System Engineer at Trends and Technologies, Inc
Real User
Top 5
Intuitive, easy to install, and simple to maintain
Pros and Cons
  • "The network strength is good."
  • "I need more access. I only install the hardware and the software part for the client. However, there are no admin privileges, which is an issue. You need to contact them and make a special request."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for wireless access, for using WiFi and the network, the internet.

How has it helped my organization?

It's very popular. We've ordered more than 150 units.

What is most valuable?

It's a really good product. It's really easy to maintain. 

The AP preconfig with the USB console cable and everything is easy and really useful for the company. 

The installation is simple. 

Users have been very pleased with the solution as it offers such a high-speed connection. The network strength is good. 

It is more intuitive and user-friendly.

What needs improvement?

I don't have any access in the Aruba dashboard. I need more access. I only install the hardware and the software part for the client. However, there are no admin privileges, which is an issue. You need to contact them and make a special request. They should allow everybody to fiddle with their settings if they bought the solution.

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Aruba Wireless
March 2024
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For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the solution for the past six months. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We haven't had any performance issues. The solution is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is pretty good. You can expand it by using Aruba Switches. 

We have about 700 users on the solution at this point. 

How are customer service and support?

I've never had any reason to reach out to technical support.

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

I previously used Meraki. Aruba has better network speed. Also, in Meraki, when we make changes, we need to refresh the dashboard. With Aruba, it's one click and we can regulate and refresh the dashboard. It's much easier. 

How was the initial setup?

The solution is simple to install. It's not overly difficult or complex. For half of the preconfig process, it might only take 15 minutes. 

Then, there might be one and a half hours for testing, to fix the access IDs and other access points to match everything in the data center. 

We only need two people to install and set up the solution. 

What about the implementation team?

I deploy the solution for our clients. 

What was our ROI?

We have seen a positive ROI.

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

I don't handle the licensing aspect of the solution. It is likely more expensive than Meraki since Meraki just has a dashboard. Aruba has a little bit more on offer. 

You do have to purchase the software and hardware separately.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not consider any other options before choosing Aruba.

What other advice do I have?

We have a partnership with Aruba.

Overall, it's a good solution, and we are happy with it. 

I'd rate the solution 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:
PeerSpot user
it_user423813 - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Administrator at Centennial College
Vendor
It gives us centralized management for all campuses and all wireless access points.

What is most valuable?

It gives us centralized management for all campuses and all wireless access points. Students have guest networks, so the centralized management help us to manage all of users.

What needs improvement?

Some of the diagnostic features I'd expect to help me troubleshoot parts of the network are missing. I'd like to have diagnostic tools to pinpoint where devices are not getting good signals and why.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using it for about four to five years.

What was my experience with deployment of the solution?

We've had no issues with deployment.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We've had only minimal outages over the past 5 years thanks to the High Availability solution for the controllers and the access points. If we do have an outage on one controller, the access points can free-associate to another controller on another campus and still function properly for the students and staff. So this is a very stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We've been able to scale sufficiently for our needs.

How are customer service and technical support?

Customer service and technical support have always been great. We've never had an issue getting support from Aruba. We've always had quick responses and very helpful solutions when we contact them.

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

Before Aruba, we were on individual "fat" access points, so we had to manage each one individually.

How was the initial setup?

It's pretty simple. Once the master controller and the local controllers are set up, it's just a matter of syncing the configurations, so you do the configuration once on the centralized controller, and everything gets replicated to all the local controllers at each campus. Adding, removing, changing, bringing on new controllers to replace old controllers is a pretty simple process.

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

I think originally we were in the $30-50,000 range, with yearly maintenance costs and support for licensing, which cost $10-$15,000.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We needed a more centrally-managed solution so that you didn't have to manage each individual AP. When we sought out quotes, we looked at Aruba, Meru, Cisco, and a couple of others. Based on the features and the scalability and all the deployment solutions and everything that we needed, Aruba was the best solution for us.

What other advice do I have?

Make sure you get a proper configuration. Do a proper site survey of your location to know what you need to configure and how you need to customize it to your own environment so that when you deploy your wireless, you're not popping up with any surprises from a bad signal or bad interference in certain places. Just make sure you know your area and you customize your solution around what your area provides for you.

