Ruckus Wireless ZoneDirector 1100 User Manual page 109

Configuring Self Healing Options
Automatic Channel Selection
ChannelFly
The main difference between ChannelFly and Background Scanning is that Chan-
nelFly determines the optimal channel based on real-time statistical analysis of actual
throughput measurements, while Background Scanning uses channel measure-
ment and other techniques to estimate the impact of interference on Wi-Fi capacity
based on progressive scans of all available channels.
NOTE: If you enable ChannelFly, Background Scanning can still be used for
adjusting radio power and rogue detection while ChannelFly manages the channel
assignment. Both can not be used at the same time for channel management.
Benefits of ChannelFly
With ChannelFly, the AP intelligently samples different channels while using them for
service. ChannelFly assesses channel capacity every 15 seconds and changes
channel when, based on historical data, a different channel is likely to offer higher
capacity than the current channel. Each AP makes channel decisions based on this
historical data and maintains an internal log of channel performance individually.
When ChannelFly changes channels, it utilizes 802.11h channel change announce-
ments to seamlessly change channels with no packet loss and minimal impact to
performance. The 802.11h channel change announcements affect both wireless
clients and Ruckus mesh nodes in the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz bands.
Initially (in the first 30-60 minutes) there will be more frequent channel changes as
ChannelFly learns the environment. However, once an AP has learned about the
environment and which channels are most likely to offer the best throughput
potential, channel changes will occur less frequently unless a large measured drop
in throughput occurs.
ChannelFly can react to large measured drops in throughput capacity in as little as
15 seconds, while smaller drops in capacity may take longer to react to.
Disadvantages of ChannelFly
Compared to Background Scanning, ChannelFly takes considerably longer for the
network to settle down. If you will be adding and removing APs to your network
frequently, Background Scanning may be preferable. Additionally, if you have clients
that do not support the 802.11h standard, ChannelFly may cause significant
connectivity issues during the initial capacity assessment stage.
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ZoneDirector 9.8 User Guide, 800-70599-001 Rev B