Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs Cisco Wireless WAN comparison

Cancel
You must select at least 2 products to compare!
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Aruba Networks Wireless WAN and Cisco Wireless WAN based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Wireless WAN solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Cisco Wireless WAN Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"From the performance perspective, I'm happy with the solution. Also, from the technical side, it seems to be pretty good.""The most valuable feature of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is centralized management capability. You don't have to have wireless LAN controllers at every location.""Aruba Central seems to be a good way to go in cloud management. However, compared to Cisco Meraki, it's still very early days.""There is a clustering feature, so the APs immediately switch back to the next available controller. The users will not notice any impact and will feel connected to the network. They will not notice any disconnection.""Aruba is a very stable system.""It integrates with the Aruba portfolio very easily, and it's a vendor-agnostic solution, and that's brilliant.""Aruba makes use of "Direct Tunnel" as its best security feature.""The solution is overall a great product. The stability is one of the best aspects of it. It's also useful in helping control multiple access points. You don't need to have a physical controller like other brands."

More Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Pros →

"Stability is one aspect that I find very valuable.""It's a reliable solution.""We have found that the product scales well.""We found the initial setup to be straightforward.""Reliability and visibility in the product are most valuable. We are able to see client performance, signal strength for clients, and things like that.""Recently, the most valuable and in-demand feature that users are enjoying is WiFi 6 support on the access points. The other good thing about Cisco Wireless LAN is how easily it provides clean access to the WiFi network.""Cisco Wireless access points are highly stable with a wide coverage area.""We don't see many troubleshooting issues. Normally, it's a user error when it comes to the JSS or the VPN. Once they log into the system or they get on the internet, then they log directly into the JSS, so they can do their work."

More Cisco Wireless WAN Pros →

Cons
"We'd like to have a bit more artificial intelligence incorporated into existing products.""The integration, pricing, and configuration could always be improved upon.""This solution needs different models that are more specialized for certain customers.""The customization options could be improved.""What needs to improve in Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is the support because it takes quite a long time for the support team to resolve issues. Whenever a new version or update is released, my company sees many bugs and issues, so that is another area for improvement as well.""From the commercial-side the pricing side is fine but in other aspects, it could be lowered.""The solution would be improved with a better interface.""There’s a bit of complexity in the initial setup."

More Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Cons →

"Cisco Firewall cannot recognize some applications and that makes dealing with policies difficult. Even when we whitelist, it does not work well.""The DNA space is a separate license cost, which should be included in the license.""There are some limitations with scaling the on-premises version - if you want to scale, you need to change the hardware and purchase a new wireless controller at an additional cost.""It can be complicated to configure the solution.""There is no centralized management for multiple wireless control deployments or a user tracking feature.""Cisco Wireless WAN would be improved with the ability to monitor new usernames, product registrations, and flow traffic.""We cannot use wireless for the servers due to potential performance issues. They must be connected via fiber.""Pricing is very high with Cisco products. It's something that many people complain about. They should work to make it more affordable."

More Cisco Wireless WAN Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "It is more affordable than Cisco."
  • "The price of this solution is approximately 1,000,000 ESP ($6,750 USD)."
  • "The price of this solution is better than some other vendors."
  • "Licensing fees are paid on a yearly basis."
  • "The price of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN depends on how you buy it. From a pricing perspective, if you choose to buy Aruba Networks Wireless WAN as an MRC, it's dependent upon the radio and the solution that you choose what your MRC is. If you choose to buy it outright, they're competitive with their competitors, and they're probably four percent or five percent lower than their largest competitor."
  • "Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is cheaper than Cisco, and the web experience is great."
  • "Aruba Wireless comes with the controller."
  • "With some vendors, the access point is not manageable anymore if you don't maintain the license. It's more or less a doorstop because you can't configure and control it. You can't troubleshoot it unless you maintain the license. That's not true with Aruba."
  • More Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "It is very expensive."
  • "Cisco is more expensive than other solutions."
  • "This is a very expensive solution but there are no additional costs."
  • "It was a one time fee and there are no costs in addition to this."
  • "There is a license that is needed for the use of this solution."
  • "The pricing is good."
  • "The pricing is based on how much is ordered from the vendor and what type of discount they receive."
  • "If you have a two-person team doing the physical access point installations, they should be able to set up 10 to 20 access points per day."
  • More Cisco Wireless WAN Pricing and Cost Advice →

