What users are saying about
93 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.7 out of 100
Based on 93 reviews and ratings
25 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 9.2 out of 100
Based on 25 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller is rated higher in 1 area: Support Rating
- Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points is rated higher in 3 areas: Likelihood to Recommend, Likelihood to Renew, Usability
Likelihood to Recommend
8.6
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
86%
16 Ratings
9.6
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
96%
18 Ratings
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
90%
1 Rating
9.1
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
91%
1 Rating
Usability
8.0
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
80%
1 Rating
9.1
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
91%
2 Ratings
Performance
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
9.1
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
91%
5 Ratings
Support Rating
8.9
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
89%
9 Ratings
8.2
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
82%
1 Rating
Product Scalability
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
8.8
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
88%
5 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
I was given the task to setup a new wifi network in a very large building. With many departments and a complicated layout, we needed to have a solid router to handle all of the network traffic and throughput. I was given the task to find a reliable, robust and cost-effective solution. With the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller, I was easily able to setup an autonomous access point with a few clicks. The cloud based controller software was easy to use and had many features I was able to utilize and control.
React Developer
BoxinallInformation Technology & Services, 51-200 employees
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Dead simple to setup, deploy, upgrade and manage. If a colleague was asking for a solid AP that just runs and runs without tiring out and they dont want to break the bank with the higher end units, this is a great place to look. I would say that you're going to have to deal with Cisco licensing support at some point during setup, but thats par for the course.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employeesPros
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
- [...] One thing which always fascinated me is the user interface because it is very friendly in nature.
- Also, with this tool, [my team and I] have started feeling more secure and safe because this platform does not require any such implementation. [A]ll the security patches happen on their own.
- One of the main pros of this app is that because it is so compact, it makes this platform a very good travel option. [I]t is also portable [and] can be easily carried anywhere.
Senior Software Engineer
SwisscomInformation Technology & Services, 10,001+ employees
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
- Until 2018, our Aironets were 1560 series, and each was managed separately. We had about 9 devices, 3-4 per floor, strategically placed on each floor to get a good coverage map over a three-floor environment. Their coverage was greater than expected. With the latest 1852 models we have, they are managed by a controller, and frankly, the coverage is a smaller area, requiring more units. We have worked with support for months and this is the final outcome of all the setting changes - we simply need more devices to cover the same area.
- None of the models I have used have needed reboots. We usually only reboot the devices annually, and they don't have issues requiring restarts.
- With the 1560 series, the connection strength was extremely consistent. With the new 1852 model, which is managed by one of the WAPs as a controller, it is supposed to use smart technology to load balance (optional) and determine which of the WAPs is appropriate to connect the requesting device to - great idea - but it does NOT work well.
Technology Systems Manager
Gentry Locke Rakes & MooreLaw Practice, 51-200 employees
Cons
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
- 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
Diretor de Tecnologia da Informação e Telecomunicação
Câmara Municipal de CampinasGovernment Administration, 501-1000 employees
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
- On the Mobility Express models, it’s hard to configure all from the GUI, and sometimes the GUI is buggy
- In Mobility Express, the (virtual) controller is not able to push the right image to the APs. This sometimes results in not joining the APs
- Some minor issues with firmware

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Outsourcing/Offshoring Company, 11-50 employeesPricing Details
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Likelihood to Renew
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller 9.0
Based on 1 answer
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.
Deputy Manager - IT Operations (Network Infrastructure)
Pak Suzuki Motor Company LimitedAutomotive, 1001-5000 employees
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points 9.1
Based on 1 answer
If Cisco keeps innovating the feature sets on the next 1800 models, I would definitely try it out to improve the experience of my users and to keep them on the latest technologies

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Research Company, 5001-10,000 employeesUsability
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller 8.0
Based on 1 answer
The GUI is easier to navigate as compared to the 2504. Also the responsiveness of the GUI, the quicker failover capabilities and the enhanced visibility are all major improvements over the previous generation WLC.

Verified User
Director in Engineering
Information Technology and Services Company, 51-200 employeesCisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points 9.1
Based on 2 answers
Pretty straightforward guide, which was built since OEAP600 AP's and never improved, this is a good thing for user to tackle when they configure the personal SSID, but does not reflect how it should be in 2020, where everything is mobile compatible and app ready. Cisco are going to have an app for this, but it comes with greater cost.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Research Company, 5001-10,000 employeesPerformance
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points 9.1
Based on 5 answers
In general, this AP has great performance for having MIMO 4X4 with 4 antennas for receiving and sending signals to users. AP 1850 has good construction and integrates the CleanAir feature that works to change the frequency channel when it senses external interference.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Mining & Metals Company, 501-1000 employeesSupport Rating
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller 8.9
Based on 9 answers
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.

Verified User
Employee in Information Technology
Computer Networking Company, 1001-5000 employeesCisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points 8.2
Based on 1 answer
If you are able to identify the problem initially, you would be able to explain it to the TAC. In order for the TAC to understand it, the TAC engineer must be competent enough to understand it, and have the devices already in lab to test with. Each bug I encountered the TAC was able to help. And I was able to file at least 3 bugs on the 1815T and M.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Research Company, 5001-10,000 employeesAlternatives Considered
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Like I said previously, switching wireless controllers was really simple and the process was very smooth. We believed that the 3504 could do everything and maybe a little more than what the 9800 was giving us when it started getting old. Both were great at managing the networks and the response times was similar
Sr. Data Analytics Consultant
Armanino LLPAccounting, 1001-5000 employees
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet has it place in the modern workplace and is great for single location deployments creating a good robust affordable solution. Installing them in a plant that has exposure to environmental elements they have stood the test of time, well so far. If you are looking for multi-location, multi-national or international deployments with a single plane of glass the Cisco Meraki MR's are a better choice, enhancing the time to deploy and ease of management.

Verified User
C-Level Executive in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 11-50 employeesScalability
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points 8.8
Based on 5 answers
It can easily support growth and be deployed in multiple locations. The access point has an integrated controller that can manage up to a certain amount of equipment in different locations. Setup is instantaneous and takes approximately 10 minutes to configure itself.
Analista de sistemas
NestléFood & Beverages, 10,001+ employees
Return on Investment
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
- The WLAN controller is a great tool for wireless network administration. With the Cisco Wireless Controller, we can quickly configure and manage all Cisco access points. It's also very easy to set up and manage. The Wlan Controller is a must-have for all our wireless network design.
- The WLAN Controller is a really useful device, it's easy to use and the setup is clear. The 3504 we use has 4 interfaces, we use 2 for data, one for management and one for failover. The wireless controller is very reliable, it will not let your network down. The only downside is that it can be a little bit slow when you need to add a lot of new access points.
- Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller is a great tool for managing WLANs. The controller allows you to manage a large number of access points and allows you to very quickly manage and configure all devices in the network and have one of the most important components of the system. The controller is easy to use and supports a large number of connections and devices.
React Developer
BoxinallInformation Technology & Services, 51-200 employees
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points
- We can be in Mobility Express mode where the AP provides the controller functionality to support a small to medium deployment without requiring a dedicated controller.
- Access Points are centrally managed via a WLC reducing the management overhead for deployment, configuration, and upgrade.
Solutions Architect
NEC AustraliaComputer Networking, 1001-5000 employees