Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access Points vs. Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access Points
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Aruba Networks offers wireless LAN (WLAN) solutions via its variety of wireless access points.N/A
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Score 8.8 out of 10
N/A
The Cisco 3504 Wireless (WLAN) Controller provides centralized control, management, and troubleshooting for small to medium-sized enterprises and branch offices.N/A
Pricing
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access PointsCisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access PointsCisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access PointsCisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Considered Both Products
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access Points

No answer on this topic

Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Chose Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
The main reason why our company chose to opt for the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller was the magnificent quality-price ratio of the product. It is very easy to handle if you have the appropriate technical knowledge and if not, you will always have Cisco technical support supporting …
Chose Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
The Cisco 3504 Controller is easy to deploy and use. It was very easy to deploy and integrate with our wireless network. The wireless controller 3504 is a wireless controller that we can use to manage all access points. The Cisco 3504 wireless controller is a network device …
Chose Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
It's Cisco's proven track record for TAC support and engineers capabilities to manage and deploy the 3504 WLC. This one is cost effective in longer term compared to other products. Cisco software support services is another example, where it's helped us to decide. The future …
Chose Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
It's small form factor, speed and feature rich GUI make this one of the best WLCs available for mid size wireless deployments. Other vendors like Aruba for example have a much less intuitive GUI thats much harder to navigate from a management perspective. Cisco has done a good …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Best Alternatives
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access PointsCisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Small Businesses
Ubiquiti WLAN
Ubiquiti WLAN
Score 9.0 out of 10
Ubiquiti WLAN
Ubiquiti WLAN
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access PointsCisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Likelihood to Recommend
8.7
(17 ratings)
8.6
(19 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Usability
10.0
(2 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Support Rating
8.2
(4 ratings)
9.4
(5 ratings)
User Testimonials
Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access PointsCisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Likelihood to Recommend
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
It is possible that we have a bad luck with the deployment. However, It is capable to perform enterprise-level security to fit some of the organization's standards. With Airwave and other tools, it's easy to manage and administrate your wireless environment. Make aware of the IPsec tunnel from each user to the controller if you are using Clearpass for NAC. If you have a remote office with local resources, you will need controller or IAP to route traffic locally. If you have many remote offices, you will need to deploy controllers or IAP in each office, which lead to additional cost and management.
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Cisco
I have found the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller helpful in monitoring and managing the wireless networks regularly. When there were multiple entries throughout an exciting working day, the controller promptly informed of the precise statuses and offered the possibility of revising a strategy upon identifying a performance decrease. Nevertheless, there have been specific instances where updating the firmware led to some disruptions of services for a short time.
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Pros
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  • They offer both a controller-based and controller-less option. This allows customers of all sizes to deploy a wireless network without the upfront cost of controller hardware. A controller can be added later.
  • Aruba also offers Airwave which is a single management point for all AP swarms in the environment. It offers many reporting features as well as visual RF maps displaying heatmaps of the AP signals and client positioning.
  • The Aruba Access Point we have (224s and 225s) also offer both PoE and external power supplies for those smaller deployments that may not have PoE capable switches.
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Cisco
  • I had to change some new APs and it helped me solve the problem in less than half an hour
  • Cisco 3504 wlan controller is a new generation wireless controller that can control up to 3504 access points and is made up of the latest technology. It's easy to use and configure, and allows you to control your wireless network from anywhere.
  • I must say that I am impressed with the Cisco WLC 5520. The wireless network is very important for us. We have about 1000 clients and we work in several offices. With this device we are able to control, manage and administer all the wireless networks of the company in a very efficient way.
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Cons
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  • We have had a bunch of these stop working after a power outages. We are guessing a surge or something caused them to stop working.
  • Some of the documentation is outdated. It seems they like to make changes to how things work and it usually mean less access and insight into the devices you manage.
  • The auto signal strength feature could use a little work. It seems like even when we turn it down all the way it tries ot increases the signal strength.
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Cisco
  • The interface needs improvement, it is still complex to find some functions quickly
  • The price of the product is still a big limiter
  • The fragility of its physical structure, any impact, which is a little stronger, can cause damage to the product
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Likelihood to Renew
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
No answers on this topic
Cisco
We have been using Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller in our network infrastructure for a long time now and it has been a very critical and beneficial addition in our network infrastructure. it has provided us with the tools required to efficiently manage and monitor our wireless network and users. it is a highly reliable and efficient device for any kind of environment.
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Usability
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Aruba Networks Wireless LAN is very intuitive to use. After the initial learning curve for the Aruba OS platform, it is straightforward. Day-to-day tasks, such as deploying an access point with a configuration, are very straightforward. Standard incremental system upgrades are also very intuitive. If you have any past experience with Aruba network switching or Cisco switching, the command structure is relatively similar.
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Cisco
The centralized management give a good overview of the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller. Its rich in security features like advanced security, RF optimization, and scalability. Cisco provides extensive documentation and support, although it can be highly technical. It is easy to configure and setup the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller. Strong security features, including WPA3, rogue AP detection, and WIPS, enhance network protection.
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Support Rating
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
It is a reliable and complete solution for providing wireless network to users. I had no technical problems during those years. The Aruba controller and access points have always worked very well and we have greatly improved the relationship with customers and we now have absolute control over the wireless network traffic. It has quality assurance and support with efficient service as well.
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Cisco
Cisco TAC is well known and SLA levels are great. Cisco support website and Cisco communities are another help for issues resolution. TAC is always supportive over Webex and helps to resolve issues pretty fast. This is another assurance for people to go with Cisco as the TAC capabilities are proven for all product lines.
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Alternatives Considered
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
When comparing Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access Points to Cisco Meraki MR the most significant factors are pricing and license fees. At the current cost of one Meraki MR AP, we can deploy three Aruba Instant Wi-Fi Access Points, providing equivalent functionality, coverage, and performance.
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Cisco
The main reason why our company chose to opt for the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller was the magnificent quality-price ratio of the product. It is very easy to handle if you have the appropriate technical knowledge and if not, you will always have Cisco technical support supporting you for whatever you need. Once the product is configured, it works stably without intervention and is fully integrated with the company's other Cisco solutions.
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Return on Investment
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  • Excellent uptime and reliability
  • If licensed properly, failover is easy
  • The newest version upgrade is somewhat cumbersome as they want us to replace hardware, which seems silly, so we are on the most current legacy supported version. Once unsupported, we will need to replace hardware.
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Cisco
  • With the help of this software, we were able to save so many hours that we [have] wasted on so many things, including the configuration of AP individually as well.
  • Overall I want to say this is amazing and provides cost-effective services. [All its] features give efficient services.
  • [The] smart software has made it easier for all of us in terms of tech up and training.
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