Our primary product is the Aruba Instant IAP-205-US Wireless Network AP, JW213A. We have 16 locations. Currently, 12 locations have Aruba wireless APs. Within the next 4-6 weeks, all locations will have Aruba wireless APs. All locations except our main location use Aruba Central. Cloud Central gives us one management console where we can configure the same wireless networks for all locations.
Director of I.T. at a manufacturing company with 51-200 employees
Gives us flexibility, keeping the same three wireless networks at all locations
Pros and Cons
- "We have three wireless networks: One for employee use, one for guest use, and one for our warehouse use, which uses MAC authentication. These wireless networks just simply work, they do not fail. The IAP-205 devices are very strong with great range. Very durable equipment; it always works."
- "The Aruba Central cloud portal needs a lot of work. It is complicated to navigate."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Many of the devices (laptops, tablets, phones, inventory devices) throughout our organization require wireless capability. Our Aruba configuration gives us the flexibility to be wireless, keeping the same three wireless networks at all locations.
With our Aruba configuration, we have a robust, rock-solid, enterprise wireless environment, that is literally maintenance free.
What is most valuable?
Overall, the wireless networks that we have configured are the most valuable.
We have three wireless networks: One for employee use, one for guest use, and one for our warehouse use, which uses MAC authentication. These wireless networks just simply work, they do not fail.
The IAP-205 devices are very strong with great range. Very durable equipment; it always works.
What needs improvement?
The Aruba Central cloud portal needs a lot of work. It is complicated to navigate.
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Wireless
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Aruba Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What other advice do I have?
We have used this product for over six years. We have transitioned from a physical controller (model 620) for wireless, to the "instant" (virtual) controller, eliminating the physical controller.
Overall, I would rate our experience with Aruba Wireless products an eight out of 10.
The product is very durable, does not go down or fail. It rates a 10. The Aruba Central cloud portal needs work. Compared to the Cisco Meraki dashboard portal, the Meraki dashboard portal is a nine out of 10, while the Aruba Central cloud portal is a five at best.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Presales Engineer at Modern establishment for supply and trading
Highly stable and scalable enterprise-level wireless networking solution
Pros and Cons
- "It provides excellent performance and security through the use of available features and policies, reducing the reliance on external firewall configurations while ensuring a secure and reliable network environment."
- "To enhance the system, more work on integration would be beneficial."
What is our primary use case?
We use it to manage a substantial number of access points for our clients, ensuring reliable and secure wireless connectivity across their properties, including indoor and outdoor spaces. It helps streamline operations, and we are actively engaged in consulting and expanding our services in this regard.
What is most valuable?
It is highly stable and user-friendly. It provides excellent performance and security through the use of available features and policies, reducing the reliance on external firewall configurations while ensuring a secure and reliable network environment.
What needs improvement?
It would be helpful if they would release training materials and updates to enhance their offerings. When it comes to switching, there can be occasional variations, such as with the cooler switches. Also, there might be technical issues with the code that could lead to variations in performance. To enhance the system, more work on integration would be beneficial.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with it for four years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I am highly satisfied with its stability capabilities. I would rate it nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It provides good scalability abilities.
How are customer service and support?
Its support services are satisfactory.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment process can vary significantly based on the number of access points and the controller. When you're dealing with a large number of access points connected to a controller, it's important to monitor the synchronization process, which can take some time. Fortunately, there are features integrated into both the Access Point and the controller to help manage this process more effectively, help streamline the deployment process, and ensure it runs smoothly. It typically takes around two to three days for changes to become fully effective in the live customer environment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It comes with a relatively higher price tag, but it's essential to assess the value it brings to the market because it actively competes with other players in the industry and dedicates efforts to offer competitive devices.
What other advice do I have?
The product is known for its high quality and reliability, fulfilling its intended purpose effectively, which positions it as a practical and worthwhile option. Overall, I would rate it ten 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
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Wireless
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Aruba Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Stable long distance connection that needs better support
Pros and Cons
- "We appreciate the integration options that are available."
- "I believe that Aruba's support could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution for law enforcement, medical, etc.
How has it helped my organization?
We have couple campus and throughout the country. Our users are able to use their laptop or cell phone while on the move from one location to different location across the country while maintaining connection. And also for me as administrator, we can use Aruba WIFI along with the clear path authentication, TechX, and Samuel. This enables users to experience seamless connection to the organization.
