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reviewer1375509 - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Administrator Wireless at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
A solid solution with good access point management features and good technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "I like the way it groups and manages access points."
  • "A lot of the access point commands are in the command line interface, versus being in the GUI."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case of this solution is to manage all of our wireless devices.

What is most valuable?

I like the way it groups and manages access points.

What needs improvement?

You have to use the command line for a lot of commands but then get back to the GUI for the main actions. A lot of the access point commands are in the command line interface, versus being in the GUI.

Some control systems have the ability to right-click to go to the common line. I would like to see that incorporated onto the interface.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Aruba Wireless for three years.

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November 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have almost 1,300 access points and on an average day, I have less than 1% down. I am usually sitting at 100%. This solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This solution is very scalable.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is very good and I haven't had any issues with them. They were pretty responsive.

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

They had their wireless in place for eight years and I have been here for three. I wasn't a part of the initial decision-making process.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward.

It only takes a few minutes to deploy. I would say that it is about as long as it takes to reboot the access point.

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

The pricing is reasonable. If you compare it to other solutions then it's reasonably priced.

What other advice do I have?

I think that Aruba Wireless is a great option. I hardly ever have problems with access points and the failover mechanism works well. 

Overall, It's a good solid system.

I would rate this solution a nine 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.
PeerSpot user
Aamir Hussain - PeerSpot reviewer
Aamir HussainSenior Network Specialist at Al Ghurair Investments
Top 5Real User

Wire Free offices...

it_user836466 - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Administrator at a healthcare company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
The virtual controller has options for updating and remotely restarting any AP from one controller panel
Pros and Cons
  • "The virtual controller has options for updating and remotely restarting any AP from one controller panel."
  • "​Support through third party vendors or direct from HPE has been easy to manage. They are very responsive.​"
  • "The ceiling grid mount clips have room for improvement. ​"

What is our primary use case?

We have Aruba IAP-225 APs in both a school and a health center environment. We initially had 15 of them installed at the school about three years ago and kept expanding to 45 APs at this site.

Our school was a challenge as each room has cider block walls, so we deployed a single AP in the ceiling above the wall of two classrooms. We primarily have laptops and iPads that connect in various classrooms and for training.

We had such great success that we have deployed 40 APs in a five level building to support a new Health Center that opened in January.

How has it helped my organization?

We have just started to use the captive portal option at our health center to direct clients to our patient portal while restricting bandwidth so they do not get carried away in the waiting room.

The full mounting kit has worked well above the ceiling.

What is most valuable?

The best part of the configuration is the virtual controller that we use to manage the environment. It provides redundancy of any AP acting as the controller should it go down. There are other controller purchase options for higher numbers of APs to support, but having this option has kept costs down and the devices have a lifetime warranty. The virtual controller has options for updating and remotely restarting any AP from one controller panel, and monitoring and configuration has been fairly simple from one console.

What needs improvement?

The ceiling grid mount clips have room for improvement. 

For how long have I used the solution?

One to three years.

How is customer service and technical support?

Support through third party vendors or direct from HPE has been easy to manage. They are very responsive.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Wireless
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Aruba Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
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it_user347610 - PeerSpot reviewer
Executive Director of Innovation at a hospitality company with 501-1,000 employees
Vendor
The remote access through RAPS is a feature that simplifies access for our providers at home, and provides continuity of security, but the configuration is detailed and can be complex.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features for me are:

  • Built-in firewall
  • Security
  • Authentication
  • Remote access
  • Stability

How has it helped my organization?

Providing wireless to our clinicians and providers allows them to be mobile within the facility and still maintain connectivity to valuable information, like our Electronic Health Record. The remote access through RAPS is a feature that simplifies access for our providers at home, and provides continuity of security. In addition we provide guest wireless to our patients and families which improves satisfaction.

What needs improvement?

The configuration is extremely detailed and can be quite complex. For a small IT staff, it is difficult to make changes without outside consulting or Aruba Support.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've used it for two years. We're using a 3400 controller with AP105 Access Points. The software version is 6.3.1.9_44832.

What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

There were no issues with deployment.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This product has been very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

No. We have added Access Points and Remote Access Points as needed. We also expanded to a redundant controller which allows High Availability.

