Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users

Cisco Wireless vs Huawei Wireless comparison

Cisco and Huawei are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Cisco is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.6, while Huawei is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.9. Cisco holds a 11.4% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Huawei’s 6.1% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Huawei users who would recommend it.
Cisco Wireless
Read 153 Cisco Wireless reviews
  • 14,290 Views
  • 13,100 Comparison Views
88% willing to recommend
Huawei Wireless
Read 36 Huawei Wireless reviews
  • 5,365 Views
  • 4,691 Comparison Views
96% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report
Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 20, 2025

Cisco and Huawei Wireless solutions compete in the commercial sector, focusing on network management, coverage, and security. Cisco seems to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive feature set and reliability, though it comes at a higher cost.

Features: Cisco Wireless offers extensive compatibility, robust security, and seamless management capabilities. Key features include high bandwidth, IoT support, WPA security standards, PKI environment flexibility, and seamless roaming. Integrated management tools streamline operations, with DNA Center enhancing ease for various deployments. Huawei Wireless provides competitive features such as ease of use and integration, affordability, robust connectivity, and reliable smart technology.

Room for Improvement: Cisco faces critiques for high costs, complex integration, and compatibility issues with Apple devices and third-party vendors. Users desire simplified security offerings and improved Assurance capabilities. Huawei requires better SMB support and stability, focusing on product testing and scalability improvement. Both systems could enhance technical support.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco, predominantly on-premises, has a complex setup but with thorough documentation and technical assistance, though experiences vary by region. Huawei offers easier deployment but needs better after-sales support and customer guidance. Cisco's support is valued despite higher costs, while Huawei requires support enhancements.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco Wireless is expensive, justified by high-end features and support, with a complex licensing structure leading some to consider alternatives like Aruba for cost efficiency. Huawei's aggressive pricing offers competitive rates, lower licensing costs appealing to budget-sensitive markets. Larger enterprises may find Cisco's feature set worth the investment, whereas Huawei targets budget-conscious consumers.

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE REPORT
To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Wireless vs. Huawei Wireless Report (Updated: April 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless vs. Huawei Wireless
April 2025
Download the complete report
Helped 852,780 peers since 2012

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
Ranking in Wireless LAN
3rd
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
153
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Huawei Wireless
Ranking in Wireless LAN
11th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
36
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Cisco Wireless is 11.4%, down from 14.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Huawei Wireless is 6.1%, up from 4.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Wireless LAN
 

Q&A Highlights

SS
Feb 08, 2021
Which wireless controller has maximum client connectivity and high throughput?
Cisco has maximum client connectivity and high throughput.
See all answers
 

