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it_user504159 - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Authentication enables employees from around the world to log in with their own credentials
Pros and Cons
  • "Authentication is the important feature for us. My IT staff no longer has to look after catering to clients who come from overseas."

    What is our primary use case?

    I have deployed it in a factory. I have a lot of people who come to visit from all over the globe. People come from Southeast Asia, from Europe, from South America, from the US, etc. We need to have a common platform wherein people who visit are able to log in to the corporate network. They do not need to do a guest login, they can just log in as they usually do. That's the primary use.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Since we have a central server from which our authentication is run, a user who comes from, let's say, California, doesn't have to ask any for credentials. He just comes to my network, logs in with his own username and password, and he gets access to his database. Authentication has played a big role for us, and it has given us mobility.

    My IT staff no longer has to look after catering to clients who come from overseas. My staff members are busy doing their own work, and that overseas client or any other person is able to do his work without intervention from IT. This authentication scenario has saved us a lot of problems. Earlier, we had to create a guest user, give him a VPN, ensure that he logged in to his own network, and that he got access to his data. We don't have to do that now.

    What is most valuable?

    Authentication is the important feature for us.

    What needs improvement?

    There are certain features which I would want which are not there. There is always a wish list, that my WiFi should give me one, two, three, four, five. Certain things come, certain things don't, and certain things come at a cost. It fulfills about 75-80 percent of what I'm looking for. Things on my wish list are available at an additional cost but I can live without those thing, so I'm fine with it. 

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    For how long have I used the solution?

    Three to five years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    It has been a fairly stable network, I have not had many problems with it. We had to upgrade the iOS once or twice, but that's about it. After that, we have not really had a problem.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We had to upgrade our access points. It's had been about six or seven years that those had been in. Scalability-wise, some of the old iOS is not supported on the new controller, but that's fine. We accepted that and we now have two products. We now have a 3800 deployed.

    How are customer service and support?

    We have had a decent experience so far with Cisco technical support. We've not had any issues, so I would say the support has been good.

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

    Before this solution we did not have any wireless solution, we had a stand-alone wireless. My global team wanted Cisco, so we went with Cisco. But, in a couple of other places, we've used Aruba and we're quite satisfied with it as well.

    But it's something like when you prefer a certain flavor of coffee. It's not that you don't like the other coffee, but you like coffee A better than coffee B. It's just the comfort level or maybe you feel better with a certain product. So there's nothing wrong with the product that I'm currently using. I'm using Cisco and I'm quite satisfied with it. Otherwise, given a choice, given the funds, if someone were to say, “What is the next thing that you would like to move to?” because my experience with the alternate product has been really good, I would switch to that.

    How was the initial setup?

    The setup is not really complex. It was quite easy. We had to refer to a couple of things, but I come from a background where I have that kind of experience, so it was easy for me.

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

    The pricing is okay. I believe it is competitively priced. But it is not just the price by itself, it's the price and the technical features. The features also play a big role. It has to give me the relevant output. That is more important. Price is secondary. Price will not play a very big role because if it does not deliver what I need... For example, if I were to buy a car without an engine, that's still a car, but it is of no use. I might as well buy a car that works.

    They have simplified the licensing. Now there is a single license that is required. Earlier, multiple licenses were required. Single licensing is good. As a customer, I don't need to keep an inventory of multiple licenses.

    What other advice do I have?

    Up until now, it has been a good product, so go ahead with it. It works well. We have been happy with it for the last four years.

    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Installation partner.
    PeerSpot user
    PeerSpot user
    Sr. IT Consultant at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
    Consultant
    We are able to handle a high volume of large data transfers

    What is our primary use case?

    To provide better WiFi reception in our office suite, while using fewer APs to cover the space.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Ability to handle a high volume of large data transfers, incorporating office maps for placement and MDM control.

    What is most valuable?

    • Coverage
    • Mesh design
    • PoE
    • Web interface access
    • Simplicity and aesthetics

    What needs improvement?

    The model we are using (Meraki MR16) has already been discontinued, for a better product line, so I believe the improvements needed have already been addressed.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    Three to five years.

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

    The coverage range is far superior to the model that we were using.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
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    Cisco Wireless
    January 2025
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    it_user172665 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Network Engineer with 51-200 employees
    MSP
    Simple to have a guest network but cost could be improved

    What is most valuable?

    Unified management, reporting, stability, and most importantly seamless roaming

    How has it helped my organization?

    Network wide SSID’s and passkeys help the day to day function of the IT staff. Simple to have a guest network.

    What needs improvement?

    The cost could be improved.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    2 Years

    What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

    Deployment for the WLAN controllers is very simple with a proper plan of your organization’s requirements. I have deployed this across large university campuses, vpn tunnels, and small businesses.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I have had very few issues with appliances or access points dropping off.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    This goes back to properly planning your deployment. The smaller WLAN controller’s don’t grow well.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    Customer Service:

    10 out of 10

    Technical Support:

    10 out of 10

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

    I haven’t switched anyone but we do often deploy Ubiquiti Unifi equipment for our smaller clients

    How was the initial setup?

