We are using the solution for endpoint connectivity.
AGM - Infrastructure & Information Security at Aster DM Healthcare Limited
The product is scalable and manageable, but it lacks advanced features that the competitors provide
Pros and Cons
- "The manageability of both on-premise and cloud versions is valuable."
- "The licensing models lack clarity."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The manageability of both on-premise and cloud versions is valuable.
What needs improvement?
The licensing models lack clarity. Salespeople from Aruba were not able to explain it to me. Different people gave me different opinions. I can see the total bandwidth, but I cannot see the internal bandwidth.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for the last six months.
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Aruba Access Points
January 2025
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good. I do not find any issues with it. I rate the stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool has very good scalability. I rate the scalability a ten out of ten. The number of users depends upon the location. Some locations have 200 access points, while others have 50. The solution is used 24/7.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also use Meraki. I can control the bandwidth with Meraki, but I can’t do it with Aruba. The choice of the product depends on the existing configurations and requirements. Meraki has advanced features.
How was the initial setup?
I rate the ease of setup a seven to eight out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment was done with the help of vendors.
What was our ROI?
The TCO is good. The product works well.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I do not understand the difference between Foundation licenses and Advanced licenses. Aruba is neither cheap nor expensive. The tool is priced the same as its competitors.
What other advice do I have?
I was told I'd receive immediate support if I had an advanced license. Overall, I rate the solution a seven to eight out of ten.
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.
Deputy Manager Infra & Security at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees
An easy-to-scale product that barely requires any maintenance
Pros and Cons
- "Aruba access points protect connectivity, and we don't get interference."
- "Going with a cloud solution will make dependency no longer a challenge from a connectivity point of view."
What is our primary use case?
We use Aruba access points for wireless connectivity, like connecting 30 to 40 users' laptops to the office Internet through WiFi access points.
How has it helped my organization?
Model 556 is a very stable and good product for users to access the Internet without any interference and disturbance while getting good speed. WiFi technologies are growing day by day. Where we had 2.4GHz and 5GHz earlier, OEMs now give devices that support 6GHz.
What is most valuable?
Aruba access points protect connectivity, and we don't get interference. The hardware is a throughput point and handles the required number of users. The product's capacity is proper, and we are not facing any challenges.
What needs improvement?
These days, every OEM gives services on their cloud. We want to move the wireless controller to our cloud. If a company has multiple offices in multiple locations, we need to direct connectivity without depending on any other location. Going with a cloud solution will make dependency no longer a challenge from a connectivity point of view. If you move an account, you get the freedom. You're not dependent on any other locations selling the same product.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've worked with Aruba Access Points for approximately ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate Aruba access points' stability an eight out of ten. We've been using the product for a long time, and it is a very stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
If you go with the cloud version, it's a good endpoint for user scalability. In-house you'll need to upgrade or change the hardware if the number of users or company size grows. I rate the scalability an eight out of ten. Approximately 500 users are using Aruba access points 24/7.
How was the initial setup?
I rate the initial setup an eight out of ten because the deployment is easy.
The deployment was a physical deployment that involved cabling parts, physically mounting the product on walls, and installing the AP on a roof. If you set up the product in an office, it will take one to two days.
While we needed one man to deploy the solution, we needed three or four people to handle the physical cabling and mounting. One person is sufficient for maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the product in-house.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate the pricing a six out of ten because it's not cheap or expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Someone considering using Aruba access points' cloud solution can choose it with WiFi 6 connected. As for the on-prem version, it depends on their requirements. If it's not a large setup, without many APs, they can choose the in-house solution.
I rate Aruba access points an eight out of ten.
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.
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Access Points
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Aruba Access Points. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network Engineer at General Authority OF ZAKAT & TAX
A scalable and affordable product that helps find issues in devices and provides good technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The technical support is perfect."
- "The stability must be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We use the tool for our devices. We use it for laptops, wireless phones, and tablets.
What is most valuable?
The product helps find issues in devices.
What needs improvement?
The stability must be improved. Sometimes, the user gets disconnected from the network.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The tool’s stability is good. I rate the stability a seven out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool is scalable. I rate the scalability a nine out of ten. We have 300 users. It is not extensively used.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is perfect.
How was the initial setup?
The setup takes a long time. We took three months to complete the setup. The deployment process is the same as Cisco’s.
What about the implementation team?
We used consultants to deploy the solution. We had an issue with the access ID for the captive portal. The engineers couldn’t solve it at that time. It took too long. We used a pre-shared key. We needed three engineers and technicians for the deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product is cheaper than Cisco and Huawei. We pay a yearly license fee.
What other advice do I have?
I will not recommend the tool to others. I wouldn’t want people to go through the issues I went through. Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Manager at a healthcare company with 501-1,000 employees
A wireless network solution with sustainable pricing and excellent support
Pros and Cons
- "Aruba Access points easily integrate with existing network infrastructure."
- "Since we manufacture medical devices, we must adhere to pharmaceutical guidelines. According to these guidelines, our rooms are categorized as 'head type' and thus require network connectivity. However, installing high-end APs in every room may not be feasible."
