Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller vs. FortiAP

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
Score 9.2 out of 10
N/A
The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points (EWC-AP) is a next-generation Wi-Fi solution, combining an advanced controller – the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers – with a Wi-Fi 6 access point – the Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points – to create a wireless experience for evolving and growing organization.N/A
FortiAP
Score 10.0 out of 10
N/A
FortiAP is an access point from Fortinet.N/A
Pricing
Cisco Embedded Wireless ControllerFortiAP
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco Embedded Wireless ControllerFortiAP
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco Embedded Wireless ControllerFortiAP
Best Alternatives
Cisco Embedded Wireless ControllerFortiAP
Small Businesses
Ubiquiti WLAN
Ubiquiti WLAN
Score 9.0 out of 10
Ubiquiti WLAN
Ubiquiti WLAN
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Score 9.2 out of 10
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Score 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco Embedded Wireless ControllerFortiAP
Likelihood to Recommend
9.9
(3 ratings)
10.0
(3 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(2 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco Embedded Wireless ControllerFortiAP
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco
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.
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Fortinet
Any rollout is well suited for a FortiAP - from small office networks, to large warehouse deployments. Adding additional APs to your network is simple and easy. Monitoring is simple with Forticloud monitoring. Configuring the devices can be as complex or as simple as you need. Adding additional Fortinet devices (I have switches and firewalls) makes the network even more secure and easy to manage - all devices working in tandem make monitoring much easier
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Pros
Cisco
  • 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
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Fortinet
  • Built sturdy for harsh environments.
  • They perform and/or surpass performance levels shown on their data sheets.
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Cons
Cisco
  • Some bugs in the interface.
  • Issues with licensing and Cisco DNA integration.
  • Frequent software patches needed,
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Fortinet
  • I would like to add an option to show which options you change will reboot the access point.
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Likelihood to Renew
Cisco
No answers on this topic
Fortinet
This is an excellent product for an SMB - cost isn't outrageous and deploy is simple. I can monitor my network without breaking the bank.
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Usability
Cisco
No answers on this topic
Fortinet
I love FortiAP and how easy they are to use. It's very quick to train people to use them at a basic to intermediate level.
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Support Rating
Cisco
No answers on this topic
Fortinet
Fortinet support is outstanding! They are second to none. They pay attention to details and the needs of the customer.
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Alternatives Considered
Cisco
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.
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Fortinet
I think all Fortinet clients are definitely business level products. Easy to use. Hardens your network against attack. Gives you more visibility into your network at all times. Helps you get a handle on your users and environment. Definitely worth the cost.
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Return on Investment
Cisco
  • 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
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Fortinet
  • The cost of management decreases almost immediately once the solution is installed.
  • The cost of the APs is far less than other manufacturers with the same feature sets.
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ScreenShots