What's the Difference Between the Ruckus R510 and R610 Wireless AP?
Not sure if you should buy a Ruckus R610 or R510 AP for your wireless network? Choosing the right access point for your environment can be a difficult process, especially given the huge variety of Ruckus WiFi APs available. Finding a model that has all the features you need, without paying for features you won’t use, is a delicate balance.
The Ruckus Series of access points are among the most popular wireless devices on the market. The proprietary BeamFlex+ adaptive antenna technology on these devices can make all the difference in challenging environments. While both the R510 and R610 are great access points, choosing the model that best fits your needs can still be a challenge. The rest of this document aims to explain the basic differences between these two APs, enabling you to pick the right ruckus access point for your next install.
Ruckus R510 vs R610 Wireless Access Point Comparison
Wireless Antenna Differences
Ruckus BeamFlex
Other Antenna Considerations
Ruckus AP Performance Differences
As a Wave 2 3×3:3 Wi-Fi access point, the R610 is designed for higher density applications than the Wave 2 2×2:2 R510. Because of this difference in target application, the 610 has higher performance than the 510 on most points, at the cost of increased power draw and higher price point.
Ruckus R510 AP Throughput
Ruckus R610 AP Throughput
Wireless AP Power and Environmental Comparison
Ruckus R510 Environmental Specifications
Ruckus R610 Environmental Specifications
Optional Ruckus AP Accessories
Ruckus R510 Brackets and Power Options
902-1169-US00 | US Power Supply (12V, 2.0A, 24W) |
902-0195-0000 | T-bar ceiling mount kit for mounting to flush frame ceiling |
902-0108-0000 | Mounting bracket with padlock support |
902-0120-0000 | Mounting Bracket |
Ruckus R610 Brackets and Power Options
902-1169-US00 | US Power Supply (12V, 2.0A, 24W) |
902-0162-US | PoE injector (24W) |
902-0195-0000 | T-bar ceiling mount kit for mounting to flush frame ceiling |
902-0120-0000 | Mounting Bracket |
Choosing the Right Ruckus WiFi Endpoint
In short, these two APs are strikingly similar. The difference between them will depend entirely on your network requirements, with an emphasis on throughput and BeamFlex features. For small and medium sized locations with a smaller number of users such as retail sites, small offices, and hotel common areas the R510 is a great pick. If you anticipate a large number of concurrent users, or particularly heavy traffic types, the R610 may be a better option. The Ruckus R610 is best suited for classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, or mid sized offices.
Because both of these APs are end of life, they can be purchased for significantly less than suggested list price, making both of these 802.11ac Wave 2 access points highly affordable. Because of this, it may be worthwhile to go with the 610 just to future proof your network – the cost difference may not be worth the performance knock.