workloads evenly across multiple edge appliances. This makes sure that network performance remains optimal, regardless of the size or complexity of the deployment.

   Whether managing a small office network or expanding to a large, multi-building campus environment, SD-LAN adapts to meet changing requirements, making it a future-proof solution for organizations that need flexibility and scalability.

5.  Built on Open Standards
   SD-LAN is built on open standards, leveraging VXLAN over standard Ethernet and IP networks. This delivers compatibility with existing infrastructure and avoids vendor lock-in, making it easy for organizations to integrate SD-LAN into their current networks without the need for expensive proprietary hardware. This approach also allows for greater flexibility when upgrading or modernizing network infrastructure, ensuring that SD-LAN can evolve alongside your organization’s needs.

Key Benefits of RUCKUS SD-LAN

1. Simplified Network Management
   By centralizing network management through the cloud and offering a simple, intuitive interface, RUCKUS SD-LAN reduces the complexity of managing distributed networks. Administrators can easily create virtual networks, enforce security policies, and monitor performance across multiple locations, all from a single platform.

2. Improved Security and Privacy
   With advanced traffic segmentation, secure virtual networks, and AI-driven threat detection, RUCKUS SD-LAN enhances security across the board. This is particularly important for organizations that need to deliver data privacy while maintaining seamless network access for multiple user groups.

3. Faster Service Delivery
   By processing network traffic at the edge through a local breakout and using SD-LAN overlays to optimize traffic flow, RUCKUS SD-LAN reduces latency and delivers faster response times for critical applications. This is especially beneficial in environments with high bandwidth demands, such as MDUs or educational institutions.

4. Enhanced User Experience
   With seamless Wi-Fi roaming, personalized network segments, and low-latency service delivery, SD-LAN from RUCKUS provides users with a consistently high-quality network experience. Whether it’s residents in MDUs streaming entertainment, students accessing online learning tools, or guests using smart IoT devices, users can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity wherever they go.

5. Cost-Effective Scalability
   The pay-as-you-go model and scalable architecture of SD-LAN make it a cost-effective solution for organizations of any size. Whether deploying in a small office or scaling to a large campus, SD-LAN grows with your organization, making sure that you only pay for the resources you need.

SD-LAN is more than just a networking solution—it’s a complete transformation of how organizations manage, secure, and optimize their networks. With its advanced features, AI-driven automation, and flexible, cloud-based architecture, SD-LAN from RUCKUS combines the power of network virtualization for the LAN with the deployment simplicity of an edge service.

The Future of Service Delivery is at the Edge

As digital environments continue to evolve, the need for high-performance, secure, and scalable network solutions will only grow. The RUCKUS Edge platform is uniquely positioned to meet these demands, providing organizations with a powerful, flexible platform that extends cloud capabilities to the network edge. Whether you’re managing an apartment complex, a university campus, or a hotel chain, RUCKUS Edge delivers the performance, security, and flexibility needed to succeed in today’s digital-first world.

Learn more about RUCKUS Edge.

RUCKUS Edge extends the AI-driven RUCKUS One cloud platform to the edge—enabling centralized control and performance management for networking, security, productivity and purpose-driven industry vertical services deployed at the edge

October 21, 2024 Claremont, NC

CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM), a global leader in network connectivity, announced today the launch of its RUCKUS Edge^™ cloud-managed edge platform for service delivery. Built on the AI-driven RUCKUS One^® network assurance and business intelligence platform—the RUCKUS Edge platform extends the cloud-based RUCKUS One platform to the edge of the network to enable the rapid deployment and simplified management of a variety of services and applications.

The RUCKUS Edge platform utilizes AI-enabled cloud-based orchestration, together with an edge appliance as a local service delivery point, to enable customers to deploy scalable, low-latency networking, security, and productivity services as well as purpose-driven industry specific vertical services.

RUCKUS Edge is fully integrated with the RUCKUS One platform, retaining advantages of AI-driven assurance and cloud-based management. At launch, the solution will offer a zero-touch, virtual LAN service called SD-LAN, available in the RUCKUS One service catalog that customers can deploy onto the RUCKUS Edge appliance with a single click.

“RUCKUS Edge is a significant product enhancement that enables lower latency and enhanced service resiliency for businesses seeking to manage their networks using cloud-management services,” said Chris DePuy, founder and technology analyst, 650 Group. “Additionally, by extending the company’s RUCKUS One service catalog to its Edge system, the company can enable the deployment of a diverse array of services from both RUCKUS and third-party offerings. We see the company’s service catalog approach will enable a means of incrementally offering AI services to improve network operations.”

