Makrand Tare - PeerSpot reviewer
Enterprise architect at Tech Mahindra Limited
Real User
Top 10
Good security and connectivity with a straightforward setup
Pros and Cons
  • "We find the product to be stable."
  • "We cannot use wireless for the servers due to potential performance issues. They must be connected via fiber."

What is our primary use case?

We are using the solution for the long-term to connect our desktops and laptops. For the firewalls, however, we connect the rack network with fiber and other cables. 

What is most valuable?

It offers good connectivity.

The initial setup is straightforward. 

We find the product to be stable.

It can scale. 

The security is quite good.

What needs improvement?

We cannot use wireless for the servers due to potential performance issues. They must be connected via fiber.

The solution is a little bit expensive. 

We'd like it if they could improve the integration capabilities. More specifically, if it can be integrated with other applications or any other devices like CCTV cameras that are also running on wireless, that would be ideal. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using the solution for ten to 15 years. 

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Cisco Wireless WAN
May 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution has been stable and reliable. There are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We can scale the solution. It's not difficult to do so. 

We are a global company and have between 50,000 and 90,000 users. 

There are plans to increase usage in the future.

How are customer service and support?

I've never used technical support services. I don't know how helpful or responsive they are.

How was the initial setup?

It's a solution that is easy to set up. It's not overly complex to implement. 

I'm not sure exactly how long it took to deploy the solution.

We have a dedicated team of 600 IT engineers. They can handle deployment and maintenance. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I'm not sure of the exact pricing. We have 20 to 30 different premises in India. I'm not sure if they are all using Cisco like us or not. Therefore, I'm not sure what the full cost is to the company.

It could be a bit cheaper. 

We pay a license fee on a yearly basis. 

What other advice do I have?

I'm not sure which version of Cisco we are using. 

I'd recommend Cisco to other users and companies. I would rate it an eight out of ten. We're mostly happy with its capabilities. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Coordinator of IT infrastructures at UMC Electronics Mexico
Real User
Top 20
Quality devices, good switches, and very reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "The devices are all of good quality."
  • "The only disadvantage of Cisco is maybe the cost."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for WiFi and for switching switches. It offers a wireless controller device and access points and switches.

What is most valuable?

It’s stable.

All the hardware, the signal, the communication between access points or switches, et cetera, is good. The devices are all of good quality.

The switches, in particular, are great. I don't remember the model, however, there is a line of Catalyst switches from Cisco - the industrial switches with 24 ports or 48 ports and a POA feature with a fiber optic port - that are great.

The quality of service is excellent.

What needs improvement?

The only disadvantage of Cisco is maybe the cost. It’s more expensive than other brands, like, for example, HP. You do have to pay for licensing yearly, which is not the case with some others. We’d like to just have a one-time payment option.

The interface could be better. When I connect to the wireless controller, the graphic or the user interface is complicated. It’s hard to understand all the models of the interface. They should work to make it easier.

For how long have I used the solution?

I’ve used the solution for two months in this current company. I’ve used it for four or five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's very stable. The resolution is very stable. Cisco is working well. There are no bugs or glitches and it doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It’s a scalable product.

In the future, the goal is to migrate to a new Cisco access point version. We are working on this. We have the requirement for a wireless controller, maybe, and an update only on the firmware version.

Maybe 400 people use the solution.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I work in the other companies with Cisco and other brands as well as Aruba and HP.

How was the initial setup?

It’s an easy product to set up. It's not difficult at all. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

You do need to pay for licensing on a yearly basis. It’s a bit expensive. However, I don’t know the exact costs.

What other advice do I have?

I’m a customer.

We use the latest version of the solution.

The solution is a market leader. It works great.

I’d rate it nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless WAN
May 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless WAN. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2024.
772,127 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Rahul Khandelwal - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Technical Manager at KPMG
Real User
Top 20
Reasonably priced solution with good security monitoring and management
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are CleanAir, Rogue Detection, and the auto-calculation of RF."
  • "There are a number of areas for improvement in Cisco Wireless WAN, including sensitive applications which face issues on wireless stuff and difficulty troubleshooting."

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are CleanAir, Rogue Detection, and the auto-calculation of RF.

What needs improvement?

