Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs Fortinet FortiWLM comparison

Cisco and Fortinet are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Cisco is ranked #20 with an average rating of 9.5, while Fortinet is ranked #12 with an average rating of 8.7. Additionally, 100% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

Read 3 Catalyst 9100 Access Points reviews

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122 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiWLM

Read 29 Fortinet FortiWLM reviews

1,970 Views
1,793 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

Fortinet FortiWLM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 23, 2025

Fortinet FortiWLM and Catalyst 9100 Access Points are competing products in the wireless networking domain. Catalyst 9100 Access Points hold the upper hand due to superior features.

Features: Fortinet FortiWLM offers comprehensive wireless LAN management, detailed performance insights, and easy integration with existing Fortinet products. Catalyst 9100 Access Points have advanced Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, enhanced security, and AI-driven analytics. The difference lies in FortiWLM's management focus versus Catalyst 9100's cutting-edge wireless performance and security.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Catalyst 9100 Access Points offer streamlined deployment with strong customer support, benefitting from Cisco's robust infrastructure. Fortinet FortiWLM features straightforward deployment within Fortinet's ecosystem, backed by dedicated support. The distinction is apparent in Catalyst 9100's seamless integration and stronger support network.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiWLM is attractive with lower initial setup costs, appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Catalyst 9100 Access Points justify a higher initial investment with better ROI tied to innovative features and technology that improve long-term operational efficiency. The key difference is FortiWLM's cost-effectiveness contrasted by Catalyst 9100's premium investment for advanced capabilities.

To learn more, read our detailed Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

December 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

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

Ranking in Wireless LAN

20th

Average Rating

9.6

Reviews Sentiment

5.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiWLM

Ranking in Wireless LAN

12th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Featured Reviews

Syed Aathif Hussain

Principal Associate IT at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees

Has improved wireless connectivity by supporting high user density and signal reliability

Catalyst 9100 Access Points reduce network vulnerabilities. The frequency reuse technology is used in Wi-Fi 6 technology. The devices are nowadays intelligent compared to the legacy devices. They communicate with each other, adapt themselves, and improve the quality of Wi-Fi infrastructure connectivity within the premise. They are more robust and adaptable. They have significantly improved wireless connectivity compared to the legacy environment. The legacy environment was not effective with those kinds of algorithms, whereas Catalyst 9100 Access Points have different inbuilt features and are more optimized and adaptable to situations. Catalyst 9100 Access Points provide Wi-Fi connection to end users, similar to home routers with broadband connectivity. When a technician connects the device to the modem, it starts providing Wi-Fi. The configuration is inbuilt, requiring only an IP address to operate. It listens to the wireless controller, and whatever SSID is configured in the controller will be broadcasting. Catalyst 9100 Access Points are next-generation access points without the limitations of legacy access points. They have better reachability, signal strength, power utilization, and scalability. While legacy access points could accommodate 15 users practically, Catalyst 9100 Access Points can reach up to 40 or 50 users simultaneously on different radios with MIMO technology. There are different models of Catalyst 9100 Access Points depending on site requirements. Wi-Fi 6 technology has improved wireless connectivity significantly. Post-pandemic, everything has become hybrid, and wireless network has become an undeniable infrastructure requirement. Previously, LAN cable connectors were used for better speed achievement. Now, Wi-Fi 6 technology has improved wireless connectivity to such an extent that LAN cable connectivity is no longer necessary. Users can work remotely with Wi-Fi connectivity, achieving both speed and scalability. The sixth-generation Wi-Fi provides improved bandwidth and security on wireless infrastructure.

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LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at TechnoPeak

Offers robust network management with cost considerations for large deployments

Large enterprises typically invest in FortiAnalyzer, though our company and SMB clients don't require this analysis tool. We use Ekahau for floor planning and Wi-Fi coverage analysis rather than Fortinet FortiWLM's built-in features. Ekahau helps us perform site surveys and plan access point placement. Fortinet FortiWLM is a flexible and common solution in Dubai. It's one of the best-selling products, with Etisalat, the largest ISP, installing Fortinet FortiGate for approximately 70-80% of their clients. The solution offers different series to accommodate various needs. The triple radio model costs around $1,000 (3,500 dirham) and supports 40-50 connected devices. The 231F model suits smaller deployments of 20-25 devices. I rate Fortinet FortiWLM a seven out of ten. While it's an excellent solution, Cisco remains the market leader.

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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

"The features in Catalyst 9100 Access Points that I have found most valuable include that it's a complete solution; we go with Cisco because you have access points, you have a controller, you have Cisco ISE, and you have Cisco DNA Center."

"The reliability of Cisco is the number one aspect I have seen, and the performance is pretty stable."

"Wi-Fi 6 technology has improved wireless connectivity to such an extent that LAN cable connectivity is no longer necessary, allowing users to work remotely with Wi-Fi connectivity while achieving both speed and scalability."

"The most valuable feature is the ability to connect and broadcast to different networks without using a VLAN or a layer two switch, which allows you to easily create guest networks."

