competitive brief

Aruba 320 Series AP

On May 27, 2015, Aruba announced the introduction of the 320 Series, an 802.11ac
Wave 2 Access Point. This was a pre-announcement: the Aruba 320 Series will
be available in Q3 2015 or later.

Key Differentiators of the Ruckus R710

The Aruba 320 Series does not come with any new innovative technology. In addition
to the points highlighted below, previous arguments about Ruckus advantages over
Aruba are still valid with the R710 over the 320 Series. In particular, BeamFlex+,
ChannelFly, and Capacity-Based Client Access Control help the R710 deliver superior
performance and WiFi reliability.

Better performance in low power mode

Many access point deployments rely on legacy 802.3af PoE switches. Thus, it is
important for any access point to deliver all its performance benefits on legacy
infrastructure.
The R710 delivers 4x4:4 on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands even when connected
to legacy switches. In low power mode, Aruba downgrades its 2.4GHz radio to
1x1:1 and reduces transmit power. Two fully functioning bands enable efficient
spectrum utilization for more performance, a benefit that Aruba cannot deliver
in 802.3af PoE mode.

Better range and better coverage with higher transmit power

Ruckus delivers 22dBm on the 2.4GHz and 23dBm on the 5GHz band per chain,
while Aruba only delivers 18dBm. Better radio transmit power supports better
coverage, data rate, and throughput.

Ruckus Confidential Document

For Ruckus employees and partners only
 Aruba 320 Series AP
COMPETITIVE BRIEF

The Ruckus Advantage

The Aruba 320 does not deliver any significant innovative technology other than support of Wave 2.
Hence, Ruckus’ unique value proposition helps the R710 deliver superior performance and WiFi reliability
over its Aruba competitor, such as:
• Beamflex+ with Adaptive Polarized Diversity - Optimizes antenna signal strength based on distance from
the AP and device orientation (vertical or horizontal)
• ChannelFly - Automatically monitors and selects the optimal channel if interference is identified
• Capacity-Based Client Access Control - Ensures that currently associated clients are not impacted by
potential extra traffic during periods of heavy load
• SPoT - Location-based services for mobile clients and IoT devices
• SCI - A sophisticated network analytics manager to monitor and troubleshoot network trends

The Ruckus R710 has a lower list price and is available now
Whereas Aruba does not give a precise date for the 320 Series’ availability, the Ruckus R710 is available
now. Aruba’s early announcement was a delaying tactic to stave off customers eager to reap the benefits
of a migration to 802.11ac Wave 2.

Key Differences between the Ruckus Zoneflex R710 and the Aruba 320 Series

Feature Ruckus R710 Aruba 320 Series

Low Power Operation Full 802.11ac 2.4GHz radio In low power mode Aruba has to significantly
(PoE) support with is reduced to reduce its 2.4GHz capability to 1x1:1.
dual band 1x1:1. We recommend testing both APs with a laptop on
4x4:4. 2.4GHz and the AP in 802.3af PoE mode to realize
the extent of the difference between the Aruba and
the Ruckus APs.
Radio Transmit Power 22dBm 18dBm Ruckus’ stronger signal helps ensure better
(per chain) (2.4GHz) WiFi coverage as well as improved data rate and
23dBm (5GHz) throughput.
List Price The Ruckus R710 is more affordable.
$1,295 $1,395

General Availability June 3, 2015 Est. Q3 2015 The Ruckus R710 is available now.

Ruckus Confidential Document

page 2 For Ruckus employees and partners only
Aruba 320 Series AP
COMPETITIVE BRIEF

Two steps to win deals with the Ruckus R710 now!

#1 Learn more about the R710
Ruckus ZoneFlex R710 product page
Ruckus ZoneFlex R710 data sheet
Ruckus ZoneFlex R710 at-a-glance document for your customers

#2 Leverage the R710 Trade Up Program

Until Sep 30, 2015, end customers in the US and in Canada can enjoy 35% off the list price PLUS $200
cash back when trading in any existing AP to the R710, or $100 cash back when trading in for R500.
Trade Up Campaign page
Trade Up flyer for VARs
Trade Up flyer for end customers

Ruckus Confidential Document

For Ruckus employees and partners only

Copyright © 2015, Ruckus Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. Ruckus Wireless and Ruckus Wireless design are registered Ruckus Wireless, Inc.
in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Ruckus Wireless, the Ruckus Wireless logo, BeamFlex, ZoneFlex, MediaFlex,
FlexMaster, ZoneDirector, SpeedFlex, SmartCast, SmartCell, ChannelFly and Dynamic PSK are trademarks of Ruckus
350 West Java Drive www.ruckuswireless.com
Wireless, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document or website are Sunnyvale, CA 94089 USA
the property of their respective owners. Revised 2015. (650) 265-4200 Ph \ (408) 738-2065 Fx