Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs Ruckus Wireless WAN comparison

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HPE Aruba Networking Logo
557 views|293 comparisons
92% willing to recommend
Ruckus Logo
6,940 views|5,493 comparisons
92% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Aruba Networks Wireless WAN and Ruckus Wireless WAN based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Wireless WAN solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Ruckus Wireless WAN Report (Updated: May 2024).
770,428 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The most valuable feature is the ease of setup and deployment.""I would rate the stability a ten out of ten.""The installation process was easy.""There is a clustering feature, so the APs immediately switch back to the next available controller. The users will not notice any impact and will feel connected to the network. They will not notice any disconnection.""The initial setup of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN can be done quickly, and everything functions smoothly.""The product gives good stability and concurrency.""The most valuable feature of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is centralized management capability. You don't have to have wireless LAN controllers at every location.""In the event of a controller appliance failure or downtime, the system seamlessly transitions control to any access point acting as a backup controller."

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"The solution is suitable for many types of environments, such as small businesses.""The product is very user-friendly.""The solution can scale well.""Scalability is a valuable feature.""The technical features are very good and it's very useful if you need a wireless solution.""The solution is easy to use and offers good management for wireless.""We use things like VLAN and all the multibeam features that are built in, but at the end of the day, the most important thing for us is to get a good signal and site-wide coverage.""What I like best about Ruckus Wireless WAN is easy administration. After installation, you'll benefit from how easy it is to administer the product. I also like that the product can cover the whole area with just a few endpoints."

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Cons
"Sometimes, the configuration part of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN can be complex, and if you fail to understand the product at once, you may not even know about some features that you can apply to your network, and they may go unused.""The issue is that we are unable to update it because we lack the necessary permissions. We set up the website, but we don't have permission to download the software.""It is a little bit cumbersome to configure. If you're designing a WLAN and you want to do and cover certain types of clients, you really have to know different settings and how they interact with one another. If they could automate that so that if you are designing for one type of equipment, you could, in essence, run a wizard. That would certainly save on a lot of calls to tech support.""In a meshed environment, the handoff between access points is sometimes not smooth when users are mobile. For example, a connection is occasionally interrupted when a user takes their laptop from the gym to the cafeteria.""This product needs more flecibility with switching technologies.""Device integration has room for improvement in Aruba Networks Wireless WAN.""The solution has bugs. It really has bugs, and you have to wait until it happens, then you realize it.""The customization options could be improved."

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"The solution could be more stable.""The connectivity and mobility for users could be improved.""Pricing could be improved in Ruckus Wireless WAN because obviously, everybody wants things to become cheaper. Another room for improvement in the product is from a delivery perspective, particularly the heavy delivery delays because of the chip shortage that a lot of manufacturers have to deal with. The chip shortage is not coming to an end, but Ruckus Networks has to make a plan because the ETA has slipped out from the average of three months on switches to fourteen months, which is very, very rough on the industry at the moment. Ruckus Wireless WAN could lose business to Chinese competitors, for example, HTC has a good wireless solution that I haven't tested yet, other than on POC, and it works great. I haven't yet experienced the HTC wireless solution in large deployments, so you never know how it's going to go, but HTC has managed to circumvent the chip shortage, so the ETA provided by HTC is much more preferred than the ETAs provided by Ruckus Networks, Cisco, and Aruba products.""The solution needs to offer more analytics.""We have one sole distributor here in our region. To have multiple distributors here would be very helpful to improve the supply chain.""I would like to see IoT device support available with WiFi six. IoT is used by all businesses. They are now using IoT devices. It is required.""In Cisco, there is a configuration where it automatically switches from the 2.4 GHz to 5.2 GHz frequency. But with Ruckus, usually, we need to manually define whether we want to use the 2.4 GHz or 5.2 GHz.""The pricing needs to be reconsidered because it's expensive."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "It is more affordable than Cisco."
  • "The price of this solution is approximately 1,000,000 ESP ($6,750 USD)."
  • "The price of this solution is better than some other vendors."
  • "Licensing fees are paid on a yearly basis."
  • "The price of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN depends on how you buy it. From a pricing perspective, if you choose to buy Aruba Networks Wireless WAN as an MRC, it's dependent upon the radio and the solution that you choose what your MRC is. If you choose to buy it outright, they're competitive with their competitors, and they're probably four percent or five percent lower than their largest competitor."
  • "Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is cheaper than Cisco, and the web experience is great."
  • "Aruba Wireless comes with the controller."
  • "With some vendors, the access point is not manageable anymore if you don't maintain the license. It's more or less a doorstop because you can't configure and control it. You can't troubleshoot it unless you maintain the license. That's not true with Aruba."
  • More Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The solution is a little pricey, so customers sometimes select other products because of the price."
  • "This solution offers a yearly subscription. The price is not high, other solutions are much higher than Ruckus."
  • "This is a wonderful product for the price."
  • "It's expensive but you get more coverage."
  • "Here in India, Ruckus is chosen often because it is priced low."
  • "Licensing for Ruckus Wireless WAN when you compare it to other vendors, it's on par and not expensive. For me, all licensing is expensive by default, but you do get lifelong licenses, and what's cool about it is the license for Ruckus Wireless WAN, especially on the LAN controller, is not linked to an access point. It's just a quantity access point deployment, so you can rip out old APs, and put new ones in and they'll work on the wireless LAN because the license is not linked to a specific access point which is much easier to work with."
  • "In terms of the license of Ruckus Wireless WAN being cheap or expensive, it would differ based on your country. As I'm living in Turkey, it's expensive, so far. There is a big challenge about the chip crisis or the silicon crisis lately, and all vendors are fighting, so not enough equipment could be sold and the vendors must earn money, so it's very fair for vendors to push software and licensing to keep working and earning, so it's hard to answer a question on how cheap or expensive the license is for the solution."
  • "The price of Ruckus Wireless WAN is in the middle price range compared to competitors. You will find Cisco is the most expensive, the second is HPE and Aruba, and the third is Ruckus Wireless WAN. You then have all the follower solutions."
  • More Ruckus Wireless WAN Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:I recommend Aruba Networks Wireless WAN. I have been using Aruba for approximately a decade. It has a great centralized management system, which means we don’t need wireless LAN controllers at every… more »
    Top Answer: In the event of a controller appliance failure or downtime, the system seamlessly transitions control to any access point acting as a backup controller.
    Top Answer:The pricing of the product is pretty good. Aruba Networks and Extreme Networks offer good prices. Cisco operates in its own world. Meraki offers products at high prices. In comparison to the other… more »
    Top Answer:Ubiquiti Wireless is extremely easy to set up and is an excellent option for small businesses, offering enterprise features for a one-time fee and no ongoing licensing fees. Ubiquiti Wireless is very… more »
    Top Answer:Ruckus Wireless WAN is an easy-to-use solution.
    Top Answer:On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a six out of ten.
    Ranking
    5th
    out of 10 in Wireless WAN
    Views
    557
    Comparisons
    293
    Reviews
    23
    Average Words per Review
    454
    Rating
    8.4
    2nd
    out of 10 in Wireless WAN
    Views
    6,940
    Comparisons
    5,493
    Reviews
    26
    Average Words per Review
    530
    Rating
    8.3
    Comparisons
    Learn More
    Overview

