HPE Aruba Networks Wireless WAN vs. ExtremeCloud SD-WAN

Aruba Networks Wireless WAN is an excellent solution for small to medium-sized implementation, especially on-premise. The ability to centrally manage all policy-based access requirements for both registered users as well as guests using the portal is effortless. This is backed up by good documentation which is available and excellent vendor support (HP).

Incentivized

Aerohive was ahead of the industry when it came to Wireless network hardware and software. Initially, they were one of the first to offer a solution for a busy office environment with a complicated layout and multiple rooms, open areas, and offices that were spread out. The mesh design of the APS was also one of the first of its kind and has proven to be a great solution within our environment.

Incentivized

• It has cloud management for administration of access points remotely.
• Automatic replication of custom settings to access points.
• Solution with WIFI 5 and WIFI 6 hotspots.
• They are powered by POE or power injector.
• Compact access points.

Incentivized

• Easy to navigate management GUI
• Intuitive design
• Helpful troubleshooting tools and logging

Incentivized

• Licensing is slightly complicated and not bundled, separate costs for cloud controller is a no-no.
• UI needs an uplift.
• Coverage is good but can be better.

Incentivized

• The floor plan design aspect of the software has improved recently and can further be enhanced.
• The software update process for the APs has not always been very straightforward.
• The initial setup and differentiating between the multiple types of APs was a bit confusing.

Incentivized

In the least concern we have, the support team has always been available and responds very quickly.

Incentivized

We used Xirrus wifi before we moved to Aruba. Xirrus is a great niche brand that has been sold to other companies a few times in the life we used the products. This negatively impacted the product availability in our country, local support, and amount of implementation partners. Due to Aruba their broad product range, availability in the market, and knowledge with implementation partners we feel that we can build upon their products not only for a product cycle but for the decade to come.

Incentivized

We also considered both Cisco and Juniper, but Extreme Networks Wireless WAN met our budgetary and technology needs the best.

Incentivized

• We have better coverage for our visitors and during trainings
• We have enough bandwidth to accommodate everyone
• No more dead spots in the building that effects our users.

Incentivized

• The speed of our Wireless network has significantly improved.
• The range of the network covers our entire user area, simply due to the power and range of the APs as well as the mesh network capabilities.
• The capability of the software to configure, monitor, and alert based on network traffic and user behavior is almost unmatched.

Incentivized