Radek Skrivanek - PeerSpot reviewer
Department Leader: Project Leadership Production Compact at SKODA AUTO a.s.
Real User
Top 5
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.

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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 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.
PeerSpot user
Chief of Systems at a mining and metals company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
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.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
June 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2024.
772,679 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Group IT Manager at a wholesaler/distributor with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 10
Good connectivity and cross-customization make it user friendly and accessible
Pros and Cons
  • "Good connectivity and easy to configure."
  • "Controllers could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We are customers of Cisco and I'm an enterprise architect. 

What is most valuable?

I like the connectivity of this solution. We have a pretty good team working on the product. They are quick and the solution is fairly easy to configure. Customization is not a problem because all products can be customized or cross-customized. 

What needs improvement?

I would like to see an improvement in the controllers of the solution. I would ideally like to have software defined WiFi as an additional feature, everything connected with LVMs, so basically to define networking; ADPs which would define the perimeter and a combination of PSDN and WAN, etc. I would also like to see the use of the PE market and functions. Authentication and authorization processes for guest users would also be a good additional feature. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been working with Cisco for over five years. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This solution is extremely scalable. If we're talking about any solution that has a cloud-based infrastructure, I assume it's scalable and as a network architect I don't need to worry. If the solution is on-prem, like we have now, I have to worry about a potentially slow infrastructure, network, interfaces, capacity. On cloud, the only concern is internet connectivity. We have over 30,000 employees and they are all end users. 

How are customer service and technical support?

We use a third-party company that we cooperate with for our technical support, WiFi and for our network.

How was the initial setup?

In general, the setup is quite straightforward although with our factory site configuration, it was more complex. The setup took some time as we're a website company so everything here takes time! It's not a one day implementation, probably closer to a week for the end-to-end installation. 

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution an eight out of 10. 

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
Director of Technology at a individual & family service with 201-500 employees
Real User
High level of control, excellent support, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Cisco Wireless are the level of control and management. I am happy with it."
  • "The reporting tool in Cisco Wireless could improve. If I am trying to receive information about a client or user, it's cumbersome to retrieve the information on the controller system. If I'm trying to find out where a client's been, it's cumbersome. You need another tool for Historical logs, but it should be all in one."

What is our primary use case?

I use Cisco Wireless Wireless across my buildings for education. I have students that use Chromebooks and staff that teach using the tool. 

How has it helped my organization?

Cisco Wireless provides network access for students. The benefits of using Cisco Wireless are we have enhanced education, and help kids learn and research. Additionally, it helps the staff teach.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Cisco Wireless are the level of control and management. I am happy with it.

What needs improvement?

The reporting tool in Cisco Wireless could improve. If I am trying to receive information about a client or user, it's cumbersome to retrieve the information on the controller system. If I'm trying to find out where a client's been, it's cumbersome. You need another tool for Historical logs, but it should be all in one.

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 stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I can add more access points if needed, Cisco Wireless is a scalable solution.

We have approximately 3,000 users using this solution. We are using the solution extensively.

How are customer service and support?

My experience with Cisco support has been excellent.

How was the initial setup?

The setup of Cisco Wireless is straightforward and it took a couple of days to complete.

What about the implementation team?

I outsource some of the implementations and the planning stage can be the largest issue.

I do most of the maintenance of the solution, such as patching.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend a third-party integrator if they need help implementing the  Cisco Wireless, they can help out a lot.

I rate Cisco Wireless an eight out of ten.

Overall Cisco Wireless meets my needs, it has been in place for a while, and I am happy with the solution.

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
Yaser-Altwailey - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Engineer at Saudi Customs
Real User
Reliable, good support, and simple initial setup
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco Wireless is reliable and stable."
  • "The coverage area of Cisco Wireless could improve. Additionally, the reports when a problem arises could be better, such as how it is done in Aruba Wireless solutions. In the Aruba wireless solutions, there are reports that are provided regarding uploads, downloads, and other internet activity that are useful. If this feature was added to Cisco that would be a benefit."

What needs improvement?

The coverage area of Cisco Wireless could improve. Additionally, the reports when a problem arises could be better, such as how it is done in Aruba Wireless solutions. In the Aruba wireless solutions, there are reports that are provided regarding uploads, downloads, and other internet activity that are useful. If this feature was added to Cisco that would be a benefit.

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 reliable and stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The coverage of Cisco Wireless could improve.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support from Cisco is very good.

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

I have used other solutions previously, such as Aruba and Huawei wireless.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Cisco Wireless is not complex. However, sometimes when connecting all contact points with the new wireless controller, there is too much configuration.

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

The price of Cisco Wireless is in the high range compared to other solutions. The solution could be less expensive.

What other advice do I have?

I am satisfied with Cisco Wireless.

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
Executive at FFC
Real User
Scales well, stable and is easy to use, but installation could be simplified
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco Wireless is easy to use."
  • "It should be fully compatible with other devices."

What is most valuable?

