Administrator at SOURTHERN WAVES Solution
MSP
Top 5Leaderboard
Improves our productivity
Pros and Cons
  • "The tool is mainly improving our productivity."
  • "The price could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

Cisco is a console controller. We can use it on a server for business purposes, control channels, and ensure a quality user experience.

How has it helped my organization?

The tool is mainly improving our productivity.

What is most valuable?

The solution has good technology and security.

What needs improvement?

The price could be improved.

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Cisco Wireless
May 2024
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For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Cisco Wireless for over 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. 20 users are using this solution.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is easy and takes a week to complete.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product is expensive.

What other advice do I have?

My target customers include individuals in banking, industry professionals, and employees of enterprise companies. They have existing affiliations and connections with a good level of connectivity. Cisco wireless effectively safeguards data and assets within homes or other environments.

We can use some firewalls from Cisco.

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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Network and Security Engineer at SK international
Real User
A stable wireless networking solution with great documentation and technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "I like that Cisco Wireless is easy to implement. If you get stuck with any issues, they have ample documentation on the internet. It's easy to implement, and Cisco documentation is easily accessible."
  • "In the next release, I would like to see some AI capability deployed. Other competitors like Mist and Juniper already have it. So, AI features need to be introduced next year."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case is to provide enterprise wireless solutions for employees. We're a system integration provider, and we have a number of customers. Our customers deploy our wireless solutions in an active-standby mode for better network stability. We mostly have customers who have standalone wireless controllers.

What is most valuable?

I like that Cisco Wireless is easy to implement. If you get stuck with any issues, they have ample documentation on the internet. It's easy to implement, and Cisco documentation is easily accessible.

What needs improvement?

In the next release, I would like to see some AI capability deployed. Other competitors like Mist and Juniper already have it. So, AI features need to be introduced next year. Cisco is the defacto brand in wireless technology, and they're a little bit behind. They need to introduce some AI features so we can introduce the customer to these new features.

Some training will help because Cisco's new offering, 9800, requires a lot of hands-on experience. This is because the Cisco 9800 controller is new compared to the previous models, like 2504 and 3504. It requires more hands-on experience to get familiar with the terminologies used in 9800. This is because there are some AP profiles and site profiles, and all these things we aren't familiar with. It's a good tool.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been implementing Cisco Wireless for the last five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Cisco Wireless is obviously very stable, and there's no doubt about that. When you go for Airwave, it's very stable. The new IOx is going to be stable, and we're deploying it for a couple of customers.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

You can deploy it for whatever your user wants and their AP count. It's very good when it comes to scalability.

How are customer service and technical support?

Cisco technical support is great. Cisco is based in Texas and provides technical support in any manner. Cisco provides support to customers who require it for updates or break-fix IT.
Support is wonderful. We haven't had a problem.

How was the initial setup?

It's easy to set up and implement this solution. For a basic implementation, you can deploy it within two or three hours. This is for a basic deployment for publishing SSID and testing. At a granular level, you may need a week to deploy this solution. This is because, in wireless scenarios, you need to do tests and try different testing scenarios. It's a very good basic solution for deploying to the cloud.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

From a pricing point of view, it's a little bit expensive compared to competitors like Aruba and others. But the product is also very promising and very stable. The hardware is wonderful. As a system integrator, it's okay, but you'll probably see it as expensive as a customer.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise potential users to implement Cisco wireless if they're implementing Airwaves. The old models like 2504 and 5508 work well with Airwaves. But it requires some specific knowledge to take that to the controllers and unplug the device. Some connectivity is derived from the core to the controller. You need to know what type of connectivity is required, what kind of access, and all those things. Cisco 9800 is a pure IOx, and it has a very straightforward configuration. It's very easy when compared to Airwaves.

On a scale from one to ten, I would give Cisco Wireless a ten for stability and performance. I don't have any issues with that.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
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Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
May 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2024.
769,630 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Head of IT Infrastructure at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Real User
Stable with an easy initial setup and pretty scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is straightforward."
  • "The technical support could be better. They aren't as helpful as they need to be when we run into issues."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for the internal network connection.

What is most valuable?

The management solutions the product has on offer are the most valuable aspects of the solution. It makes everything easy to manage from the perspective of an IT administrator.

The initial setup is straightforward.

The solution can scale well.

We've found the product to be very stable and quite reliable.

So far, we've found that the product offers everything we need it to.

What needs improvement?

I don't see any features that are really lacking.

The technical support could be better. They aren't as helpful as they need to be when we run into issues.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for the last ten years at this point. It's been about a decade. We've used it for quite a long time now.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is quite stable. It doesn't crash or freeze. There aren't bugs or glitches.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is pretty scalable. If a company needs to expand it, they can do so fairly easily. It's not hard.

We have between 300 to 400 people on the solution currently.

How are customer service and technical support?

We aren't fully satisfied with technical support at this time. They are getting better, however, they need to improve their services still.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation process is not complex at all. it's very straightforward. We didn't face any issues.

The deployment process was also very quick. It didn't take long to have everything up and running.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Our procurement team handles the contracts for this solution. Therefore, I don't have any insights into pricing.

What other advice do I have?

We're just end-users. We don't have a business relationship with Cisco.

Currently, just doing the upgrade. I'm just doing the upgrade in order to have Wi-Fi 6 enabled, which is the new technology. 

I would recommend the solution to others.

Overall, I would rate the solution nine out of ten. We've been pretty happy with it.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
CCIE, Sr. Network Engineer at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
Real User
FlexConnect allows us to have multiple locations and a central WLC to control them
Pros and Cons
  • "For me, there are two important features: 1) WLAN grouping – Allows us to have different groups and, within those groups, specific WLANs, so there is no overlapping. 2) FlexConnect – Enables us to have remote offices at different locations. We can have a central WLC to control all the locations."
  • "There is room for improvement regarding HA issues and Radius integration."