    Like all things Cisco, this can be as simple or complex as you want it. Most implementations are very simple to start.

    What about the implementation team?

    It is done in-house.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    We evaluated Aruba, Ruckus, and Ubiquiti.

    What other advice do I have?

    Do your research! Make sure this product fits your needs.

    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Cisco Partner
    PeerSpot user
    it_user195360 - PeerSpot reviewer
    it_user195360Senior Consultant at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
    Consultant

    Cisco's TAC is, in my opinion, is one of the best support teams of the world. Cisco uses to invest a lot of resources in research and development, including TAC. About other topics, reading of release notes before doing the upgrade is extremely recommended since some features may face deactivation or malfunction. Embedded captive portal is simple but it works smoothly.

    reviewer1778529 - PeerSpot reviewer
    Technical Operations Manager at a media company with 201-500 employees
    Real User
    Simple implementation, high availability, and suitable for all business sizes
    Pros and Cons
    • "From my experience, I have found Cisco Wireless to be scalable."

      What is our primary use case?

      I am using Cisco Wireless for wireless networking in an office.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have been using Cisco Wireless for approximately 10 years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      Cisco Wireless is a stable solution.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      From my experience, I have found Cisco Wireless to be scalable.

      The solution is good for all business sizes.

      How are customer service and support?

      We did not have any problems with the technical support.

      How was the initial setup?

      The initial setup is not complicated, it is simple.

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

      The price of Cisco Wireless could be adjusted down, it is a bit expensive. The solution is worth it for the name and the brand. However, there are more products now in the market that give you the same quality, but at a cheaper price.

      What other advice do I have?

      Cisco Wireless is one of the top solutions in the market, I would recommend them.

      I rate Cisco Wireless an eight out of ten.

      Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
      PeerSpot user
      reviewer1125813 - PeerSpot reviewer
      IT Support Team Leader at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
      Real User
      Latest technology, simple installation, and good support
      Pros and Cons
      • "Cisco Wireless always has the latest technology that supports WiFi 5 and 6."
      • "The solution could improve by having an advanced model with a controller. Additionally, the solution could be more secure."

      What is our primary use case?

      I am using the Cisco Wireless WAP 300, 200, and 100 series.

      What is most valuable?

      Cisco Wireless always has the latest technology that supports WiFi 5 and 6.

      What needs improvement?

      The solution could improve by having an advanced model with a controller. Additionally, the solution could be more secure.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have been using Cisco Wireless for approximately two years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      I have found Cisco Wireless to be stable.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is scalable, it has many features for scaling that you can use to control many devices.

      Cisco Wireless is good for small to medium-sized businesses.

      We have approximately 100 users using this solution.

      How are customer service and support?

      The support has been good. I have had no issues with them.

      How was the initial setup?

      The implementation is simple.

      What about the implementation team?

      One engineer can install the solution. We have two engineers for the support of the solution.

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

      There is no license required to use Cisco Wireless solutions.

      What other advice do I have?

      I would recommend this solution.

      I rate Cisco Wireless an eight out of ten.

      Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

      On-premises
      Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
      PeerSpot user
      Region Head - S1@Dimension Data India at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
      Real User
      Scalable, simple installation, and wonderful technical support
      Pros and Cons
      • "Cisco Wireless is scalable."

        For how long have I used the solution?

        I have been using Cisco Wireless for approximately 25 years.

        What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

        Cisco Wireless is scalable.

        We have approximately 2,500 people using this solution in my organization.

        How are customer service and support?

        The technical support is very good.

        How would you rate customer service and support?

        Positive

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

        We were previously using Linksys many years ago but they were acquired by Cisco, and we made the migration to Cisco.

        How was the initial setup?

        The installation is straightforward.

        What about the implementation team?

        We have four engineers and one administrator that can do the implementation and maintenance of the solution.

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

        We are on an annual license. The license and the hardware are expensive.

        What other advice do I have?

        I would recommend the solution to others.

        I rate Cisco Wireless an eight out of ten.

        Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
        PeerSpot user
        Yafar Khan - PeerSpot reviewer
        Yafar KhanSenior Network Engineer at a museum or institution with 501-1,000 employees
        Top 5Real User

        In today's digital age, a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection is paramount for businesses, institutions, and organizations. The demand for seamless connectivity has never been higher, and addressing this need is a top priority for many IT management teams. At our organization, providing a stable Wi-Fi experience to a user base of around 4000 individuals is a key objective. To meet this challenge, we turned to Cisco's wireless solution, and the results have been nothing short of impressive.


        Our journey with Cisco's wireless technology began four years ago when we initially deployed the solution. It didn't take long for us to realize the inherent stability and reliability it offered. The network was robust and dependable, ensuring that our users had consistent and uninterrupted access to the internet and our internal resources. This stable foundation allowed our organization to flourish in an increasingly digital world.