    Aruba Networks Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) is a powerful WAN solution that enables organizations and businesses to create global networks that securely connect their members regardless of their locations. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN leverages AI to create a network that is always equipped to address issues or keep up with evolving needs. The operations that run on this network are also capable of running consistently because the AI is always learning and keeping the network running smoothly. The cutting-edge build of this solution is the reason that it is a leader in the field of wide area networks.

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Benefits

    Some of the benefits of using Aruba Networks Wireless WAN include:

    • Minimize the costs associated with cloud integrations. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN enables users to automate the process by which networks connect to cloud and SaaS services. This reduces the total amount of resources that need to be spent on these integrations.
    • Track the health of a network using real-time tracking. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN gives administrators the ability to keep track of different network health metrics. It possesses a variety of different tracking capabilities that can be used to best meet a user’s needs.
    • Increased network efficiency. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN’s AI software leverages machine learning to identify issues before they arise and recommend solutions when an issue arises. It enables users to be proactive in dealing with network issues.

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Features

    When users deploy Aruba Networks Wireless WAN, they gain access to a number of very powerful and useful features. These features include:

    • Unified network policy enforcement. Aruba’s Dynamic Segmentation feature connects all aspects of a user’s WAN. In doing so, it ensures that all network policies are enforced uniformly across every portion of the network.
    • Dynamic Path Steering (DPS). Aruba Networks Wireless WAN’s DPS feature keeps a user’s network running smoothly. It directs traffic running through the network to the uplink that is most appropriate for it. This minimizes potential network latency.

    • WAN Compression. This feature makes it possible for users to route more traffic through a given WAN circuit at times of high congestion. It compresses traffic so that the network circuit can better accommodate the increased activity.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN allows users to create, deploy, and manage wide area networks. It is a highly flexible solution that provides system engineers with many options when they are designing and rolling out their networks. Administrators can produce networks that are easily configured, rolled out, and monitored from anywhere in the world. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN has a centralized management interface. Administrators can control every aspect of the network from one console. They can access all of the network controls and data from this one interface. This simplifies the jobs of network administrators who are responsible for keeping the networks up and running.

    A network engineer at a technology company writes, “I feel that Aruba allows for more flexibility when it comes to configuration and deployment. Aruba gives you the same feeling as using a controller on-prem, whereas Meraki seems to be hiding a lot of the configuration behind the scenes and forces you to actually call them and ask them to enable certain features. So far, using Aruba Central is more like using an actual controller based on the amount of configuration you can do. Meraki just came out with profiles, but as far as I know, they don't have profiles for how your device connects to the actual physical LAN.”