What is our primary use case?
We have an academic focus. We are a medical technology company—MedTech, specifically. All of our academic programs operate on the Aruba platform. In addition to our internal systems, all users, whether an enterprise or any other category, use Aruba wireless technology.
How has it helped my organization?
We have an open space with no disturbances. Aruba is the right product because additional costs may arise if you opt for alternatives. From a security standpoint, we have adopted it, and each part of the network is secure. Currently, it is comfortable for us.
What is most valuable?
We have additional security. We are using fabric technology for Extreme switches.
What needs improvement?
Since we manufacture medical devices, we must adhere to pharmaceutical guidelines. According to these guidelines, our rooms are categorized as 'head type' and thus require network connectivity. However, installing high-end APs in every room may not be feasible. Alternatives such as Cisco Meraki or Ruckus may be suitable for lower-end EPE or in areas where high-end APs aren't necessary. These brands offer smaller, in-system devices that can be installed to cover areas effectively. Installing one to two users per AP is acceptable for administrative purposes.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Aruba Access Points since 2010.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is excellent. I need to email them since it is a mandatory requirement. Under the contract, we are entitled to support. First, we need to log a call. Then, within a four-hour timeframe, they will provide a set time for addressing and resolving the issue. We are satisfied with the support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have used Cisco since 2006. We were initially a small company. Now, we have a global presence in software, and every investment in software is connected to a central location via a controller. Everything works fine for remote installations. During 2010-2011, we considered opting for a better product. Therefore, we switched to Aruba Access Points.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product’s pricing is sustainable.
What other advice do I have?
Ethernet throughput is much better. From a security standpoint, it is good. We face a challenge in wireless connectivity, but we can resolve it by ensuring that every device, including routers, is configured correctly for wireless connectivity. We need to ensure these features are installed everywhere. Additionally, we should review the RRP and other performance metrics for further improvement.
Aruba is easy to manage. UI is good. Endpoints present a bottleneck. We need to be concerned about the AP. We need to insert it into my network and ensure it is updated.
Regarding policy enforcement, we may only need to control the controller. From an operational and maintenance standpoint, we require local support from OEMs. Whether a sensor is connected to a switch or not, it's a one-time setup. We have a mobility controller for centralized management, and the compression provides a really good experience.
Aruba Access points easily integrate with existing network infrastructure.
I recommend the solution.
In India, we're operating on the 5 Ghz band. Additionally, we're looking to use the 6 GHz band as part of a trial bundle. We're confident in our ability to support 2.5 and 5 gigahertz frequencies, but we're closely monitoring the situation. We are a robot manufacturing company whose operations rely on the six gigahertz spectrum. While the Indian government hasn't yet opened up the 6 GHz band, it may change within the next two to three months.
Overall, I rate the solution a 9 out of 10.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Apr 24, 2024
Flag as inappropriateHead of IT Department at B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
An easy-to-use, durable, and reliable solution that requires no maintenance
Pros and Cons
- "The product is quite accessible and reliable."
- "The product should provide more coverage."
What is most valuable?
The product is quite accessible and reliable. It needs less or no maintenance. Once you install the solution, it keeps working. It needs very few upgrades. Aruba devices are quite reliable. We have found no defaults in the devices so far. The product is easy to use and easy to set up. Its durability is quite good.
What needs improvement?
The product should provide more coverage. The coverage provided should be equivalent to that of Cisco. It will be good if the product’s device provides coverage of at least 50 to 60 feet. The solution should increase security. The devices need to be more secure. Anyone who wants to hack or access the product can easily do it. The users do not receive any alerts if somebody is trying to access the tool.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for the last five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is quite good. It is excellent. We bought the devices two to three years ago, and they still work constantly without any failure.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution’s scalability must be improved. It should cover more number of people and area. I rate the scalability a seven out of ten. It will be great if scalability is increased a little more.
How are customer service and support?
We have not contacted support yet. If we have any problems, our local vendor is capable of supporting us. The product’s support would be great. If a local vendor can support us, then if I contact someone directly from Aruba, they would definitely be able to support us.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Aruba and Ruckus work similarly. Cisco is a bit advanced in terms of security and manageability. We manage Cisco access points through one particular console. If anything goes wrong, then we can identify it easily. Cisco products are a little better in manageability. We frequently receive updates, but we can manage them well in advance through the console.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is quite easy. It is not a problem at all. We need not do much. We need an expert to set up Cisco. Deploying Aruba and Ruckus is as easy as plug-and-play.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment doesn’t even take ten minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is reasonable. The product is also good. I would rate the pricing an eight or nine out of ten. For four devices, we pay around INR 30,000. We only pay for the license and the device. There are no additional costs associated with the tool.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is fairly good. Anyone can use it. I will recommend Aruba. Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Efficient provisioning with remote access control and an easy setup
Pros and Cons
- "The controller software, which can control multiple access points remotely, is very convenient."
