We have deployed 5000 customer access points to provide product navigation and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Solutions Architect at Espina IT
Stable product with integration and authentication features
Pros and Cons
- "The product has valuable features for integration and authentication."
- "They should introduce zero interference capabilities."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Cisco Wireless enables end-to-end connectivity for endpoints. We can deploy wireless access points indoors and outdoors as well.
What is most valuable?
The product has valuable features for integration and authentication.
What needs improvement?
They should introduce zero interference capabilities.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,615 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco Wireless for 14 years. At present, we use the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable. Cisco provides good support services in case of outages.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have six medium and large businesses as customers for Cisco Wireless. We have integrated it with multiple solutions. I rate the scalability an eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
Cisco provides quick and efficient support services. Whenever you call them, they immediately assign the engineers. This is the first time I have seen any other vendor responding this quickly. It is the part of the product.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup process takes two to four months. We collect the essential information for the network implementation document. Further, we deploy a few controllers and integrate the application. Later, we add endpoints to the existing network and create server IDs. We test the connection's speed efficiency and the signal's strength. This is how we complete the deployment process.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The platform is expensive for small-scale businesses. There are no extra costs included. We can add essential features to the on-premise version as required.
I rate the pricing an eight or nine out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
They provide good support services for the tenure of the contract and software upgrade. I rate it an eight 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
Department Leader: Project Leadership Production Compact at SKODA AUTO a.s.
Scalable, good support, but could be more stable
Pros and Cons
- "The LAN network conductivity is good."
- "The solution is stable but it could be improved. However, this could be because there are not enough APs."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to provide network access and to manages wireless network devices.
What is most valuable?
The LAN network conductivity is good.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for approximately two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable but it could be improved. However, this could be because there are not enough APs.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable and we have 1,000 users using this solution in my organization.
How are customer service and technical support?
The support is good.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation and maintenance are done by our five-person technical team.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
I rate Cisco Wireless seven 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.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,615 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Chief of Systems at a mining and metals company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Reliable security, easy device install, and expandable infrastructure
Pros and Cons
- "Some of the valuable features of this solution are security, the controller is simple to configure, devices are easy to install, and we use the software to administrate all the APs."
- "The integration with our CM and other technologies could improve this solution."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution in our enterprise offices where some access points are installed.
What is most valuable?
Some of the valuable features of this solution are security, the controller is simple to configure, devices are easy to install, and we use the software to administrate all the APs.
What needs improvement?
The integration with our CM and other technologies could improve this solution. If it could detect other networks better, when it comes to security, and have the ability to mark or block the suspicious activity when known would be a benefit and should be in an upcoming release.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There are a few issues initially with the stability but they were resolved quickly by Cisco.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable, it is easy to grow the infrastructure. We have approximately 10,000 uses using the solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support is very quick in responding to our issues and returning a solution. Additionally, customer service was good, they provided us with some training on the solution.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used HP products before we switched to Cisco. The reason we switched was that this solution was more secure, the price was better, it was easier to implement, and the integration with our infrastructure from LAN and WAN was superior.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is easy.
What about the implementation team?
We did not have any problem with the implementation of the solution it is straightforward. It took approximately one week. We do implementation ourselves but sometimes we use an integrator. We have approximately three engineers doing the maintenance of the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of this solution is a little more than competitors.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did evaluate Aruba, which is from HP, before choosing this solution. The main reason why Cisco is better is the security model. They are easy to configure and have better technology. However, they are not as cheap a solution compared to others. We are currently evaluating Cisco ISE and are using the demo.
What other advice do I have?
When we are opening up a new location we are going to continue using the solution. This solution is standard with our organization. Even though Cisco tends to be more costly than other solutions you get more than you pay for.
I rate Cisco Wireless 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.
Sales Leader - Data Center at YSSY & Co
Great technical support with a simple setup and a flexible design
Pros and Cons
- "Support is fantastic. They are helpful and responsive."
- "The pricing of Brazil is very expensive. When you look at other options, they are much cheaper."
What is our primary use case?
I primarily offer my clients solutions with managed services, the standard managed services. It is used for wireless connectivity.
What is most valuable?
Our team is able to design the solution with the necessary features. It's flexible.
The solution overall is quite good.
Support is fantastic. They are helpful and responsive.
It's a very simple solution to set up.
We find the solution to be scalable.
The stability on offer is great.
What needs improvement?
The pricing of Brazil is very expensive. When you look at other options, they are much cheaper.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Cisco since 2000. I've had well over a decade of experience with the product so far. I've used it for a long time.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability has been great. We haven't had any issues. It doesn't crash or freeze. There aren't bugs or glitches that you have to deal with. The performance is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We've found the solution to be quite scalable. If a company wants to expand it, it's not a problem.