There are a number of areas for improvement in Cisco Wireless WAN, including sensitive applications which face issues on wireless stuff and difficulty troubleshooting. In the next release, Cisco should include more troubleshooting features, especially for sensitive applications like Teams and other voice and video applications. There should be easy ways to analyze the wireless network to find where the problem is. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for eight years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Wireless networks are never stable because they're always impacted by multiple reasons.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Cisco Wireless WAN is scalable.

How are customer service and support?

Cisco's technical support is good - you get instant support, and most of the engineers are good and highly skilled (though not all, so some cases can take longer).

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is simple for enterprise users, but it's very complex for DYOD and guest networks.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Cisco's pricing is reasonable.

What other advice do I have?

Cisco Wireless WAN is most suitable for enterprise companies. Before choosing this solution, remember that there are other good solutions, including Aruba and Ruckus, so you should explore which solution is best for your organization. I would give Cisco Wireless WAN a rating of eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Sumanth Myneni - PeerSpot reviewer
Architect at PepsiCo
Real User
Top 10Leaderboard
Robust, good support, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco Wireless WAN's most valuable feature is it is robust."
  • "The price of Cisco Wireless WAN could improve, it is expensive."

What is our primary use case?

We are using Cisco Wireless WAN for our branch WAN connectivity. We use it for wireless. It's the heart of the networking of our enterprise.

What is most valuable?

Cisco Wireless WAN's most valuable feature is it is robust.

What needs improvement?

The price of Cisco Wireless WAN could improve, it is expensive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Cisco Wireless WAN for approximately 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Cisco Wireless WAN is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Cisco Wireless WAN is good.

We have approximately 200,000 users using this solution. We have no plan to increase the number of users.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support for Cisco Wireless WAN is good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used other solutions previously.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Cisco Wireless WAN is straightforward.

The time it takes for the implementation of the solution depends on the solution you are deploying. The wireless controllers take a couple of hours, switches are fairly quick, and data center switches could take a few hours. With routers, it takes a few hours depending on the requirement, the location, and the type of connection, it varies between one hour to eight hours.

What about the implementation team?

I used a consultant for the deployment of Cisco Wireless WAN.

We have approximately 20 engineers that support the solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost of Cisco Wireless WAN is expensive. There is an annual subscription to use the solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Cisco Wireless WAN a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Group IT Manager at a wholesaler/distributor with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 10
Good cybersecurity, helpful support, and scales well, but documentation needs to be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "The security and the capabilities of the platform are the most valuable features."
  • "Documentation is an area that needs review. It should be more dynamic and it should be easier."

What is most valuable?

The security and the capabilities of the platform are the most valuable features.

Cybersecurity is very strong.

They have good authentication and authorization that is very secure for mobile users and other users as well.

What needs improvement?

Documentation is an area that needs review. It should be more dynamic and it should be easier. 

The dashboarding capabilities need to be improved. I want to have all of the information on one dashboard. It should show all of the details about the Wi-Fi system, how it has helped, the architectural design, and the KPIs.

Definitely, I would like to have some modules for ML built into the platform. This is something connected with AI. 

I would like more information about the user experience that should be included in the Wi-Fi process and products for every vendor. 

The user experience is important, and digital experience is how we perceive Wi-Fi in the organization. It is what we would like to have also seen on the visualizations such as dashboards.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco Wireless WAN for more than five years.

We are using the latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Cisco Wireless WAN is a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a very scalable solution, we are using it in an organization with more than 100,000 users.

How are customer service and technical support?

I am satisfied with the technical support. They are awesome.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is easy for one location. 

The problem is when you have a complex environment, as in global architecture. When trying to go with their cloud set up, sometimes you cannot.

Overall, it is easy to set up.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Pricing is always a topic of discussion. I would like to see it priced fairly. 

The pricing is based on how much is ordered from the vendor and what type of discount they receive.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Cisco Wireless WAN a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Consultant at Lifeline IT
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Complex to deploy and the technical support is poor, although the coverage is good
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are coverage and reliability."
  • "The initial setup and deployment should be easier."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use this product to provide general wireless network access.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are coverage and reliability.

What needs improvement?

The initial setup and deployment should be easier.

