Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs Juniper WLC Series comparison

Cisco and Juniper are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Cisco is ranked #20 with an average rating of 9.5, while Juniper is ranked #17 with an average rating of 9.0. Additionally, 100% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Juniper users who would recommend it.

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

Read 3 Catalyst 9100 Access Points reviews

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100% willing to recommend

Juniper WLC Series

Read 14 Juniper WLC Series reviews

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868 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

Juniper WLC Series

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 23, 2025

Juniper WLC Series and Catalyst 9100 Access Points compete in the networking space, with Catalyst 9100 Access Points appearing superior due to advanced features and perceived value.

Features: Juniper WLC Series offers user-friendly management tools, scalability, and integration capability. Catalyst 9100 Access Points provide enhanced security measures, support for Wi-Fi 6, and AI-based analytics.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Juniper WLC Series ensures a streamlined deployment with efficient support. Catalyst 9100 Access Points, though potentially complex, offer comprehensive documentation and support options.

Pricing and ROI: Juniper WLC Series is attractive with relatively lower setup costs, promising quick ROI. Catalyst 9100 Access Points justify higher initial costs with long-term performance and feature-rich offerings.

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

Buyer's Guide

Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Juniper WLC Series

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

Juniper WLC Series

Ranking in Wireless LAN

17th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

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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RobNelson

National Marketing Manager at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees

AI-driven optimization enhances network management and reduces hardware needs

In my region, access to the product is very difficult and presents a logistical nightmare. Also, pricing is a big problem and a barrier to entry when selling Juniper against competitors. Furthermore, the knowledge of the product's capabilities is not understood properly by those selling it, leading to overselling and overquoting.

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

"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."

"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 Artificial Intelligence on offer is very useful."

"There weren't any scalability issues, the product did what it had to do."

"It is a very stable solution."

"The installation process is nice and easy."

"The tool has given us more visibility, but I'm not very technical, so I can't comment on specific features. However, the diagnostic tools for identifying system issues have greatly improved, which we appreciate. We still use Cisco ICE for authentication on the Juniper network, as we did before. We've seen cost benefits with the Juniper WLC Series, which was a key factor in our decision-making during the proof of concept. Besides cost improvements, we've also noticed better resolution of issues and faults in our help desk, thanks to the enhanced features."

"Juniper WLC Series is a very high-performance device designed for indoor wireless deployment."

"The AI integration with Marvis is very valuable."

More Juniper WLC Series pros

Cons

"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."

"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."

"Juniper WLC Series has certain shortcomings in traffic monitoring."

"The biggest issue was that Juniper stopped developing, so we had to look for another solution."

"There could be a high level of security."

"Juniper lacks a network access control agent similar to solutions like Alubakya Path and Cisco ISE."

"The network coverage of Juniper WLC Series and Cisco is different. We need to add additional access points."

"In my region, access to the product is very difficult and presents a logistical nightmare. Also, pricing is a big problem and a barrier to entry when selling Juniper against competitors."

"In my region, access to the product is very difficult and presents a logistical nightmare."

"We would prefer it if the solution could be less expensive."

More Juniper WLC Series cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"Juniper WLC Series is a bit pricey but worth its cost."

"There is a certain amount that needs to be paid towards the licensing charges associated with the product, but though I am not sure, I feel the licenses that we have in our company are for three years."

"The licensing cost is quite high, but considering it's an enterprise solution, the complexity justifies the price."

"The product is relatively affordable for enterprise companies."

"The solution's pricing is reasonable."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Educational Organization

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	7
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	4

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 do you like most about Juniper WLC Series?

Juniper WLC Series is a very high-performance device designed for indoor wireless deployment.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Juniper WLC Series?

Juniper lacks a network access control agent similar to solutions like Alubakya Path and Cisco ISE. There should be a network access control engine. Some customers find it challenging as they do no...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Juniper WLC Series?

I work with Juniper service provider solutions. I have a service provider customer and some enterprise customers in retail.

See all answers

Comparisons

No data available

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

January 2026

Download Catalyst 9100 Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Wireless LAN

December 2025

Download Juniper WLC Series product report

Also Known As

No data available

Juniper WLAN

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

WLC Series Wireless LAN Controllers deliver and manage wireless local area networks with the highest level of reliability, performance, security, and management in the industry. They integrate secure, wireless LANs with any size wired infrastructures, from small branch offices to the largest enterprise or university campus.

Juniper

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Apollo Hotel Papendrecht, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Bajaj Capital, Baloise Insurance, BAS Group, Borealis, Danish Crown, Deloitte Belgium, Jan Yperman Hospital, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, MercaSID, S.A., NHTV Breda University, Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary, San Antonio Community Hospital, Sandia National Laboratories, Springfield Public Schools (SPS), St. Catherine University, TalkTalk, The Education Village, University of Copenhagen, University of the Highlands and Islands, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Valdosta State University, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), zulily

Buyer's Guide

Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Juniper WLC Series

December 2025

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