Aruba Wireless and Fortinet FortiAP compete in the wireless networking category. Aruba Wireless appears to have the upper hand due to its emphasis on integrated management features, while Fortinet focuses more on security integration.
Features: Aruba Wireless offers integrated firewall, captive portal authentication for guests, modular configuration, Adaptive Radio Management (ARM), and Aruba ClearPass for robust security and management. Fortinet FortiAP combines seamlessly with FortiGate for unified console management, security integration, and ease of deployment.
Room for Improvement: Aruba Wireless could improve in stabilizing newer versions, simplifying configurations, and enhancing documentation. Firmware updates without support accounts and ClearPass issues are notable challenges. Fortinet FortiAP could benefit from better outdoor support, improved signal in legacy devices, and more straightforward configuration.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Aruba Wireless supports a range of deployment options and receives mixed reviews for customer service, notably at the first-level support. Fortinet FortiAP mainly focuses on on-premises deployments with some hybrid options and generally receives positive feedback for customer service, though experiences vary.
Pricing and ROI: Aruba Wireless is reasonably priced compared to Cisco but can be costly due to licensing requirements, justified by the features offered. Fortinet FortiAP is more cost-effective compared to premium options like Palo Alto, providing value for those seeking cost-effective solutions. Both solutions deliver ROI by enhancing network management but have costs influenced by specific deployments and features.
There is no need to buy additional controllers for managing access points.
There are significant time savings, around thirty to forty percent, due to minimal disconnections.
I do not have to continuously manage them, and their reliability means they are consistently up and running.
I only needed support once or twice for a replacement, and it was handled smoothly without any difficulty.
I would rate their technical support nine out of ten.
The customer support is good.
We keep a support contract open with Fortinet, so we have instantaneous response from them.
The technical support from Fortinet FortiAP is rated 7.5 out of ten.
The solution is scalable, as multiple sites connect seamlessly.
There could be constraints where a product can't be scaled further without purchasing a new model.
We have good scalability with Fortinet FortiAP because we have multiple ISPs connected to it through FortiManager.
I have been using the product for the last nine years without facing any issues post-installation.
I don't remember it going down during the years it existed.
I have not experienced any issues, outages, or problems and have not had to interfere with them at all.
The stability of the solution is very high.
Zero-touch provisioning is needed, and although a cloud version is available, like Aruba Central, easier provisioning and configuration would be beneficial in the future.
While the technical specifications are satisfactory, the access points are expensive.
At the time of purchase, the prices were moderate, but now they are quite expensive.
I know they're going up to six soon, which will enhance reliability.
Security is always a concern for any business, and the network should not be compromised easily.
It is very high compared to other products.
The initial prices were more affordable compared to the current high prices.
The pricing seems reasonable compared to other brands; however, it is too expensive for smaller businesses.
The license costs for Fortinet are more affordable when considering licensing costs with other leaders like Cisco.
The pricing is much better than Cisco pricing.
The pricing is a little bit high, and I would rate it a ten on the scale where ten is the highest price.
The Aruba Wireless solution has excellent roaming capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity.
It has many features and is integrated with Azure AD and multiple active directories, making authentication easy.
I do not need to buy a controller for the access point since the Aruba Access Point has a built-in virtual controller.
Compatibility with Fortinet firewalls allows clients to set up new businesses with integrated firewalls and access points, offering a cost-effective solution while providing excellent wireless coverage.
FortiAPs are an enterprise-level device capable of handling a large number of users and connections, ensuring quality.
We can do more with one Fortinet FortiAP in two areas instead of having multiple devices.
Aruba Wireless is a secure, high-performance, multi-user wireless LAN supporting Wi-Fi 6. As workplaces and user expectations change, users can now maintain hybrid workplaces and IoT without compromising performance, reliability, or security. Aruba Wireless delivers better performance and capacity and greater AIOps visibility throughout all devices and users. In addition, through built-in network intelligence, network operations are made simpler while keeping everything secure through user and guest encryption.
Aruba Wireless, offered through Aruba Networks, is helping achieve digital transformation and IoT with seamless connectivity through multiple Wi-Fi access points. For the user’s convenience, Aruba Wireless provides indoor, outdoor, and remote access points to help boost faster and safer connectivity.
Choosing Aruba Wireless can help improve your organization’s user experience with wireless LAN in many ways, including:
Aruba Gateways and Controllers
Small organizations as well as large enterprises require excellent performance and security for cloud, mobility, and digital transformation. Therefore, in addition to the access points, Aruba Wireless also offers a variety of gateways and controllers, including:
Reviews from Real Users
Aruba Networks is aiding organizations in transforming to a hybrid work environment with Aruba Wireless. Users especially love its ability to work with many devices and its ability to group and manage access points.
A senior IT solutions architect at a manufacturing company says, "The most valuable feature is the fact that it can work with many devices. It supports everything that we need it to."
Gary F., a network administrator at wireless at Abilene Christian, notes, "I like the way it groups and manages access points."
Fortinet FortiAP provides wireless network access for industries such as banking, healthcare, and logistics. It enhances connectivity with FortiGate and FortiSwitch, ensuring secure data exchange in settings like offices and malls.
Fortinet FortiAP is integral for managing connected devices across sectors. It integrates seamlessly with Fortinet products, enhancing security and connectivity. Users benefit from a unified console that simplifies configuration and monitoring without additional controllers. The support for passwordless authentication and cloud visibility adds value, while its use in environments like shopping centers and offices facilitates secure data sharing and access.
What are the key features of Fortinet FortiAP?In industries like banking and healthcare, Fortinet FortiAP is deployed to enhance network security and provide reliable access. Retailers leverage its capabilities in shopping centers, while warehouses benefit from its reliable connectivity to support seamless operations. Managed service providers use it to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring effective network segmentation and coverage.
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