What is most valuable?
We appreciate the integration options that are available.
What needs improvement?
I believe that Aruba's support could be improved.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Aruba is pretty stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This solution is extremely scalable. We have about one thousand users and have license for ten thousand.
How are customer service and support?
They made some changes to support that I am not happy with.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have used Cisco and Ruckus in the past. We are still using Ruckus, but stopped using Cisco due to directors orders.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was pretty straightforward and took just a couple of hours.
What about the implementation team?
We deployed via out in-house team of a couple of engineers.
What other advice do I have?
Be sure that you know your infrastructure, how many users will be using it, and how many SSIDs you use. This will help you maximize integrations and have engineers that can successfully navigate the new system.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
C.T.O at Sastra Network Solution Inc. Pvt. Ltd.
Enhances network visibility, easy to implement and manage, good reporting
Pros and Cons
- "The Airwave is the best feature for a single management point for all APs in the environment."
- "The Help option within the GUI needs to be improved."
What is our primary use case?
This solution has been deployed for an enterprise environment with 105 Apps and controllers in HA for a government entity handling the user capacity of 1500 people.
Multiple SSIDs have been broadcasted with independent VLANs and user policy has been implemented.
The controllers are in HA. Both indoor and outdoor APs have been used in the environment.
The solution has been differentiated for Guests, Employees, and an unrestricted group. The APs have been deployed across 10 multistory buildings in high interference zones.
How has it helped my organization?
Aruba Wireless has succeeded in facilitating the implementation of a centralized wireless network to the client, covering multiple buildings expanding across the area of 58000 square meters.
There are no blind spots and users enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi. This has given the users complete mobility and the Quality of Service with the necessary security imposed.
It has met the customer expectations and is ready to scale for growing business demand. It has offered visibility into the network and enhanced the troubleshooting experience.
What is most valuable?
It is easy to implement and manage through a web GUI.
The adding of APs simply involves configuring a network port on the appropriate VLAN and plugging in the AP. The controller pushes the config out to the new AP.
The Airwave is the best feature for a single management point for all APs in the environment.
It offers many reporting features as well as visual RF maps displaying heatmaps of the AP signals and client positioning.
The addition of the APs on the existing swarm is plug and play to the desired VLAN.
What needs improvement?
The Help option within the GUI needs to be improved. It would be perfect to have it more descriptive about the functions and features it has.
The online documentation resources could be made more readily available for troubleshooting than to be engaged with the support through email and calls.
During the shipments, the firmware versions on the shipped outdoor APs, indoor APs, and controllers could be matched so that adaptation for the APs is easy.
They should add more features available on Aruba Airwave to the GUI.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been suing Aruba Wireless for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability is guaranteed.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is a very scalable product.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is excellent. They are more willing to help and be there for the customer.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not switch products. Rather, our choice is based on customer requirements. It's the best-recommended product listed by Gartner on this segment.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is absolutely straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
Our in-house team is responsible for deployment.
What was our ROI?
The access points are more cost-effective over some other providers, both in cost per AP and the option of a controller-less environment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's comparatively priced; it's a bit expensive compared to competitors but worth the investment because of the performance, stability, and ease of deployment.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We had been working with vendors like Cisco and Ruckus.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: We are partner and SI.
Network Engineer at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
Straightforward to set up, good stability, and the client match feature is helpful
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the client match."
- "Improvements to the GUI, such as being able to search in the Mobility Master, would be nice."
What is our primary use case?
I am a system integrator and Aruba Wireless is one of the network infrastructure products that I have experience with. We have customers using versions all the way from AP-100 to AP-535.
We have these devices in many industries, with a focus on educational institutions.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the client match. This feature continually monitors the client and provides automatic load-balancing, as well as other advanced features.
What needs improvement?
Improvements to the GUI, such as being able to search in the Mobility Master, would be nice. It is hard to find and provision APs when you have a substantial install base.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Aruba Wireless since 2007.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability has been great.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We haven't had any trouble with scalability. 75% of our clients are using Aruba Wireless.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have a lot of experience with wireless networking products from Aruba and Juniper. I also have some experience with Ruckus.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward and the deployment is quick. With our experience, it is pretty easy to do.