What is our primary use case?

We use it to provide Wi-Fi solutions at business centers, malls, for healthcare, and in public parks.

What is most valuable?

For me, there are two important features:

  1. WLAN grouping – Allows us to have different groups and, within those groups, specific WLANs, so there is no overlapping.
  2. FlexConnect – Enables us to have remote offices at different locations. We can have a central WLC to control all the locations.

What needs improvement?

There is room for improvement regarding HA issues and Radius integration.

For how long have I used the solution?

More than five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

No real issues with stability. It’s pretty stable. We can have a backup, and restoring is easy.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability depends on the design. It supports most variations like VOIP and Multicast. At times, we may face interference issues with other devices like 3G, 4G, or smartphones.

How are customer service and technical support?

Cisco TAC (technical assistance center) is one of the best tech support teams around.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I did use HPE's Aruba solution, but not that extensively.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. Anyone who knows VLAN and radio/frequency concepts can set it up. It’s pretty self-explanatory.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Pricing is a bit on the high side compared to its competitors but we have to consider the support and usages of the solution.

Licensing is now RTU and smart licensing. We need three types of licenses, one for the:

  • APs
  • HA
  • controller.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

HPE Aruba.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Cisco Wireless at eight out of 10 because of its ease of installation on virtual platforms, on appliances. It is easy to maintain and configurations are straightforward. It provides the flexibility to create and integrate with many social Wi-Fi solutions. It is a reliable and stable solution. The ROI is very good.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Cisco Gold Partner.
PeerSpot user
It specialist
Real User
Easy to configure with good functionality and performance
Pros and Cons
  • "I've found it to be quite secure."
  • "We've recently had hardware issues which have caused us some problems."

What is our primary use case?

We moved to the solution after we had some hardware issues. 

We use it with laptops for wireless connection via the cloud.

What is most valuable?

The performance is very good. If you compare it to Aruba, we find the ability to roam much better.

The functionality has been very good.

The stability is very good overall.

It's easy to configure.

I've found it to be quite secure.

What needs improvement?

We've recently had hardware issues which have caused us some problems. 

There are some models that have more coverage than ours. We'd like for them to work towards providing more coverage across models. 

The solution is a bit expensive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for a year and a half. It hasn't been too long. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We've had a good experience with the stability of this product. There are no bugs or glitches. It's reliable for the most part I don't recall it crashing or freezing. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have about 90 users of the solution in our office at this time. 

How are customer service and support?

We don't really deal with support. I can't speak to how helpful or responsive they are. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We also use Meraki as well.

I'm aware of Aruba's capabilities and find Cisco to be better. However, it costs a bit more than Aruba.

How was the initial setup?

The installation process isn't too difficult.

I cannot speak to exactly how long it took to deploy. I can't remember the length of time off-hand. 

Three people worked on the implementation. They were a manager and two technicians. 

What about the implementation team?

While we did have some access to information to help us, we mostly handled the implementation process on our own.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is on the high side. For example, it is more expensive to use than Aruba.

We have a license, however, I do not manage it. 

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend the solution to others, however, it depends on the capabilities of the end-user. Some may find it difficult. 

I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten. We are pleased with it so far.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Safety Officer at Tata Consultancy
Real User
Has good support services but needs to simplify deployment
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco has good support services."
  • "Cisco's architecture is becoming complex."

What is most valuable?

Cisco has good support services.

What needs improvement?

Simplification in terms of deployment would be good. The need for different boxes should be improved as well.

The architecture is becoming complex. It's not a three-layer architecture; it's only two layers, and the access is based on the leaf and spine. However, there are lots of components, and we need to add more components and more licenses for services. This ends up becoming costly.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working for almost seven years with Cisco Wireless.

How are customer service and technical support?

Cisco's technical support is good.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Because the Cisco architecture is quite complex, you may end up having to add more components and licenses. So, the cost could go up.

What other advice do I have?

Cisco is quite complex compared to Aruba Central, which is more user friendly and easy to handle. I would rate Cisco Wireless at seven on a scale from one to ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network Operations Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
An easy-to-use solution with valuable FlexConnect feature and great support
Pros and Cons
  • "The FlexConnect feature is the most valuable."
  • "It would be great if it is compatible with other products."

What is most valuable?

The FlexConnect feature is the most valuable.

What needs improvement?

It would be great if it is compatible with other products.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for almost six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Until now, it has been stable in spite of some upgrades.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is scalable. Our clients are large companies.

How are customer service and technical support?

Their technical support is great.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We worked with Cisco Prime and Cisco Controller.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was quite straightforward.

What other advice do I have?

It is quite simple. Even if you are not a wireless network expert, you will be able to use it by doing some research. It is not difficult or super complex.

I would rate Cisco Wireless a nine out of ten. I am satisfied with this solution.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
PeerSpot user
IT Architect at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Feature-rich, reasonably-priced, and the technical support is fine
Pros and Cons
  • "I like many of the features that Cisco Wireless has to offer."
  • "Code stability is something that needs to be improved."

What is most valuable?

I like many of the features that Cisco Wireless has to offer.

What needs improvement?

Code stability is something that needs to be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco Wireless for 10 years.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support is fine.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of this product is reasonable.

What other advice do I have?

My advice for anybody who is implementing Cisco Wireless is that they need to know the products. There are a lot of features that you can turn on and off, so they need to know the product itself. It's not as simple as it seems.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: May 2024
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Buyer's Guide
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