"If you do have a FortiGate Firewall somewhere in the network, you can connect the wireless controller to that... You get 100 percent visibility from a single point... You can see everything that's connected to the FortiGate, whether it's a switch or a wireless AP or a wireless controller or any other Fortinet product."

"Seamless roaming by leveraging Virtual Cell is a major advantage which reduces roam times and issues related to roaming. Code stability has been excellent and the hardware quality is second to none."

"The most valuable features are central management and the many other features available."

"The product is a stable solution."

"This is the only product on the market currently that supports as many access points for wifi users."

"I have not faced any issues with stability or downtime."

"The Fortinet FortiWLM system can be controlled through the cloud controller, which is convenient when the solution is not installed in our environment, as it allows us to manage the entire WiFi or access points and provides more adaptability."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pros

Cons

"Technical support from Cisco has been a bit degraded lately because the first support we get is challenging."

"Frankly, ease of use is one of the things that needs improvement, as the management interfaces have always been complex and not very intuitive."

"Theoretically, you can connect up to 100 clients simultaneously, but practically, this is not feasible. There will be bandwidth deterioration, and 100 clients using the same bandwidth will impact the quality of service."

"The roaming of Fortinet FortiWLM could improve when comparing it to other solutions. We are missing some of the functionality in the controller. Additionally, they should offer more logs instead of using FortiAnalyzer because all the users will not be using the same thing."

"Areas for improvement would be the compatibility with Apple products and cross-platform integration."

"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."

"The solution should improve user capacity."

"There is very little publicly available information about Virtual Cell and Single Channel Architecture. Promotion of the overall technology is limited as well. Being more vocal about a product that has many advantages would go a long way to eliminating a lot of the confusion and negative perception about Virtual Cell and Single Channel Architecture."

"One area that needs improvement is the configuration aspect, which is more challenging compared to other products, despite Fortinet FortiWLM being a popular brand in Sri Lanka."

"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."

"The pricing model can be improved to encourage use by small business and individuals and the hardware could stand to be redesigned."

More Fortinet FortiWLM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"The solution is expensive. I give the solution a one out of ten for the price."

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

"The product is highly expensive. I rate the pricing a ten."

"Support contracts typically cost approximately $100.00 per year."

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

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

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

"Licensing costs are reasonable. There are so many different types of licenses with Fortinet, but the licensing and the 24/7/365 support are so reasonable that I automatically include it with every transaction. I never line item it without it. There are no additional costs."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

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Computer Software Company

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	19
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	5

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Catalyst 9100 Access Points?

Frankly, ease of use is one of the things that needs improvement, as the management interfaces have always been complex and not very intuitive. I believe Cisco needs to enhance its visibility solut...

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What is your primary use case for Catalyst 9100 Access Points?

We have recently deployed hundreds of access points in the last two years.

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What advice do you have for others considering Catalyst 9100 Access Points?

I am currently working with Fortinet, but frankly, I have a team which is more working on Fortinet and other products because I am managing them, so I am a little less hands-on right now. Basically...

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

Regarding functionality, a lower price for Fortinet FortiWLM would be better, but it's difficult. Regarding the integration with other vendors, we try to buy only products from a single vendor to a...

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What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLM?

The price could be reduced by 20%. In Dubai, UniFi costs 700 dirham for the UniFi Pro 7th generation. For Fortinet FortiWLM, a similar model would cost around 1,300 dirham. If this price was reduce...

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What is your primary use case for Fortinet FortiWLM?

Our customers' main use cases for Fortinet FortiWLM come from three classes. We have clients that pay attention to the cost, and we have customers that pay attention to security, such as in the DIF...

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Comparisons

No data available

Aruba Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 19% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 14% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 8% of the time

Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 6% of the time

More Fortinet FortiWLM Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

January 2026

Download Catalyst 9100 Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiWLM

January 2026

Download Fortinet FortiWLM product report

Also Known As

No data available

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

Overview

Catalyst 9100 Access Points are cutting-edge wireless solutions designed for complex network environments, offering seamless connectivity, robust performance, and expansive coverage to enhance business operations.

Engineered to meet high-density demands, Catalyst 9100 Access Points deliver high-speed wireless performance with Wi-Fi 6 technology. These access points support advanced security protocols and artificial intelligence-driven analytics, ensuring optimal operational efficiency. Their seamless integration with existing infrastructures makes them adaptable for various enterprise needs.

What are the key features?

Wi-Fi 6: Enables faster speeds and increased capacity.
Advanced Security: Features embedded encryption for secure connections.
AI Analytics: Provides insights for network optimization.
Seamless Integration: Compatible with existing network setups.

What benefits and ROI can be expected?

Improved Connectivity: Enhanced device performance and fewer interruptions.
Cost Efficiency: Reduced operational costs through efficient energy use.
Scalability: Easily expand networks as business grows.

Catalyst 9100 Access Points are used in industries like healthcare and education, where reliable, high-performance wireless connections are essential, ensuring constant connectivity for critical applications and facilitating advanced data analytics to support industry-specific needs.

Cisco

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

Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

December 2025

Free Report: Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

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