topic Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix in SmartZone and Virtual SmartZone

Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

cecil_dsilvia — Mon, 19 May 2025 18:37:13 GMT

SmartZone (SZ) controllers support legacy Zone firmware versions.
Example: A SmartZone running 5.2.2 can manage Zones running:
- SZ 3.6.2 (GD)
- SZ 5.1 / 5.1.1 / 5.1.2
- SZ 5.2 / 5.2.1 / 5.2.2
N-2 Rule: Ruckus follows an "N-2" support model for GD (General Deployment) releases.
Recommendation: Always use the latest AP firmware that your SmartZone version supports.
Legacy Zones should only be used for APs that are incompatible with the controller's current version.
Limitations: Some features may not work with legacy firmware.

Firmware Compatibility Matrix

SZ Version Min Zone Firmware Supported Firmware Versions

SZ 3.6.2 (GD)

SZ 3.5.1

SZ 3.6, SZ 3.6.1, SZ 3.6.2

SZ 5.2 (LT)

SZ 3.6

SZ 3.6.1, SZ 3.6.2, SZ 5.1, SZ 5.1.1, SZ 5.1.2, SZ 5.2

SZ 5.2.1

SZ 3.6

SZ 3.6.1, SZ 3.6.2, SZ 5.1, SZ 5.1.1, SZ 5.1.2, SZ 5.2, SZ 5.2.1

SZ 5.2.2 (GD)

SZ 3.6.2 (GD)

SZ 5.1, SZ 5.1.1, SZ 5.1.2, SZ 5.2, SZ 5.2.1, SZ 5.2.2

SZ 6.0 (ST)

SZ 5.2

SZ 5.2.1, SZ 5.2.2 (GD), SZ 6.0

SZ 6.1 (LT)

SZ 5.2

SZ 5.2.1, SZ 5.2.2 (GD), SZ 6.0, SZ 6.1

SZ 6.1.2 (LT-GD)

SZ 3.6.2 (GD) *

SZ 5.2.2 (GD), SZ 6.0, SZ 6.1, SZ 6.1.1, SZ 6.1.2

SZ 7.0

SZ 6.1

SZ 6.1.1, SZ 6.1.2 (GD), SZ 7.0

SZ 7.1

SZ 6.1

SZ 6.1.1, SZ 6.1.2 (GD), SZ 7.0.0, SZ 7.1

Note: Support for SZ 3.6.2 Zone firmware in SZ 6.1.2 is a special case, as documented in the release notes under: “Supported AP Models for AP Zones Using Older AP Versions.”

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

Daimler-Maybach — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:57:33 GMT

I would like to upgrade from my current release 5.2.2.0.1563 to 6.1.1.0.959. I have a 5.1.2.0.373 Zone that is now preventing me from upgrading. Will I have to apply and install 6.0 then 6.1.0 LT to get to 6.1.1.0.959 ?

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

saravanan_kotte — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 19:48:08 GMT

Hi Daimler,

You can change AP zone firmware from 5.1.2 to 5.2.2 if all APs on that zone supports the 5.2.2 firmware and then proceed with 6.1.1 upgrade.

You can select the AP zone in which you want to change the firmware and click on "More", then choose "Change AP firmware option".

You cannot run 5.1.2 AP Zone on 6.1.1 controller even if you perform multistage upgrade. Only AP zones with firmware of 3.6.2, 5.2.2 or 6.0.x will be supported on 6.1 firmware.

Regards,
Saravanan Kotteeswaran

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

toddclausen — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 19:10:06 GMT

I'm currently running 5.2.2 on my vSZ-H and have several zones still on 3.6.2 to support legacy APs ZF7372 and R700. Can I upgrade from 5.2.2 to 6.1.1 and still keep the 3.6.2 firmware? Is this a normal upgrade or are there special steps I need to take to maintain the 3.6.2 AP firmware availability?

Thanks!

Todd

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

Amith — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:37:24 GMT

Hi @toddclausen,

Yes, you can leave the Zones running in 3.6.2 and upgrade the controller to 5.2.2.0.1563 and then to 6.1.1.0.959

Link to download the 5.2.2.X version:
https://support.ruckuswireless.com/software_terms_and_conditions/3481-vsz-5-2-2-lt-gd-mr-2-refresh-software-release-ximg-image

Before upgrading to 6.1.1 (LT-GA), update to the SmartZone 6.1.1 (LT-GA) Sigpack 1.590.1 (Application Signature Package).
1. Take controller config and cluster backup.

Reference KB article for the backup procedure and upgrade:-
https://support.ruckuswireless.com/articles/000008288

Direct link for firmware download:-
https://support.ruckuswireless.com/software/3554-vsz-6-1-1-lt-ga-software-release-ximg-image
2. Take the cluster and config back up again after the upgrade is completed and the network is up and running state.

Thank you!
Amith

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

DickieF — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:32:24 GMT

Hi - we have a SZ144 running Controller 5.2.20.1161, supporting an older zone running AP firmware 3.6.2.0.765. We need to get to the 6.x stream min to support our H550. It appeasr 6.1.2 mght be an option. Can you confirm? Also - is there a single location where we can confirm all these combinations and permuations of AP / SZ Firmware? That woudl be SO useful.

Thanks

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

vasanth_edward — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:48:35 GMT

Hi @DickieF.,

Thank you for reaching out to the Ruckus Technical Support Community Forum.

Based on your current setup, it appears that your SmartZone (SZ) can be upgraded directly to version 6.1.2.0.404. Below, you will find the compatibility matrix extracted from the 6.1.2 upgrade guide (https://support.ruckuswireless.com/documents/4636-smartzone-6-1-2-lt-gd-upgrade-guide/download).

To ensure accuracy, could you kindly provide us with the models of the access points currently managed by SZ, along with their respective zone firmware versions? You can access this information by navigating to each zone, clicking on 'more,' and selecting 'Change firmware.

Regards,

Vasanth Edward || Snr TSE

RUCKUS CommScope

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

DickieF — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:01:58 GMT

Hi,

Thanks for the quick response.

We have (lots of) :

3.6.3.0.765 - H500,H510,R500,R510,R600,R610,R710,T300,T310D !!
5.2.2.0.1106 - H510,R500,R550,R600,R710,T610,T610s

Bit of a mess but the upgrade isn;t in the budget yet.

Thanks

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

vasanth_edward — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:11:51 GMT

@DickieF

Thank you for providing the requested information.

You are cleared to proceed with the SZ upgrade.

Should you encounter any questions or concerns throughout the upgrade process, please do not hesitate to open a support case with us. For additional guidance, please refer to the article available at: https://support.ruckuswireless.com/000008651.

If I have addressed your query satisfactorily, please consider hitting the Kudos button and accepting the answer as the Accepted solution.

Regards,

Vasanth Edward || Snr TSE

RUCKUS CommScope

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

DickieF — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:41:16 GMT

Again, fast concise response. Impressed.

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

vasanth_edward — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:46:12 GMT

Thank you for your feedback. We always aim to provide prompt and efficient assistance. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're here to help.

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

DickieF — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:22:53 GMT

Hi - just checking in on this again - I noticed the compatability list mentions 3.6.2 NOT 3.6.3 - can you confim this is still a supported upgrade.

Thanks

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

DickieF — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:34:04 GMT

Sorry - my bad / typo. We are running 3.6.2.0.765 - not 3.6.3x.

Apologies

Re: Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

vasanth_edward — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:14:54 GMT

No problem @DickieF . If shared information is helpful, please click 'Accept as Solution'.