What users are saying about
48 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.8 out of 100
Based on 48 reviews and ratings
8 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 9 out of 100
Based on 8 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller is rated higher in 1 area: Likelihood to Recommend
Likelihood to Recommend
8.7
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
87%
27 Ratings
8.6
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
86%
3 Ratings
Usability
8.2
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
82%
1 Rating
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
Support Rating
9.0
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
90%
2 Ratings
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
N/A
0 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
[Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller's] software quality has been shed in recent years. The only problem I have with it is its inability to work with older Cisco Access Points. However, that's to be expected for any deployment. While the controller's UI works well, some areas could be improved. API integrations lack flexibility. [I feel] it's time for policy redesign. It can be a little difficult to determine coding quality.
IT Specialist
Lamda I-TECHInformation Technology & Services, 11-50 employees
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
Overall I could see myself recommending these to others if they have the right set of circumstances at their place of business. Those would be like ours, if they had a location that couldnt be served by a WLC. Once setup they are easy to manage and self healing as in they wont go down when one is offline.

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employeesPros
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- The GUI on the Cisco 8540 WLC is much better designed than other Cisco products. Its easy to navigate between the different settings to find what is needed.
- The AP groups allows touching multiple APs at one time.
- It also allows us to create standard SSIDs that can be used at all sites that connect back to it, this saves a lot of time instead of hitting each site with a local controller.
Senior Network Engineer
EatonMachinery, 10,001+ employees
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
- Offers enterprise-class security that keeps the network protected
- Cost-effective connectivity
- Deploying WiFi 6 network without complexity or added expense
- Controlling access points and clients
Managing Director IT Operations and Governance
Markel CorporationInsurance, 1001-5000 employees
Cons
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- Code quality is a bit hit and miss. This will be great for a while, then things will be bad for a while, then we'll do it again. The UI of the controller works, but could do with a refresh, and I would like to see some improvement on layout and organization.
- The constant code/firmware upgrades and the QA of new code could be better.
- Maybe the compatibility with old Cisco Access Points could be improved, but it's normal in all kinds of deployments.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 51-200 employeesCisco Embedded Wireless Controller
- Some bugs in the interface.
- Issues with licensing and Cisco DNA integration.
- Frequent software patches needed,

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employeesPricing Details
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Usability
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller 8.2
Based on 1 answer
Very well made product. Very stable. We have had no issues administering the 8540.
Senior Network Engineer
EatonMachinery, 10,001+ employees
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller 9.0
Based on 2 answers
It is a better product. The evolution is positive.
Gerente de Noc and support
EVCON GROUPComputer & Network Security, 51-200 employees
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
We have [done] some work before with the Cisco 3504 product, but the more recent Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller provides a wider range of capabilities for managing the wireless network and each individual device [and] also being able to handle more users. Unfortunately, we didn't test and deploy equivalent products from other concurrent companies.
Researcher
Instituto de TelecomunicaçõesTelecommunications, 501-1000 employees
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller provides the ability to manage and deploy the wireless network from a web UI or mobile application, and without the expense or complexity of a wireless controller appliance.
Managing Director IT Operations and Governance
Markel CorporationInsurance, 1001-5000 employees
Return on Investment
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- Network engineers find it easier to [manage] high-stress levels since they're more reliable and robust.
- Their initial cost is very high compared to other router providers, such as Juniper.
- Their hardware dependability can be a big drawback if you run on a budget.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employeesCisco Embedded Wireless Controller
- Makes having remote sites less problematic when it comes to managing AP's
- Saved money on managed AP's as they're found cheaper
- Takes more time to manage additional controllers versus a WLC

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 501-1000 employees