Zyxel NXC2500 [3/25] Smart client steering

NXC Application Note

Smart Client Steering

Smart Client Steering Introduction

 What is Smart Client Steering?

Due to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend, more and more access points (APs) are being

deployed to meet the connectivity requirements of handheld devices. However, the 2.4 GHz

frequency band which is commonly used by handheld devices is often congested. Gadgets

running on the 2.4 GHz frequency typically experience interference from Bluetooth devices,

electronics such as microwave ovens, and cordless phones, as well as co-channel interference

from other APs, considering there are only three non-overlapping channels available for the

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless standards. The Band Select function enables devices with

dual-band capability (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to move to a less congested AP that is operating on

5 GHz. Thus, the 5 GHz channel becomes an alternative choice for providing Wi-Fi service. The

Band Select function provides a better wireless experience for users.

While more and more clients support the 5 GHz frequency, wireless resource optimization

becomes more and more important. To avoid the legacy clients from occupying the wireless

resource, ZyXEL provides some features to improve the wireless network.

 This technology helps:

 Optimize wireless spectrum usage

 Improve user experience

Terminologies of Smart Client Steering

 Client Band Select

 Band Select allows devices with dual-band capability (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to move

to a less congested AP operating on 5 GHz. Thus, the 5 GHz channel utilization is

further enhanced when providing Wi-Fi service.