Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers comparison

Aruba Wireless is a secure, high-performance, multi-user wireless LAN supporting Wi-Fi 6. As workplaces and user expectations change, users can now maintain hybrid workplaces and IoT without compromising performance, reliability, or security. Aruba Wireless delivers better performance and capacity and greater AIOps visibility throughout all devices and users. In addition, through built-in network intelligence, network operations are made simpler while keeping everything secure through user and guest encryption.

Aruba Wireless, offered through Aruba Networks, is helping achieve digital transformation and IoT with seamless connectivity through multiple Wi-Fi access points. For the user’s convenience, Aruba Wireless provides indoor, outdoor, and remote access points to help boost faster and safer connectivity.

Choosing Aruba Wireless can help improve your organization’s user experience with wireless LAN in many ways, including:

• Transforming hybrid workplaces: Employees can move seamlessly between home and office, with reliable internet and without compromising security.
  
  
• Connect and protect IoT: With built-in AP support for BLE, Zigbee, and USB-port extensions, users can extend visibility, control, and connectivity to IoT devices and applications.
  
  
• Expand the 5G experience to the enterprise network: Empower users to experience 5G with Wi-Fi 6 by automatically enabling cellular devices to join Aruba Wireless LAN securely and reliably.

Aruba Gateways and Controllers

Small organizations as well as large enterprises require excellent performance and security for cloud, mobility, and digital transformation. Therefore, in addition to the access points, Aruba Wireless also offers a variety of gateways and controllers, including:

• 9000 Series: With SD-WAN capabilities, it’s excellent for small campus networks looking for enhanced Wi-Fi scalability and security.
  
  
• 7200 Series: Perfect for campus WLAN scalability or branch SD-WAN and VPN Concentrator capabilities, the 7200 Series optimizes Wi-Fi performance to guarantee smooth roaming.
  
  
• 7000 Series: Acting as a controller or gateway to provide WAN intelligence, the 7000 Series is a policy-based router and an excellent solution for small to mid-sized campuses.
  
  
• Mobility Controller Virtual Appliance: Maximizes Wi-Fi and network services in an economical, virtualized environment.
  
  
• SD-WAN Virtual Gateways: Orchestrate virtual gateways in public cloud infrastructure, like Amazon Web Services (AWS).
  
  
• Mobility Conductor Hardware Appliance: While enhancing the scalability and reliability for large campus WLANs, Aruba Mobility Conductors bring the full capability of ArubaOS.
  
  
• Mobility Conductor Virtual Appliance: To scale large campus deployments, Aruba Mobility Conductors simplify the deployment and management of up to 1,000 Mobility Controllers.
  
  
• ArubaOS Network Operating System: Great for remote workers in mid-sized and large companies who need seamless connectivity to and security over Wi-Fi.

Reviews from Real Users

Aruba Networks is aiding organizations in transforming to a hybrid work environment with Aruba Wireless. Users especially love its ability to work with many devices and its ability to group and manage access points.

A senior IT solutions architect at a manufacturing company says, "The most valuable feature is the fact that it can work with many devices. It supports everything that we need it to."

Gary F., a network administrator at wireless at Abilene Christian, notes, "I like the way it groups and manages access points."

Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers offer robust and flexible solutions for managing enterprise wireless networks. These controllers deliver high performance and reliability, ensuring seamless connectivity for modern, dynamic network environments.

With advanced automation, security features, and scalability, Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers are designed for enterprises seeking efficient network management. They support a wide variety of deployment options and provide real-time analytics, which enhance operational efficiency and reduce complexity. These controllers are built to handle demanding wireless needs, streamline updates, and offer enhanced policy management.

• Advanced Security: Comprehensive security features protect network integrity and data privacy.
• Seamless Roaming: Ensures uninterrupted connectivity across large campuses.
• Automation: Simplifies network configuration and management, reducing manual tasks.
• Scalability: Supports growing network demands with flexible deployment options.
• Real-time Analytics: Provides insights for proactive decision-making and network optimization.

• Improved Efficiency: Automation and centralized management save time.
• Cost-effectiveness: Reduces operational costs through streamlined updates and management.
• Enhanced Performance: Delivers consistent connectivity and high data throughput.
• Future-readiness: Scalability and advanced features cater to evolving network needs.
• Security Assurance: Robust security protocols safeguard sensitive data.

Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers find applications in diverse industries such as healthcare, education, and retail, where reliable and scalable wireless connectivity is crucial. In healthcare, they ensure seamless roaming to support clinical mobility. Educational institutions benefit from secure and scalable networks that enhance digital learning, while retail industries utilize these controllers to maintain uninterrupted customer connectivity and secure transactions.