RuckCast

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into the unspoken rules of networking—those best practices, standards, and protocols that guide how we build and manage networks. But what happens when sticking to the rules just doesn't cut it? Jim sits down with Aaron Lee to explore the moments when bending or even breaking the rules leads to better outcomes or utter disaster. From unconventional designs to real-world constraints, hear the stories behind the exceptions, the lessons learned, and why sometimes doing things “the wrong way” is exactly what's needed, or not...Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

Send us a textIn this episode of the RUCKCast, we delve into why the term "expert" can be a loaded word in the Wi-Fi industry, particularly given the variability of RF environments. We discuss the challenges professionals face in mastering the ever-changing dynamics of radio frequencies and how RUCKUS Networks supports continuous learning and adaptation. Whether you're experienced or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complex world of Wi-Fi technology.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the paradox of Wi-Fi's adaptability in diverse RF environments. While designed to function in a wide range of conditions, this flexibility often results in suboptimal performance. We discuss how Wi-Fi's ability to adapt can lead to connectivity issues, interference, and reduced efficiency, yet still manage to keep us connected. Join Jim as he discusses the intricacies of Wi-Fi's operation and the challenges it faces in maintaining reliable performance. Discover the balance between adaptability and performance in the world of wireless connectivity.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

Send us a textAfter a year of hiatus, the RUCKCast is back! Albeit with one less person to keep Jim in line (still unsure if that is good or bad, only time will tell), the RUCKCast is back in action!In this episode, Jim gives a quick update of what has been happening, and lays out what to expect for the rest of Season 5!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In the 109th edition of the RUCKCast, Jim is joined by best-dressed WiFi celebrity Ferney Munoz, to discuss building WiFi communities and the upcoming WLPC in Valencia, Spain!Ferney's email: ferney75@gmail.comThe important website:  thewifiofthings.comIntro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest episode, Jim and John get to take not one, but two new dogs for a walk around the block. And by dogs, we mean two brand new and awesome WiFi 7 models. Tune in as our hosts take a peek at our newest outdoor and indoor 6GHz capable APs!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest edition to the "10 Things We Think You Should Know" series, Jim and John get into a hot topic: speed. How important is fast WiFi? Or is it not always about the speed? Find out how they feel about how much speed does-or does not-matter in WiFi!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In this week's episodes, Jim and John take a question from their day to day and use it as inspiration for this conversation. If you've ever wondered what makes Beamflex and RUCKUS APs so special, here's a chance to learn a bit more. And no, Beamflex is not at all like beam forming ;)Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest, Jim and John get into the 7th part of the "10 things" series. This week, they take us through what security we need to know about relative to our Wi-Fi networks and those clients that occupy them.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest chat, Jim and John discuss Mr. Palmer's trip to the RUCKUS Labs, and dive more into the wonderful world of 6GHz WiFi.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

Jim and John are back for our latest edition of the 10 things they thing people should know about WiFi. In the current episode, the mutts talk about the importance of trusting but also verifying as it pertains to your wireless network deployments!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

As a bit of a tangent from our most recent show on defaults, Jim and John dive into the dirty secrets of residential WiFi, and why some of those defaults are why they are. More important, the guys may even offer a tip or two on how to make your home WiFi better!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In the latest part in the "10 Things You Should Know" series, Jim and John dive into the wonderful world of WiFi defaults. Some are good, some are bad, and some just are. It depends, right? It's important to understand why you want to change what you want to change...because some defaults are better than others!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

On our 101st RUCKCast, Jim and John take a bit of a dive into the wonderful world of power spectral density, or PSD. If you aren't familiar with this (or even if you are) now is a great chance to listen in on some information that should serve you well as you immerse yourself in the 6ghz spectrum!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

It's our 100th official RUCKCast...which is kind of cool. And this time, after a bit of a hiatus, the 10 things series returns! This time, Jim and John dive into the importance of good WiFi design. The devil truly is in the design details on this one, but a good design goes a long way...and you should not fix a bad design by way of software.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

