Aruba Access Points vs Fortinet FortiWLM comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Fortinet are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.7, while Fortinet is ranked #17 with an average rating of 9.0. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.5% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Fortinet’s 1.9% mindshare. Additionally, 94% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.

Aruba Access Points

Read 37 Aruba Access Points reviews

696 Views
530 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiWLM

Read 27 Fortinet FortiWLM reviews

2,259 Views
2,088 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Aruba Access Points

Fortinet FortiWLM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Fortinet FortiWLM and Aruba Access Points compete in the network management category, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. Fortinet appears to have an advantage with its emphasis on security integration and support, while Aruba excels in flexibility and ease of deployment.

Features: Fortinet FortiWLM is noted for its centralized management, integrated security features, and seamless roaming capabilities. It benefits users with Fortinet's Security Fabric, which unifies control over various products. Aruba Access Points offer reliability, easy setup, and high-performance roaming. The virtual controller eliminates additional hardware needs, simplifying management and providing robust connectivity.

Room for Improvement: Fortinet FortiWLM could improve its centralized management and reporting features, requiring fewer external tools like FortiAnalyzer. Enhancing automation in guest management and better service contract policies could boost its appeal to small businesses. Aruba Access Points need improvements in pricing consistency, coverage, and integration, along with support and licensing clarity.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiWLM's on-premises solution is highly rated for its responsive technical support, aided by dedicated sales engineers. Aruba provides flexibility with on-premises, hybrid, and cloud deployments, yet receives mixed support reviews due to response and escalation issues. Fortinet's consistent support offers an edge in customer satisfaction, with Aruba's diverse deployment options providing useful flexibility but needing better support services.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiWLM is considered cost-effective, particularly for educational institutions, due to its all-inclusive pricing. However, additional costs may arise in the RMA process. Aruba Access Points balance cost and features well, with their pricing sometimes more attractive than Cisco's, though annual licensing is required. Both provide reasonable ROI, but Fortinet's integration of security and management may offer a more compelling reduction in total cost of ownership.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

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

Aruba Access Points

Ranking in Wireless LAN

5th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiWLM

Ranking in Wireless LAN

17th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

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 Aruba Access Points is 1.5%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiWLM is 1.9%, down from 2.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

PRADIPJOSHI

Owner at Shree Atharva Sales Corporation

Pricing competitiveness and remote management have enhanced network flexibility

One of the most valued aspects of Aruba access points is their price competitiveness; they are available at half the price of Juniper access points. Additionally, they do not require any kind of license for implementation. Despite this, many customers have their own firewall, and they can control everything from their firewall, ensuring flexibility. Furthermore, the ease of management with Aruba access points enables customers to connect them directly to their network via a PoE switch and manage them remotely from mobile devices.

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Zachary Wheeler

President / CEO at Secure Solutions Center LLC

Impressive manufacturing quality, highly durable, and very easy to deploy

They need to do more with their marketing. That's what's wrong with them. Nobody knows they do all this other stuff. I love the product. For an enterprise-level system, you never have to explain why you're recommending Fortinet, whereas you might have to do that if you want to use the Ubiquiti Professional or the new Netgear line, but you don't have to explain Fortinet. It has been remarkable to work with. It would be nice if they had some smaller switches or hubs. They should offer two-port, three-port, or four-port devices so that you don't have to buy an eight-port switch, and you don't have to use an unmanaged element, but their product line is very complete, and I can't say enough about it.

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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

"We like the flexibility and the security, and the product is very easy to use."

"Aruba Access points easily integrate with existing network infrastructure."

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

"One of the most valued aspects of Aruba access points is their price competitiveness; they are available at half the price of Juniper access points."

"The product is quite accessible and reliable."

"Aruba access points protect connectivity, and we don't get interference."

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

"Aruba Access Points’ most valuable features are network mobility and reliability for network access."

More Aruba Access Points pros

"The greatest advantage is the security fabric Fortinet offers."

"The setup was easy."

"At the moment, particularly with the COVID-19 situation, the most valuable feature is probably the IPsec VPN, which is easy to implement with Fortinet."

"The solution is controlled from one device and one GUI for all devices."

"Although there are a few steps, the initial setup is pretty straightforward."

"The greatest advantage is the security fabric Fortinet offers."

"Fortinet FortiWLM is good for tracking assets, monitoring, and overall management."

