Aruba Instant On Access Points Reviews

We use this product in our hospital.  We use them for our medical computers connected to the Wi-Fi, our guests and patients on their mobile devices, and even for the small children. 

We also use them for internal support within the hospital. 

It's a very important tool for reliable connection, and we're happy with the Wi-Fi system.

It gives us a good speed for clients who connect to the wifi system.  It's mainly for our patients, medical doctors, and nurses. That was the most important thing we wanted to own.

The mobile app is good. We have many things that are connected through mobile. Most users use mobile to connect to the Wi-Fi. They are very happy and satisfied with this helpful tool.

The licensing model could be improved. It needs more clarity. 

I have been using it for six months. 

It is very stable. I would rate the stability a nine out of ten.

There are around 250 end users. The usage depends on the devices that come to our hospital. There are different devices and users, including mobile, iPad, and medical studies. These are the major things that can be used in our offices.

If we need to expand and add things, we have to ask IT support. But they are very helpful. Really, the support from HPE has been great since we started working with them to install the access points.

During the last six months, we didn't have any special or complicated cases to solve. We have been able to solve all issues ourselves without needing to contact support.

The setup is not very easy. It requires some experience with Wi-Fi, especially with cloud connection and security. 

We received support from HPE, who were very helpful in configuring Instant On Access Points. It's not very easy, but it requires more information and initial support from HPE Aruba for configuration.

Customization on it needs experience. If we need any customization on the system, we have to ask support to help us.

It needs a license. I have complained about the license. The cost is not simple. Each access point needs a license, and you have to pay a yearly license for the Aruba Central Management Cloud.

It is a good product. I would rate it a nine out of ten. 

We have several good use cases where we don't have the need for a controller in a couple of locations or for small office areas. 

In those situations, Aruba Instant is a good solution. It provides similar mobility access advantages as Cisco, so we have a similar experience with the Instant AP. This is particularly useful when we don't require a controller. 

In such cases, the APIs are very helpful for small wireless deployments, managing around six to eight access points, and providing all the necessary wireless capabilities. It's a cost-effective solution, similar to Cisco, for supporting small deployments.

Aruba Instant On Access Points have greatly enhanced our organization's operations. These access points provide most of the setup functionalities that we typically use at the enterprise level. 

While a controller offers various integration options and enables features like the guest portal, the Instant AP is designed in a similar way. Although it doesn't offer the full range of controller functionalities, it acts as a replica and provides nearly all the features available on a controller. This is particularly beneficial for customers who have budget constraints and cannot invest in a full-fledged controller. 

In terms of cost and deployment, Aruba Instant On Access Points are a suitable and cost-effective solution. They are also easier to manage. 

It's a good option to propose to customers who have limited budgets or lack advanced technical skills. Additionally, for users with basic home router settings, they can easily set up the Aruba Instant On Access Points in a similar manner.

The most valuable feature is the ease of setup, which includes the full set of features. When you turn on the Access Point (AP), it automatically broadcasts a setup SSID, allowing you to easily connect to it using your mobile device and configure it according to your needs. 

You can set up the desired SSID, configure security settings, and even enable an internal guest portal. This guest portal is particularly useful in the Instant AP. Additionally, we can integrate the APs with our existing AAA servers. These are the key features of the Instant APs.

So, the valuable features include setup capabilities, security, and integration.

I sincerely think that the focus should be on improving monitoring capabilities. Currently, we have to integrate these APs into the APAP as a management platform for configuration and other tasks. However, Aruba enhances the monitoring aspect by providing more analytical views and troubleshooting capabilities; it would be beneficial if Aruba prioritize these areas.

We faced an issue when trying to integrate this Instant AP with other tools. The functionalities are limited, and I couldn't find proper documentation regarding this matter. If they could provide more integrations, such as APIs to integrate with our existing monitoring platforms or other systems, it would be a valuable addition. That's what I think the next release should focus on, from my point of view in IT. 

I have been using this solution for more than a year. We currently use version 8.10. 

