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Micaiah Kaseke - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior IT Engineering Technician at Solution Centre
Reseller
Top 5
There are a variety of switches available, including online monitoring tools and configuration options within the application
Pros and Cons
  • "Regarding the feature, my clients are currently favoring it because it enables them to switch back to phone functionality."
  • "We are interested in acquiring a firewall that provides a comprehensive solution. In other words, we're seeking a firewall that encompasses multiple aspects, such as exceptional switches and active phone functionalities."

What is our primary use case?

This solution is ideal for small and medium division enterprises.

What is most valuable?

Regarding the feature, my clients are currently favoring it because it enables them to switch back to phone functionality. They appreciate the variety of switches available, including online monitoring tools and configuration options within the application. This is the primary reason they have a positive view of the product.

What needs improvement?

We are interested in acquiring a firewall that provides a comprehensive solution. In other words, we're seeking a firewall that encompasses multiple aspects, such as exceptional switches and active phone functionalities. Our goal is to have a unified system that allows us to monitor and manage everything from a single panel, making it the most effective way to oversee all the network traffic and related activities.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Instant On Switches for the last two to three years.

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Aruba Instant On Switches
November 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

While I can work at any time, I can't assure the complete reliability of everything, particularly in comparison to a bank. We're talking about networking devices, and there are many variables to consider. I appreciate your understanding. I'm not concerned about the environment, but it's worth noting that there are factors beyond our control, especially when dealing with an Internet Service Provider.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It allows us to easily manage endpoint blocking and configure the desired number of switches and access points. It's a straightforward process. Moreover, you have the flexibility to perform these tasks directly from your mobile device. However, when it comes to more advanced features, like the fun feature, you won't be able to access and control them through the mobile application. Instead, you'll need a Command One interface for handling tasks similar to those found in Eagle, Cisco, or Aruba switches. These enhanced features are typically reserved for data centers and other specialized solutions, offering more capabilities and flexibility. In essence, the level of functionality you have access to depends on whether you're using a regular mobile application or more advanced interfaces.

I would rate it an eight out of ten. 

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

Other solutions require a controller on your devices to manage them. Once you set up the controller, you can't access or troubleshoot as needed. This can be a bit cumbersome. However, in this area, we don't face this issue because devices automatically connect and operate without the need for control or added complexity. Comparatively, when it comes to SysTrack, the features are restricted, and managing each device can be somewhat more intricate at times.

How was the initial setup?

It's a straightforward process since you only need to create an account during the specified time frame. For an on-premises client using this solution, the deployment time is quite swift. It typically takes only about six to fifteen minutes, as the entire process can be managed through the mobile application.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate it an eight out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
Senior Network Engineer at AGSPL
Real User
Top 10
Quickly deployed by just connecting to the internet and GUI is easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "Aruba Central provides various AI features that we can use. It collects data on health and performance issues for wireless and wired clients."
  • "If Aruba can provide guidance on features through sessions or explanations, it would be helpful. We have to search and work online."

How has it helped my organization?

Aruba Instant On switches are very good to use. They can be quickly deployed by just connecting to the Instant On cloud and can be accessed over the Internet. No issues with that.

Aruba Central provides various AI features that we can use. It collects data on health and performance issues for wireless and wired clients. It observes and identifies issues that I wasn't aware of before. Adding more AI features, like product or service learning, would enhance the product.

What is most valuable?

The GUI is easy to use. You can set it up easily and bring it onto the cloud easily if the Internet is available. The GUI features are easy, and the configuration is also easy. You can enable or disable features as needed.

What needs improvement?

If Aruba can provide guidance on features through sessions or explanations, it would be helpful. We have to search and work online. 

More AI features could be developed, especially to help clients in detail. It could provide information on connected wireless clients, their health issues, and any errors they are experiencing. Increasing the feature set would be helpful.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using it for five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of the hardware switches is a key feature. They can't be damaged easily. They are reliable, easy to manage, install, and deploy. 

Additionally, they have the necessary features for network configuration and policies.

I would rate the stability an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There are around 40 end users using it. We implement it a lot for our customers as well. So, we have many customers. 

I would rate the scalability a nine out of ten. 

How are customer service and support?

The customer service and support are okay. They have improved a little now, but my last interaction (three months back) was not so good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

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

There are different solutions like Cisco Meraki, Juniper, and Commavault. The choice depends on our customers. If they pick a product, we implement it for them. 

How was the initial setup?

The installation is quite easy.

