Band Steering is a RUCKUS feature designed to improve network performance by encouraging dual-band capable clients to connect to the less congested and higher-capacity 5 GHz frequency band. During the client association process, the Access Point (AP) identifies clients that support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. It then uses various techniques, such as delaying probe responses on the 2.4 GHz band, to make the 5 GHz band appear more favorable, effectively "steering" the client to the better-performing band. This optimizes overall network capacity and user experience.

A. Band Balancing: This feature, often called Client Load Balancing, distributes clients across multiple APs within the same band to prevent any single AP from becoming overloaded.

B. SmartCast: This is a sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) engine that prioritizes different types of traffic (e.g., voice, video, data) to ensure optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications.

D. ChannelFly: This is a dynamic channel management technology that continuously assesses all available Wi-Fi channels and directs the AP to operate on the one with the highest throughput potential.

1. RUCKUS SmartZone 6.1.0 Administrator Guide: In the section "Configuring a WLAN > Advanced Options > Others," the guide states, "Band Steering: Enable to steer dual-band capable clients to the 5 GHz band." (Page 318)

2. RUCKUS Unleashed 200.12 User Guide: In the chapter "Creating a Wireless LAN > Advanced Options," the guide explains, "Band Steering: When enabled, the AP encourages dual-band clients to connect to the 5 GHz network, which is typically less congested and offers higher throughput than the 2.4 GHz network." (Page 68)

3. RUCKUS Technology and Features Guide: This document describes ChannelFly as a "dynamic channel management technology" and SmartCast as a "sophisticated traffic inspection and classification engine for QoS." This clearly differentiates them from the client-band steering function. (Sections on ChannelFly and SmartCast)