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Cisco 2504 Wireless LAN Controller--best for bigger operations
December 14, 2020

Cisco 2504 Wireless LAN Controller--best for bigger operations

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

2500 Series Wireless controllers

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers

We are using a Cisco 2504 Wireless LAN Controller at a branch office with about eight APs with three SSIDs--a company internal network with 802.1x authentication, a network for our employees (WPA2-PSK) and their mobile devices, and a guest network with splash screen web authentication. We have a broad range of client devices, from handheld warehouse scanners to laptops. Due to the nature of the work we do, seamless connectivity with no interruptions is extremely important.
  • Reliability--no major problems, except once after reboot, client authentication did not work due to NTP misconfiguration (our fault).
  • Scalability--they are appropriate for companies of all sizes, although for the smallest companies there is a question of cost effectiveness of a such solution.
  • Ease of initial configuration and administration.
  • Cisco CleanAir--if your APs support it.
  • A lot of APs you can choose from.
  • GUI could be better (it looks a bit outdated, although it's well categorized).
  • Not all APs are supported with the latest firmware updates--we are stuck with a wireless LAN controller DoS vulnerability.
  • Firmware update via TFTP should be a thing of the past.
  • There's a lot of documentation to read.
  • The costs of a Cisco 2504 Wirelerss LAN Controller and lightweight access points bundle is acceptable for a reliable solution.
  • Much better wireless management when compared to our previous solution.
  • Seamless connectivity across the branch office.
  • Aruba Networks Wireless LAN (WLAN)
The solution from Aruba was more expensive at the time of the decision and Cisco wireless LAN controller know-how was already present in-house.

Do you think Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers again?

Yes

Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Veeam Backup & Replication
I'd recommend it for medium to large businesses. For smaller companies or branch offices, if not managed from the headquarters, I'd prefer another product--maybe Meraki or Mobility Express due to lower costs, even simpler configuration, and removing unnecessary network complexity. If your are in a congested environment, you should also evaluate the CleanAir functionality and purchase supported APs.