Aruba Access Points vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless comparison

Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Download the complete report

Helped 900,838 peers since 2012

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

Aruba Access Points

Ranking in Wireless LAN

10th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Ranking in Wireless LAN

17th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

3.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Featured Reviews

Hurmi-Jürjens

Telecommunication Engineer at Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia

Wireless connectivity has remained reliable and supports flexible, cloud‑independent management

As I already mentioned, the ability to stay with self-hosting solutions for central management is what I think could be improved about Aruba Access Points. If this becomes available in the future, I think it should change the game. However, I don't currently see this because I see nothing about AirWave anymore on your roadmap. I don't understand what happens next. There are some problems in assessing the performance of Aruba Access Points in environments with high user density. If there is a dense environment, a mobility controller would be the one you should go with because this needs more telemetry to calculate. I suspect this will be easier to do with local administration or local management because if everything goes over the internet through Aruba Central, it takes time. Every decision the central management makes takes extra latency to send over to the local area network. I think this is not a good approach to move to central management that is hosted somewhere far away. It should still retain the functionality to use Instant AP functionality that is available until 500 and maybe 600 as well. If you go to software version 10 and future versions, then you lose this functionality and you can't go back anymore. It would be good to assist with local location management and BLE-based functionalities as additional features I expect from future Aruba Access Points. There were some attempts to support third-party integrations through cooperation between Aruba and Meridian. However, I don't understand what happened there, and nothing is clear in this area. IoT will also be very important for people. You should add functionality to the platform that will support third-party IoT devices.

Read full review

Sanjay Gaiswal

Technical Presales at Vcom Technologies

Cloud-based management transforms branch network operations efficiently

The most useful feature of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is its cloud-based management. Configuring Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is easy because it's a cloud-based solution. Once you connect it, it gets registered on the cloud. You can configure it through there itself, and you don't need to be at the site while configuring. Layer 7 traffic shaping helps with bandwidth management, and now you have the five gigabit port on the AP itself, so the bandwidth increases. No other wireless OEM provides a bandwidth of five gigabits. I have worked with the Network Analytics feature in Cisco Meraki MR Wireless, and it's used on the cloud. The Meraki controller, which is a cloud-based controller, allows us to manage multiple Cisco Meraki MR Wireless APs and monitor their performance, user connectivity, signal, and the AP performance itself. Regarding security features such as Air Marshal and WIPS, the Meraki 1700 series has the WIPS feature. We have used the WIPS feature to prevent rogue APs and to enable the security features in the wireless itself. You don't need to buy any other separate security devices, making it a very effective and useful feature.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The controller software, which can control multiple access points remotely, is very convenient."

"The product has good coverage."

"It offers remarkable client-handling capacity."

"Aruba Access Points is an easy-to-use solution."

"I like the solution because of its throughput and low latency. It has resolved roaming issues for my customers."

"Aruba is a controller-based solution. We have some multi-story buildings. We only need to maintain one controller, and we can manage it from a single IP address."

"The technical support is perfect."

"The product’s most valuable feature is its ability to offer wireless connectivity to any service provider."

More Aruba Access Points pros

"The most useful feature of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is its cloud-based management."

"As a user of the product, the biggest advantage for me is that it works seamlessly; users can switch between access points, and it works great."

"Some of the best features with the wireless solution are that you have a cloud console, so you don't have to create or manage your own instance of a controller."

"We benefit from using Cisco Meraki cloud as it makes manageability easier—two people can manage 200 locations efficiently."

"The Meraki controller, which is a cloud-based controller, allows us to manage multiple Cisco Meraki MR Wireless APs and monitor their performance, user connectivity, signal, and the AP performance itself."

"Cloud management is something I appreciate; it's an easy product to manage in comparison to many others."

Cons

"Some customers comment that the shape and size of the access point is a little big, especially the one installed in the guest room."

"The solution should be made more robust."

"The product's prices are an area of concern. The product should be available at a lower price point."

"The platform’s speed for data flow could be better."

"The product fails to provide better and extended coverage, making it in an area where improvements are required in the tool."

"While scaling up to five hundred users, it may cause some performance issues."

"The disadvantage of Aruba Access Points is experienced by me when I need it to offer me a long range of coverage."

"Going with a cloud solution will make dependency no longer a challenge from a connectivity point of view."

More Aruba Access Points cons

"My main concern is that Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is overpriced, has limited functionality, and the hardware is not prepared for any further improvements in terms of features."

"To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat blind and have to be careful."

"Overall, Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is a bit pricey; that's the main and probably only disadvantage."

"The challenge with Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is that for any Meraki device, you require internet connectivity to get it registered on the cloud."

"Regarding service support, Cisco Meraki does not provide direct support. When raising incidents or support tickets, the support is not always effective."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The cost of Aruba Access Points has been on the rise, which may be due to market dynamics or regional factors, such as in Egypt. Additionally, the availability of Aruba products is a concern, with a lead time of approximately twelve months. This prolonged waiting period and a lack of responsiveness from HP, the parent company of Aruba, have led to the cancellation of some orders. The supply chain for Aruba appears to face challenges, impacting product delivery timelines."