Featured Reviews

GulfrazAhmad - PeerSpot reviewer
Integrates with ISE, and is secure, reliable, and easy to deploy
The main concern is the length and overlapping. We have to put on four to six access points on the same floor, and we face the issue of overlapping areas. If Cisco can extend the range of their indoor APs, we would need to install just one or two access points, and it would eliminate the problem of the overlapping area. They should provide built-in features for safe authentication. Right now, we integrate with ISE and FortiClient for this feature. We first check the NAC, and after the NAC and before the domain, a token password installed on their mobile or a physical token is required to join the network. If Cisco had built-in authentication, we would be able to eliminate one product from our network.
Read full review
Umer Farooq - PeerSpot reviewer
Customizable and has many unique features, such as encryption, spatial streams, and smart antennas
The initial setup for Huawei Wireless is easy, so it's a nine out of ten for me. It takes six to eight weeks to deploy the product. Initially, as I'm in pre-sales, I generate RFPs and the response when a customer has issued a published tender. I'll check the requirement, and then I'll map it to the Huawei product. I'll then make the Statement of Compliance (SOC) and select the proper model. Next, I'll send the information and document to Huawei for technical vetting. After technical vetting, I'll request Huawei to share information on costs and other vetted documents I need to complete, and once completed, I'll submit the documents. It'll then take approximately ten to fifteen days. Deploying Huawei Wireless requires teamwork because the deployment process involves different people and teams, such as the project manager, post-deployment, and pre-sales teams, to deploy the product completely.
Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Before COVID, the emphasis was primarily on wireless connectivity in specific areas like conference rooms. However, with the shift to remote work and increased mobility, coverage areas needed to be expanded to accommodate users throughout the entire location. We are beginning to expand our infrastructure."
"One of the most valuable features we have found is security"
"Cisco Wireless solutions are easy to use."
"There are a lot of valuable features and functions. One example is CleanAir to detect and troubleshoot interference issues. Another is RX-SOP to optimize roaming."
"We were able to utilize the elements of the core and provide a solution to our customers similar to that of Cisco Meraki."
"Cisco Wireless gave us the ability to deploy and seamlessly manage wireless devices at our corporate office and remote locations."
"The product is compatible with a lot of mobile devices."
"Support is fantastic. They are helpful and responsive."
More Cisco Wireless pros
"The most valuable feature of the solution is its simplicity."
"The solution is easy to set up."
"That would be more of engineering at this point. I'm from more of the business side. It's pretty much doing the standard installations with portal integrations and integrations with the Mac."
"It provides high-speed network connections."
"At the moment, I only have experience with the on-premise deployment of Huawei Wireless, but the cloud solution looks good on paper. It looks perfect. I can say that Huawei's cybersecurity is very good, stable, and works for long periods. My company has four devices running uptime for more than four years without stopping. I also like that the support for Huawei Wireless is swift, and support does precisely what you require, at least from the point of view of the technical engineer who communicated with Huawei support, as I'm more of a technical sales guy. Good technical support is vital to my company, partners, and customers. My company had this ongoing project with an ISP provider in Bulgaria that bought some routers. Still, the existing equipment was a completely different brand, so this provider wanted to migrate to Huawei Wireless and wanted help while migrating the existing infrastructure to Huawei, so the technical engineer assigned to raise the ticket with Huawei for checking and setting parameters correctly provided feedback about Huawei technical support being good quality-wise and TAT-wise. The technical engineer was also Cisco-certified and Juniper-certified and was not experienced with Huawei equipment. Still, he did mention that the Huawei Wireless router interface was straightforward, and even a person who's new to it would find it easy to configure. Huawei Wireless is user-friendly, which is another pro of the solution. It's easy to manage, and even the program language setting can be done with fewer commands than Juniper and Cisco equipment. Some of the features in Juniper need an external program, and the same features can be found in Huawei Wireless built-in, which I find remarkable."
"I think it's a good technology. I like that it transparently connects with LDAP. The technology has a lot of capacity for WiFi six. It provides notifications, and there are many ways to connect with fiber. There is an electrical tool, and you can put an SFP transceiver. There are also many ways to implement antennas."
"What I like most about Huawei Wireless is that it's customizable. It has many unique features, such as encryption, spatial streams, hiding features for different scenarios, low-density and high-density areas, and smart antennas."
"It is easy to set up."
More Huawei Wireless pros
 