I would rate the stability of this solution a ten out of ten. 

In terms of scalability, I would rate it as a five out of ten, which means it's medium. It is suitable for smaller organizations, but it may not be the best choice for large enterprises.

If an organization is larger and needs to manage a significant number of APs, a different solution might be more suitable.

Around 50 users are currently using Aruba Instant On Access Points in our company. The users have various job roles. They handle tasks such as programming, software, and networking. 

We utilize it to its maximum potential. It is used 24/7, every day.

Customer service and support are not up to mark. The response time depends on the type of support or service contract we have. Currently, we have 5B and 30 support contracts. 

When we raise a ticket, it takes about 48 hours to resolve. They connect with us, gather the required information, and start troubleshooting. 

Neutral

The initial setup is very easy. I would rate my experience with it a nine out of ten. The deployment took hardly ten minutes. 

However, like any other APs, maintenance is required. We typically perform maintenance at least once a year to check the AP conditions and address any software updates or related tasks.

Usually, one person is sufficient for maintenance. It's usually the same person who handles both the deployment and maintenance.

We handled the deployment ourselves. We didn't involve any third party.

The setup guide and installation documentation are well-prepared and helpful for the deployment process. Along with the APs, we receive a simple documentation link. By following the guidelines provided in that documentation, it becomes very easy to set up the APs. 

The steps for turning on the APs and connecting the cables are mentioned in the documentation. If you follow the setup guide, the configuration process becomes very easy.

You can start with just one person for the initial configuration. But for proper deployment, if you have around five to six APs, it would be fine to have two people managing the installation and cable connections. Otherwise, one person can handle the installation process.

If we are in remote size, the person responsible for deployment verifies the AP positions, installs the necessary cables, and ensures the power requirements are met for each specific location where the APs need to be mounted. They also perform the initial configuration.

It's a cost-effective solution, similar to Cisco, for supporting small deployments.

If I compare it to other vendors, I would say the pricing is low. You can rate it as a six out of ten, with one being expensive and ten being cheap.

Moreover, there are no additional costs apart from the standard license fees. 

You can consider the Aruba 515 and 5315 series. They are good in terms of the overall installation.

Overall, it's the best solution because I have personally worked with other vendors before, and Aruba Instant provides a good cost-wise and solution-wise experience. 

It's also easy to set up and manage, making it suitable for customers looking for small-scale, stable network deployments. 

Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten because of its overall performance.

Our primary use case is managing switches and access points, particularly for wireless connectivity with both instant access points and cloud-controlled access points.

Aruba Instant On Access Points have improved our organization as we don't have to handle as many problems with these access points compared to FortiAP or Cisco access points.

The virtual controller feature is very beneficial because it removes the need for a physical controller. Additionally, advanced radio management is a valuable feature.

The security aspect needs improvement. There is not enough focus on security across networking vendors, and they often add features without testing them thoroughly. The AI capabilities are generalized and not significantly helpful. The technical support is also not very strong as they have faced similar issues as before.

The technical support from Aruba is a bit more competent compared to Fortinet. However, there are still issues with the language barrier and the overall quality of support.

Positive

We used Cisco access points before. We found Aruba Instant On Access Points to be better. Aruba's products are actually cheaper and feature advanced radio management, which works very well.

The pricing of Aruba Instant On Access Points is competitive compared to Cisco, and they are actually cheaper.

We evaluated solutions from Aruba and Fortinet. Currently, we are looking at Aruba and Keyao products.

I would recommend Aruba Instant On Access Points to others. If I had to choose, I would rate them as number one out of all access points.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.

We use it for office use on laptops, mobile devices, meeting rooms, etc.

Dynamic segmentation and role-based access have simplified the network configuration we have to do whenever a new device comes in. We don't have to change any settings to add new people or devices to the system.

The valuable feature is deep monitoring with the management tools. Configuring everything in the cloud with Aruba Central and having all the devices be independent of a centralized controller has made it simple to deploy.

The pricing could be a little cheaper.

I have been using Aruba Instant On Access Points for six years. We are V15 of the solution.

