Aruba Networks Wireless APs are superior to others.
August 30, 2016

Aruba Networks Wireless APs are superior to others.

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Aruba Networks Wireless

Aruba Wireless is being used across our entire campus to serve approximately 800 students and 250 faculty and staff with multiple wireless devices each. We currently use a controller-less IAP environment with 256 IAPs across 8 different "swarms" or clusters. The Aruba APs offer easy implementation and management through a web GUI. Adding additional APs to a swarm simply involves configuring a network port on the appropriate VLAN and plugging in the AP. The swarm master pushes the config out to the new AP.
  • They offer both a controller-based and controller-less option. This allows customers of all sizes to deploy a wireless network without the upfront cost of controller hardware. A controller can be added later.
  • Aruba also offers Airwave which is a single management point for all AP swarms in the environment. It offers many reporting features as well as visual RF maps displaying heatmaps of the AP signals and client positioning.
  • The Aruba Access Point we have (224s and 225s) also offer both PoE and external power supplies for those smaller deployments that may not have PoE capable switches.
  • Although there is a Help option within the IAP web GUI, it would be nice to have it be a little more descriptive about what some of the features are and do.
  • Online documentation could give more information about configuration and troubleshooting, but a call or email to support usually has things resolved relatively quickly.
  • The access points are more cost effective over some other providers, both in cost per AP and the option of a controller-less environment. This has allowed us to deploy more access points to provide better coverage.
  • The simplicity of deployment has freed up time for us to focus on other projects and tasks.
  • The visual RF maps have given us better insight into where coverage holes may exist in our environment.
In the past we used Cisco APs. As many may agree, Cisco is not known for their management software and interfaces. Aruba makes this much more user friendly. The cost is also a major factor. The hardware seems to be equal in quality to Cisco, but at a reduced price.
I feel that Aruba wireless solutions are suited for most any environment. It is possible to scale from one AP to hundreds. It is capable of both personal and enterprise level security to fit any organization's standards. Coupled with the software tools, you have incredible control over your entire environment.