Item: ExtremeCloud IQ
Rating: 10
Author: Jason Hills

Overall Satisfaction with ExtremeCloud IQ

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Extreme Cloud IQ manages switches and a wide range of APs. Notably, the flexibility of the PPSK feature allows for the isolation of various user profiles as required. This provides the security of 802.1x, which is not available to us. Some offices have a high number of clients connected, so the SDR feature, which provides a second 5GHz radio channel, is extremely valuable, effectively doubling the capacity when in most situations, the 2.4GHz radio would be disabled.

Pros and Cons

Pros

GTAC support is excellent; they understand the issue and do not hesitate to help in detail.
The layout is very intuitive and easy to use, especially the templating of switch port types. It makes it simple to use context-based names so the purpose of the port can be understood.
The auto channel selection now works very well, including the SDR dual 5GHz mode.

Cons

The XIQ cloud updates occasionally resulted in a small outage for some customers, but Extreme has been able to roll back the change each time.
The near WiFi-6E APs will include dual 5GHz radios. Currently, these allow 1x5 and 1x6 GHz but not 2x5GHz.
On Quick onboarding devices, go back to the more straightforward option, which did not require the location to be set as a default requirement. When location is needed to be specified, it prevents the area from being assigned via a subnet under auto-provisioning.

Return on Investment

It has been referred to as "invisible IT" because the number of support tickets to the IT desk has been reduced to practically none.
An IT team no longer desires ongoing WiFi support agreements, as once it is set up well, they do not need to contact us for higher-tier support.

Usability

It's great to have all the key data in one place, on one table. For other vendors, I have had to find a table for 5GHz and a different table for 2.4GHz, which is very tedious. The ability to search for any client MAC or IP address is very powerful, allowing me to confirm their performance quickly.

Alternatives Considered

Aruba ClearPass, Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller, Ubiquiti Networks UniFi, Cisco Meraki Dashboard, Ruckus ICX Switches, Fortinet Wireless LAN and Cambium Networks

There are more configuration options, and the cost is mostly less.

Key Insights

Do you think ExtremeCloud IQ delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with ExtremeCloud IQ's feature set?

Yes

Did ExtremeCloud IQ live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of ExtremeCloud IQ go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy ExtremeCloud IQ again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Microsoft Excel, Cambium Networks

Likelihood to Recommend

In complex environments where redundancy is required or a high density of client devices is in use. It is helpful to small enterprises with limited IT staff, as once the auto-provisioning is set up with AP templates, it means APs can be installed by non-IT staff. Licensing can be complex due to all the models, but the ability for co-term licenses to end on the same expiry is essential.

ExtremeCloud IQ Feature Ratings

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Invisible IT!