Cisco's Meraki MR Series is a wireless LAN solution.
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Juniper WLA & WLC Series (discontinued)
Score 9.0 out of 10
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The Juniper WLA & WLC Series, from Juniper Networks are a series of Wireless LAN Controllers that have reached end of life and end of sale. End of Support will be reached in 2021.
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.
Back in the day these were really well priced, and had some amazing coverage. After using newer Cisco gear, while more expensive, they dont shine so brightly anymore. They did have trouble under load as well. I would recommend them to someone only if they were really constrained in their budget for wifi equipment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
