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Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) vs iBwave Wi-Fi comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

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

Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
Ranking in Network Modeling and Simulation
4th
Average Rating
6.0
Reviews Sentiment
3.2
Number of Reviews
2
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
iBwave Wi-Fi
Ranking in Network Modeling and Simulation
3rd
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
12
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Network Modeling and Simulation category, the mindshare of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is 12.1%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of iBwave Wi-Fi is 10.7%, down from 12.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Network Modeling and Simulation
 

Featured Reviews

OB
Limited support and costly setup detract from potential benefits
The stability of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is not very good. The iOSs consume so much memory that most typical machines do not have sufficient memory to utilize. For example, the Cisco 9200 iOSs require 24 gigabytes of memory to run in that tool, and that is only one image.
Gopi R S - PeerSpot reviewer
Enhanced accuracy in design projects with advanced three-dimensional modeling and great support
I am using iBwave Wi-Fi for a project where we are designing on campus. It is used for large venue designs such as a university campus, and my work involves optimizing and validating the designs for accuracy before site surveys Using iBwave Wi-Fi, I am able to provide more accurate results for…

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The ease of use of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is very valuable to me because it is straightforward."
"The initial setup of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is straightforward, but the images are complex and expensive to set up because they do not provide those for free."
"iBwave Wi-Fi's tech support is great. They pick up their phones. I have no complaints."
"The 3D Coverage is a good feature that shows the signal propagation in three dimensions."
"The most valuable features of iBwave Wi-Fi include the critical three dimensional modeling capabilities, which are necessary for tasks like locating access points, determining their height, and cable routing."
"The stability and feature set of the application are top notch and can't be matched."
"I find the high-quality Heatmap generation, multi-floor, and wire mapping features to be most valuable."
"Compared to other tools, iBwave Wi-Fi provides 95% accuracy and generates heatmaps."
"The solution's 3D imaging is amazing."
"It can speed up design."
 

Cons

"Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) could improve by providing more in-depth switch options. For example, I cannot lab stacking at all."
"The stability of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is not very good. The iOSs consume so much memory that most typical machines do not have sufficient memory to utilize."
"The cost of the solution could be improved. It's extraordinarily expensive."
"Areas of improvement would include more functionality in the Mobile App, expanded reporting features, and some shortcut features."
"It would do iBwave well to become more involved with their clients."
"I would like to be able to see two buildings at the same time so that you can create a campus view."
"I am currently looking for an alternative due to my reluctance with the reliability of this product."
"It would be good if we could involve a visual while designing the backhaul."
"iBwave Wi-Fi doesn't have a distributor feed platform."
"iBwave Wi-Fi could be improved by adding a plot for overall improvement, allowing us to see where we are failing in design parameters, similar to features in Ekahau."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available
"I advise others to treat the cost as you would any tooling cost and use the monthly option as needed."
"The solution's pricing is cheap."
"iBwave Wi-Fi is an expensive solution, but it is worth the cost."
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853,118 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Comms Service Provider
14%
Government
10%
Computer Software Company
9%
University
8%
Educational Organization
14%
Construction Company
10%
Computer Software Company
9%
Government
9%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)?
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is very cost-effective at $200 a year, which provides great value compared to buying my own server or setting up a GNS3 ( /products/gns3-reviews ) or EVE-NG ( /products/ev...
What needs improvement with Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)?
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) could improve by providing more in-depth switch options. For example, I cannot lab stacking at all. Additionally, the accuracy of some solutions like WSA (Web Security App...
What is your primary use case for Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)?
My primary use case for Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) ( /products/cisco-modeling-labs-cml-reviews ) is studying and ramping up on low-level certifications. I use CML to lab for certifications and gener...
What do you like most about iBwave Wi-Fi?
Compared to other tools, iBwave Wi-Fi provides 95% accuracy and generates heatmaps.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for iBwave Wi-Fi?
Both iBwave Wi-Fi and Ekahau are costly tools. They're considered high in cost because the license needs to be renewed yearly.
What needs improvement with iBwave Wi-Fi?
iBwave Wi-Fi could be improved by adding a plot for overall improvement, allowing us to see where we are failing in design parameters, similar to features in Ekahau.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
ARRIS
Find out what your peers are saying about Ekahau, NetAlly, iBwave and others in Network Modeling and Simulation. Updated: May 2025.
853,118 professionals have used our research since 2012.