Cisco Wireless vs ExtremeWireless comparison

Cisco and Extreme are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Cisco is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.6, while Extreme is ranked #16 with an average rating of 8.3. Cisco holds a 11.4% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Extreme’s 1.7% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 92% of Extreme users who would recommend it.

Cisco Wireless

Read 153 Cisco Wireless reviews

14,290 Views
13,100 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

ExtremeWireless

Read 30 ExtremeWireless reviews

1,692 Views
1,468 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Cisco Wireless

ExtremeWireless

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

ExtremeWireless and Cisco Wireless compete in the wireless networking market. Cisco seems to have an advantage in features due to its robust offerings despite the higher cost.

Features: ExtremeWireless is known for its integration capabilities, scalability, and simplified management tools. Cisco Wireless offers extensive security features, advanced analytics, and comprehensive network management.

Room for Improvement: ExtremeWireless could enhance its feature set for more particular applications like the hospitality industry. It may also benefit from developing a more feature-rich management interface. Cisco Wireless might improve its user interface for less tech-savvy clients and address cost concerns. Additionally, streamlining complex deployments could attract smaller businesses.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: ExtremeWireless offers guided setup and responsive support for quick implementation. Cisco Wireless, though complex, provides detailed documentation and reliable assistance for enterprises needing tailored network setups.

Pricing and ROI: ExtremeWireless provides competitive pricing and strong ROI due to lower setup costs and efficient resource management. Cisco Wireless involves a higher initial investment but offers substantial long-term benefits with its powerful features.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Wireless vs. ExtremeWireless Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless vs. ExtremeWireless

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Wireless

Ranking in Wireless LAN

3rd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

153

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

ExtremeWireless

Ranking in Wireless LAN

16th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Cisco Wireless is 11.4%, down from 14.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of ExtremeWireless is 1.7%, up from 1.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

GulfrazAhmad

Division Head Enterprise Infrastructure (SVP) at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Integrates with ISE, and is secure, reliable, and easy to deploy

The main concern is the length and overlapping. We have to put on four to six access points on the same floor, and we face the issue of overlapping areas. If Cisco can extend the range of their indoor APs, we would need to install just one or two access points, and it would eliminate the problem of the overlapping area. They should provide built-in features for safe authentication. Right now, we integrate with ISE and FortiClient for this feature. We first check the NAC, and after the NAC and before the domain, a token password installed on their mobile or a physical token is required to join the network. If Cisco had built-in authentication, we would be able to eliminate one product from our network.

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Seungho Yang

Network Engineer at KOREAN AIR

Enhanced employee access with effective wireless monitoring and seamless roaming

Our use case for ExtremeWireless is to allow our employees to access the company systems The monitoring systems in ExtremeWireless have been very effective, and they are cheaper than other products. It provides better monitoring logs and detailed logs compared to Cisco Wireless. The most…

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Cisco Wireless improves mobility and flexibility. The only case we are working on is with hospitals, focusing on the mobility of doctors within the hospital. Everywhere, doctors need to be connected to the network, even within the operating theater, patient rooms, and even the basement, like the radiology department. As far as the solution goes, the coverage is usually very comprehensive."

"Cisco Wireless is scalable."

"The most valuable feature of this solution is its security"

"We were able to utilize the elements of the core and provide a solution to our customers similar to that of Cisco Meraki."

"The most valuable features of this solution are the Cisco CleanAir and Cisco RRM."

"The switches can even detect cable issues which quite often can be the main cause for a call-out within my business."

"It is a very stable solution."

"Its stability is most valuable."

More Cisco Wireless pros

"ExtremeWireless is known for its strong security engine, Air Defense, which provides necessary wireless security assistance to many of my customers."

"The monitoring system is integrated with AI features."

"ExtremeWireless is a flexible solution."

"The cloud-based management system is valuable."

"The wireless security solution is the most valuable feature of ExtremeWireless."

"The security is very good."

"The cloud-based solution allows for easy management and monitoring of traffic and congestion."

"The technical support from Extreme Networks is perfect."

More ExtremeWireless pros

Cons

"The price of Cisco Wireless could be lower."

"The flexibility on the controllers isn't that great."

"The technical support could be better. They aren't as helpful as they need to be when we run into issues."

