Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs Fortinet FortiAP comparison

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiAP

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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

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access ...

Ranking in Wireless LAN

21st

Average Rating

9.6

Reviews Sentiment

5.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiAP

Ranking in Wireless LAN

5th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

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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Shahnawaz Nusrat

Head Of Technical Operations at ITE

Has simplified wireless integration while needing better throughput and captive portal features

The product can be improved depending on the model selected as per requirements. Support is good and throughput is good. What we need to do is select a better product as per our requirement and environment. If proper working is done in terms of wireless heat map or radio connectivity in our environment, I believe it's good. There is always a chance to improve. Throughput can be better in terms of other vendors, but currently, it's working fine. One feature that I still need to explore is the captive portal. When we deploy a unit in a public environment, users need to sign in with a pop-up box to connect.

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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."

"I always recommend to customers who have a FortiGate firewall to choose Fortinet FortiAP instead of deploying any other wireless controller or OEM because it provides a single posture of security and a single management console, is easy to use, easy to deploy, and offers central management with FortiGate."

"The most valuable aspect of Fortinet FortiAP is the support."

"The integration is efficient, allowing for management through the firewall."

"The stability of the solution is very high."

"If we have FortiClient installed on multiple devices, it is seamless to connect with FortiAP. It supports passwordless authentication as well. That is a great thing about it."

"I would give FortiAP a rating of ten out of ten so far."

"The product's initial setup phase was easy, especially with FortiGate or your FortiManager in place."

"Fortinet FortiAP provides value for money, and I can quantify the savings at about 80%."

More Fortinet FortiAP pros

Cons

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

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

"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."

"There is nothing that particularly comes to mind for improvement."

"FortiAP could be a little cheaper."

"There is room for improvement in the product by expanding the number of SSIDs that can be broadcast."

"The support offered by the solution has certain shortcomings, making it in areas where improvements are required."

"I would like to have automation capabilities that would help us reduce the configuration steps."

"FortiAP is very good in an indoor environment, but we are struggling with the outdoor environment."

"The wireless functionality is not the best."

"Technical support is a pain. Fortinet has to get its act together. If you don't pay for premium service, you will have issues."

More Fortinet FortiAP cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"If I compare it with the other enterprise products, the price is good."

"The product is available at a very comfortable price for my company compared to the other products available in the market. The prices of products from Meraki and Aruba are high compared to those of Fortinet."

"On a scale of one to ten with ten being the most expensive, I would rate FortiAP a six."

"FortiAP is more expensive than some other options."

"We purchased perpetual licensing, and additional costs may vary depending on the services acquired from Fortinet."

"Fortinet FortiAP offers a more cost-effective solution compared to Palo Alto and Check Point."

"The devices under Fortinet are not expensive. The solution's licensing part is expensive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	12
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	3

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...

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

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

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...

What do you like most about FortiAP?

If we have FortiClient installed on multiple devices, it is seamless to connect with FortiAP. It supports passwordless authentication as well. That is a great thing about it.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for FortiAP?

Fortinet FortiAP is affordable, not expensive.

What needs improvement with FortiAP?

A point for improvement for Fortinet FortiAP would be improvements in the GUI, which is adequate but could be improved. Additionally, wireless coverage and the mapping area are fairly static and co...

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Product Reports

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points

Download Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points product report

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points report

Fortinet FortiAP

Download Fortinet FortiAP product report

Also Known As

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

No data available

Overview

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points deliver cutting-edge performance and security for enterprises seeking reliable wireless connectivity. They cater to both large and small businesses aiming to optimize network infrastructure.

These access points offer robust features tailored for today’s digital workplace. With advanced analytics, enhanced security protocols, and support for high-density environments, Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points provide seamless connectivity across different sectors. Their ability to operate in complex conditions makes them ideal for industries with heavy reliance on data and constant connectivity.

What are the standout features of Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points?

High-Density Support: Efficiently manages large numbers of devices simultaneously.
Advanced Security: Offers WPA3 and segmentation to enhance network protection.
Analytics: Provides insights into network activity to aid in decision-making.
Flexible Deployment: Adapts to indoor and outdoor environments.

What benefits and ROI can you expect from Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points?

Improved Network Efficiency: Better device handling reduces downtime and increases productivity.
Security Assurance: Enhanced measures protect sensitive data.
Cost Savings: Long-term investment with scalable infrastructure reduces upgrade expenses.
Enhanced User Experience: Reliable access ensures consistent connectivity and satisfaction.

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points are implemented in industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. They support high-capacity transactions and critical operations, ensuring uninterrupted service and data flow. These access points meet industry-specific demands for security, scalability, and reliable connectivity.

Cisco

Fortinet FortiAP provides wireless network access for industries such as banking, healthcare, and logistics. It enhances connectivity with FortiGate and FortiSwitch, ensuring secure data exchange in settings like offices and malls.

Fortinet FortiAP is integral for managing connected devices across sectors. It integrates seamlessly with Fortinet products, enhancing security and connectivity. Users benefit from a unified console that simplifies configuration and monitoring without additional controllers. The support for passwordless authentication and cloud visibility adds value, while its use in environments like shopping centers and offices facilitates secure data sharing and access.

What are the key features of Fortinet FortiAP?

Integration with FortiGate and FortiAnalyzer: Simplifies network management and monitoring.
Passwordless Authentication: Enhances security and accessibility.
Cloud Dashboard: Provides comprehensive visibility over network activities.
Direct Control from FortiGate: Eliminates the need for separate controllers.
SSID Customization: Supports tailoring of wireless access.

What benefits should users expect from Fortinet FortiAP?

Efficient Network Management: Centralized control and configuration simplify operations.
Comprehensive Reporting: Transparent insights for improved decision-making.
Secure Access: Protects data through advanced security measures.
Seamless Connectivity: Improves user experience with simplified networking.

In industries like banking and healthcare, Fortinet FortiAP is deployed to enhance network security and provide reliable access. Retailers leverage its capabilities in shopping centers, while warehouses benefit from its reliable connectivity to support seamless operations. Managed service providers use it to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring effective network segmentation and coverage.

Fortinet

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiAP