802.11 Networks – Your Friendly Neighborhood Wireless Experts Episode 1: AP Benchmarking, Optimize Performance, Minimize Cost!
Want to know which enterprise class Wi-Fi Access Point offers the best value for your enterprise network?
We recently pitted the Ruckus R350 against the Edgecore EAP101 (running OpenWiFi firmware) in a series of rigorous tests. Here’s what we found:
Setup Environment:
The testing was conducted Over-The-Air (OTA) within an RF isolation chamber to ensure minimal interference and consistency. Both the Ruckus R350 and Edgecore EAP101 were tested on channel 112 with a 20MHz bandwidth.
Equipment Used:
- LANforge: Used to simulate traffic loads.
- RSSI Level: Set at -40 dBm for both APs during the capacity test.
- Attenuation Levels: 0-50dB to cover the RSSI dynamic range between -40dBm to -85dBm.
Observations:
- Range vs. Rate Test: Both APs performed similarly with the Intel BE200 client across attenuation levels. However, after 20 dB of attenuation, the R350 exhibited a slight dip in throughput performance compared to the EAP101.
- Capacity Test: As the number of clients increased, both the EAP101 and R350 maintained a similar performance. However the EAP101 began to show a slight advantage (~7Mbps) once the client count surpassed 40.
Conclusion:
It’s clear that both access points delivered solid results here, however subtle differences emerged as we turned up the heat! The Edgecore EAP101, running the OpenWiFi firmware stack, delivered superior performance when compared to the incumbent Ruckus Unit. The EAP101’s ability to maintain throughput as conditions deteriorated highlights its clear value for organizations looking for a cost-effective solution that still delivers performance on par with the industry’s best!
At 802.11 Networks, we combine deep industry domain knowledge with cutting edge tools to ensure our clients are successful.
If you’re ready to transform your wireless network, reach out and let 802.11 Networks deliver a tailored solution that drives results. Our expertise and advanced tools will help you achieve your goals.