"I wouldn't mind if Cisco allowed their premiere devices to be able to have that cloud-based support as well, or cloud-based management."

"Cisco Wireless needs to improve pricing. I understand that Cisco products are typically more expensive than other vendors. Therefore, I believe that adjusting the pricing could potentially be beneficial. Discounts may be available depending on the customer or type of purchase, which could help offset the higher costs."

"No product can be a ten out of ten and there are some security issues."

"If needs to provide more visibility. It can detect and do it, but as technicians we don't have a lot of visibility into seeing exactly what's happening. It doesn't give us a lot of log information for us to troubleshoot. They probably have additional software you need to purchase to get that kind of information. But I think not all companies can afford additional software to see those kinds of details. So if the wireless controller already had, built-in, those types of things for the technician or wireless engineer, it would be more attractive for the end-user."

"The interface and integrations should be more intuitive. Sometimes, integration with other Cisco products requires manual intervention for tasks such as firmware upgrades, which should be automated."

More Cisco Wireless cons

"There are concerns regarding the stability of ExtremeWireless. It could be an area of improvement, especially when compared to previous solutions such as Motorola before their acquisition."

"The main area for improvement is the company's local visibility."

"The onsite controllers are not as good as the cloud controller. I would also like ExtremeWireless to add web filtering on the access point. This feature is available from other vendors but not ExtremeWireless."

"Many companies prefer Aruba over ExtremeWireless, possibly due to Aruba's broader range of products or their thorough approach to understanding customer needs."

"The performance of the access points could be improved."

"The product must be provided at a cheaper price."

"The reports could prove in ExtremeWireless. However, we are in the early stages of use and we might be able to configure them better."

"The performance of the access points could be improved. ExtremeWireless coverage and signal stability could be enhanced to match the level of Ruckus Wireless and other vendors."

More ExtremeWireless cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Cisco is more on the expensive side, as compared to Aruba, but I must say Cisco's quality is unmatched, for sure."

"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."

"It's expensive because a lot of the controls come with licenses."

"It is expensive, and there are some costs in addition to the standard licensing fee. Its licensing model and cost should be improved."

"The cost model is expensive."

"The license structure is confusing."

"Expensive."

"I rate the tool's pricing a nine out of ten."

More Cisco Wireless pricing and cost advice

"The solution has a yearly subscription, and we have to pay additional costs for technical support."

"The pricing is reasonable."

"There are both paid and free licenses of the cloud environment, with only basic functionality in the free version."

"The license cost per AP is about $150 USD."

"Our access points device is at its end of life. I can buy one more and then I must buy a new device, but if it is a new device it will not support the old virtual appliance. I would need to upgrade our virtual appliance to the next version or build a new virtual appliance with new devices, and it's not good for us. The overall licensing subscription could be better."

"The purchase of 350 access points cost approximately $250,000 USD."

"ExtremeWireless isn't budget-friendly. The hardware costs around 20,000 Indian rupees. We're still using an older controller, so it doesn't require a license, unlike the newest versions of the ExtremeWireless controller."

"We pay approximately $30,000 per year."

More ExtremeWireless pricing and cost advice

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Comparison Review

it_user212721

President at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

Mar 24, 2015

Cisco vs. Aruba Wireless Solutions

Cisco or Aruba Networks? If you are considering wireless access solutions, this is a common question that you are probably asking. You probably have sales people knocking at your door. How do you make sense of all the stories that you are presented with. If you have done any research, you are…

Read full review

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

14%

Computer Software Company

13%

Government

11%

Educational Organization

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Cisco Wireless or Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN?

Cisco Wireless is very robust, very rugged, and can handle indoor and outdoor coverage extremely well. We found it to be very reliable and to consistently run very efficiently. Cisco Wireless helpe...

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Which is better - Ruckus Wireless or Cisco Wireless?

Ruckus Wireless offers users the benefit of being both easy to set up and get running as well as being very user friendly. This user-friendly quality also renders it easy to learn how to use and ma...

See all answers

How does Cisco Wireless compare with Aruba Wireless?

On the most basic level, Cisco Wireless can offer a rather straightforward initial setup. In the span of about three hours, the basic framework can be set up. Step-by-step instructions are availabl...