How are customer service and technical support?

Customer Service:

Service has been good - 8/10.

Technical Support:

8/10

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

We switched to Aruba because of the advanced security. In healthcare we have HIPAA compliance to achieve and maintain. Security is a priority.

How was the initial setup?

Setting up the controller is complex. The SSIDs, Authentication methodology, Access, is all quite complex to set up. Not for a novice.

What about the implementation team?

We used a vendor team to implement. We used a third party consulting firm to assist with setting up the redundant controller. Both were very good.

What was our ROI?

This product is considered infrastructure. It is a cost of doing business. It allows our business to be more flexible and mobile. But there is no direct ROI.

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

Aruba has made changes to their licensing to make it more cost effective. Work with a partner that is familiar with all of the features in this product so that you get the licensing you need. Not all features are available with basic licensing. You need to determine the feature set you want, and then look at pricing for that feature set.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

HP and Cisco. HP was not secure enough. We had HP in house already. We looked at Cisco but did not do a demo or work with a partner. We do not have any Cisco in house. From my own research, Cisco was too expensive and did not have a solution that was a single appliance that could do all of the things that Aruba can do. Their solution required firewalls, controllers, and routers to accomplish the same thing. This may no longer be the case.

What other advice do I have?

Get a good partner. Not just the local IT shop that has wireless experience. Not all wireless vendors are created equal. To get the real bang for the buck, you need an expert to help you decide what you want and to implement it.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2132793 - PeerSpot reviewer
EDP Supervisor at a real estate/law firm with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 20
A stable and scalable product that is a bit complex to use and operate
Pros and Cons
  • "The product has been pretty stable...The product is scalable."
  • "Aruba Wireless is a little bit complex to use and operate."

What needs improvement?

Aruba Wireless is a little bit complex to use and operate. So, it can be an area for improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Wireless for three to four years. Also, I don't remember the version of the solution I am using. I am a customer of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product has been pretty stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product is scalable. Around 150 people in my company are using the solution. We need only one administrator for the solution.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't faced any problems with customer support.

How was the initial setup?

Regarding the deployment process, it keeps showing updates.

What about the implementation team?

A third party did the implementation. I'm not familiar with the setting. So, I got help from a consultant.

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

We have some licenses for the solution, and we need not renew licenses. But we need to pay a hundred thousand if you want to renew our subscription and renew the hardware. But if we switched to another solution like Ruckus, I think maybe it is just a similar amount even if we don't have the license. So we are considering this, but have not reached a decision yet. Also, we need to make additional payments for support.


Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Based on our evaluations, we are considering Ruckus and Ubiquiti over Aruba since Ruckus' and Ubiquiti's functions and settings are okay, making them easy to use.

What other advice do I have?

Aruba Wireless will phase out. We are actually phasing out and looking at other solutions. We are switching because it's a bit expensive, so we are looking for a cheaper solution.

Because of the price and ease of use, I rate the overall solution a seven out of ten.


Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer967293 - PeerSpot reviewer
Director of Information Technology at a university with 51-200 employees
Real User
Cloud networking solution that offers good communication and insights into the company's roadmap
Pros and Cons
  • "This is the second time I've implemented and installed this solution and I think it is outstanding. The support is excellent and so is the hardware. We don't need much support because nothing really goes wrong."
  • "We needed the help of network consultants to complete the setup for us."

What is our primary use case?

We operate in the education sector and we use it for our staff and students to access our cloud-based application. This includes our learning management system, Canvas and a few systems. We also use it for our guests on site.

What is most valuable?

This is the second time I've implemented and installed this solution and I think it is outstanding. The support is excellent and so is the hardware. We don't need much support because nothing really goes wrong.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This is a stable solution. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable solution. We have 3,500 users in our organisation supported by Aruba. 

How are customer service and support?

The customer service and support for this solution is excellent. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

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

We previously used Cisco. We were contacted by Aruba and had some fantastic demonstrations from them. We talked to other schools that had already implemented the solution. We looked at Gartner reports and where they sat in terms of their support, their product and their reputation in the market. We did extensive research on Aruba before switching.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. 

What about the implementation team?

We did enlist the help of network consultants to complete the setup for us. Three consultants were involved in the deployment and it took three days. 

What other advice do I have?

What I really like about the company is they stay in touch with us and let us know what their roadmap is and what developments are coming. They are not just a company that sells you their solution and then disappears.

Aruba is a sound business investment because we hardly ever experience any issues. On one occasion when we had a failure, their support team helped us immediately.

I would rate this solution a ten out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Hoon Lim Chin - PeerSpot reviewer
Sales Manager at ITWin Technology Sdn. Bhd.
Real User
Reasonably priced, reliable, and straightforward to set up
Pros and Cons
  • "The cost is pretty good. It's what draws in the clients."
  • "The solution is now taking eight to 12 months to deliver the product."

What is our primary use case?

We have many clients and therefore many use cases. It's used in manufacturing, hospitality, hospitals, commercial buildings, and shopping centers.

What is most valuable?

The cost is pretty good. It's what draws in the clients. 

It has a straightforward initial setup.

The solution can scale.

It's a stable product.

Technical support is good.

What needs improvement?

The solution is now taking eight to 12 months to deliver the product. It takes too long to receive it right now.

Depending on how you design the setup, it can get complicated. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been dealing with the solution for ten or more years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's a stable solution. We haven't had any issues. It's reliable and the performance is good. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

You can scale the solution quite well. It's a good option for enterprises or large rollouts. 

How are customer service and support?

It's been so far, so good with technical support. We're satisfied with it overall. 

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

We also use Ruckus Wireless.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup's level of difficulty depends on how we design the network. It can be very complicated if we're talking on a campus level and there are a thousand touch points. 

What about the implementation team?

I'm a systems integrator. I can implement the product for clients. 

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

The price is reasonable.

What other advice do I have?

We are a system integrator, an IT company.

We are still selling the latest version.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten. The customers for the most part are happy with it. 

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
R&D Engineer IC Design at inLab Ltd
Reseller
Stable, scalable, and flexible featured with helpful customer service
Pros and Cons
  • "It has very flexible features."
  • "I believe more security options are needed."

What is our primary use case?

We use the product predominately for beacons and peer devices.

What is most valuable?

It has very flexible features.

What needs improvement?

I believe more security options are needed.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for seven or eight years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have not had any problems with the stability of the product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution.

How are customer service and technical support?

When we have had to use support, everything from the service was helpful.

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

We have used Cisco products in the past.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is not a problem, it only took five minutes or so.

What about the implementation team?

We used five technicians for the deployment of the product.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Aruba Wireless a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Integration and Support Analyst at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
Real User
A stable and scalable solution with useful features and good support
Pros and Cons
  • "All features are useful for me. It lets me perform some specific configurations depending on the site or the client. All WAN features are valuable."
  • "Their documentation needs to be improved. Aruba's documentation is poor."

What is our primary use case?

We have about 30 APs and a lot of sites with centralized management on controller 7030. We use it to control the network in standalone mode and handle the active and standby modes.

What is most valuable?

All features are useful for me. It lets me perform some specific configurations depending on the site or the client. All WAN features are valuable.

What needs improvement?

Their documentation needs to be improved. Aruba's documentation is poor.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Wireless Controllers for about a year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Its stability is okay. There is no issue with stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Its scalability is okay.

How are customer service and technical support?

Their support is good. When I need to open a case, I get a fast response. I can contact the technician immediately. I would rate them an eight out of ten.

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

I also use Cisco solutions. Both solutions are very good and suitable for different kinds of networks. Cisco is very good for certain kinds of networks, and Aruba is good for other kinds. Cisco is simpler to deploy, whereas Aruba is more complicated and complex to deploy.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was very complex because we deployed a new controller in a small network. It is useful for large networks, but for small networks, it is very difficult to understand all the models. If you don't use Mobility Master, the configuration and deployment are very complex. It took us six months to deploy it.

What about the implementation team?

We got help from a third-party vendor, not Aruba. They were okay. We didn't have any problem.

What other advice do I have?

You should know about the topology of the Aruba Wireless solution. It is very important because it depends on the size of the network. Otherwise, you might end up buying something that's not adequate for large networks.

I would rate Aruba Wireless an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
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Updated: November 2024
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