We've had almost no issues. The only devices that have been damaged were those used outdoors during hurricane season.

It is moderately difficult to find certified engineers. They're not widely available.

Support is good but could be a little better. Whenever there are technical questions, it takes them a while to answer.

Neutral

We used to have Ruckus Wireless, but we switched to Aruba because of its advanced features and solutions' scalability. 

It's really easy to set up. Aruba provides and hosts it. The access points are in our offices, but the management solution is a service. It took probably a couple of days to deploy.

We designed the network beforehand, purchased the devices, did the cabling and switching, had Internet installed in the building, and then deployed the Wi-Fi access points.

Two implementation engineers helped deploy it. One person now performs remote maintenance for all our sites.

I rate the initial setup a ten out of ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy.

We have had very few issues. Whenever we've had an issue, we can see what the problem is and fix it quickly. We have also reduced the amount of time and people that we have dedicated to managing the network.

We pay 150 dollars per access point every year.

I rate the product’s pricing an eight out of ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive.

We considered several vendors, including Huawei, Ruckus, other HPE brands, and 3Com, but ultimately decided on Aruba.

They have allowed us to segment the different parts of the organization so that they have only the permissions they should have to access what they need and nothing else. And that has made our servers and infrastructure more secure because only authorized people can access them.

There is an opportunity to enter lower SMB segments where Erbway has other products. But it wouldn't be for Ergo Instant. It would be for another line of products from them.

I advise you to get it with Aruba Central. It makes it easier to manage and much simpler. You can monitor it from anywhere. And be sure to have someone who knows Server Central help you set it up. It's good for almost every business access to very large campuses.

There is a dashboard where we can see AI recommendations on potential issues or performance improvements if we change part of the configuration, which has helped us improve network performance or stability over time.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Aruba Instant On Access Points are primarily used for small offices, private houses, or apartments. The ease of installation and deployment is valuable. The user-friendly interface allows you to manage the equipment easily via smartphone, laptop, or tablet, and you can access it instantly over the internet.

Aruba Instant On Access Points are almost enterprise-level equipment but designed for end users who might not have an IT specialist on staff. They can be used in scenarios similar to those in enterprises. The security features, like easily deploying with RADIUS and dot1x, are efficient and satisfactory, providing enterprise-class security. The solution is future-proof and adapts well to changing connectivity needs. It is easy to extend the network, although there are some limitations. For large buildings, you can separate the network into floors or areas, each containing up to fifty access points, and give them one SSID and password. There might be a small gap when switching between sites, but overall, it can be extended effectively.

It would be good to integrate some marketing features into Aruba Instant On Access Points, like heat maps. This would allow deployment in warehouses or malls to see how people move from one point to another, helping to locate the original fit.

I have experience with Aruba Instant On Access Points. 

We haven't had many performance or stability issues, but with the AP17, which is an outdoor access point, it has only available channels above one hundred. In Ukraine, almost all channels are available to use from thirty-six to one hundred fifty-eight.

Scalability issue arises with obsolete equipment using five gigahertz but lower channels like thirty-six or forty, as they cannot connect to the access point because it turns on channels above one hundred.

The technical support for Aruba Instant On Access Points answers quite fast, approximately within five to six hours, considering the time difference. I think that's great time management since not everyone can answer within that timeframe.

Positive

Apart from Aruba, I've also worked with Ruckus. The main pro of Ruckus is its better performance of beamforming, as it has more antenna patterns than Aruba, Cisco, or any other vendors. For Aruba Instant On Access Points, the pros are stable work, stable performance, and high predictability. When using tools like radio frequency planners such as Ekahau and AirMagnet, you can see a good pattern on your screen, which makes it easy to predict signal transmission. This level of predictability is not as strong with Ruckus.

The initial setup process for Aruba Instant On Access Points is quite easy as you just scan the barcode of the access point, and it’s already on your portal, so you can manage the SSID. It's very easy, and one person is enough to do the full deployment. Maintenance is also not difficult as it has a very user-friendly interface. 