On average, the deployment doesn't take long. With 1 to 10 switches, it can be installed within half an hour. If there are more switches, it can take half a day. Sometimes, there might be issues, but that's about it.

It is deployed both on-premises and cloud. The cloud version is accessed via Aruba Central. It's a public cloud from Aruba.

We do regular maintenance as well, including patches and upgrades. Normally, two to three engineers are enough for maintenance. 

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

The pricing is quite low compared to other products, which is good for the customer. Customers ask for Aruba products because they are competitively priced compared to other brands. It's a good selling point, as it allows customers to revamp their network infrastructure at a lower cost. 

During the revamping process, organizations have to justify the cost to stakeholders. If a product is cheaper, it's easier to justify the purchase. This is the main advantage.

I would rate the pricing an eight out of ten, with ten being a good price and one being a bad price. 

It is good value for money.

What other advice do I have?

The features like AI, stability, and ease of use are enough to increase daily productivity.

I would recommend it to other users. Overall, I would rate it an eight out of ten. Aruba products are great, but they should have more stability. In some products, we have observed that the wireless access points (APs) don't come online quickly. Sometimes there are issues with the APs taking a long time to turn on after a reboot or upgrade. 

In the wireless perspective, compared to other OEMs, Aruba APs can be slower to deploy. Other than that, even the deployment of the switches is faster with other OEMs. But the Aruba Instant On switches themselves are great.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
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Buyer's Guide
Aruba Instant On Switches
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Aruba Instant On Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
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reviewer2226447 - PeerSpot reviewer
Pre-Sales Engineer (Network & Security) at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Top 5
The solution provides GUI control, making it particularly suitable for SMBs and SOHO networks
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution provides GUI control, making it particularly suitable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and small office/home office (SOHO) networks."
  • "The solution’s GUI should be improved a bit."

What is our primary use case?

We work with various types of switches, including the Aruba 8000 series, 6000 series, 2000 series, and 3000 series, depending on the specific requirements of our customers. We adapt our solutions to meet each customer's unique needs rather than focusing on a single model or type. Customers can easily manage, control, and monitor the solution via Aruba GUI.

What is most valuable?

The solution provides GUI control, making it particularly suitable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and small office/home office (SOHO) networks. However, for larger enterprise-level organizations, it is recommended to consider Aruba's industrial-grade products.

What needs improvement?

The solution’s GUI should be improved a bit. Nowadays, nobody wants to use CLI (command-line interface). Nobody wants to type a command because they don't have the time to remember it. Hence, they prefer to use GUI products.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Instant On Switches for the past six months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

There was only one instance with a stability issue. Aruba Instant On Switches have limitations and aren't suitable for enterprise-level needs. This can result in functionality issues, power-related problems, and other challenges. We tried to tackle the challenge. However, when we required help, our service engineers contacted customer support.

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

Before Aruba Instant On Switches, I worked with other products. Since I love technology, I learn about all types of technological products, including all types of switches.

How was the initial setup?

The solution’s initial setup is very easy.

What about the implementation team?

Our team of engineers are responsible for the installation of the solution.

What other advice do I have?

With respect to GUI, Aruba Instant On Switches has competitors in Cisco, D-Link, and NETGEAR.

Overall, I rate Aruba Instant On Switches a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2395809 - PeerSpot reviewer
Presale engineer at a wireless company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 5
Cheapest and most reliable A-class switches
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's most beneficial feature is that you obtain A-class equipment for the lowest price."
  • "Some L3 features could be included in the solution."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is mostly managed by a smartphone or a laptop using the internet. The switches can be managed from offline devices. They can be used as regular switches in some corporate networks with all the Layer 2 features.

What is most valuable?

The solution's most beneficial feature is that you obtain A-class equipment for the lowest price. It is the cheapest solution among enterprise-grade switches.

What needs improvement?

Some L3 features could be included in the solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Instant On Switches for around three years.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's deployment is very easy when you use the cloud feature. If you are using local management, it tends to be the regular L2 switches.

What about the implementation team?

The solution can be deployed by one person without requiring many people or resources. Depending on the features you need to configure, the solution's deployment time could take minutes or hours.

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

The solution is the cheapest A-class switch.

What other advice do I have?

Aruba Instant On Switches is a very good solution. The access points are not very expensive. They have quite good Layer 2 functionalities but lack the Layer 3 features. When you want to deploy some BGP or Layer 3 features, you cannot use them with Aruba Instant On Switches.

The solution has all Layer 2 features and can be used everywhere. The solution is the cheapest and most reliable A-class switch, and it's the best choice for its price. Aruba is a very reliable brand. It stays once you configure it, and you need to make some backup files. If the switch goes down, you just restore it from the backup, and that's all.