What about the implementation team?
We integrate Aruba Wireless and other devices for our customers.
What other advice do I have?
My advice for anybody who is considering Aruba Wireless is to try it. If you try it then you're going to like it.
I would rate this solution a ten 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: Integrator
Manager at a healthcare company with 501-1,000 employees
Stable, with a guest management feature and good technical support
Pros and Cons
- "For my organization, the most critical feature of Aruba Wireless is guest management."
- "An area for improvement in Aruba Wireless is creating a DMZ. Without Aruba ClearPass, you need to allow guess access directly via the internet, which means you need to implement the security in between, so this is what I'd like Aruba to improve in the product."
What is our primary use case?
We're using Aruba Wireless as a wireless access point, particularly Aruba AP-505.
We're also using Aruba Wireless for guest management purposes.
What is most valuable?
For my organization, the most critical feature of Aruba Wireless is guest management.
What needs improvement?
An area for improvement in Aruba Wireless is creating a DMZ. Without Aruba ClearPass, you need to allow guess access directly via the internet, which means you need to implement the security in between, so this is what I'd like Aruba to improve in the product.
Another area for improvement in Aruba Wireless is delivery because right now, in the COVID-19 pandemic, the product doesn't have much availability. There's a limited supply of semiconductors, so I want Ariba to increase Aruba Wireless production. The product needs to be available and delivered to customers faster.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Aruba Wireless since 2016.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability of Aruba Wireless as nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
From a scalability point of view, I don't see any challenges with scaling Aruba Wireless. After all, my organization only has one office and only needs approximately fifty APs.
How are customer service and support?
Aruba Wireless has good technical support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used Cisco, the older technology, before using Aruba Wireless. We were not getting guest management as a feature on Cisco, while Aruba Wireless came up with guest management via Aruba ClearPass, so we started using Aruba Wireless.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup for Aruba Wireless was easy. It was so simple. My organization used it as a standalone solution.
Deploying the product took approximately six months.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented Aruba Wireless through a consultant. Our experience with the consultant was good. He provided good support without the need for any intervention. The product was implemented well and working per our requirements.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The commercial department handles the Aruba Wireless license for my organization, so I cannot comment on the product's pricing.
What other advice do I have?
I have experience with Aruba Wireless.
My organization is an Aruba Wireless customer.
My organization has three administrators of the product. Currently, there is no plan to increase Aruba Wireless usage.
I'd tell anyone looking to implement the product that Aruba Wireless works well in my environment. I have no complaints about it, so I can only say this.
Overall, I'd rate Aruba Wireless as 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.
Technical Support at MayaSoft
Reasonably priced and simple to install, but scalability is limited.
Pros and Cons
- "The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions."
- "The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions."
What is most valuable?
The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions.
What needs improvement?
The configuration of the virtual controller could be improved. When they reach a maximum of 100 the configuration is lost.
In the next release, I would like the WiFi text included.
Whether videos are online or in live sessions, it can take a long time to deliver videos in Aruba Wireless.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Aruba Wireless is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Aruba Wireless is scalable, but it has limitations.
When you reach the limit of 100 users or have too many devices, you will experience a loss of connectivity.
How are customer service and support?
In Jordan, the technical support for Aruba Wireless is very good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I am certified, in Sophos XG.
We work with Full Configuration, Virtual Controller Wireless, Ruckus, and Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
For our customers, we deploy both on the cloud and on-premises.
The initial setup of Aruba Wireless is easy, but the controller device is difficult.
The virtual controller process is very simple. For example, configuring a user portal or a cap portal is extremely difficult.
To configure a user, I must log in to the user portal, with a username, and password. It's extremely difficult in the device controller.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is reasonable. I would rate it a three out of five.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Aruba Wireless a seven 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:
Associate IT Director at a non-tech company with 51-200 employees
Web interface for AP management is intuitive, makes managing the system easy
Pros and Cons
- "The web interface to manage the APs is intuitive and makes managing the system easy. Firmware updates are quick and do not require much downtime."
- "Scalability has been one of the easiest aspects of the Aruba Instant product line. As long as the models are compatible, you can simply connect it to your network and it will learn the settings from the other APs on the network and join the AP network."