The boys are back for a fresh new show after a big conference disruption. Following time at WLPC for both, and then MWC for Jim, they are back together to discuss some highlights of both events, as well as the OTHER thing with C in it...because AFC has finally been approved...so now what?Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest show, we are giving you a re-broadcast of when Jim and John went live at WLPC 2024.Yes, really.The pair took a big risk, and for the most part (minus one glitch) it worked. For those who attempted to listen to the remote stream live, this should be a lot better, as the microphone audio wasn't all carrying over through to the stream.The mutts talked with partners, customers and the man behind WLPC, Keith Parsons!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

For the first time in over a year, Jim and John are together again, in person and recording another RUCKCast, live at WLPC 2024 in Phoenix.The guys nearly burned the midnight oil to get this one done, talking about the event so far, and a big bit of news-another live stream...AT WLPC!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In the 3rd installment of the "need to know about WiFi" series, Jim and John dive into the idea of understanding your requirements.As in, what do you need to deliver. What is the client asking for. What types of client devices are involved, and a lot more nuance.Or, in other words...the boys dive into the significance and depth of the meaning of..."It Depends"Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

We intend to raise a RUCKUS at WLPC 2024 later in February, but Jim and John will not be doing it alone.Joining them this year will be Dayne Conner, Sean Hogston and Chris Ross. On this episode, the pack sits down to spend some time talking about the event, what they are excited for and what we can look forward to.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

The 10 Things series continues, back for it's second thing we think you ought to know.This time, Jim and John do their best to convince you that as much as we all want more...in WiFi, more is not always better. In fact, sometimes, when it comes to RF, more can be quite detrimental to your WLAN network.So, tune in and find out what to watch out for and why. And if you'd rather follow along with the mutts on video, check out the RUCKUS Education channel here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpjMmx0SYp28_LpM9d2Yf3gIntro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest episode, Jim and John have the good fortune to spend time with the incomparable Mark Gibson to talk about all things AFC.Mark is able to shed light on a lot of the finer points about AFC, what is involved and what goes into getting it cleared for us to benefit from.The knowledge in this episode is tremendous, the 40 minutes flew by, and it may be Jim's favorite episode of 2024.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

In our latest edition of the RUCKCast, Jim and John kick off a new series dubbed "10 Things You Should Know About WiFi".This will launch a new part every two weeks, and the intent is to shed some light on ten topics within WiFi that are critical and yet, often overlooked or misunderstood by some.If you'd prefer to follow along, the video will be live on the RUCKUS Education YouTube Channel, complete with Jim walking us through some packet captures to show just how complex client decision making can be.Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

It is our Season 4 Kickoff episode! That's right folks, Jim and John survived the holidays and are back and ready for an exciting and fun-filled 2024. Not a ton to get into on this one, just a lot to look forward to. The mutts cover topics such as any future live streams (after they pulled one off in 2023!), as well as a foray into YouTube, beginning with the upcoming 10 Things You Should Know About WiFi series.Check out the video content here: https://www.youtube.com/@RUCKUSEducationIt's going to be a good year!Intro music by Alex Grohl, available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsRWpx8VJ_Eandhttps://pixabay.com/users/alexgrohl-25289918/

Yes, we know we said we were done earlier in December until the new year. But we did promise a live stream too, and this is it.Sort of.This one truly does make more sense as the video version of it, as it allows you to follow along with Jim as he navigates an R550 from standalone code, all the way through to controller code and everything in between.However, if you'd rather listen to us instead of watching, then this is for you. If you want to watch, the link is here: https://www.youtube.com/live/KFWyJ4iaack?si=YV0w3XNebTdveenu

