Migrating from SmartZone to RUCKUS One (R1): Why 2026 is the year to switch

June 2, 2026 - While the Virtual SmartZone (vSZ) remains undeniably popular, we also see that RUCKUS is increasingly encouraging customers to migrate to RUCKUS One (R1)—their new management platform. This development follows the End of Sale of the SZ100 in 2022 and the SZ300 in 2024; the SmartZone is being phased out more and more to make room for R1. Are you still using SmartZone? Then 2026 is the year to switch to R1.

SmartZone vs. RUCKUS One

First of all: what is the difference between SmartZone and RUCKUS One? Both are platforms to manage your RUCKUS solutions, but the biggest difference is that management via SmartZone requires a lot of manual action, whereas RUCKUS One focuses more on simplicity and AI-based automation.

Take a school environment as an example. With SmartZone, you can fine-tune bandwidth and packet priorities (QoS) per classroom with millisecond precision. In RUCKUS One, the built-in AI analyzes network behavior itself and provides advice on what you should do to ensure the best performance. In scenario 1 with SmartZone, a dedicated IT team is required. In scenario 2 with RUCKUS One, only one person is needed.

AI-based network management

AI-based network management in RUCKUS One even goes so far that, in some cases, the platform can detect and automatically resolve network issues itself. Check out our recent article for more information. Among others, ABI Research ranks RUCKUS as one of the most innovative Enterprise WLAN vendors in 2026 because of this feature, ahead of dozens of competitors.

Is SmartZone going End of Sale soon?

We are not receiving those signals from RUCKUS (yet). In some situations, SmartZone remains a better choice than RUCKUS One. Think of a school association with its own data center and a dedicated network team, or a shopping center or exhibition hall—very large environments with many different users. Although in the "small" Netherlands, there are only a few of these special situations. In 9 out of 10 cases, RUCKUS One is the best solution.

Migration discounts until September 30, 2026

As mentioned in the introduction, RUCKUS is doing its best to encourage the move from SmartZone to RUCKUS One significantly. We previously saw an introductory promo to get started with RUCKUS One at a great value, and RUCKUS now also has a migration promo running until September 30, 2026. You receive a discount for every SmartZone license you convert to R1. Check all the terms and conditions of this promotion. Ready to get started with this promo? Get in touch via sales@alcadis.nl or 030 – 65 85 125.