The technical support needs to be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco Wireless WAN for between five and six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This is a fairly stable wireless solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This product is scalable, although we have no plans to increase our usage at the moment. We currently have 300 users.

How are customer service and support?

I would rate the technical support a two out of five. It is an area that should be improved, in all aspects.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used other similar products in the past, including HPE Wireless WAN and Ubiquity Wireless, but this Cisco product is one that the client already had in place.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is complex, and I can't recall how long it took to deploy.

What about the implementation team?

We installed it in-house. We have a team of three or four engineers that are responsible for maintenance.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay the licensing fees on a yearly basis.

What other advice do I have?

In summary, this is not a product that I recommend.

I would rate this solution a five out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
JaromirLikavec - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Network Engineer, IT Manager at a educational organization with 51-200 employees
Real User
Easy deployment and management with a user-friendly interface
Pros and Cons
  • "The ease of management is the solution's most valuable feature."
  • "Pricing is very high with Cisco products. It's something that many people complain about. They should work to make it more affordable."

What is most valuable?

The ease of management is the solution's most valuable feature.

The user interface is much better than older versions.

What needs improvement?

We're in the phase of deploying a new system, so I can't speak to what might be lacking in the solution just yet.

I'm curious to see how Wi-Fi 6 will function. You have access points supporting Wi-Fi 6, but no clients know about it really.

Pricing is very high with Cisco products. It's something that many people complain about. They should work to make it more affordable.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for 20 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The older version was very stable; I'm hoping the newest version will also be stable.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support is very good.

How was the initial setup?

Deployment is easy. We're doing it in stages so as to not disrupt any service and are in the process now, so I can't speak to exactly how long it will ultimately be as a process.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Cisco pricing is very expensive.

What other advice do I have?

Our clients are mostly enterprise-level companies.

Our first test of the solution will be to see how the new features are implemented in Wi-Fi 6. The new access point is smaller than the previous one, and I find it's very good, very pleasant, because the 3700, and especially the 3800 were very, very weak.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten. If the pricing was better, I'd rate it ten out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Director at a government with 11-50 employees
Real User
Flexible, ultra secure and has excellent support
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution offers very good performance, especially for iPhones."
  • "The only thing I would like to see is better high availability if you're using the embedded wireless controller."

What is our primary use case?

We deployed the solution to update our internal WiFi to a modern, flexible, and secure environment.

How has it helped my organization?

Coverage and throughput have both improved significantly over our previous solution.  Also, having advanced QoS capabilities has improved our VoIP performance over WiFi.  

What is most valuable?

The solution offers very good performance, for all devices.  

Another bonus is that it's really tightly integrated with Apple devices, and makes sure that no one phone or no one WiFi device can hog all of the wireless spectrum. The spectrum-sharing algorithms are proven in independent testing to be the best. Also, roaming is quick and excellent. The security capabilities are incredible, and it offers excellent secure access for guests as well.

What needs improvement?

The only thing I would like to see is better high availability if you're using the embedded wireless controller (the EWC).

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is extremely stable and reliable. I've experienced no recent bugs or glitches.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can scale hugely if you are not using the embedded wireless controller, which is what I am using now. 

How are customer service and support?

The support is the best in the world. It's a big reason why I go with Cisco. The real differentiator for me always is the quality and speed of support. Every manufacturer's products are going to have a bug or performance issues sometime. It's how they respond that makes them different and better. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have had previous experience with Meraki, Ruckus, various prosumer products as well as Aruba. My favorite is Cisco, and my second favorite is Cisco Meraki. The reasons are too many to list here.  

How was the initial setup?

The ease of the initial setup depends on experience always. If you're an experienced WiFi person, it is easy very easy to configure. I'd rate the ease of installation nine out of ten. 

What about the implementation team?

We implemented it in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

For enterprise-class WiFi, with best-in-the-world TAC support, the pricing is okay. I'd rate it seven out of ten. There are less expensive solutions, sure. But in this case, my experience over decades (since the very first WiFi APs were released, in fact), is that no one beats Cisco WiFi (for very long, at least), in either the capabilities, performance or support categories.  

What other advice do I have?

This is super flexible, meets our needs, is ultra secure, and offers excellent support. I'd rate it nine out of ten. I'm very happy with the product.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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