Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points is very well suited for large enterprises and high-density environments. It is not well suited for high ceiling buildings like warehouses and storage places because of low antenna gain. In our main office, it is working very well. For around thirty or so wireless devices this access point works very well and after forty or so wireless devices it starts to suffer.
If you are looking for enterprise-grade wireless networking solution, then Cisco Meraki MR is definitely a solution that you should consider. There are a wide variety of AP's which cover every eventuality from entry-level, to hotel rooms and then to high-density stadiums and external environments. The design is very easy on the eye and deployment is very straightforward, ensuring that you aren't installing something that stands out too much and is a problem from the outset to fit. Cisco Meraki MR lends itself to lean IT Teams that don't have the manpower or technical capability to manage large estates and with it being Cloud Controlled, it requires no on-site hardware (controller) and simply needs power and internet access. Where Cisco Meraki MR's deployment could be called into question, is when the admin team needs very granular control of users and traffic and also need enhanced reporting. Under these circumstances, Cisco Catalyst products should be considered.
Provides real-time and historic data right in the dashboard, allowing my team to troubleshoot user issues and identify larger problems much easier.
Meraki APs are known as "loud talkers", and have really improved coverage on the edges of our spaces. Our users live and die by Zoom, and stability has been greatly enhanced. We did have an issue with significant packet drops, and their support team was able to quickly help us figure out the cause.
GPS Tracker - I can't understand why only the Cisco 1570 has this option as well as larger Cisco 3800 APs. Why can't this be in all APs so they can be easily mapped in Google for positioning and later plotted for the coverage zone.
For me, part of it comes down to the value proposition of Meraki MR is that it's easy to use, but as someone who's worked in IT a lot, sometimes I want to be able to dig under the hood to find those bells and whistles of things that I might want to configure on my own.
And I understand that sometimes that can create challenges. So maybe as someone a little bit more seasoned in the IT space, and my thought process is to hide that, but still let me get into it if I have to because there are occasions when there's a little setting I need to mess up with.
Because until now I haven't had any issues or cases where I needed to create a ticket with Tac from Cisco related to their performance or availability. They have a small size that permits or allows you to install it in each place that you need to mount it, their design is small and appropriate for every kind of office.
Cause its intuitive, very clear and easy of use (no brainer) interface. It's whole portfolio in one portal aproach. Also cause the new features cycle release and the cisco Meraki comprehension of WiFi market. Also cause the fastest deployment available on the market that also comes with a easy to scale platform adding features and services in the same interface thats unique and awesome.
Lately we had less issues. Most probably because we reduced the number of Wireless LAN controllers. So less trouble for upgrades as well. We don't have any access point in stand alone mode. It's something I don't suggest, unless it's just for a small office and not for a larger company with different sites.
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.
This access point does not usually randomly shut off. It can't happen but it's generally due to a power over ethernet failures which would could be considered a user error.
Performance wise [Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points] are among of the best pieces of technology we have on premise. I don't say that lightly, we have a lot of cool tech. But if you consider how many users are connecting to these day in and day out without a single blip when they're downloading large files, roaming to new AP's or needing a boosted signal at a far end of the range then these are unmatched.
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.
Make sure to get a professional wireless assessment before purchasing AP's. That way you will only purchase what you need and know where the wiring infrastructure will need to be to streamline the installation and tuning process.
D-Link Wireless access points and D-Link Wireless controllers were being used in our organization previously. They were working well with a small number of users. But as we started to expand wireless coverage and the user base started to grow they became less efficient and frequent disconnection and low-speed issues were faced. Cisco Aironet Access points overcome these issues and have been working great in our environment.
The Cisco Meraki MR line of products stacks well against legacy Cisco Aironet equipment and comes with the added benefit of being cloud managed. I also like the fact that traditional legacy Wireless servers are no longer needed since all Meraki equipment runs through the Meraki Cloud.
When it comes to deploying the Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points in locations around the school district it has become easier as you get used to putting 4 screws in the mounting plate to the bracket and then slide the access point onto the bracket.
Being able to add additional Cisco Meraki MR devices as required is very simple. After the initial deployment guided by both WiFi Surveys and 'eyeballing it', we did still find some areas with buildings where adjustments were required, both physical relocation and conflicts with other WiFi from other organizations. Using the tools available the team was able to rapidly solve these problems.
