Ruckus beefs up wireless broadband

Smart wifi developer, Ruckus Wireless, added to its portfolio on Monday with a consumer device designed to connect a home wifi network with a wireless metro network.

MetroFlex DZ gives subscribers wireless connectivity to outdoor broadband metro networks while simultaneously providing indoor wifi connectivity.

Selina Lo, CEO of Ruckus Wireless, told telecoms.com that the company is targeting the growing proliferation of mesh wifi service providers sprouting up in Europe.

Wifi-based service providers are already popular in the US. Service provider US Internet was recently awarded the contract to build a citywide wifi network throughout Minneapolis. Meanwhile, UK telco BT last year launched aggressive plans to create a wireless network linking the UK’s 12 largest cities.

Lo said that broadband providers are facing practical challenges deploying citywide wifi networks. Walls, rooftops and other obstacles often inhibit signal penetration thus restricting indoor users from gaining reliable access.

As a result, some broadband operators are now focusing efforts on building municipal wifi networks from the customer’s premise as the starting point.

Ruckus’ software controlled antenna offers quality of service to stabilise any 802.11b/g network, making it possible to stream media around the home without loss of signal.