Linus would likely draw a parallel between the Ruckus Zoneflex R720 and the Netgear Orbi.
Linus would likely draw a parallel between the Ruckus Zoneflex R720 and the Netgear Orbi.
When using cable or lacking fibre, a modem is necessary. Historically, many regions relied on xDSL in devices, making three in one setup typical. With fibre, an ONT is installed at home, eliminating the need for a separate modem and increasing the trend toward two-in-one solutions. Note that the US remains unique in keeping modems as the standard. The key advantage of a single device is streamlined management, a unified web interface, and reduced complexity for new users.
What I considered was this. For Ruckus, most items function without a controller, but you must install their standalone or released firmware before they can operate independently. Certain models labeled as unleashed come with the firmware already installed, though these are rarely available in the used section. Updating them is straightforward and hassle-free thanks to their user-friendly web interface. I’ve learned that some very old Ruckus devices (like 802.11g) needed a controller, but those are so outdated they’re not worth purchasing even secondhand. This explains why Ruckus stands out for home users. Delivering incorrect power to delicate gear is essentially trouble waiting to happen. The voltage must be corrected—either with a line conditioner or a dual conversion UPS. Regarding power sources, were you using PSUs instead of PoE? Also, did you swap the Ruckus units for another brand to test their sensitivity to power problems? If equipment clearly shows sensitivity to poor power, that’s a positive sign. If it was a slow reveal, troubleshooting would be extremely difficult. Generally, most Ruckus APs I’ve used with PoE have handled power well. Still, I faced issues with a tp-link PoE injector where power dropped after a reset if the Ethernet cable wasn’t plugged in first. The setup had to follow a strict sequence: power → cable → PoE. A restart would force all three to activate together, which often caused refusal—about 9 out of 10 times. That was frustrating. I eventually sold it to an IT friend who used it for a Zoneflex 7982; he faced issues after a blackout but now has a UPS. It hasn’t caused problems since. He also enjoys his Wi-Fi, which is great. Likely, the device needed a stable power source. Concerning security, relaying broadcasts between subnets could pose risks if not handled carefully. In my setup, all Apple devices share the same VLAN due to AirPlay, so enabling cross-subnet relays would be useful. Ideally, strict firewall rules would control which subnets can broadcast. However, managing this at home isn’t realistic—most homes use a single LAN with easy access points. This makes sense compared to enterprise setups like those with RADIUS servers or Aruba devices, which offer more advanced features and better antenna tech (sometimes mistakenly called radio). A hybrid of Ruckus and Aruba might be ideal, but for home users, Ruckus seems the better choice. They avoid controllers, simplify setup, and offer solid range. Some traits that work well at home are their lower base power requirements and improved range, even if they’re less flexible in large organizations. The earlier firmware limitation—being unable to set separate SSIDs on 2.4GHz and 5GHz—was a minor annoyance until recently. They’ve since fixed it, though it’s more complex than I’d prefer. Overall, for everyday users, Ruckus remains a strong option.
Can't manage that across an entire campus with several structures; weak electricity often means tolerating it (line conditioners aren't effective, not affordable). Alternatives exist for setting up the gear instead of the original method. The contractor used PoE injectors per access point, but issues resolved when switching to PoE switches that consistently delivered clean power. Occasionally switches faced problems, but less frequently and faster fixes came from removing a single faulty switch rather than replacing 15 injectors. This approach acts more like an interceptor than a relay, controlling visibility of Airplay devices via user policies. You can even limit which services are permitted—like allowing Airplay screen mirroring while blocking printing.
To be precise, a cable connection needs a modem as well. Regarding EPON versus GPON, EPON is typically applied at the last mile in places like Singapore, China, Japan, and South Korea, whereas GPON covers most other areas. It appears DOCSIS piggbacks are used for fiber-coaxial hybrid setups, but these aren’t usually offered to home users. I’ve personally encountered integrated router/switch/AP/EPON devices in relatives’ homes in China. They’re very popular there, even though separate models exist. Their network quality was poor, but the EPON technology stood out to me. You can connect virtually any device at the end of the cable—such as a standalone ONT or an SFP transceiver—provided you set the LOID in the transceiver and enter your PPPoE details on the router. Setting it up with an SFP modem is difficult; it usually requires a dedicated programmer, similar to what I experienced when installing internet at a relative’s place.
Speaking of their connectivity, there are several concerns: Most peering or transit links among ISPs inside the country are overloaded. Only a few services could fully utilize a 230Mbps down 23Mbps up connection, as tested on speedtest.net using the ISP’s own server and occasionally with Steam. The CPE is reportedly compromised, and once you gain access to an advanced interface for technicians, it becomes clear. Features for remote control are available, but there’s also a DNS updater that updates a non-existent domain. There’s no encryption at all—neighbors could easily monitor download traffic in promiscuous mode, even though I didn’t attempt it. I acknowledge PPPoE’s weaknesses, but they might have tried to appear more secure. IPv6 isn’t supported, and the firewall blocks it, preventing access for citizens.
International traffic experiences are poor due to bad routing. Packets sent to Hong Kong often go to areas north of Beijing, while those heading to South Korea or Japan pass through Hong Kong. It seems they’re intentionally causing high latency. What’s disappointing is that during traceroutes from Shanghai to New York using a router at a relative’s place around early June, the connection was restored by fall—but then it failed again. International data loss ranges from 5% to 15%. Some might blame the government, but my view is that demand outpaces supply in the region. This is evident in South Korea and Japan as well. Integrated devices and DOCSIS modems can work together: https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SBG6580-...B07BGX6S5W.
While integrated units aren’t widely used here, this is partly because tech-savvy people advise avoiding them. Originally, DOCSIS ISPs didn’t include routers—users were expected to connect their single computer directly to the modem. I suspect similar rules applied for DSL too. Though I don’t endorse using these methods, modern devices can act as APs, routers, and switches. The Wi-Fi setup is basic, but adding another AP point is only a minor inconvenience. It’s not surprising that people seeking help online steer clear of these solutions.
A PoE switch is the best option here. I've never seen a PoE injector perform as well as one built-in (unless you avoid incompatible devices). Although I haven't tested many, the high-quality ones are priced so competitively that I could purchase a budget PoE switch for the same price. Convenient. I installed it once for printing, but my network has changed enough that I need to reconsider. The MDNS daemon was running on a 1U Supermicro server, which was really inefficient. Next time I'll likely use a RPi.