Disclosure: PeerSpot contacted the reviewer to collect the review and to validate authenticity. The reviewer was referred by the vendor, but the review is not subject to editing or approval by the vendor.
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Buyer's Guide
Aruba Wireless
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about Aruba Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Anil Ergunsah - PeerSpot reviewer
Managing Partner & Technical Consultant&Trainer(CCIE#29761, CCSI#31865) at IT Expert
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Provides all the needed security options, but the support should be faster
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is secure."
  • "The support should be faster."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for corporate users and guest users who come to the company. We use it for IoT devices, like factory devices and cameras.

How has it helped my organization?

We have a multi-site design with Aruba. For small locations, we use Aruba Remote Access Point. We can open a VPN tunnel to the controllers, and the users can connect their servers securely. For example, we used a captive portal solution from Aruba. The guest users could log in using web portals without any tools.

What is most valuable?

We manage all wireless devices from Aruba Central. Aruba AirWave is an on-premise solution. If we have our own servers, we can use AirWave and troubleshoot wireless networks. It's a good management system. It enables easy troubleshoots and management. The solution is secure. It has all the security options.

What needs improvement?

The support should be faster.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for four or five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is scalable. We have about 3000 users.

How are customer service and support?

The support was better before. Now it is not good. It should be improved.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is complex for new users. Cloud deployment is easier than on-premise deployment. The deployment can be done in one to two days.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment can be done in-house. We can deploy devices from the cloud for remote locations. We need not go there. Aruba has a solution for zero-touch provisioning.

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

The product is expensive. We need to renew the license to use the tool.

What other advice do I have?

I will recommend the solution to others. Overall, I rate the product a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Mai Said - PeerSpot reviewer
Presales Engineer at Modern establishment for supply and trading
Real User
Top 5
Highly stable and scalable enterprise-level wireless networking solution
Pros and Cons
  • "It provides excellent performance and security through the use of available features and policies, reducing the reliance on external firewall configurations while ensuring a secure and reliable network environment."
  • "To enhance the system, more work on integration would be beneficial."

What is our primary use case?

We use it to manage a substantial number of access points for our clients, ensuring reliable and secure wireless connectivity across their properties, including indoor and outdoor spaces. It helps streamline operations, and we are actively engaged in consulting and expanding our services in this regard.

What is most valuable?

It is highly stable and user-friendly. It provides excellent performance and security through the use of available features and policies, reducing the reliance on external firewall configurations while ensuring a secure and reliable network environment.

What needs improvement?

It would be helpful if they would release training materials and updates to enhance their offerings. When it comes to switching, there can be occasional variations, such as with the cooler switches. Also, there might be technical issues with the code that could lead to variations in performance. To enhance the system, more work on integration would be beneficial.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with it for four years now.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I am highly satisfied with its stability capabilities. I would rate it nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It provides good scalability abilities.

How are customer service and support?

Its support services are satisfactory.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment process can vary significantly based on the number of access points and the controller. When you're dealing with a large number of access points connected to a controller, it's important to monitor the synchronization process, which can take some time. Fortunately, there are features integrated into both the Access Point and the controller to help manage this process more effectively, help streamline the deployment process, and ensure it runs smoothly. It typically takes around two to three days for changes to become fully effective in the live customer environment.

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

It comes with a relatively higher price tag, but it's essential to assess the value it brings to the market because it actively competes with other players in the industry and dedicates efforts to offer competitive devices.

What other advice do I have?

The product is known for its high quality and reliability, fulfilling its intended purpose effectively, which positions it as a practical and worthwhile option. Overall, I would rate it ten 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
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Reffy Mahesya - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Infrastructure & Security at a university with 201-500 employees
Real User
Top 10
Seamless features, straightforward implementation, and reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Aruba Wireless are the seamless feature and the concurrent user."
  • "Aruba Wireless can improve the assigning of access points. We have times that the nearest access point is not assigned but one far away. The integration between access points could improve."

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Aruba Wireless are the seamless feature and the concurrent user.

What needs improvement?

Aruba Wireless can improve the assigning of access points. We have times that the nearest access point is not assigned but one far away. The integration between access points could improve.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Aruba Wireless for approximately one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Aruba Wireless is very stable among all the other access points I have used.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Aruba Wireless is good.