I would strongly recommend the solution to other users. Aruba has a great forum where you can get almost all the information. If you are dealing with some troubles, it's 90% info you can find on the forum.

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

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Implementer
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Dheni Prasetyo - PeerSpot reviewer
Network & Security Department Head at Hypernet Indonesia
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Have simple deployment and doesn't require many functions
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution has a simple deployment and zero border."
  • "It could have an MSP portal version."

What is most valuable?

The solution has a simple deployment and zero border.

What needs improvement?

The solution neither offers advanced features nor security.  It could have an MSP portal version.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Instant On Switches as a partner for 2-3years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is suitable for medium- to low customer segmentation because it directly addresses. The Instant portal is not available for MSP management, which would be very useful for MSP companies in managing inbound products like switches or access points. This is crucial because we manage many customers using Instant On products.

More than 20 users are using this solution.

The solution’s scalability is easy.

I rate the solution’s scalability a seven to eight out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is simple and takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the sites.

We need to establish hosting, management IP, and uplink on the port. The management is on the cloud and remote.

What was our ROI?

If you are a company or a startup business, using this one is preferable because it's cheaper, simpler, faster to deploy, and doesn't require many functions.

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

You don't need the license.

What other advice do I have?

If the company or the customer is a growing enterprise, we change the type of switches.

You need to work as you currently account for assessing the customer before you decide to use Instant On because they may over-expect the R&D feature or expect enterprise features. Its devices cannot supervise it and are only suitable for small to medium businesses. So, if any customer or company wants to grow to the high server, they also need to adjust the type of switches or provide better-advanced features.

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

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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Mahmoud Shaalan - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Consultant | Networking Solutions Presales at Intercom Enterprises
Reseller
Top 20
The solution comes with a solid management solution and is easy to set up
Pros and Cons
  • "Aruba's management solutions, like Aruba Central are valuable."
  • "They should extend the marketing and talk about Aruba's success stories throughout the region."

How has it helped my organization?

Aruba's hardware has advantages over other vendors.

What is most valuable?

Aruba's management solutions, like Aruba Central are valuable and offer consolidated management for all equipment, switches, and access points, either over the cloud or on-prem.

What needs improvement?

They should extend the marketing and talk about Aruba's success stories throughout the region.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Aruba for around three years, and I use the latest version of the product.

We install wireless solutions such as Cisco and Aruba from the front end.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the stability of the solution a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the scalability of the solution a nine out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

I rate the initial setup an eight out of ten. Deployment is very simple. Though it takes a few hours, most of the time is taken up by escalating access points, and not in configuring or deploying the solution.

What other advice do I have?

Aruba is a leader in Wi-Fi solutions. The stability of the system and the unified management solution are some features that Aruba has over other vendors. I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
PeerSpot user
Founder and Managing Partner at a educational organization with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Top 20
Slightly cheaper, but initial setup is very complex
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's pricing is slightly cheaper than that of Cisco."
  • "The solution’s initial setup is very complex."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for a small number of users.

What is most valuable?

The solution's pricing is slightly cheaper than that of Cisco.

What needs improvement?

The solution’s initial setup is very complex. We need to limit the number of Aruba Instant On Switches to certain areas because they sometimes cut off the link. The solution has to be more stable.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Instant On Switches since 2019.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Aruba Instant On Switches can be recommended for small-scale businesses.

I rate the solution a six out of ten for scalability.

How are customer service and support?

The solution’s technical support is good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The solution’s initial setup is very complex.

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

Aruba Instant On Switches is slightly cheaper than Cisco.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Aruba Instant On Switches to users if they are familiar with Aruba. Otherwise, I suggest using Cisco.

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

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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IT Manager at GASCO
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Excellent performance at an affordable price
Pros and Cons
  • "The best thing about Aruba Instant On Switches is their cost."
  • "The support needs improvement."

What is our primary use case?

Aruba Instant On Switches is used to provide network connectivity for organizations that can't afford Cisco solutions.

What is most valuable?

The best thing about Aruba Instant On Switches is their cost.

What needs improvement?

The support needs improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Instant On Switches for a couple of years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Aruba Instant On Switches is stable.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

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

We pay an annual licensing fee.

What other advice do I have?

I give Aruba Instant On Switches a nine out of ten.

The maintenance requires four people.

I recommend using Aruba Instant On Switches for organizations that are on a budget and cannot afford Cisco.

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