Cisco Wireless is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

Because my wireless controller is not fully compatible with the latest AC and AX compatible devices, we have been experiencing some issues with the wireless controller as technology evolves. We have plans to replace it. Previously it was working fine, but now we have faced several issues.

We will tweak them until we find a good solution. Let's see where this goes in the future.

It should be fully compatible with other devices.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco Wireless for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have not experienced any issue with the stability of Cisco Wireless.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is scalable enough. We have a 13-story high-rise building, and I have two wireless controllers to serve the entire structure.

We can easily scale it up. We currently have 50 access points, but I can scale it up to 60 or 70 if necessary.

Cisco Wireless is a scalable product.

This solution is used by 300 people.

How are customer service and support?

We have not contacted technical support.

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

We plan to deploy Cisco SD-WAN in December.

We use Cisco WLC, and our entire VOQ is Cisco-based.

My core network, distribution network, and access network are all Cisco-based.

How was the initial setup?

The installation was a bit complex.

It took me about a day to finish.

What about the implementation team?

We were able to complete the installation ourselves.

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

There are no subscription fees.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others.

I would rate Cisco Wireless a 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.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
Senior Network Engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Access to Real-Time Connectivity and Roaming Without Dropping Your Connection
Pros and Cons
  • "This increased mobility has helped our organization. We can talk to one another from different locations and stay in constant contact and with employees across the enterprise. Everyone has access to up-to-the-minute communications and all documents and applications on our network."
  • "Improvements can be made to the telemetry. The licensing gets in the way here. It makes it impossible to record the different flows across the wireless network."

What is our primary use case?

We have two main objectives. One is to provide a secure access network, that's secure wireless access across the network to our customers. The other is to provide access to our guests. Now, with the new centrally managed solution, we are able to leverage the interaction with the product and the different security solutions in the market. 

How has it helped my organization?

The tool has greatly improved the system interaction between employees. What I mean by that is with this wireless connectivity between networks, we have the ability to use mobile communication in remote and rural areas. Now we can leverage wireless work phones. This increased mobility has helped our organization. We can talk to one another from different locations and stay in constant contact with employees across the enterprise. Everyone has access to up-to-the-minute communications and all documents and applications on our network.

We can work together more effectively. Our customers who use the wireless LAN can roam around their office or to different floors without losing their connection. Similarly, using Voice over Wireless LAN technology, they can have roaming capabilities in their voice communications.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are the new centrally managed solution. The interaction of the product with the different security solutions in the market. 

What needs improvement?

Improvements can be made in the wireless connectivity. Particularly, the wireless, rods and, microchips and other access point components. I think that Cisco can improve its product line. 

Additionally, improvements can be made to the telemetry. The licensing gets in the way here. It makes it impossible to record the different flows across the wireless network. 

For how long have I used the solution?

More than five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's a stable product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. The scalability is interdependent and associated directly with our client's needs, budgeting constraints, and reach.

How was the initial setup?

The initial configuration and setup were very simple. On average it takes half an hour to build access points and deploy. After that, all that is left to do is register the access points.

For the Green Sheet Project Updates, we use the documentation to do the initial configuration of the access points and then deploy them as we need them. As for the physical controllers, this allows us to do things the way we like. 

Our clients could have five to ten engineers working, but they could all be working with different solutions, they're not dedicated to the wireless box.

What about the implementation team?

We are the wireless solution integrator, so we deploy the projects. We undertake the integration as well as convert the existing access points to conserve energy.

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

As far as pricing and licensing go it really depends. I think that it would be better to have more flexible licensing mostly for our clients because then we could commercialize those solutions and position them for a more broader market segment. The pricing depends on the size of the project and the support from the client side.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated other options for our client's needs. We evaluated solutions based on the client's budget and system requirements. In Nigeria, we need to take weather conditions into account. Our solution has to be temperature resistant. Cisco offers stable, portable, aerobics products.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise someone considering this solution to be prepared. Understand your needs. Undertake a very clear site survey to be in a position to present the best-adjusted solution. If you don't do your due diligence you can buy a very good product response, but it won't resolve the wireless coverage problem; the key is to deploy a strategic wireless solution and adjust the parameters as needed. As well as being able to scope access points.

I rate this solution an 8 out of 10. I give it an 8 because it's a general rating of the overall product. Cisco is a network and security technology provider. Their strength lies in the network and security solution. The wireless solution can be built better.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Network Specialist at Bethel Park School District
Real User
The configuration is simple. The controllers are reliable, and the support is second to none

What is our primary use case?

We have over 5000 students in grades 1-12 and have on average 200 users on wireless during school hours with no issues.

How has it helped my organization?

We have had Cisco 3502, 3602 and 3702 access points, a total of 284 diploids. And for over five years, we've only had two access points that failed.

What is most valuable?

The configuration is simple. The controllers are reliable, and the support is second to none.  The system works for us.

What needs improvement?

Price is a concern. Although Cisco has an excellent solution, being competitive in the market is important.

For how long have I used the solution?

Three to five years.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: June 2024
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Buyer's Guide
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