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
38 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.2 out of 100
Based on 38 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller is rated higher in 2 areas: Likelihood to Recommend, Likelihood to Renew
Likelihood to Recommend
8.6
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
86%
16 Ratings
8.0
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
80%
29 Ratings
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
90%
1 Rating
7.9
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
79%
3 Ratings
Usability
8.0
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
80%
1 Rating
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
N/A
0 Ratings
Performance
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
9.4
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
94%
2 Ratings
Support Rating
8.9
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
89%
9 Ratings
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
N/A
0 Ratings
Product Scalability
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
8.2
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
82%
2 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 3800 Series Access Points
As any Cisco Aironet Access Points, the 3800 model is more for power users than beginners. It is for sure very more complex to maintain and trouble shoot than solutions like Cisco Meraki APs.
By the way, there are a lot of settings that can be customized and it is really interesting for difficult environments like industrial factories.
The 3800 model is also robust so it should stay durable and reliable.
But if you want to use the mesh mode or make a wireless bridge, this model is not appropriate as it is not supported for now.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Computer Networking Company, 10,001+ 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 3800 Series Access Points
- Cisco APs are managed very easily from a Cisco WLC controller.
- Cisco APs provide lots of enterprise-grade options such as rogue detection and automatic power configuration.
- Cisco APs have many different mounting options, which makes them very versatile in a healthcare environment.

Verified User
Technician in Information Technology
Hospital & Health Care Company, 1001-5000 employeesCons
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 3800 Series Access Points
- Outdoor capabilities. We have actually blown up a few outdoor units. Water got inside the outdoor units and had visible rust
- Costs compared to other AP’s in the market. Ruckus and EnGenius work out a bit cheaper
- Mounting options are limited
Manager Information & Communications Technolofy
Fiji AirportsAirlines/Aviation, 501-1000 employees
Pricing 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 3800 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 3800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points 7.9
Based on 3 answers
We are all happy with Aironet and Prime.
Sr. Information Security Lead
Choice Hotels InternationalHospitality, 1001-5000 employees
Usability
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 3800 Series Access Points
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Performance
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points 9.4
Based on 2 answers
The Cisco 3802 product performance is excellent. Not only for the speed and range of the wireless it provides, but also for the fact that - when deployed in a large scale environment - the performance does not fail. It provides the same network connectivity for users ranging from 1 to 30-plus concurrent connections.

Verified User
Project Manager in Information Technology
Oil & Energy Company, 1001-5000 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 3800 Series Access Points
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Alternatives 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 3800 Series Access Points
Our selection of Cisco Aironet Access Points versus the Meraki Access Points was entirely on a political basis with our vendor. In the future, we are actually looking to migrate towards the Meraki system. Even though the Meraki feature-set is lacking, we really only require those features, and our cost would be largely cut by this migration. It would be a solid win, but maybe not recommendable to everyone.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 1001-5000 employeesScalability
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points
Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points 8.2
Based on 2 answers
Contrary to a solution like the Cisco Meraki access points, the Aironet access points like the 3800 are linked to the Controler. And depending on the version of the controller, it will support only some models of access points.
For big sites, it may be difficult to upgrade the controler to support new ap models like 3800 because we still have old access points.
And it is also the same between new access points and old client devices so it is always a bit tricky.
After that, if the access point model is supported by the controller, it is really simple to install a new one

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Computer Networking Company, 10,001+ employeesReturn 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 3800 Series Access Points
- Users are able to carry on with their work while moving, changing seats, rooms or having an ad-hoc Skype meeting on the way to lunch. It is always hard to justify the value of connectivity but be assured, when it is not working the business impact is immediate.

Verified User
Consultant in Customer Service
Information Technology and Services Company, 10,001+ employees