We have about 200 people using Cisco Wireless right now.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support from Cisco is excellent. We are very satisfied with their level of attention. They have always been helpful and responsive.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have experience with both Meraki and Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is simple. A company shouldn't have any issues with it. It is not something that is too difficult or complex.
We have five engineers that can handle deployment for our clients.
What about the implementation team?
We've used both consultants and resellers when it comes to setting up the solution.
If our clients need assistance, we can help them set it up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost of the solution is quite high.
Clients can pay a licensing fee on a monthly basis.
Any extra fees would depend on the individual client projects.
What other advice do I have?
We're a Cisco partner.
I used various deployment models, including cloud and on-premises as well as hybrid.
I would rate the solution at a ten out of ten. We've been quite happy with its capabilities overall.
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.
A wireless networking solution that's easy to install and control
Pros and Cons
- "The most important thing for me is that all the access points are in one group and use one access code. So, when you move from one area to another, you don't disconnect and reconnect again. The device is also very easy to install and control."
- "It would be better if some utility lets us know the best place to install the system. Every time we install it, we have to change it, and we have to add more access points. This is a problem we have all the time. It would be better if it integrated seamlessly with products from other vendors. It'll also help if they included a device diagnostics feature in the next release."
What is our primary use case?
I implement this solution in restaurants with an external aerial or near the beach. I also deployed this solution in big warehouses.
How has it helped my organization?
Managing a large warehouse requires the use of advanced technology that facilitates work in the warehouse, usually through tablets, laptops, and mobile phones, all of which are connected to the management system via the wireless network. Mobility in a large warehouse requires continuous connection to the computer system.
The CISCO wireless network allows all end units to be managed as a single network with a security code. The transition from one access point to another is done smoothly and according to the intensity of absorption.
What is most valuable?
The most important thing for me is 0 disconnections while working, and that all access points are in one group and will use one access code. The units are easy to install and set up
What needs improvement?
Guidelines and recommendations on where and how to install the units for perfect coverage.
Any utility to test the signal strength. Today every time we install equipment, certain times are forced to change its location due to poor reception.
And seamlessly integrate with products from other suppliers. It will also help if they include a device diagnostic feature in the next release.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been dealing with Cisco Wireless for three or four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have a problem with the small device. Product from Series 300. Sometimes you have to reset this device. Maybe the buffer is overflowing, But after I reset the devices, it's work okay.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used TP-Link Solution but the Devices hung every 1-2 days
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup and deployment for small businesses are very simple. But for the one with the controller, you have to set up a controller which is not a GUI utility. You have to type a lot in the command line. If you have this with GUIs instead, it will be better. The deployment time depends on the size of the customer's project. This product doesn't require maintenance, just updates to the firmware.
What about the implementation team?
I install this solution for my customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I think it's affordable. Maybe there are little differences, but it's not very expensive. But with all Cisco products, you have to pay more for the power supply. You'll have to pay for the PoE converter.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this product to new users.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Cisco Wireless a nine.
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
Network Engineer at Saudi Customs
Very stable with good technical support and a straightforward setup
Pros and Cons
- "The installation process is very easy."
- "If they could offer better coverage, we'd be much happier."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for so many things. We are a Saudi customs organization, and we are using it for the mobile user inside the port and for the trucks themselves. We use it for the trucks as the trucks also need to use wireless. They're moving inside the port. We need it for providing internet to the user. We also use it for the intranet network and for the internet network.
What is most valuable?
The solution is quite stable.
The installation process is very easy.
Technical support has been mostly helpful in the past.
What needs improvement?
The coverage has given us a few issues. We have some of the wireless devices flooding. The scalability is off. It needs to be better. If they could offer better coverage, we'd be much happier.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for about 15 years at this point. It's been well over a decade. It's been a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution has been quite stable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable. The performance is largely pretty good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability isn't the best. It doesn't give us the coverage we need. There isn't good mapping for the wireless and the access points.
We have about 600 people who are using our access points.
We likely will be increasing usage in the future.
How are customer service and technical support?
We've been in touch with technical support. They're okay. We've been satisfied with their level of support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforward. It's an easy process. It's not overly complex. A company should be able to handle the process with relative ease.
The deployment takes only a few minutes. It's pretty fast. It's not that big of a project.
We have about 40 people on staff that can handle deployment and maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We do not need to pay a licensing fee to Cisco.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We've previously used Huawei and Aruba as well for wireless.
What other advice do I have?
We are just a customer and end-user. We don't have a business relationship with Cisco.