Aruba Instant On Access Points are license-free. It's a very good and cheap solution for wireless networks. It can be compared with solutions from Ubiquiti and TP-Link, but it is in a different class. Aruba Instant On Access Points are cheaper than those from Cisco, Ruckus, and Motorola. It's perhaps the cheapest one. They do not use licenses, so it is a solution from the box. You don't need to pay extra money or deal with hidden payments.

I strongly recommend it because it is not expensive, quite robust, and provides a network for a very low price. It can be deployed very fast and contains every single need. I rate Aruba Instant On Access Points a nine out of ten because there are some flaws with outdoor access points.

Most of my clients use them for indoor Wi-Fi access, but I also have some experience with outdoor deployments and public-facing setups. We've also worked with Cisco Meraki for similar scenarios.

It's really easy to set up. And, you don't have to pay for the cloud solution. That's really interesting for our clients. And the other thing is, the roaming is also quite good.

And I personally like the setup process. It's incredibly easy, even without a router. You can directly connect to an ISP, which is a big plus for small businesses. For larger companies, using a firewall is still preferred. Setting up the SSID was a breeze, too.

When there are a lot of people connected, especially during video streaming demonstrations, the connection can get a bit choppy. We've also encountered some issues with narrowcasting systems.

I do have some experience with Aruba Instant On Acess Points. It's quite user-friendly.

I have been working with this product for four years now. 

I would rate the stability a nine out of ten. 

I would rate the scalability a nine out of ten. 

I also have outdoor appliances and uses for outdoor access points. It's mostly Wi-Fi access points indoors, but few are outdoor. Few of them are public-facing experts. We have some experience with Cisco Meraki and Fortinet.

The initial setup is truly straightforward. 

The solution can be deployed both on-premises and cloud. I prefer cloud deployments for the management advantages.

The deployment time depends on the company size. For smaller setups with 20-40 workstations, it takes about 2-3 hours. 

Larger ones might take a day with pre-configured access points. But it's still very quick, and we've even had a small client done in just one hour.

The lack of subscription fees and ease of setup contribute significantly to the value proposition. We're still evaluating Ruckus to compare, but so far, Aruba Instant On seems to offer a good return on investment.

We don't have to pay subscription fees for the cloud solution, which is a major advantage.

I would rate the pricing an eight out of ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive.

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

I've provided support for around five or six customers. One notable use case involves a customer with a small branch looking to cover their building. Due to budget constraints, we recommended Ruckus Unleashed for its cost-effectiveness, and it proved suitable for small offices. Another customer engaged in a proof of concept for access points to cover a specific site. I've offered support for approximately five or six customers. This year, I collaborated with around five customers, and I'm uncertain about the number from last year. In one instance, a customer with a limited budget opted for Ruckus Unleashed, especially suitable for small offices due to its cost-effectiveness. Another customer engaged in a proof of concept for access points to cover a specific site.

Regarding access points, the customer typically considers low-cost plans, and Ruckus Unleashed Access Points are commonly used. These access points are managed through the Microsoft console and can be accessed either with or without ports. The management is done through a controller.

The main benefits customers see include cost-effectiveness, especially for those with budget constraints. Aruba, in particular, provides a good user experience. Some customers might choose Huawei, but enterprise access points are also considered. Additionally, the unified access point capabilities are valuable, allowing management from the same account. However, there is a limitation of twenty-five access points, and if a customer requires more, they need to create another site or account.

If the customer exceeds twenty-five access points, they need to generate another site or virtual business to manage additional access points, as the external number is limited to twenty-five.

I believe there's room for improvement in the validation process, especially for customers facing compliance issues when managing access points from the cloud. It would be beneficial if the access points could also be managed from an on-premises controller.

Regarding additional features, customers express interest in enhancing the controller, specifically improving the capability to manage a higher number of access points from the same controller. This feature is crucial for better scalability. Another feature that customers would appreciate is the ability to increase the number of access points. However, the current process for obtaining this permission can be time-consuming, and customers would like to see improvements in this regard.