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What do you like most about ExtremeWireless?

The initial setup process is simple.

See all answers

What needs improvement with ExtremeWireless?

There is some delay in firmware upgrades for access points. When there is a problem with the firmware of one access point, the correction might be too late.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for ExtremeWireless?

We work with some end customers, and we use ExtremeCloud IQ ( /products/extremecloud-iq-reviews ) for the administration of the wireless platform. We use Wi-Fi 6 E for many users.

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 28% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 27% of the time

Huawei Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 8% of the time

Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 7% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 6% of the time

More Cisco Wireless Competitors

Ruckus Wireless vs ExtremeWireless

Compared 38% of the time

Aruba Wireless vs ExtremeWireless

Compared 19% of the time

Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points vs ExtremeWireless

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs ExtremeWireless

Compared 7% of the time

Fortinet FortiWLM vs ExtremeWireless

Compared 3% of the time

More ExtremeWireless Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless

May 2025

Download Cisco Wireless product report

Buyer's Guide

ExtremeWireless

May 2025

Download ExtremeWireless product report

Also Known As

Cisco WLAN Controller

No data available

Overview

Cisco Wireless is a comprehensive suite of wireless solutions designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity for enterprises of all sizes. Offering a range of access points, controllers, and advanced management tools, Cisco Wireless ensures seamless and reliable network access, enhancing mobility and productivity.

Cisco Wireless solutions provide robust, scalable wireless networks capable of supporting high-density environments and diverse applications. With features such as seamless roaming, advanced security protocols, and detailed analytics, Cisco Wireless addresses the needs of modern businesses. The solutions include the Cisco Catalyst and Aironet series access points, wireless LAN controllers, and the Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and automation.

What are the key features of Cisco Wireless?

High-Density Performance: Optimized for environments with a high number of devices, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.
Advanced Security: Incorporates robust security measures such as WPA3, Secure Boot, and segmentation to protect data and devices.
Seamless Roaming: Enables uninterrupted connectivity as users move across different areas within the network.
Centralized Management: Cisco DNA Center provides a single pane of glass for managing and automating wireless networks, enhancing operational efficiency.
Flexible Deployment Options: Supports various deployment models, including on-premises, cloud-managed, and hybrid solutions.

What benefits should users look for in reviews when evaluating Cisco Wireless?

Improved Mobility and Productivity: Users often highlight how Cisco Wireless enhances user mobility and productivity through reliable and consistent connectivity.
Scalability: Reviews frequently mention the scalability of Cisco Wireless, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Ease of Management: Many users appreciate the centralized management capabilities, which simplify network administration and troubleshooting.
Enhanced Security: The advanced security features are often noted for providing peace of mind and compliance with industry standards.
User Experience: The overall user experience, including ease of use and seamless integration with other Cisco products, is a common point of praise.

Cisco Wireless solutions are implemented across various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. In healthcare, they support critical applications like patient monitoring and electronic health records. Educational institutions use Cisco Wireless to provide reliable internet access for students and staff. Retailers benefit from enhanced customer experiences through in-store connectivity, while manufacturers use wireless networks to improve operational efficiency and automation.

Pricing and licensing for Cisco Wireless solutions are typically based on the scale of deployment and specific product selections. Cisco offers various support plans, including 24/7 customer service, technical support, and access to software updates and patches.

In summary, Cisco Wireless provides robust, scalable wireless networking solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and management for diverse enterprise environments.

Cisco

Extreme ExtremeWireless Access Points deliver wired-like performance, at scale for high-density in every environment. Smart Access Points are equally adept for both distributed and centralized deployment models. ExtremeWireless Controllers provide advanced functionality to allow organizations to define how wireless voice/video/data traffic is processed without architectural constraints and in accordance with business needs.

Extreme

Sample Customers

Aegean Motorway, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Brunel University London, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Chartwell School, Children's Hospital Colorado, Cisco Live Milan, City of Biel, City of Mississauga, Dundee Precious Metals, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Erickson Living, Goldcorp, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS)

St. Xavier High School, Americatel, Diamond Light Source

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless vs. ExtremeWireless

April 2025

Free Report: Cisco Wireless vs. ExtremeWireless

Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Wireless vs. ExtremeWireless and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.

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