What is our primary use case?
This product is a wireless access point and we use it as part of our network infrastructure to provide wireless access to our employees. It is possible, for example, to integrate a guest's mobile device as their extension. In the past, phones were only available as a physical device in-room.
Once a customer is checked in, they are given a QR barcode that they can use to download the app. Then, that phone will act as their hotel room extension. When they are anywhere on the hotel premises, the operator can reach them using Wi-Fi. It's very simple.
We are a solution provider, and some of our customers are also using it. They are both SMB and enterprise customers, and they use it in the hospitality industry for providing Wi-Fi.
How has it helped my organization?
This vendor also sells telephone equipment that we require for other use cases. When our customers use the same vendor for telephone equipment and wireless access points, it makes it easier to implement and manage.
When the use case is a hotel, this solution makes it easy to update everything for the guests, such as the hotel page or advertising. Everything can be integrated using this Wi-Fi solution.
What is most valuable?
We can manage all of the access points and policies from a single pane of glass.
We are very satisfied with the performance.
Integrates well with PMS, bandwidth managers, and other systems.
What needs improvement?
Better integration with third-party systems is what our customers are expecting in the future. For example, if they want to add four or five access points and they want to use Alcatel-Lucent, it will not work with an existing Cisco or Aruba product. This is a problem with other vendors, as well, because they use their own protocols that do not work with third-party products.
Essentially, we would like to see better interoperability with access points from other vendors. Multi-vendor installations will work alongside each other but will not work together. They will each be part of their own cluster. Ideally, we don't want multiple clusters. The protocols that they use should not be vendor-specific.
If all of the manufacturers supported interoperability then customers would not need to make an additional investment. Rather, their existing equipment can be used. This would be preferable to the situation as it is now.
An example of this is telephone systems that use the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Any phone of any brand will work. If it supports this protocol then we can just connect it and use it. If the same thing were true with access points then we could mix and match without any problems.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using the Alcatel-Lucent OmniAccess Stellar access point for approximately four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a very stable product. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty so there is no need to worry in that regard. It is well supported.
We are using this product with many of our customers, and there haven't been any issues with stability or performance.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This is suitable for small, medium, and enterprise-level companies.
We have approximately 200 clients that use this solution.
How are customer service and support?
The Alcatel technical support is fast. You simply call and they can provide you with support, 24/7. We can also contact them by email.
Certification is required to access the manufacturer's support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are a solution provider and we have more than 500 customers that have purchased similar equipment from many different vendors. As such, I have experience with similar products from Cisco, Juniper, Ubiquity, HPE, Aruba, and others.
The Alcatel-Lucent feature set is similar to what Cisco and Aruba are providing. The use cases are similar, as well. This is one of the reasons that we recommend Alcatel-Lucent.
The choice of product is largely dependent on the customer's preference. For example, some people like Cisco products. If their mind is set on Cisco then we can't often change it, so we sell them the Cisco product. If it is just a question of performance, then whatever the customer needs can be provided by Alcatel-Lucent.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is straightforward and although it is not complicated, we need to have the proper expertise. If somebody doesn't know this product then it will be very complex. That's why we have people who are trained on the product and have certifications from the vendor.
For people that are certified, the setup is easy. This is the same case with other vendors; those who are trained on the product can configure it. It depends on the technician's expertise.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of this product is average and it is a one-time, perpetual license.
When compared with other vendors, the cost of Alcatel-Lucent is less than Cisco but more expensive than Linksys.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, this is a good product and I recommend it.
I would rate this solution a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