"The price compared to other brands is slightly higher."

"It is a reasonably priced tool."

"The product's pricing could be better than one of its competitors."

"The product is expensive if you want it to have a long life."

"The tool is priced the same as its competitors."

"The product's licensing cost is low. However, hardware is costly. Thus, it is overall expensive."

"My company needs to pay yearly for the licensing costs attached to the product. There are no additional payments towards the solution apart from its licensing costs."

More Aruba Access Points pricing and cost advice

Information not available

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Wireless LAN solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

900,838 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

11%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Financial Services Firm

16%

Manufacturing Company

14%

Outsourcing Company

11%

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	21
Midsize Enterprise	9
Large Enterprise	11

No data available

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Aruba Access Points?

When comparing pricing between Aruba Access Points and Forti, I find Aruba to be on the higher side.

What needs improvement with Aruba Access Points?

What advice do you have for others considering Aruba Access Points?

I'm very pleased with Aruba Access Points. I'm even using Aruba's 500 series at my home, so I'm very pleased with it. To be honest, I must consider dealing with Ubiquiti because we have some tender...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?

The cost of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is high; the price of one AP to the end customer is approximately 50,000 INR.

What needs improvement with Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?

I have utilized Meraki's RF Optimization to some extent. To do that effectively, I really need accurate floor plans, which I don't yet have. Without having the full picture, I'm operating somewhat ...

What is your primary use case for Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?

My use case for Cisco Meraki MR Wireless is in automotive retail. I work with a dealership ownership group that currently operates 95 locations.

Fortinet FortiAP vs Aruba Access Points

Comparisons

Compared 18% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 8% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 7% of the time

Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 6% of the time

More Aruba Access Points Competitors

Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Compared 18% of the time

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Compared 11% of the time

Aruba Instant vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Compared 7% of the time

Mojo Networks vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Compared 6% of the time

Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Compared 6% of the time

More Cisco Meraki MR Wireless Competitors

Product Reports

Aruba Access Points

Download Aruba Access Points product report

Cisco Meraki MR Wireless

Download Cisco Meraki MR Wireless product report

Overview

Aruba Access Points are a preferred choice for enterprises, providing efficient wireless connectivity across corporate settings, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities with both indoor and outdoor deployment options.

Aruba Access Points deliver reliable Wi-Fi and network access tailored for enterprise and guest connectivity, supporting IoT devices in diverse environments such as warehouses and offices. They ensure secure connections with features like VPN management and 802.1x authentication, along with flexibility in deployment. Users can benefit from their robust warranty, ease of use, and seamless integration possibilities. The devices facilitate convenient management through both on-premise and cloud solutions, although there is a need for improved coverage, security, and integration features.

What are the standout features of Aruba Access Points?

Virtual Controller: Manages multiple Access Points without additional hardware.
Client Match: Ensures devices connect to the best access point available.
Seamless Roaming: Provides uninterrupted connectivity without drop-offs.
Integration Capabilities: Allows easy incorporation of enterprise wireless solutions.
Advanced Authentication: Offers 802.1x and secure guest access.

What benefits or ROI can users look for?

High Stability: Consistent performance minimizes downtime.
Simple Configuration: Easy setup saves time and resources.
Network Mobility: Supports movement with uninterrupted access.
Visibility: Provides network insights for better management.
Warranty and Support: Offers robust warranty terms.

In specific industries, Aruba Access Points are implemented to enhance patient record access and guest connectivity in healthcare, support interactive learning environments in education, and streamline operations in warehouses with IoT integration. Their deployment aligns with industry-specific requirements, ensuring reliable connectivity and secure access to critical applications.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cisco Meraki MR Wireless offers a robust wireless connectivity solution designed for scalability and ease of deployment, making it suitable for modern enterprises seeking reliable network performance.

With its cloud-managed structure, Cisco Meraki MR Wireless provides comprehensive visibility and control over wireless environments, catering to diverse locations and user counts. Its seamless integration simplifies network management, crucial for data-driven decisions in enterprises. The system's configuration and maintenance are streamlined via the intuitive dashboard, ensuring users can optimize performance with minimal effort.

What are the important features of Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?

Cloud Management: Access and control your wireless network from anywhere, providing flexibility and ease of administration.
Seamless Scaling: Effortlessly expand the network as the organization grows without disruption.
Advanced Security: Integrated security features protect against threats and ensure data integrity.
Powerful Analytics: Gain insights into network usage to make informed decisions and optimize performance.

What benefits and ROI should users consider when evaluating Cisco Meraki MR Wireless?

Cost Efficiency: Reduced operational costs due to simplified management and deployment tools.
Time Savings: Quick setup and easy maintenance lead to significant time savings for IT teams.
Improved Performance: Enhanced network reliability and speed increase productivity and satisfaction.
Scalability: Adaptable solution that supports business growth without needing significant manual intervention.

Healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and retail environments favor Cisco Meraki MR Wireless for its robust security and ease of management in environments demanding reliable connectivity. Its ability to handle high-density environments with minimal latency makes it an asset in education. Retail chains utilize comprehensive analytics to optimize in-store experiences and operations.

Cisco

Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki MR Wireless