Cons

"It would be better if some utility lets us know the best place to install the system. Every time we install it, we have to change it, and we have to add more access points. This is a problem we have all the time. It would be better if it integrated seamlessly with products from other vendors. It'll also help if they included a device diagnostics feature in the next release."
"Controllers could be improved."
"The pricing of the solution is expensive if you compare it to other competitors."
"The product could improve the security system's alertness to detect and respond to intrusions more effectively."
"The bind configuration between a physical port and an IP address is missing."
"The media stream and Mojo settings are not sufficiently supported."
"The internet speed is high within environments. As you move further away from the access point, there is a decline in speed. Omada or Ruckus don’t have the speed degradation as you move away from the access point."
"In Latin America, Cisco is very expensive in comparison to other technologies."
More Cisco Wireless cons
"Cloud integration needs to be improved."
"I have already integrated the radius system with Cisco and Huawei products, but it can be further improved to be more user-friendly and easier to use."
"The demo program is an area for improvement in Huawei Wireless as it's hard to use. As a partner, you can use the solution for free, for thirty days, for example. On paper, everything looks fine, but you have to get permission and explain why you want to download the software, even if it's just for demo purposes. I don't get why I have to do this as a partner and still give an explanation that this would be for a demo setup. Downloading the solution isn't a click-and-install process that should go smoothly and efficiently. You have to get a lot of approvals and explain a lot, and in the end, you find out that you received the approval for one piece of software. It looks like you need additional software to use the software. My company asked for approval and received the approval three days later, but you need to install another software to use some of the features. In the past, most features were separate. Because Huawei wants a single pane of glass where all features should work with the Huawei equipment, Huawei decided to combine everything into the iMaster NCE Campus, which incorporates every other cloud solution. However, you still have to ask for approval for every piece of software, and without clear information on the features, the type of software, and the software files required, it's not so good from my point of view."
"Huawei Wireless has a small technical problem. When you use a power injector, it needs to be specially configured for the switch to which it is connected. It tries to take power not from the power injector but from the switch. The funny thing when you look at it is that you have three switches or maybe four or five that are theoretically capable. However, the port on these switches is disabled. When you connect the access point to a power injector, the access point checks for features from the switch, but on this port, the switch doesn't do power. So, the access point changes these features to energy save mode and cuts off some features, especially WiFi 6. It took me two weeks to find out what's going on and how to mitigate this sort of problem. It is very easy to fix. You need to disable LLDP on the port on which you connect the access point to the power injector. Power injectors aren't quite commonly used, but I have 54 access points, and I have used about 27 power injectors. So, about half of the access points were working at reduced speed, not full speed, for two weeks."
"Huawei Wireless is not scalable. We have had a problem with the solution because it cannot integrate with other servers as the other competitors can."
"While I am fine with the current licensing price, I would appreciate it to be more cost-effective."
"The scalability could be a bit better."
"Support could be a bit faster."
More Huawei Wireless cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I am not a fan of Cisco's software pricing model. Their management software is far too expensive."
"The pricing is high. It could be cheaper."
"The pricing is reasonable."
"We opt for a one-time purchasing fee model in our setup. Since we don't utilize a management platform or WLAN controller, there are no recurring costs. The access points we typically use, which support Cisco's wireless masters, are priced at around $250 each. Occasionally, we purchase them in packs of five or as part of extended packs at a prorated cost."
"The license structure is confusing."
"The price for this product is a little bit high, which is why I am not using the most recent version."
"It is an expensive product. I would rate the pricing a nine out of ten, with ten being expensive."
"However, when you integrate the access point and the controller with the DNAT across multiple sites, you need a DNAT cluster, which is a costly solution. Every site has a controller, and a DNAT cluster is not a good option in a global framework. It's okay for a small office or a few offices. But when you're talking about 500 offices, the cost becomes enormous."
More Cisco Wireless pricing and cost advice
"Huawei Wireless is a cheaper solution when you compare it to the cost of other similar solutions. It has one of the most competitive prices out there."
"I would rate the tool's pricing a seven out of ten."
"I would rate them something, like, eight to nine, on a scale of one to ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive."
"The product has a good price."
"Huawei licenses can be for either a one-year up to a five-year period and also apply for the tiers."
"It is not monthly. It is a kind of perpetual licensing. We pay once depending on the kind of services we need to deliver. There are no licensing fees."
"Huawei comes at a cheaper price than competitors like Cisco and Aruba."
"To compete effectively, Huawei might consider adjusting pricing to align more closely with other competitive brands, particularly those offering lower-cost solutions."
More Huawei Wireless pricing and cost advice
report
See which vendors are best for you
Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Wireless LAN solutions are best for your needs.
See recommendations
852,780 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Comparison Review

it_user212721 - PeerSpot reviewer
Mar 24, 2015
Cisco vs. Aruba Wireless Solutions
Cisco or Aruba Networks? If you are considering wireless access solutions, this is a common question that you are probably asking. You probably have sales people knocking at your door. How do you make sense of all the stories that you are presented with. If you have done any research, you are…
Read full review
 