    report
    Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Wireless WAN solutions are best for your needs.
    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:I recommend Aruba Networks Wireless WAN. I have been using Aruba for approximately a decade. It has a great centralized management system, which means we don’t need wireless LAN controllers at every… more »
    Top Answer: In the event of a controller appliance failure or downtime, the system seamlessly transitions control to any access point acting as a backup controller.
    Top Answer:The pricing of the product is pretty good. Aruba Networks and Extreme Networks offer good prices. Cisco operates in its own world. Meraki offers products at high prices. In comparison to the other… more »
    Ranking
    5th
    out of 10 in Wireless WAN
    Views
    591
    Comparisons
    325
    Reviews
    23
    Average Words per Review
    456
    Rating
    8.4
    4th
    out of 10 in Wireless WAN
    Views
    2,755
    Comparisons
    451
    Reviews
    38
    Average Words per Review
    361
    Rating
    8.2
    Comparisons
    Learn More
    Overview

    Aruba Networks Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) is a powerful WAN solution that enables organizations and businesses to create global networks that securely connect their members regardless of their locations. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN leverages AI to create a network that is always equipped to address issues or keep up with evolving needs. The operations that run on this network are also capable of running consistently because the AI is always learning and keeping the network running smoothly. The cutting-edge build of this solution is the reason that it is a leader in the field of wide area networks.

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Benefits

    Some of the benefits of using Aruba Networks Wireless WAN include:

    • Minimize the costs associated with cloud integrations. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN enables users to automate the process by which networks connect to cloud and SaaS services. This reduces the total amount of resources that need to be spent on these integrations.
    • Track the health of a network using real-time tracking. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN gives administrators the ability to keep track of different network health metrics. It possesses a variety of different tracking capabilities that can be used to best meet a user’s needs.
    • Increased network efficiency. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN’s AI software leverages machine learning to identify issues before they arise and recommend solutions when an issue arises. It enables users to be proactive in dealing with network issues.

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN Features

    When users deploy Aruba Networks Wireless WAN, they gain access to a number of very powerful and useful features. These features include:

    • Unified network policy enforcement. Aruba’s Dynamic Segmentation feature connects all aspects of a user’s WAN. In doing so, it ensures that all network policies are enforced uniformly across every portion of the network.
    • Dynamic Path Steering (DPS). Aruba Networks Wireless WAN’s DPS feature keeps a user’s network running smoothly. It directs traffic running through the network to the uplink that is most appropriate for it. This minimizes potential network latency.

    • WAN Compression. This feature makes it possible for users to route more traffic through a given WAN circuit at times of high congestion. It compresses traffic so that the network circuit can better accommodate the increased activity.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN allows users to create, deploy, and manage wide area networks. It is a highly flexible solution that provides system engineers with many options when they are designing and rolling out their networks. Administrators can produce networks that are easily configured, rolled out, and monitored from anywhere in the world. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN has a centralized management interface. Administrators can control every aspect of the network from one console. They can access all of the network controls and data from this one interface. This simplifies the jobs of network administrators who are responsible for keeping the networks up and running.

    A network engineer at a technology company writes, “I feel that Aruba allows for more flexibility when it comes to configuration and deployment. Aruba gives you the same feeling as using a controller on-prem, whereas Meraki seems to be hiding a lot of the configuration behind the scenes and forces you to actually call them and ask them to enable certain features. So far, using Aruba Central is more like using an actual controller based on the amount of configuration you can do. Meraki just came out with profiles, but as far as I know, they don't have profiles for how your device connects to the actual physical LAN.”

    A network and security engineer at a communications service provider writes, “The most valuable feature of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is centralized management capability. You don't have to have wireless LAN controllers at every location.”

