Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs Fortinet FortiWLM comparison

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

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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 FortiWLM

Ranking in Wireless LAN

12th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.2

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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LuayHlaleh

Information Technology Team Lead at IT Solutions AE

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

"The most valuable features are the roaming profile, the mesh, and the performance."

"The solution is controlled from one device and one GUI for all devices."

"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."

"Fortinet Wireless is a very good product, in terms of reliability and in terms of configuration also."

"The solution is stable."

"We're using SD-WAN at all of our locations now, which helps increase and aggregate and lower response time and improve application performance."

"The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiWLM is the single management pane and integrated controller inside the firewall."

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 guest management features need to be improved by adding automation."

"The interface could certainly do with some improvement. We have other customers with WiFi networks, and they always use Ubiquiti. With Ubiquiti, it's a much better user interface, and it is much easier to configure."

"This solution should be easier to set up in a production environment."

"When using the FortiGate as the wireless controller, you cannot have automatic user registration, which is something that they should offer."

"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."

"The range needs some improvement and also the stability."

"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."

More Fortinet FortiWLM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

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

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

"Fortinet would do something with their pricing model to attract smaller business users and eliminate the mandatory service contracts."

"In the last few years, due in part to the impact of COVID on the market, Fortinet has increased its prices by 35 percent."

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

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

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

"There is a perpetual license required for this solution and the price could be reduced."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

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Construction Company

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	18
Midsize Enterprise	5
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...

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 is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiWLM?

I do not have knowledge about the pricing or the cost of Fortinet FortiWLM because the license is for the package of the firewall, FortiGate.

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLM?

Overall, I find it useful, though I have concerns because after every update, some functionality is deleted or closed. For the moment, I don't have anything else in Fortinet FortiWLM that I would l...

What is your primary use case for Fortinet FortiWLM?

I use this solution for the enterprise to segment the department.

Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points

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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 FortiWLM

Download Fortinet FortiWLM product report

Also Known As

Catalyst 9100 Access Points

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

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

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

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLM