Likelihood to Recommend 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.
Read full review In a larger environment once you set up, I think it's really easy to manage. It's all I can say. So in any kind of a large environment, it's going to be super easy. Even in a small environment, you're doing minor clicks and configurations, so it's just going to be just as good there as it is in a large environment.
Read full review Pros [...] 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. Read full review It's cloud based, so as long as we have an internet connection, we can access it. Whenever we push a change, it's one stop like a single pane of glass to manage all our equipment. And so that's what I liked about it. Read full review Cons 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 Read full review Our current series doesn't have the GPS Telemetry for auto placement on maps that is coming out, I believe in future models, but we're not there yet. I believe they're trying to make them backwards compatible. So there is a lot of manual places on the map. Make sure you get it in the right location because that can determine its ability to locate your clients in the building. And then I would say the other thing that they probably just need to work on a bit is a bit more of the RF management, the ability to see how is that AP broadcasting compared to others. Read full review Likelihood to Renew 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.
Read full review The Cisco Meraki WiFi Access Point dashboard and support license is mandatory so to continue usage we will need to renew the license. We may opt to purchase a more current WiFi generation device if something newer is available at that time. Currently, happy with the use of the dashboard as it is very feature rich.
Read full review Usability 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.
Read full review To get basic functionality doesn't take long. Set up a new Meraki Dashboard activate the licenses and get internet connection for the APs and you are more or less done. The Dashboard will find your items and you're good to go.
Read full review Support Rating 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.
Read full review Meraki support is usually top notch. The are quick to respond and stick with an issue until it is resolved. One of the difficulties I've had with Meraki MRs is the limited ability the customer has in troubleshooting. Much of the more technical aspects of resolution can only be accessed by the Meraki support team, meaning dedicated IT teams are reliant on them when more complicated issues arise.
Read full review Implementation Rating There were documents that detailed how the WiFi Access Point was to be installed and mounted. The only issue was to cable the device, we use a third party for this type of work and typically has to be performed after normal business hours. Other than that, the installation was easy.
Read full review Alternatives Considered 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.
Read full review We looked at HP and their products, their Aruba products. We actually entertain looking at some of Cisco's products. The problem is once you start down a path with a technology that you choose and you get pretty deep down that path, it's very hard to try to change, especially when something's working so well
Read full review Scalability It's really easy just to add an AP to a dashboard. It adopts the config we already have there for everything else. So there's not a lot to configure. I guess it's kind of a one-time setup unless you have some unique use cases to where you want things, maybe not broadcasting from that AP or not. So it's a simple product to use.
Read full review Return on Investment 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. Read full review Migrate to all wireless office >$10M savings from not needing to refresh or license edge switching infrastructure Advanced licensing requires are APs in org to be licensed, which can be cost prohibitive to buying Advanced license Flexible work life balance for employees are greater satisfaction knowing the can troubleshoot or resolve issues remotely if required Read full review ScreenShots