    Cisco Wireless WAN refers to the wireless networking solutions provided by Cisco Systems, a leading technology company specializing in networking and communication products. Cisco Wireless WAN enables organizations to establish wireless connections and extend their wide area network (WAN) connectivity using cellular networks.

    Cisco Wireless WAN solutions leverage cellular technologies, such as 4G LTE and 5G, to provide high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity. These solutions offer a range of features and capabilities that enhance network performance, security, and manageability.

    Cisco Wireless WAN Features & Benefits:

    • Enhanced Connectivity: Enables wireless connections over cellular networks for areas with limited wired connectivity.
    • High-Speed Data Transfer: Delivers fast data transfer rates for efficient file transmission and real-time collaboration.
    • Increased Mobility: Extends network connectivity to mobile devices and remote locations.
    • Reliable and Resilient Connectivity: Ensures reliable and uninterrupted connectivity with intelligent routing and failover capabilities.
    • Security and Data Protection: Integrates robust security features to safeguard data transmitted over the wireless network.
    • Centralized Management: Provides centralized control and visibility through management platforms like Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Meraki Dashboard.
    • Integration with Cisco Ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with other Cisco networking solutions for a comprehensive network infrastructure.
    • Scalability: Scales to accommodate growing connectivity needs without compromising performance.
    • Application Optimization: Prioritizes critical applications and optimizes traffic for improved performance.
    • Industry Compatibility: Suitable for various industries, including enterprises, service providers, and government agencies.

    Cisco Wireless WAN empowers organizations with reliable, secure, and scalable wireless connectivity, enabling mobility and enhancing network performance and productivity.

    Reviews from Real Users

    PeerSpot user, Manager - Technology at a tech services company, states that "Recently, the most valuable and in-demand feature that users are enjoying is WiFi 6 support on the access points. The other good thing about Cisco Wireless LAN is how easily it provides clean access to the WiFi network."

    Muhammad Alim Besari, Solution Architect at Packet System Indonesia, says that “Cisco Wireless LAN deliver the best wireless experience yet so easy to operate and manage.”

    Zulfiqar Saeed, SE at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, writes that "The most valuable features of Cisco Wireless WAN are its security functionality. We have a lab environment and we have to provide different authentications to the users which are easy to manage. Additionally, there is a lot of useful automation embedded into the system."

    Sample Customers
    The Pittsburgh Golf Club, Rio Rancho Public Schools, Amwaj Rotana - Jumeirah Beach Residence - Dubai, Trevecca Nazarene University
    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)
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider17%
    Manufacturing Company17%
    Computer Software Company13%
    Hospitality Company9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company15%
    Comms Service Provider15%
    Media Company9%
    Government8%
    REVIEWERS
    Educational Organization15%
    Government12%
    Comms Service Provider9%
    University9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company89%
    Educational Organization1%
    Manufacturing Company1%
    Comms Service Provider1%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business56%
    Midsize Enterprise10%
    Large Enterprise33%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business37%
    Midsize Enterprise14%
    Large Enterprise49%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business36%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise48%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business4%
    Midsize Enterprise3%
    Large Enterprise94%
    Buyer's Guide
    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Cisco Wireless WAN
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Cisco Wireless WAN and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is ranked 5th in Wireless WAN with 46 reviews while Cisco Wireless WAN is ranked 4th in Wireless WAN with 60 reviews. Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is rated 8.4, while Cisco Wireless WAN is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Aruba Networks Wireless WAN writes "It's reliable, cost-effective, and easy to troubleshoot". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Cisco Wireless WAN writes "It's a reliable, user-friendly solution". Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is most compared with Cambium Networks Wireless WAN, Ubiquiti Wireless, Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN and Fortinet FortiWLM, whereas Cisco Wireless WAN is most compared with Cambium Networks Wireless WAN, Fortinet FortiExtender and Ubiquiti Wireless. See our Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. Cisco Wireless WAN report.

    See our list of best Wireless WAN vendors.

    We monitor all Wireless WAN reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.