In a bit of a surprise episode, John flies solo and talks to Dave Burns (PLM over RUCKUS 1) and Rajiv Iyer (PLM for AI) about a nice present for our RUCKUS users just in time for Christmas.While the R770 was announced to the world earlier this year, this talk is all about the R770 now being supported within our RUCKUS 1 cloud platform. For more on the R770, check out the prior episode here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/867523/13687004-ruckcast-83-there-s-a-new-dog-in-town-meet-the-r770.mp3?download=true

Hard to believe, but Jim and John survived a whole season, 35 episodes in all counting this one.And for this one, the mutts run down what a year it was, discussing our best shows, as well as their top fives.Plus, if that wasn't enough, there's more! These two take time to hype up the exciting content and surprises already planned for 2024!Also, please do take a minute to vote for us in the WiFi Awards! The RUCKUS R770 AP is up for innovation, but this podcast has been nominated for Content Creator of the Year!https://thewifiawards.com/2024-award-finalists

In this, our 88th RUCKCast, Jim and John are joined by a talent from one of our LPV partners.Alfredo Garicoche joins the mutts to discuss at a high level what technology challenges an LPV partner tackles on a regular basis, and just how RUCKUS assets can help them deliver a successful engagement.

In another fine stray dog of an episode, Jim and John chose violence...kind of.It's a controller cage match, as our pair of mutts discuss the merits of virtual SmartZones, RUCKUS One, and RUCKUS Unleashed as controller platforms.3 rounds wasn't quite enough, as things even required sudden death!Also...vote for the show (Jim and John) as content contributors of the year for The Wi-Fi Awards here: https://thewifiawards.com/

In our 87th proper RUCKCast, Jim and John bring on Tim Dyer, VP extraordinaire at RUCKUS. Tim deals with our Network as a Service side of the house, among many other duties and responsibilities. More importantly, he taught us that heavy networking does exist, and it is not a form of engineering shaming.To watch Tim's interview with Zeus Kerravala about NaaS, follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ6dDjzpZXQTo read the blog written by Zeus Kerravala on the RUCKUS Networks website, follow this link https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/blog/2023/new-survey-reveals-when-it-comes-to-5g-and-wi-fi-enterprises-want-both-but-unified-management-is-necessary-for-success/

In this follow-up to last week's episode, Jim and John finish out their initial list of hidden, unsung RUCKUS features.Except, this week most of the features aren't really hidden, they just aren't talked about enough, or in the case of BeamFlex+, underappreciated.From BeamFlex to troubleshooting and more, listen in as the guys finish out their initial list of unsung RUCKUS features.To watch the presentation of Victor Shtrom and GT Hill (!!) click this link https://youtu.be/kcIkgyRGFQE?si=d6g9SsMMGKeDESdoTo listen to the very first RUCKCast episode about BeamFlex, check out this link here https://www.buzzsprout.com/867523/2706424-ruckcast-1-beamflex-beamforming-with-brian-stewartTo read the blog from Sharan Mahadevan on configuring Wi-Fi Calling click on this link https://wifidevan.wordpress.com/2020/09/14/how-to-setup-your-network-for-wi-fi-calling/To watch the video on SmartZone client troubleshooting, watch this YouTube video from RUCKUS Education https://youtu.be/Be6uddVktVU?si=CjB17VVVRHCZE0AmFind the RUCKUS SpeedFlex app for Android here and for Apple here.Read about the IoT story here.Did we miss something? Send us an email at ruckcast@commscope.com and let us know what we missed!

Yes indeed, it is a BONUS Stray Dog episode, where Jim and John take time out of their days to talk about WLPC past and future.That is, Jim's experience with WLPC Prague 2023, and what is yet to come in Phoenix in 2024.Jim's video about being wrong can be found here https://youtu.be/xC3WKR61XwA?si=lPX08wYW-Z6Zm1UEVideos for WLPC Prague 2023 are available here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXJsNZqZEF9Y8CWiynffBgnZfjPpSkkSZ&si=bBdUb0DYPSLtG08GInformation about Phoenix will be here shortly!https://www.thewlpc.com/

When you use a product or products for years, you take things for granted. Sometimes, you don't even realize that how you know how to do things? It's not the same for someone using a different platform...so when new folks start using new hardware...it's worth looking at some of those hidden gems. This is where Jim and John come in, with their 5th Stray Dog covering a few "unsung functionalities" within our RUCKUS controllers.And, this one was so good...it's going to spawn even more shows shedding a light on some lesser known, but very useful, tips and tricks!