    A network and security engineer at a communications service provider writes, “The most valuable feature of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is centralized management capability. You don't have to have wireless LAN controllers at every location.”

    Ruckus Wireless’s WAN (Wide Area Network) suite of switches and solutions provides companies and organizations with a wide variety of products that enable them to deploy and manage the kinds of WANs that best meet their needs. Ruckus Wireless is a leader in the field of WAN creation, deployment, and management. Their solutions are designed with the user in mind. They are sleek products and solutions that are easy for administrators to use and maintain. This makes it a valuable suite for any and every kind of industry. The level of ease that it provides makes it possible for companies and organizations to reap a high level of benefit from whichever product they choose to use. 

    Ruckus Wireless WAN Benefits

    Some of the benefits of using the Ruckus Wireless WAN suite of switches and solutions include:

    • Simplified network deployment and management. Ruckus Wireless WAN uses Campus Fabric technology to create a streamlined network creation and management process. This technology takes many of the processes used to create and manage networks that usually require many different solutions and combines them so that a single solution can accomplish the same amount of work.
    • The ability to operate on a massive scale. The Ruckus Wireless SmartZone 100 solution gives administrators the power to handle 1,024 access points and 25,000 users from a single device. Companies can operate at a high level with fewer devices than their competitors require to accomplish a similar level of work.
    • Ease of use. Solutions like RuckusZoneDirector 1200 can be easily deployed and used by administrators who may not have a background in the use of wireless solutions. Companies that choose Ruckus Wireless WAN do not need to train administrators to deploy it. This makes it extremely valuable to companies looking to keep their budgets to a minimum. 

    Ruckus Wireless WAN Features

    Organizations that choose to use the Ruckus Wireless WAN suite of switches and solutions have a large number of capabilities from which they can choose. 

    • Centralized network management.  Ruckus Wireless WAN’s RUCKUS Network Director feature enables administrators to manage their networks from a single location. All of the controls and data that users need to monitor and control the network can be managed from one interface.
    • Advanced security features. Ruckus Wireless WAN has the capability to encrypt and demand that traffic that is trying to pass through the network be authenticated before it is allowed access. This protects the data that leaves the network and the network itself.

    • Seamless interoperability. The various solutions and products that make up Ruckus Wireless’s WAN solution suite have the ability to integrate and operate together seamlessly. Users can mix and match solution pieces to best fit their needs.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Ruckus Wireless’s WAN suite is a truly versatile selection of solutions that offer users a complete package of capabilities and features. This suite makes it possible for users to meet all of their networking needs. Their wireless access points are the kind that is mostly employed in industries like resorts, which have to cater to large volumes of people over extended periods of time. They provide companies with the highest possible level of coverage. Users working in any number of fields would find Ruckus Wireless to be up to the task of handling their networking needs. This suite is appropriate for large corporations and small businesses alikes. 

    An information technology project manager at a university writes, “The actual wireless access points themselves are very powerful. We get very good coverage from just one access point.  The throughput is very good and the centralized management is excellent.  Also, the ease of deployment is very good.”

    A video conferencing administrator at a technology services company states, “The solution is suitable for many types of environments, such as small businesses.

    Sample Customers
    The Pittsburgh Golf Club, Rio Rancho Public Schools, Amwaj Rotana - Jumeirah Beach Residence - Dubai, Trevecca Nazarene University
    American University of Sharjah, Dordt College, Drew University, Lamar University, Raroa School
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider17%
    Manufacturing Company17%
    Computer Software Company13%
    Retailer9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company15%
    Comms Service Provider13%
    Media Company9%
    Government9%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider33%
    University8%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Energy/Utilities Company8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Comms Service Provider13%
    Computer Software Company12%
    Educational Organization7%
    Construction Company6%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business56%
    Midsize Enterprise10%
    Large Enterprise33%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business40%
    Midsize Enterprise13%
    Large Enterprise47%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business57%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise26%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business36%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise48%
    Buyer's Guide
    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Ruckus Wireless WAN
    May 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Ruckus Wireless WAN and other solutions. Updated: May 2024.
    770,428 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is ranked 5th in Wireless WAN with 46 reviews while Ruckus Wireless WAN is ranked 2nd in Wireless WAN with 45 reviews. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is rated 8.4, while Ruckus Wireless WAN is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN writes "It's reliable, cost-effective, and easy to troubleshoot". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Ruckus Wireless WAN writes " Offers robust outdoor connectivity, but signal strength and support need improvement". Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is most compared with Cambium Networks Wireless WAN, Ubiquiti Wireless, Fortinet FortiWLM and Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN, whereas Ruckus Wireless WAN is most compared with Ubiquiti Wireless and Cambium Networks Wireless WAN. See our Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Ruckus Wireless WAN report.

    See our list of best Wireless WAN vendors.

    We monitor all Wireless WAN reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.