Key Features and Benefits of RUCKUS Edge

• Simplified Deployment and Management: Centralized cloud-managed platform automates tasks through web interface and mobile app to reduce operational complexity.
• Scalability and Flexibility: RUCKUS Edge can scale to address the needs of a broad range of organizations from small to large. Multiple edge appliances can be clustered to load balance and distribute workloads across multiple devices.
• Improved Security and Privacy: VXLAN based SD-LAN service enables isolated virtual network segments that can span across the campus, to provide different user groups with easy to deploy, secure and custom access to network resources.
• Reduced Latency and Faster Data Transmission: The RUCKUS Edge appliance improves performance by processing traffic closer to the user.
• Seamless Roaming Within the Site: The solution enables seamless Wi-Fi^® roaming across campuses and properties without interrupting user connections, preserving connected devices’ IP addresses while users roam from one Wi-Fi AP to the next.
• Pay-as-You-Go Model: Flexible, subscription-based pricing allows organizations to pay only for what they use, reducing total cost of ownership.
• High Availability and Reliability: Redundant, clustered edge appliances can be deployed for critical sites to boost network resilience and minimize downtime.
• AI-Driven Assurance and Insights: RUCKUS One leverages AI to deliver network assurance and enable IT to detect and resolve incidents before they impact services and users.
• Converged Management Across IT and IoT/OT Networks: Hybrid cloud platform allows management of both wired and wireless LAN environments, as well as IoT networks, for seamless network integration and minimal operational silos.

“We’re taking a bold step forward by extending the capabilities of our AI-Driven network assurance and business intelligence platform, RUCKUS One, to the edge of the network,” stated Bart Giordano, SVP and president, Networking Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions, CommScope. “The RUCKUS Edge platform enables RUCKUS Networks and its trusted technology partners to deliver a variety of networking, security, and productivity services at the edge of the network to enhance security, privacy, performance and user experience.”

Proven in Campus Network Deployments
“Deploying RUCKUS Edge has been a game-changer for Wewoka Public Schools,” said Stephen Howard, IT director, Wewoka Public Schools. “The simplified network configuration through overlay networks has significantly reduced resources required from our lean IT staff—minimizing the complexity of VLAN provisioning across switches and APs. Centralized, AI driven cloud-based management has streamlined our operations, making deployment and oversight much more efficient. Additionally, the automated guest internet access is seamless and secure, ensuring that our network remains protected while providing a smooth experience for visitors. RUCKUS Edge has truly transformed our approach to network management and security.”

“With the transformative shift to cloud, managing our campus networks with the combination of RUCKUS One and RUCKUS Edge has given us incredible visibility, scale and roaming capabilities,” said Jason Guntharp, associate director of Telecommunications and Information Services, Itawamba Community College. “With over 5,000 students and staff moving across our campuses daily, seamless Wi-Fi roaming has become crucial; RUCKUS Edge delivers a seamless experience throughout our campuses. Additionally, the ability to create custom virtual networks for student residents has empowered us to provide a personalized connectivity experience. RUCKUS has made it remarkably easy for our IT team to configure and manage our network efficiently.”

Availability and Demos
The RUCKUS Edge platform is available globally for RUCKUS One customers. At launch, the RUCKUS One catalog offers services developed by RUCKUS. The RUCKUS Edge and RUCKUS One platforms will be demonstrated at EDUCAUSE in San Antonio, TX, October 21-24, booth #8062. For more information, please visit the RUCKUS website.

–END–

CommScope and the CommScope logo are registered trademarks of CommScope and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. For additional trademark information see https://www.commscope.com/trademarks. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

About CommScope:
CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM) is pushing the boundaries of technology to create the world’s most advanced wired and wireless networks. Our global team of employees, innovators and technologists empower customers to anticipate what’s next and invent what’s possible. Discover more at www.commscope.com.

We’re excited to announce that Gartner^® has recognized CommScope (RUCKUS) as a Visionary in the 2024 Magic Quadrant^™ for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure.

Gartner analyzed various vendors in the field and recognized us as a Visionary based on our Completeness of Vision, which we believe has been key to enabling customers to create purpose-driven networks that meet the unique needs of their business and users in their vertical industries.

Gartner says in the report — “A vendor in the Visionaries quadrant demonstrates an ability to increase features in its offering to provide a unique and differentiated approach to the market.  A Visionary will have innovated in one or more of the key areas of enterprise network technologies (for example, security, management or operational efficiency). The ability to apply differentiating functionality across an entire enterprise network infrastructure will affect its position.”

Over the past year, we’ve introduced a number of industry-leading RUCKUS innovations including our:

• AI-driven RUCKUS One^® solution
• Wi-Fi 7 solutions including the first AI-driven and FCC 6GHz Wi-Fi 7 outdoor access point
• Vertical solution suites for  Hospitality, Education (Higher Ed, K-12), Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs), and Large Public Venues

Together with our dedicated go-to-market reseller partners, we’re enabling enterprises to use these innovations to deliver exceptional network experiences to their students, residents, employees and others who count on fast, reliable connectivity.

Learn more!

• Education, Hospitality, MDU, Large Public Venue and Manufacturing customers are getting outstanding results with RUCKUS^® products.  See what they’re doing to deliver a superior user experience, reduce costs, and create new business opportunities.
• Give RUCKUS a test drive or request a live online demo. See how you can get the most out of your wireless network.

About the Report

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure, By Tim Zimmerman, Christian Canales, Nauman Raja, Mike Leibovitz, 6 March 2024 

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. 

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s Research & Advisory organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.