In this, our 86th episode, Jim and John talk with Andrea Coppini, a RUCKUS SE from Spain. Andrea's name might not be well known, but the application he created certainly is well known in the RUCKUS world. Andrea is the creator of  Crossbreeder, a software application that helps RUCKUS administrators do a lot of really neat things.Or, as he put it, he wants to be lazy, so he did a thing to help make things work faster so he can be just that, lazy. Check this show out, and then take a look at the Crossbreeder application at https://github.com/andreacoppini/crossbreederDogTag can be found at https://dogtag.tacoppini.com  

In our fourth Stray Dog, Jim and John talk to Jim and John about what in the Wi-Fi world scares them!

In our latest episode, Jim and John spend time talking with Eric Schroeder, who as it turns out...might not be so fond of wireless. Because, you see, Eric is a switch guy.And while we all know wireless is easy because, you know...no wires...we actually really need good wired networks. Which, as luck would have it, is something Eric knows and delivers on a regular basis, so it was good to have him on sharing his wealth of experience.

In our 82nd episode of the RUCKCast, Jim and John learn that they are dinosaurs, thanks to AI. Or, maybe they think like dinosaurs...but did dinosaurs even think? And since no one reads these...what kind of dinos ARE Jim and John...these are important questions. But, in more serious news before the comet hits us, our Jurassic hosts are joined once again by Mittal Parekh to talk about AI until we go extinct!

In our latest episode, Jim and John are joined by Tuofu Lu from RUCKUS PLM to introduce our first Wi-Fi 7 enterprise AP to the world, the RUCKUS Networks R770.You can read the press release by going to this link here https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231010838927/en/RUCKUS-Networks-Leads-The-Wi-Fi-7-Revolution-With-The-R770-Access-Point-The-First-Enterprise-Class-Wi-Fi-7-Solution-Driven-by-RUCKUS-AI To learn more about the RUCKUS Networks R770, check out the website at https://www.ruckusnetworks.com and the R770 page at https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/wireless-access-points/r770/ 

In yet another exciting episode, Jim and John get to spend time talking with RUCKUS Principal Systems Engineer Sean Hogston.And since there's like...nothing big on the horizon...the trio decides to spend time chatting about this little old thing called Wi-Fi 7, with the mutts leaning on Sean's years of experience to gain insight into what lies ahead for our customers and partners.To see everything Wi-Fi 7 related from RUCKUS Networks, check out the dedicated web page here https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/solutions/technology/wi-fi-7/ 

In another great Stray Dog episode, Jim and John talk about Jim's dream of being a marching band drum star before switching gears and discussing the value of investing in designs for your Wi-Fi network...and what could happen if you don't re-design when upgrading to Wi-Fi 6e and beyond.

On our latest episode, Jim and John are joined by Al Brown, CEO of SmartWAVE Technologies, a RUCKUS Partner. And why are the mutts talking to the CEO of one of our partners? It's all about Wi-Fi 7 once again, and we get a partner's perspective about what's ahead of us for this new standard, and what they are excited about to provide to their customers. Except for the part where Jim excludes Al from the conversation to go off on some tangent. You know, Jim being Jim.If you are interested in checking out SmartWAVE, here's the link you need https://smartwave.us/ You can send an email to SmartWAVE using info@smartwave.us 

In our latest episode, Jim and John learn that they cannot be replaced by AI (we tried!?) but they can be joined by Mittal Parekh to talk about all the things that AI can and cannot do for our most excellent modern networks.