"The product is a stable solution."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pros

Cons

"The stability must be improved."

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

"The pricing can be improved."

"The product should provide more coverage."

"I would like Aruba to provide integration capabilities for Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Directory, or other identity verification engines like Okta, Google Identity, or Ping Identity."

"Since we are in health care, it would be beneficial to have enhanced security features around medical devices and IoT, especially for improving the visibility of medical devices within the WiFi network."

"Aruba Access Points should improve its automation."

"The solution should provide features to integrate audio and video devices in presentation rooms"

More Aruba Access Points cons

"In the next release, they could improve by adding a controller-less server, or architecture that is provided in other solutions, such as Aruba. This would be a great benefit for customers."

"In terms of improvements, the price is higher than I would like. A reduction in pricing would be beneficial."

"Technical support is very poor. We are not satisfied with the technical support because there is not any direct person from Fortinet for any troubleshooting, which we expected."

"There are currently issues with Fortinet's software quality. We have concerns regarding the frequent updates needed because of short software cycles."

"One of the main features that I see as lacking in any of the Fortinet products is the reporting. If you want to have proper, end-to-end reporting, you must purchase the FortiAnalyzer... If Fortinet could offer some better, built-in reporting, that would be a point of improvement."

"The initial setup is complex and has room for improvement."

"The pricing for the solution is expensive and can be improved."

"They need to do more with their marketing. That's what's wrong with them. Nobody knows they do all this other stuff. I love the product. For an enterprise-level system, you never have to explain why you're recommending Fortinet, whereas you might have to do that if you want to use the Ubiquiti Professional or the new Netgear line, but you don't have to explain Fortinet. It has been remarkable to work with."

More Fortinet FortiWLM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product is cheaper than Cisco and Huawei."

"Users have to pay a licensing fee for Aruba Access Points, which could be cheaper."

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

"I implemented seven access points in 2015, and I only spent $6,000 for the whole project."

"Aruba Central is a bit overpriced for some customers."

"The product is costly and comes with a lifetime license. There is neither renewal nor subscription. It is a one-time solution."

"Overall, I would say the pricing is reasonable and meets our expectations."

"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."

More Aruba Access Points pricing and cost advice

"For indoor access points, there is a one-time cost, upfront, whereas outdoor access points have an annual fee."

"There is a perpetual license required for this solution and the price could be reduced."

"If a customer already is a FortiGate customer, the cost to go to the FortiAP is incredibly affordable, because you already have the controller."

"The solution is fairly priced."

"The price of Fortinet FortiWLM is reasonable compared to the other vendors. We are using a five-year license."

"Fortinet FortiWLM's pricing is regular and competitive."

"Licensing has become easier. There is no longer a per-AP license needed on the controller."

"To save yourself from increased setup and maintenance costs, I highly recommend undertaking a proper site survey from the beginning."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Access Points?

After we installed the Aruba switches, the work became faster because the network speed improved.

See all answers

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

Due to its pricing, Aruba access points provide good value. They are priced at half the rate of Juniper access points for basic models.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Aruba Access Points?

I would like Aruba to provide integration capabilities for Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Directory, or other identity verification engines like Okta, Google Identity, or Ping Identity. It is important ...

See all answers

What do you like most about Fortinet FortiWLM?

The security is a valuable feature.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiWLM?

While the pricing of Fortinet FortiWLM is a bit high, it remains effective. However, the cost could be better if reduced.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLM?

In terms of improvements, the price is higher than I would like. A reduction in pricing would be beneficial.

See all answers

Comparisons

Fortinet FortiAP vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 72% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 13% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 5% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 5% of the time

ExtremeWireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 3% of the time

More Aruba Access Points Competitors

Aruba Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 26% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 17% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 13% of the time

Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 10% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 10% of the time

More Fortinet FortiWLM Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points

May 2025

Download Aruba Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiWLM

May 2025

Download Fortinet FortiWLM product report

Also Known As

No data available

FortiWLM, FortiAP, Fortinet AP/OAP, Meru Wireless LAN

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

Consolidate security and wireless LAN management with our integrated wireless solutions. Single-pane-of-glass management for security and access without the need to add point products simplifies deployment and reduces management complexity. These solutions are highly scalable to support even the largest organizations and distributed enterprises.

Fortinet

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

April 2025

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