We're using the latest version of the solution right now.
I'd recommend the solution to other organizations looking for a wireless solution. For the most part, it's worked well for us.
I'd rate the product at a nine out of ten as it's been mostly reliable.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Telecom/Networking Analyst at a religious institution with 1,001-5,000 employees
Good coverage and security, and it's reliable
Pros and Cons
- "It's a reliable solution."
- "In this part of the world, support is the weak side of this solution."
What is our primary use case?
We use Cisco Wireless as part of our network infrastructure.
What is most valuable?
The wireless use is pure internet that allows access to guests, staff, and end-users. It doesn't require a lot of high-level features on the site.
We use the normal features that Cisco has, such as access controllers, security, and internet access for the users.
What needs improvement?
I am in the Middle East, in Isreal, and the problem that we have is with the support. It's not like Europe or America, which have better support. In this part of the world, support is the weak side of this solution. It is very difficult to get in touch with Cisco support if we need them.
I would like to have the option for on-premises support, rather than only having remote support available. This the biggest concern that I have because without on-premises support, we have to call another country for the best service.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Wireless for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a reliable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable, and as the company grows each year, it requires the network to grow as well.
We have 100 access points and approximately 300 to 400 users in our organization.
How are customer service and technical support?
There are only one or two companies in Israel that provide Cisco support as a third party. Support is an area that needs to be improved, at least regionally.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was done by the company. It was already complete.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price for this product is a little bit high, which is why I am not using the most recent version. Rather, I look for products there are mid-ranged, being not too old or too new.
The licensing fee is yearly.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I am currently evaluating other solutions to determine cost versus benefits. We don't need as many high-level features in our situation.
What other advice do I have?
If you have a large company and you have enough money, you should implement Cisco because it's the best solution. However, if you are in the middle to low range then it is better to look for another, more budget-friendly solution. In Isreal, the government has Cisco licenses.
Also, if the service that you are providing is not a high-level service and has normal features to access the internet, I suggest the middle to low range products.
Overall, I am happy with Cisco Wireless and the main concern that I have is with the price.
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.
C.T.O at Sastra Network Solution Inc. Pvt. Ltd.
Stable and secure with good throughput and performance, managed from a single pane of glass
What is our primary use case?
We are implementing Cisco Wireless in various environments including hospitality (controller-based deployment along with room AP in 90+ room property), and corporate (both standalone and controller-based).
The wireless system has been integrated into the hotspot for guest access and enterprise authentication has been used for the employees. For authentication, both the inbuilt database and integration to FreeRADIUS has been used. We have also used AD in the corporate environment for authentication. The controller has been deployed in HA.
How has it helped my organization?
It has helped to provide mobility with committed throughput and performance.
Additionally, Cisco wireless solutions are very stable. This, with its rugged nature, has helped for overall efficiencies in information processing and daily operations.
It has enhanced the security of the enterprise and has given single-pane visibility for network monitoring.
It has provided excellent mobility and load balancing of the wireless endpoints to various APs, based on the built-in algorithms, both in 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are the controller, single pane for the configuration, as well as the operation and monitoring of the wireless system.
Other important features are the detection of the rough AP, programmable API, network analytics, and the RF planning tool.
The product is very stable. The infrastructure is scalable and very durable.
With excellent support from the Cisco support team, this solution can be deployed in no time.
It is easy to troubleshoot and zone-based profiling is another excellent feature. Auto power calibration between AP sensing the environment is also a valuable feature.
What needs improvement?
The regulatory domain seems to be hardcoded into the system and we need a simple way to change it in wireless APs.
Power level improvements and increased antenna dBi are needed when compared to other competitor vendors like Ruckus and HP Aruba.
The product pricing should be competitive compared to other vendors, as many products are coming up with good features like Cambium, Edge, and Core.
The controller pricing is high compared to other vendors like Ruckus. Pricing should be lowered to target the SMB market, where many other vendors have dominance.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco Wireless for 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is excellent.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Wireless is very much Scalable, based on the forecast you have and the controller you choose. It's just about adding the license.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support is excellent.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have been using other products like Cambium, Ruckus, and HP. Before we implement Cisco, we had read a lot of reviews of its stability and durability, and indeed, it was true.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The installation team was highly skilled and certified.
What was our ROI?
The ROI is excellent.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing depends on the requirement, so proper planning and an RF analysis help to properly size the solution and get the best pricing.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We previously evaluated Cambium and Rukus.
What other advice do I have?
My advice is that this product should be the first choice to adopt when deploying a wireless solution. If cost is a factor then proper sizing will help to reduce it.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: we are system integrator and cisco partner.
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Updated: January 2025
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