How has it helped my organization?
Our experience with Aruba Remote Access Points for branch office connectivity has been satisfactory, considering they're older models. While they generally work and fulfill their purpose without significant complaints from users, we've encountered challenges in keeping up with firmware updates. As they're not the latest models, we've made a strategic decision to transition away from relying on them heavily. Instead, we're prioritizing planning for long-term coverage solutions, finding them more effective in meeting our needs compared to sporadic deployment of remote access points.
What needs improvement?
Its scalability capabilities should be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Aruba Remote Access Points for about a year since joining the company. While we used them extensively in the past, lately, we haven't been utilizing them as much. Our focus has shifted towards designing outdoor coverage solutions for scenarios where remote access points aren't necessary.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
When it comes to stability, I would rate Aruba Remote Access Points a seven or eight out of ten. Once configured and operational, they tend to function reliably, with few reported issues from clients or customers. Additionally, they are often reused, which further speaks to their stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In terms of scalability for the Aruba Remote Access Points, our utilization differs from other companies. While many organizations use them for branch offices, our situation is unique. We didn't have to worry about deploying RAPs extensively because we lacked branch offices. The few instances where we did utilize them involved more effort in configuring and setting up custom solutions, which didn't scale well for us. Since we own the locations where employees work, there wasn't a significant need for off-site connectivity. Those instances that did require off-site access were already integrated into our network. I would rate the scalability of Aruba Remote Access Points a five out of ten. While they are useful, there comes a point where manageability starts to diminish. Since they are not directly tied to the network like traditional access points, they pose some unique challenges.
In high-demand scenarios, the performance of Aruba Remote Access Points can vary. While they are built to handle substantial usage, I cannot provide specific numbers. However, we have deployed them successfully for numerous outdoor events and large gatherings where many users connect to them. Despite their capability to handle heavy loads, overutilization is not ideal.
How are customer service and support?
Regarding tech support for Aruba Remote Access Points, we don't often reach out to their representatives as we don't heavily rely on RAPs. From our perspective, some positive aspects of Aruba's support include its responsiveness and commitment to tracking and resolving issues. They consistently engage with us until a resolution is found, ensuring we are not left behind. At times, we find that the resolutions provided are not satisfactory. We sometimes receive answers that seem rushed or don't align with our situation. Consequently, we feel that the solutions offered may not address the actual issue at hand. Based on our interactions, I would rate their customer service as satisfactory, ranging from good to okay. On a scale of one to ten, I would give it a six.
How would you rate customer service and support?
How was the initial setup?
About the initial setup of the Aruba Remote Access Points, I didn't actuallyhandle most of the configurations myself. However, based on feedback from my team, they found the setup process to be relatively straightforward and not overly complicated. I would rate it around a six or seven out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment time for Aruba Remote Access Points is typically short once the site is ready. Since we provide them to the customer for placement, as long as there's an outlet available, deployment is straightforward. Maintenance requires around ten people involved. The upkeep can be tricky due to firmware upgrades, requiring careful attention to ensure compatibility. While maintaining them isn't our primary focus, we recognize the importance of keeping them up-to-date.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In terms of pricing, we've found Aruba's offerings to be very competitive. We haven't encountered any significant issues or complaints with the pricing of their Remote Access Points, as they generally align well with our budget. Regarding specific product lines, pricing can vary depending on the model. Newer models can cost over a thousand dollars, while older ones typically range from around five to seven hundred dollars. However, we've generally found the pricing to be reasonable and haven't felt that we're overpaying for the quality of the products we receive.
What other advice do I have?
In terms of recommending Aruba Remote Access Points, it depends on the specific scenario. Currently, with the evolving landscape of networking technologies, including the shift towards cloud-based solutions, traditional RAPs may not be as relevant. Many vendors are transitioning towards cloud-based support, which offers easier access and management for remote offices or sites. Since cloud connections are becoming more prevalent, it's like having a "virtual RAP" for accessing the internet. Therefore, my recommendation would lean towards cloud solutions for remote connectivity, as they align with the direction vendors are moving towards. This approach ensures compatibility with future advancements in networking technology. Overall, I would rate it five out of ten.
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
