Cisco Mobility Express (discontinued) vs. Ubiquiti WLAN

As it provides virtual WLC functionality, it has incredibly amazing built-in features that perfectly suit small to medium companies. It has the capability to manage the entire organization network seamlessly. It might be possible that it won't work smoothly and elegantly for large firms where there is a bulk amount of data bandwidth used.

Incentivized

Ubiquiti is well suited to not just indoor WLAN access, but also outdoors. In fact, the range of the outdoor applications, while maintaining throughput is astonishing. I would say this is not a solution for a 1-5 person small office, due to the costs.

Incentivized

• Easy to setup
• Less maintenance
• Less disconnection

Incentivized

• The access points are rock solid for uptime. Once configured, they don't skip a beat and you'll forget they're there.
• Excellent range and signal strength.
• Very comprehensive configuration and administration via the UniFi Controller software.
• The Ubiquiti access points look great! Whether wall or ceiling mounted, they are discrete and neutral enough to just blend in with the building.
• Being powered via PoE, it's easier to place the access points where they're most useful.

Incentivized

• Honestly, I haven't found very many issues since we started using it, and I'm glad for that!

Incentivized

• Management of devices has become much simpler with the UNMS application, but personally, I would like to see some AirMax-like devices from their Unifi line where everything could be managed from an Unifi controller.
• Most Ubiquiti devices are 24V PoE, which is the bane of my existence. I have had several devices fried when staff plugged into standard 48V PoE. They generally don't fail catastrophically, either. You just get strange issues that are difficult to diagnose and eventually need to replace them.
• Devices seem to have trouble with many patch cables/switches. Make sure you certify any patch cables you make and don't over crimp.
• Sending devices from the factory with same 192.168.1.20 IP instead of DHCP makes it a pain to bulk-setup devices.

Incentivized

Ubiquiti makes great Access points at various tiers provided far better coverage and throughput than consumer-grade wireless repeaters and routers. We have not had any performance complaints from guests or from the administration who use the wifi on a daily basis.

Incentivized

We are using it 24x7 and it never hangs or create problems in connectivity.

Incentivized

After initial configuration and fixing minor issues with the firmware, the system worked really well, without any downtime. We were also satisfied with the throughput and range.

Incentivized

Ubiquiti's support is basically non-existent by design. However, their forums are a great resource if you are willing to do the research and ask questions. Keep in mind Ubiquiti sells hardware, not support so the responses will be from the community of professionals also using Ubiquiti just like you.

Incentivized

Cisco Mobility Express is far better than other products. It is a renowned brand in network products, and they are reliable and efficient as compared to other products that I have used so far. It is highly recommended.

Incentivized

We have used products from Netgear, ZyXEL, Cloudmesh, Datto, Mereki, and EnGenius previously often choosing products based on a specific situation, since starting with Ubiquiti [WLAN] we have pretty much stopped [usage] of all other vendors in the networking field and standardized which better allows us to stock spare equipment. Best part is if you need to replace equipment it is easy to swap it out quickly as the controller also acts as a live configuration backup.

Incentivized

• It has given our IT team time back from not having to fix issues everyday with the network.
• It makes it easy for visibility of the network and allows those who are new to it to learn it quickly.

Incentivized

• Initial ROI was positive - but now we need to replace them
• We were able to deploy rapidly - configuration is easy if not consistent
• Upgrades are easy to apply when they don't take the radios offline - which happens more often then not

Incentivized