I have been using Aruba Instant On Access Points for past two years.

It is stable. 

I've got a technical support case.

Positive

I'm familiar with the solution, and I believe it's widely used in the business sector. However, I think the organization is involved in much more. But I don't recall having the analytical details on that solution.

It is necessary to connect the instant access points with NGINX. The serial number is a standard identifier, and it's considered more standard than an enterprise access point. Regarding the deployment, the controller is in the cloud, and the appliances are on-premises.For the deployment of instant access points, as a partner, our engineers handle the implementation. Customers typically provide information about the environment, such as the location of access points. Documentation is not frequently requested, and the deployment time varies based on factors like the number of access points. The initial configuration of the controller takes about 30 minutes, and adding access points afterward typically takes 2 to 5 minutes each.

There is a challenge related to resetting access points, especially when dealing with repeated access points. The process involves obtaining the access point from PeerSpot or another source and performing a hard reset. This issue is a common aspect in various solutions.

Prior to the inquiry, we had a substantial customer who exclusively preferred Aruba's solution for their extensive file-sharing needs. The customer insisted on sticking to Aruba and didn't consider alternative solutions from other vendors. Consequently, we recommended the Enterprise Access Point. However, upon realizing the high cost associated with this option, we engaged in discussions with the IT manager to explore ways to reduce costs. 

Prior to recommending Aruba as our distribution partner, I engaged in discussions with various teams, including the business team, to understand the diverse needs of our customers. Our customers span across different industries, including HVAC, performance, and enterprise security. Each customer segment has its unique set of requirements and questions. Some are focused on home security, while others are concerned with enterprise-level solutions.

In particular, Aruba's cloud offerings have features and technologies that set them apart. The vendor landscape is competitive, and Aruba stands out in terms of the unique features it offers. One notable feature is the integration of sensors in access points, which enhances the solution's capabilities. However, I also inquired about Aruba's compatibility with external devices and sensors, such as those used for Central Scale Effect. This information is crucial for understanding the overall performance and integration capabilities of Aruba's solutions.

For medium and small businesses, the rating would be eight out of ten for Ruben Incident Intelligence. The consideration is based on the fact that each customer, particularly those with small branches, may require approximately eight or nine devices from Verizon. It's important to note that this evaluation pertains to the pricing solution, not Ruben software specifically.

We have a lot of examples of use cases, but the greatest project is with the Sao Paulo government and the Brazilian government. It’s the biggest project using this kind.

It's easy to manage and install. For the customer, it improves connectivity, the wireless experience, and speed. It improves the overall wireless connection experience.

The radio frequency coverage area is not good. The number of users that can connect at the same time and the user density on a single AP is not good in Aruba. 

Also, Aruba has a lot of switch solutions, and they use a lot of CLI (Command-Line Interface) language. One type of switch might use one language, while another might use an older language. Even within the same product line, you have different languages.

It's not easy to manage everything because even though all the products are within the same system, everything is different.

I have been working with it for two years.

The scalability with Aruba Central, we have a limited capacity. 

Instant On is very limited. There's a limit of 2,000 users and 120 APs in the same cluster. This is very difficult. I don't know how to resolve this. I think the only way is to change to a cloud solution.

The customer service and support are terrible. The global technical support is really bad. It's not good.

Negative

From the partner's perspective, it's easy to install and manage. It's a good solution, a good technology to improve the partner's experience.

It takes three minutes to set it up and deploy it from start to finish. It is pretty easy. 

The deployment model can be both on-premises and cloud. We use Aruba Central in the cloud, and also Instant On app. The most difficult is when they use the Mobility Controller, the on-premises controller solution from Aruba.

The maintenance is easy. 

The return of investment lies in the good experience of the customer. The best way to justify the expensive cost is the good wireless connection experience.

Instant On Access Points are expensive. Compared to other solutions like Ubiquiti and Extreme, they're very expensive.

Overall, I would rate it a nine out of ten. So the product is pretty good, but the technical support is terrible.