Cisco Wireless WAN vs Fortinet FortiExtender comparison

Cisco Wireless WAN refers to the wireless networking solutions provided by Cisco Systems, a leading technology company specializing in networking and communication products. Cisco Wireless WAN enables organizations to establish wireless connections and extend their wide area network (WAN) connectivity using cellular networks.

Cisco Wireless WAN solutions leverage cellular technologies, such as 4G LTE and 5G, to provide high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity. These solutions offer a range of features and capabilities that enhance network performance, security, and manageability.

Cisco Wireless WAN Features & Benefits:

• Enhanced Connectivity: Enables wireless connections over cellular networks for areas with limited wired connectivity.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: Delivers fast data transfer rates for efficient file transmission and real-time collaboration.
• Increased Mobility: Extends network connectivity to mobile devices and remote locations.
• Reliable and Resilient Connectivity: Ensures reliable and uninterrupted connectivity with intelligent routing and failover capabilities.
• Security and Data Protection: Integrates robust security features to safeguard data transmitted over the wireless network.
• Centralized Management: Provides centralized control and visibility through management platforms like Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Meraki Dashboard.
• Integration with Cisco Ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with other Cisco networking solutions for a comprehensive network infrastructure.
• Scalability: Scales to accommodate growing connectivity needs without compromising performance.
• Application Optimization: Prioritizes critical applications and optimizes traffic for improved performance.
• Industry Compatibility: Suitable for various industries, including enterprises, service providers, and government agencies.

Cisco Wireless WAN empowers organizations with reliable, secure, and scalable wireless connectivity, enabling mobility and enhancing network performance and productivity.

Reviews from Real Users

PeerSpot user, Manager - Technology at a tech services company, states that "Recently, the most valuable and in-demand feature that users are enjoying is WiFi 6 support on the access points. The other good thing about Cisco Wireless LAN is how easily it provides clean access to the WiFi network."

Muhammad Alim Besari, Solution Architect at Packet System Indonesia, says that “Cisco Wireless LAN deliver the best wireless experience yet so easy to operate and manage.”

Zulfiqar Saeed, SE at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, writes that "The most valuable features of Cisco Wireless WAN are its security functionality. We have a lab environment and we have to provide different authentications to the users which are easy to manage. Additionally, there is a lot of useful automation embedded into the system."

Fortinet FortiExtender is a cost-effective hardware WAN device that is robust, easily scales, and delivers 5G, LTE, and Ethernet options. FortiExtender is designed using Fortinet’s trademark security-focused networking. The solution enables organizations to have enhanced secure network connectivity with cellular and wired broadband network options.

FortiExtender can be used for secure point of sale (POS) systems to transport fleet communications. The device delivers dependable broadband access to the internet and increases the usefulness of the Fortinet Security Fabric integration to enhance seamless business processes that rely heavily on remote device connectivity to get the job done.

FortiExtender delivers super-fast 5G and LTE wireless to connect and quickly scale any WAN edge. Users get 5G/LTE cellular, out-of-band management (OBM), high availability (HA), and dynamic risk security in one comprehensive, reliable solution.

Fortinet FortiExtender Benefits

• Failover protection: Users get secure network failover protection with dual SIM, dual modem, and out of band management (OBM) functionalities.
  
  
• Cloud-based processes: Organizations with a global reach can easily manage processes in the cloud from anywhere. Users can use FortiGate, FortiManager, or FortiExtender Cloud Dashboard to view and easily manage security controls, network changes, and policy and protocol automation.
  
  
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN for simplified deployment, security, and management.
  
  
• Improves TCO: FortiExtender is a very cost-effective option when integrated with FortiGate Network Security Platform. FortiExtender implements processes that save money and improve connectivity, functionality, and profitability.

Fortinet FortiExtender Features

• Plug-and-play: Out of the box and ready to go, once FortiExtenders are connected to the FortiGate, they are available on the FortiOS management platform. Additionally, FortiOS provides complete visibility, monitoring data usage to ensure limits are not exceeded, resulting in significant cost savings.
  
  
• Flexible connectivity options: 
  
  
  • LTE/5G : The FortiExtender devices provide dual SIM and dual modem options for four different ISPs. Dual SIM allows for active/passive cellular link for fast failover. Dual modem options provide two active/passive links for super-fast failover and disaster recovery. ISPs can be set for data usage limits and seamlessly switch to other ISPs to balance connectivity and reduce costs.
    
    
  • WAN connectivity: Using an Ethernet WAN port, users can connect cable, DSL, or another modem. Load balancing and failover options available.
    
    
  • Hybrid WAN-LAN connectivity: Four LAN ethernet ports enable users to have numerous connections to the LTE connection. Works well for high availability (HA) pairs of FortiGates to connect to FortiExtender. FortiGates then will run in failover or load balancing mode and receive WAN connectivity from the FortiExtender device.

Reviews from Real Users

“Fortinet FortiExtender helps facilitate Fortinet connectivity. When it comes to cell phone towers, you never know what you'll get with global configurations. We use this solution to mitigate switching cell phone towers. The scalability is limitless based on your cell and your internet or your cloud connectivity.  It's similar to any other VPN in terms of how simple it is to set up in a global or extended environment with a large number of clients.” - Clement J., Chief Executive Officer at Clemtech LLC