We have approximately 1,000 to 1,300 users using the solution. We plan to increase the usage of the solution. There are plans to install 150 access points in January.

How are customer service and support?

We have a partner in Indonesia that we use for support that is called Agiva and they sometimes escalate issues to Aruba Wireless. I do not have direct experience with the support of Aruba Wireless.

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

I do not have any experience with other vendors other than Aruba Wireless.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Aruba Wireless is simple, including a wireless plan used. If we have instant access points and change them to computer access points, it is simple to do.

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

We have a license for the source mobility controller.

The price of Aruba Wireless is expensive.

I rate the price of Aruba Wireless a two out of five.

What other advice do I have?

We have four people for the maintenance of the solution.

I rate Aruba 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.
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IT Manager at MNHD
Real User
Simple to install, reasonably priced, and helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "Aruba is easier than Juniper."
  • "The stability and management could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

I've been a consultant for six years.

What is most valuable?

Aruba is easier than Juniper.

What needs improvement?

The stability and management could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Aruba Wireless for five years.

We are currently working with Aruba Wireless but will be changing to Juniper later this year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

When it comes to stability, Cisco is number one. Aruba and Juniper are similar.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Aruba Wireless is a scalable solution.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is good.

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

I have been working with Juniper WLC Series for one year. We plan to implement Juniper next month.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very easy.

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

The pricing is fine.

Cisco is more expensive than Aruba or Juniper.

Aruba has pricing for a Virtual license with a VLAN package.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We decided to change to Juniper because it looked right, and because of the easy management.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Aruba 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
IT Operations Manager at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
Real User
​Our wireless overhaul has reduced the number of wireless related help desk tickets by nearly 90%
Pros and Cons
  • "​Our wireless overhaul has reduced the number of wireless related help desk tickets by nearly 90%.​"
  • "​The ARM functionality does not always seem to perform how I would like. In some cases, I have had to manually assign channels to avoid channel confusion."

What is our primary use case?

We currently have 500 access points deployed and operated by two controllers. Recently, all of the AP-125 models were replaced as part of a three year site wide upgrade, using AP-205H, AP-215, AP-225, and AP-325 models. 

How has it helped my organization?

Our wireless overhaul has reduced the number of wireless related help desk tickets by nearly 90%.

What is most valuable?

I work in a concrete fortress built 70 years ago. It obviously was not designed with wireless internet in mind. The software available allows me to make very specific changes to individual access points when throttling power/settings, which are critical to good working wireless signals. 

What needs improvement?

The ARM functionality does not always seem to perform how I would like. In some cases, I have had to manually assign channels to avoid channel confusion. Overall, it is a small task to worry about. 

For how long have I used the solution?

Three to five years.

How is customer service and technical support?

HPE Aruba technical support is a nine out of 10. 

What other advice do I have?

Quality of the product and the OS interface are a nine out 10.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Mahmoud Shehadeh - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Support at MayaSoft
Real User
Top 5
Reasonably priced and simple to install, but scalability is limited.
Pros and Cons
  • "The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions."
  • "The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions."

What is most valuable?

The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions.

What needs improvement?

The configuration of the virtual controller could be improved. When they reach a maximum of 100 the configuration is lost.

In the next release, I would like the WiFi text included.

Whether videos are online or in live sessions, it can take a long time to deliver videos in Aruba Wireless.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Aruba Wireless is a stable product.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Aruba Wireless is scalable, but it has limitations. 

When you reach the limit of 100 users or have too many devices, you will experience a loss of connectivity.

How are customer service and support?

In Jordan, the technical support for Aruba Wireless is very good.

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

I am certified, in Sophos XG.

We work with Full Configuration, Virtual Controller Wireless, Ruckus, and Cisco.

How was the initial setup?

For our customers, we deploy both on the cloud and on-premises.

The initial setup of Aruba Wireless is easy, but the controller device is difficult.

The virtual controller process is very simple. For example, configuring a user portal or a cap portal is extremely difficult.

To configure a user, I must log in to the user portal, with a username, and password. It's extremely difficult in the device controller.

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

The price is reasonable. I would rate it a three out of five.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Aruba Wireless a seven 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:
PeerSpot user
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Updated: March 2024
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Buyer's Guide
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