- "There should be enhancements to support open Wi-Fi technology for seamless authentication across different access points."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case is to provide public Wi-Fi services initiated by the government. This includes deploying the solution in both indoor and outdoor venues. We demonstrate the use and speed of Wi-Fi 6E access points as part of this initiative.
What is most valuable?
The controller software, which can control multiple access points remotely, is very convenient. It makes the provisioning process simple and efficient. The controller comes in two models: a local controller and a cloud-based one.
What needs improvement?
There should be enhancements to support open Wi-Fi technology for seamless authentication across different access points.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used the solution for about five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of the Aruba Access Points is quite high. I would rate it at a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the Aruba Access Points is excellent. I would also rate it at a nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is generally good. However, it depends on whether it is handled by the company's engineer or the agent engineer. I would rate the support as eight.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before Aruba Access Points, we used Lucas APs. Currently, we use both Aruba and Lucas, with the majority being Lucas. We sought out Aruba for their latest Wi-Fi 6E version.
How was the initial setup?
The setup is straightforward and user-friendly. I would rate it almost as a nine, indicating it's fairly easy.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We considered Lucas and domestic products alongside Aruba.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024
Flag as inappropriateManager, Information Technology at Parag Milk Foods Ltd
A stable tool to support IoT network architecture
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of the solution is its stability."
- "The disadvantage of Aruba Access Points is experienced by me when I need it to offer me a long range of coverage."
What is our primary use case?
I use Aruba Access Points in my company to support IoT network architecture.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of the solution is its stability.
What needs improvement?
The disadvantage of Aruba Access Points is experienced by me when I need it to offer me a long range of coverage. When it comes to some devices, where maximum users connect with Aruba Access Points, the range of coverage area it provides is reduced. When a large number of users join Aruba Access Point, they are provided with a very small range of coverage. The aforementioned aspect related to the product is an area where improvements are required.
In the future, I want Aruba Access Points to provide more scalability options. The scalability part of the solution comes into the picture, especially when considering the product's performance issues. More scalability options are required in the solution, especially during times when my company needs to switch users or shift them to some other area.
From an improvement perspective, Aruba's technical support team should consider providing a faster response to the queries raised by users.
Training for users related to Aruba's upcoming firmware releases should be provided.
Aruba Central is a good product, and users need similar capabilities in Aruba Switches and Aruba Access Points at a very low price point. Aruba provides its users with a lifetime hardware replacement, and I want the same thing in Aruba Central, wherein users get lifetime product support and switches. In short, Aruba should make it possible for users to incur a one-time cost for Aruba Central.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Aruba Access Points since 2017. I am an end-user of the product.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Aruba Access Points is a scalable product.
My company has 55 end users of the product.
How are customer service and support?
The support provided by the technical team of Aruba Access Points is neither good nor bad, meaning it lies somewhere in the middle.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I use Cisco and Aruba in my company. I have been using Cisco since 2008. I would describe Cisco and Aruba as products that are very similar to each other.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup phase was easy.
The solution is deployed on the cloud.
The solution can be deployed in less than 30 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
I can take care of the product's deployment phase by myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Aruba is cheaper than Cisco.
My company needs to pay yearly for the licensing costs attached to the product. There are no additional payments towards the solution apart from its licensing costs.
What other advice do I have?
Currently, there is no maintenance required for the solution.
I recommend the solution to those who plan to use it.
I rate the overall solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Network Support Engineer at VFM Systems And Services
Has a user-friendly interface and very scalable and stable wireless product. The solution provided by Aruba wireless products fulfills most of todays IT services requirements
Pros and Cons
- "The product’s most valuable feature is its ability to offer wireless connectivity to any service provider."
- "The product's stability and technical support services needs improvement."
What is our primary use case?
We use Aruba Wireless to provide wireless solutions and services to some of the biggest IT customers for multiple use cases.
How has it helped my organization?
The solution provided by Aruba Wireless fulfills most of today's IT services requirements.
What is most valuable?
The product’s most valuable feature is its ability to offer wireless connectivity to any service provider, and ease of integration with 3rd party vendors. It is also stable.
What needs improvement?
Technical support services needs improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Aruba Access Points for more than four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We encounter stability issues with some old IAPs.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable platform.
How are customer service and support?
We contacted the product’s technical support team regarding OpenLDAP integration with WLC for dot1x authentication. They said the OpenLDAP support dot1x. But later we checked the solution OpenLDAP is compatible with WLC but OpenLDAP itself doesn't support dot1x. The overall support requires improvement.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The product’s initial setup process is easy if you have specific knowledge. If you use Aruba Central, enter the MAC address and serial number on Aruba Central.
Port 443 should be open on the firewall. It is zero-touch provisioning. The AP will automatically be provisioned to Aruba Central. It takes around 10 - 15 minutes to provision.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is better when compared with the competitors.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Compared to Cisco, the product has a user-friendly interface. It is easy to configure as well.
What other advice do I have?
I advise others to analyze if the product is relevant for their production. There is no need for bandwidth. It is suitable for all types of complexity.
I rate Aruba Access Points a 9.5 out of 10.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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