Answers from the Community

SS
Feb 8, 2021
Feb 8, 2021
Which wireless controller has maximum client connectivity and high throughput?
All are good selections, and this question is difficult to answer without knowing your throughput requirements, as each vendor has multiple models within there series. Personally I recommend looking at Arista Networks’ cognitive Wifi, where controllers are a thing of the past.
2 out of 7 answers
AT
Feb 17, 2020
Hi, It is all dependent on the size of the controllers in question. Though I would suggest getting a cloud base technology so you are limited by any controller and have much better redundancy. Take a look at Arista Cognitive Wireless
Read full answer
IA
Feb 17, 2020
Hi, Every one of the mentioned solutions is good but you need to check the needs which are security since the firms you are working with need protection and tracking of data. For this reason, I recommend: - if you have FortiGate installed then go for Fortinet Wireless since they can be integrated with the Fortigate without buying a controller and they work perfectly together and you will get the advantage of applying rules to the client himself whether mobile or computer, easily managed & monitored, more visibility over your network and incident notifications. If the above doesn't apply then you can go with the best one that fits your budget and security needs which for me doesn't fall on the mentioned solution but to go with ARUBA Instant Access Wireless Solution and the reasons are as such: - Cisco is too much expensive and you got to pay smart support with some complexity in configuration and you need to buy a controller - Ruckus is good but when you want to have the security you need to buy a controller with licenses and it won't give you the security needed since it is just a wireless solution - Huawei is not a stable company since it had many ups and downs and they can reach with you to have all the solutions nearly free so that you install their brand. Whereas Aruba you don't need a controller in the Instant access points and you will get the minimum security with radius integration and what is important a lifetime warranty on the access points. In addition, if the number of access points increased and you want more detailed management and more advanced configurations, you can buy a controller either on-premises or on-cloud with Aruba. The above information is based on my experience with all the solutions and their POC. If you need any more details and consultancy, kindly feel free to contact me. Regards.
Read full answer
See all 7 answers
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
16%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
University
6%
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Cisco Wireless or Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN?
Cisco Wireless is very robust, very rugged, and can handle indoor and outdoor coverage extremely well. We found it to be very reliable and to consistently run very efficiently. Cisco Wireless helpe...
See all answers
Which is better - Ruckus Wireless or Cisco Wireless?
Ruckus Wireless offers users the benefit of being both easy to set up and get running as well as being very user friendly. This user-friendly quality also renders it easy to learn how to use and ma...
See all answers
How does Cisco Wireless compare with Aruba Wireless?
On the most basic level, Cisco Wireless can offer a rather straightforward initial setup. In the span of about three hours, the basic framework can be set up. Step-by-step instructions are availabl...
See all answers
Which wireless solution would you choose - Huawei or D-Link?
Huawei wireless is a strong and solid product that has a lot of features - and for all that it offers, it happens to be very cost effective. As a wireless solution, it is simple and its user interf...
See all answers
What do you like most about Huawei Wireless?
The reliability has had a positive impact on our operations.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Huawei Wireless?
For SMB customers with limited wireless users, Huawei Wireless may not be suitable due to the lack of multiple access points and the need for a centralized SSID. However, for large-capacity custome...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Wireless Logo
Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Wireless
Compared 28% of the time
Ruckus Wireless vs Cisco Wireless Logo
Ruckus Wireless vs Cisco Wireless
Compared 27% of the time
Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Wireless Logo
Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Wireless
Compared 7% of the time
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Cisco Wireless Logo
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Cisco Wireless
Compared 6% of the time
Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points vs Cisco Wireless Logo
Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points vs Cisco Wireless
Compared 4% of the time
More Cisco Wireless Competitors
D-Link Wireless vs Huawei Wireless Logo
D-Link Wireless vs Huawei Wireless
Compared 19% of the time
Aruba Wireless vs Huawei Wireless Logo
Aruba Wireless vs Huawei Wireless
Compared 15% of the time
Ubiquiti WLAN vs Huawei Wireless Logo
Ubiquiti WLAN vs Huawei Wireless
Compared 15% of the time
Ruckus Wireless vs Huawei Wireless Logo
Ruckus Wireless vs Huawei Wireless
Compared 11% of the time
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Huawei Wireless Logo
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Huawei Wireless
Compared 8% of the time
More Huawei Wireless Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
May 2025
Cisco Wireless reportDownload Cisco Wireless product report
Buyer's Guide
Huawei Wireless
May 2025
Huawei Wireless reportDownload Huawei Wireless product report
 

