Looking at options to provide Cloud wifi where roots can not be established via fiber or cable (due to cost)

[DarrelRhodes]

Hi Robin,

Most Ruckus Cloud APs support Ruckus SmartMesh technology, which allows you to deploy APs (and other network-connected devices) in to locations where it's not possible to run data cable from a central point. 

As with all wireless links; the distance and data-rates achieved accross the SmartMesh will depend on many factors, such as: Line of sight, AP orientation, number of client devices (APs can connect clients and operate in SmartMesh mode simulatenously), interference, etc.

Further information can be found here:
Ruckus Cloud: https://www.ruckuswireless.com/products/system-management-control/cloud-wifi
Ruckus SmartMesh:  https://www.ruckuswireless.com/rucktionary/mesh-networking-and-smartmesh
https://purdi.com/vendors/ruckus-wireless/smartmesh/

I hope that helps,
Darrel.

[robin_begarowic]

You still need root AP with smart mesh and to watch the number of hops to provide coverage and service, right?

[DarrelRhodes]

@Robin,

Not all networks connect to external resources and with Ruckus Unleashed not requiring a separate controller or internet connection it is theoretically possible to have a wireless-only network.  E.g. if all the devices on the network were wireless and no internet or hard-wired connectivity is required, then the network, in theory, could be purely wireless.

However this is rarely the case and as you say; where the network is for internet access, a 'Root' AP is usually connected to a switch or router and all data traffic will pass through this point.

On your second point you are absolutely correct; a wireless mesh is just as much (if not more) susceptible to the same issues that can affect AP to Client connectivity.  Furthermore for each Mesh 'hop' the available bandwidth is halved and latency increased.  E.g. if starting off with 300Mbps (data rate) with 4 hops, bandwidth available at the end of the 4 hops will be equivalent to an 18Mbps data rate (UDP throughput of less than 9Mbps), even in perfect RF conditions.

I hope that helps,
Darrel.

[robin_begarowic]

Thanks that is what I thought.
Our issue is we are using the cloud platform and usually have a number of root APs connected via router and cable. Then mesh APs set around roots
In some of our locations coverage is needed further from internet provider requiring roots to be deployed. The distance is to far for cable and fiber is too costly.
So looking for way to do either P2P or backhaul to put root in field. Make sense?