        Recently, we took our commitment to providing an exceptional Wi-Fi experience to the next level by integrating our Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) with Cisco's DNA Connector and Cisco Space. This strategic move was motivated by our desire to unlock new features and capabilities for our network. While these modules come with different licenses and price tags, the investment has been justified by the significant value they bring.


        One of the standout advantages of our Cisco wireless network is its scalability. As our organization grows, our network can easily expand to accommodate increased demand without compromising on performance or security. This ability to adapt and scale seamlessly is invaluable in today's dynamic business landscape.


        In conclusion, our organization's objective of providing stable Wi-Fi connectivity to a user base of 4000 individuals has been made possible through the deployment of Cisco's wireless solution. The recent integration of Cisco DNA Connector and Cisco Space has further enhanced our capabilities, even though it required investments in licenses and modules. The advantages of scalability and security that come with our Cisco wireless network have proven to be invaluable, allowing us to meet the growing demands of our digital landscape and ensuring a seamless Wi-Fi experience for all our users. As we continue to evolve, Cisco remains a trusted partner on our journey towards a more connected and secure future.

        Responsi5dd1 - PeerSpot reviewer
        Network and Security Team at a energy/utilities company with 201-500 employees
        Real User
        Easy setup but it's complicated to integrate a network access control with authentication with an ISE engine
        Pros and Cons
        • "The initial setup was quite easy. We have a very good relationship with our integrator and our integrator has a good relationship with Cisco. The integrator that installs Cisco is quite knowledgeable about the technology. They are trained and have a good relationship with their tech. We cannot be experts in each domain and we have to be supported by an integrator."
        • "When you integrate a network access control with authentication with an ISE engine it's really complicated to put in place."

        What is our primary use case?

        We have an ISE solution, WiFi controller, Access Points, and a wifi controller. We have to integrate all of these components with each other and we do that with Cisco's solution and a local Cisco partner. The performance is better than before. We had an issue with the phone wifi but no other real issues. It fully integrates with ISE. 

        How has it helped my organization?

        We work in energy so we manage electric networks and gas networks. Someone had to move across the building and keep contact with the operator onsite for when there is an issue with the network so, for us sometimes it is a problem with gas. It's really important for us to stay connected with phone wifi. We have to study a lot of scenarios because if we have a data center on a remote site and if we lose the connection to the data center the telephone and the wifi has to continue to work. We connect to Cisco wifi and we're able to solve the issue. Even in emergencies, we can respond to a customer's needs. 

        What needs improvement?

        When you integrate a network access control with authentication with an ISE engine it's really complicated to put in place. Even if you're only using Cisco products you have a new algorithm and you have old material. For us, it's complicated because we have to maintain old parts or devices. We purchase new devices and we maintain several SSID which is not really recommended by Cisco. They prefer to have one and to dispatch based on the condition.

        What do I think about the stability of the solution?

        It's stable. Although we have had an issue but it's not related to Cisco technology. It's to do with the position of the access points. They move it and it's good. They don't like to see a box so they move it which is an issue. 

        How was the initial setup?

        The initial setup was quite easy. We have a very good relationship with our integrator and our integrator has a good relationship with Cisco. The integrator that installs Cisco is quite knowledgeable about the technology. They are trained and have a good relationship with their tech. We cannot be experts in each domain and we have to be supported by an integrator.

        What other advice do I have?

        I would rate it a seven out of ten and I would recommend this solution. 

        Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
        PeerSpot user
        it_user172002 - PeerSpot reviewer
        Specialist IT Consultant with 1,001-5,000 employees
        Vendor
        Management & Monitoring features need to be improved. Integration with other Cisco products is helpful.

        What is most valuable?

        There are many valuable features including security, availability, scalability, integration With Cisco products, WEB Portal for guest users, and Cleanair.

        How has it helped my organization?

        The main improvement was the mobility of Notebooks, Tablets, SmartPhones and Warehouse functions.

        What needs improvement?

        Management, and Monitoring features need to be improved and the inclusion of a Cloud-based solution.

        For how long have I used the solution?

        4 years

        What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

        Remote APs cannot work without Main Controller when using 802.1x Authentication.

        What do I think about the stability of the solution?

        No issues encountered.

        What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

        No issues were encountered.

        How are customer service and technical support?

        It was OK! We had some problems and always checked them with the TAC.

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

        We used MOTOROLA/SYMBOL. It is an solution with no innovation and less features than Cisco Wireless Solution.

        How was the initial setup?

        No, It was simple.

        What about the implementation team?

        I am an consultant and I implement for our clients.

        Which other solutions did I evaluate?

        Motorola and Aruba.

        What other advice do I have?

        That is a good solution, pay attention on Compatibility Matrix with some APs.

        Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Cisco Select Partner
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