Also Known As

Cisco WLAN Controller
Huawei WLAN
 

Overview

Cisco Wireless is a comprehensive suite of wireless solutions designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity for enterprises of all sizes. Offering a range of access points, controllers, and advanced management tools, Cisco Wireless ensures seamless and reliable network access, enhancing mobility and productivity.

Cisco Wireless solutions provide robust, scalable wireless networks capable of supporting high-density environments and diverse applications. With features such as seamless roaming, advanced security protocols, and detailed analytics, Cisco Wireless addresses the needs of modern businesses. The solutions include the Cisco Catalyst and Aironet series access points, wireless LAN controllers, and the Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and automation.

What are the key features of Cisco Wireless?

  • High-Density Performance: Optimized for environments with a high number of devices, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.
  • Advanced Security: Incorporates robust security measures such as WPA3, Secure Boot, and segmentation to protect data and devices.
  • Seamless Roaming: Enables uninterrupted connectivity as users move across different areas within the network.
  • Centralized Management: Cisco DNA Center provides a single pane of glass for managing and automating wireless networks, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Flexible Deployment Options: Supports various deployment models, including on-premises, cloud-managed, and hybrid solutions.

What benefits should users look for in reviews when evaluating Cisco Wireless?

  • Improved Mobility and Productivity: Users often highlight how Cisco Wireless enhances user mobility and productivity through reliable and consistent connectivity.
  • Scalability: Reviews frequently mention the scalability of Cisco Wireless, making it suitable for growing businesses.
  • Ease of Management: Many users appreciate the centralized management capabilities, which simplify network administration and troubleshooting.
  • Enhanced Security: The advanced security features are often noted for providing peace of mind and compliance with industry standards.
  • User Experience: The overall user experience, including ease of use and seamless integration with other Cisco products, is a common point of praise.

Cisco Wireless solutions are implemented across various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. In healthcare, they support critical applications like patient monitoring and electronic health records. Educational institutions use Cisco Wireless to provide reliable internet access for students and staff. Retailers benefit from enhanced customer experiences through in-store connectivity, while manufacturers use wireless networks to improve operational efficiency and automation.

Pricing and licensing for Cisco Wireless solutions are typically based on the scale of deployment and specific product selections. Cisco offers various support plans, including 24/7 customer service, technical support, and access to software updates and patches.

In summary, Cisco Wireless provides robust, scalable wireless networking solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and management for diverse enterprise environments.

Cisco
Huawei WLAN products are compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards to establish high-speed, secure, and reliable wireless network connections for indoor and outdoor applications.WLAN products can be used in enterprise offices, schools, hospitals, large shopping malls, exhibition centers, airports, and more.
Huawei
 

Sample Customers

Aegean Motorway, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Brunel University London, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Chartwell School, Children's Hospital Colorado, Cisco Live Milan, City of Biel, City of Mississauga, Dundee Precious Metals, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Erickson Living, Goldcorp, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS)
Anhui Agricultural University (AAU), China Everbright Bank
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless vs. Huawei Wireless
April 2025
Free Report: Cisco Wireless vs. Huawei Wireless
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Wireless vs. Huawei Wireless and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
DOWNLOAD NOW
852,780 professionals have used our research since 2012.
See our Cisco Wireless vs. Huawei Wireless report.
See our list of best Wireless LAN vendors.

We monitor all Wireless LAN reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.