- "Customer service really needs to be improved. If the customer support was better, I would recommend it to others more than I do now. Considering that you have to pay yearly for support, I expect a higher level of support."
What is our primary use case?
We use Aruba wireless APs to provide wireless services for a private high school campus which is located on a 60-acre campus in Rockford, IL, with an enrollment of nearly 900 students.
How has it helped my organization?
Increased productivity with mobile devices has improved by expanding wireless coverage throughout the building. While our building has been covered by the Aruba APs throughout the years, we are now replacing older APs to increase bandwidth to support an increase in the number of users with dedicated devices. Nowadays, the end-user devices require faster bandwidth from APs, and the newest APs obviously support faster standards and improved bandwidth connectivity.
What is most valuable?
We appreciate that the Instant models do not require a dedicated "controller" to manage the APs. This cost saving allowed us to purchase more APs in our initial order. We started out small and slowly added more APs as each annual budget allowed. We still have the possibility of adding a dedicated controller which affords us more options, but at this time we haven't needed it.
The web interface to manage the APs is intuitive and makes managing the system easy.
Firmware updates are quick and do not require much downtime.
What needs improvement?
Customer service really needs to be improved. If the customer support was better, I would recommend it to others more than I do now. I say that even though we are upgrading to newer units this summer.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability of wireless services provided by the Aruba APs hasn't been an issue. If there have been any issues, they've been minor and have been resolved by firmware updates.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
No issues with scalability. Scalability has been one of the easiest aspects of the Aruba Instant product line. As long as the models are compatible, you can simply connect it to your network and it will learn the settings from the other APs on the network and join the AP network. This is one of the best features of the Aruba Wireless Instant product line, besides the fact that you do not need a dedicated "controller."
How are customer service and technical support?
The first level of technical support is frustrating, and I stated that technical support was the one area where Aruba Wireless needs improvement. Higher levels of support are better. Considering that you have to pay yearly for support, I expect a higher level of support. On a scale of one to 10, I'd give their first level of support a four. They have to improve.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did for a very brief time, it was a consumer "off-the-shelf" product to get us by in strategic locations in our building. It was not intended to be a long-term deployment.
How was the initial setup?
Initial setup was straightforward. We followed the very basic instructions (connect to the new WiFi network, then go to a website, make some simple changes, save, reboot, done); updated the firmware, and we were on our way.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Pricing is competitive. Licensing is needed to maintain access to the latest firmware, which wasn't made clear originally when we started with Arbua (or things changed, I'm not sure which). I would just say, make sure you budget for it. In addition to the licensing, you do get "support," for what its worth.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
No, we received guidance from others in our community and stuck with Aruba.
What other advice do I have?
We currently utilize the Aruba Instant 205 and older Instant 105 models. I would give both models a rating of an eight out of 10. We will be upgrading this summer to move our Instant 105 models out of circulation and will be implementing three new Aruba product lines.
Make sure you get the maintenance licensing, don't skimp on the models. If you can buy a more powerful unit, get the more powerful unit, it will be supported longer and offer a longer ROI.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Aruba Wireless Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: January 2025
Product Categories
Wireless LANPopular Comparisons
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN
Cisco Wireless
Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points
Ruckus Wireless
Ubiquiti WLAN
Huawei Wireless
Mist AI and Cloud
Omada Access Points
D-Link Wireless
Fortinet FortiWLM
Aruba Instant
ExtremeWireless
NETGEAR Insight Access Points
Fortinet FortiAP
Aruba Instant On Access Points
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Aruba Wireless Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Quick Links
Learn More: Questions:
- Which would you recommend to your boss, Aruba Wireless or Ubiquiti WLAN?
- What is the best high-performance Wireless LAN device?
- What is the biggest difference between Aruba Wireless and Ruckus Wireless?
- What Is The Biggest Difference Between Aruba And Cisco Wireless?
- What are pros and cons of Aruba 515 Series AP vs. Cisco Meraki or Extreme Networks?
- What are the biggest differences between Ruckus Wireless, Aruba Wireless, and Cisco Wireless?
- How different are the pricing and costs of Aruba Wireless and Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN?
- What are the biggest differences between Aruba Wireless and ExtremeWireless?
- How does Cisco Wireless compare with Aruba Wireless?
- Aruba Wireless or Ruckus Wireless?