Our mangy mutts Jim and John are back from a vacation (really, just John), and it's time to talk about how Wi-Fi doesn't take a vacation (or why we should leave our toys, tools and laptops at home!).

In our latest and greatest, Jim and John spend more time with esteemed SE Ryan McCaigue, discussing all things relative to wired and wireless networking in the classroom environment!

In our latest episode, Jim and John sit down with special guest Ryan McCaigue to talk about every kid's most favoritest time of the year...back to school! For our teaching trio, they discuss key factors in deploying and supporting in-school Wi-Fi that will earn them that A+!To learn more about client capabilities, check out "The List" at https://clients.mikealbano.com/For the WLANPi tool that was discussed, check out that out here https://www.wlanpi.com/To read more about the profiler tool to check out your own clients capabilities, check out this link https://userguide.wlanpi.com/wlan-pi-os/wlan-pi-profiler

In this week's episode, Jim and John have a spirited discussion about...favorites. As in, what are their favorite APs and controller platforms to run them on. There are no right or wrong answers, but if you ask Jim...To see the entire AP lineup, check out this link https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/wireless-access-points/To learn more about the RUCKUS SmartZone, follow this link https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/network-control-and-management/network-controllers/For RUCKUS One, check out episode 73 and this link here https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/network-control-and-management/cloud-managed/To learn more about RUCKUS Unleashed, check out this link https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/network-control-and-management/controller-less/If you want to read more about the R550 test report Jim referred to during the episode, check out this link here https://www.cambiumnetworks.com/download-wi-fi-6-access-point-tolly-report/ 

In this totally sort of not really impromptu hype session, Jim and John do a little pre-registration chat about the 2023 WLPC-Prague event. Registration opens August 15th, with a number of RUCKUS staff planning to be present...and presenting!You can check out the event website here for more information on the deep dives and presentations https://www.thewlpc.com/conferences/prague-czech-republic-2023For more information about the RUCKUS Certified Wi-Fi Associate check out this link https://ruckus-training.s3.amazonaws.com/RCWA/RCWA-study-guide.pdf

In our latest episode, Jim and John spend time with Bart Giordano, President of NICS and GM of RUCKUS Networks, diving into the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 goodness.To read more about Wi-Fi 7, check out this link here https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/solutions/technology/wi-fi-7/To learn about CommScope Sentry, check them out here https://www.commscopesentry.com/

On our latest RUCKCast, Jim and John are joined by Adam Cutts to have fun with some Security Story Time! Security is more than one device or one service, it's more of a mindset and everything thing can either contribute to, or expose holes, in your network security posture. Listen is as they discuss tactics, theories, and challenges with securing today's networks.#ruckusnetworks #security #SDWAN #SASE #ZeroTrustYou can follow the RUCKUS security story at this website https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/blog/?searchTerm=&category=security&author=&desiredTime=&desiredYear=To learn more about U.S Federal Government solutions click here https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/solutions/industries/u.s.-federal-government/

In our latest episode, the Johns outnumber the Jims, as John Murphy joins our hosts to dig more into the RUCKUS WAN Gateway. John (Murphy!) first presented on this at the recently concluded Mobility Field Day. You can see his presentation in the link below.https://techfieldday.com/video/ruckus-wan-gateway-with-john-murphy/Follow this link to learn more about the RUCKUS WAN Gateway https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/edge/

RUCKUS One is the next evolution of the RUCKUS Cloud controller platform and Mittal Parekh joins the crew to talk about this evolution and what it means for the future of cloud controllers. Listen in as Mittal hits all the high points about what RUCKUS One is and how it can help organizations and administrators alike deliver exceptional user experiences.Read more about RUCKUS One here: https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/network-control-and-management/cloud-managed/Watch the product overview video here: https://youtu.be/xcANcseqGWgFind supported AP models here: https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/cloud-supported-network-devices/?r=1