We implement this in the hospitality industry and need to control internal secure LAN/Wi-Fi users and offer external Wi-Fi to our customers while keeping the system secure. This product allows us to do that.
President/Owner with 501-1,000 employees
Advanced security category blocking is a great way to secure what people are doing and seeing
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Cisco Meraki is easy to use, and the mesh is flawless over 37 locations. We can order and have a direct shipped product without ever having to program it onsite. Just inject it into the template, and all is cookie stamped.
What is most valuable?
Advanced security category blocking is a great way to secure what people are doing and seeing to prevent malware from getting into the network.
What needs improvement?
A mobile app would be great to see if the system is up, and some minor tools, but not to add or remove rules. Improvement here would be appreciated.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
February 2026
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2026.
881,733 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Network Specialist with 501-1,000 employees
The configuration is simple. The controllers are reliable, and the support is second to none
What is our primary use case?
We have over 5000 students in grades 1-12 and have on average 200 users on wireless during school hours with no issues.
How has it helped my organization?
We have had Cisco 3502, 3602 and 3702 access points, a total of 284 diploids. And for over five years, we've only had two access points that failed.
What is most valuable?
The configuration is simple. The controllers are reliable, and the support is second to none. The system works for us.
What needs improvement?
Price is a concern. Although Cisco has an excellent solution, being competitive in the market is important.
For how long have I used the solution?
Three to five years.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Wireless
February 2026
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Wireless. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2026.
881,733 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Presales Engineer at a consultancy with 51-200 employees
The most valuable feature for us is the management of the systems.
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature for us is management of the systems. We can easily access all features."
- "Probably more in terms of how much power it's using. Right now it just seems like it doesn't have enough power. Maybe that is all indicated, but says exactly how much power it's using."
What is our primary use case?
Right now, this is our primary connection for the network. We have all of our end devices connect to that. All workers connect to wireless, rather than a wired connection, so they all have laptops.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature for us is management of the systems. We can easily access all features.
What needs improvement?
Probably more in terms of how much power it's using. Right now it just seems like it doesn't have enough power. Maybe that is all indicated, but says exactly how much power it's using.
When it comes to wireless controllers you have issues where you want to take an access point computer to a wireless controller, you have to configure the iOS for it. That's just cumbersome and it takes time. It just is not as convenient so not having to do that would be nice. I think it's a little more complicated than that to convert the iOS file when you're doing the wireless controller where you're going to have them converted.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of the power was an issue for us recently. The access point seems to have enough power, but it turns out it did not have enough power.
How are customer service and technical support?
I did not use technical support. After an hour of trouble-shooting, I figured it out on my own.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have prior experience with Cisco Meraki, which is a powerful solution.
How was the initial setup?
It's fairly straightforward. They are not always wireless, and that can cause some complications. But, otherwise it is not complicated at all.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. I am a reseller.
User at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees
RX-SOP helps to optimize roaming, but the controller web-interface could be better
Pros and Cons
- "There are a lot of valuable features and functions. One example is CleanAir to detect and troubleshoot interference issues. Another is RX-SOP to optimize roaming."
- "The web interface for Cisco controllers could be better. It could be more user-friendly. Sometimes I have to remember how to access some functionalities or how to enable or execute some functions. If it were more user-friendly it would save time."
What is most valuable?
There are a lot of valuable features and functions. One example is CleanAir to detect and troubleshoot interference issues. Another is RX-SOP to optimize roaming.
What needs improvement?
The web interface for Cisco controllers could be better. It could be more user-friendly. Sometimes I have to remember how to access some functionalities or how to enable or execute some functions. If it were more user-friendly it would save time.
For how long have I used the solution?
Three to five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have not encountered any issues around the stability of this product. I'm satisfied with this aspect. It provides good functionality and hierarchy for a wireless network.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
For the moment, I haven't had any issues with scalability.
How are customer service and technical support?
As of now, I have not had to contact technical support. I generally resolve all problems by myself.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I moved to Cisco because it's a solution that many companies use. I already had experience with Cisco routers and switches, so it was easier to configure and to manage Cisco products.
How was the initial setup?
I found the initial setup really easy because the facts, the documentation, explanations, and support are available on the internet. If I had any problem I could find the solution on the internet. There are a lot of facts and documentation there.
What was our ROI?
The ROI generally takes four to five years.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
This product's pricing is good. It's not too expensive.
Whether the pricing is a good value depends on the product. I was looking for some Cisco products and found that some are expensive, like the Cisco Spectrum Expert Wireless adapter.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I have compared it with some other products like Aruba and Aerohive to see what the functionality and performance are like. I have seen, for example, that the Aerohive already has some access points in the new 802.11ax. It's the new transmission technology that provides wireless bandwidth to 4 or 5 Gbps. I haven't seen any Cisco products like that, so I think they are a little late in this regard.
What other advice do I have?
I started first with the 1440, without a wireless controller in an autonomous access point. Two years after that, I moved to the 2504 Wireless Controller - a 40-access-point deployment. The next year I was working in a car manufacturer's warehouse. I managed three warehouses. One of them was a 5520 with 300 access points. Another site was with the 5508 with less than 200 access points.
I would rate Cisco Wireless at seven out of 10 because, when we compare it with other solutions like Aruba or Aerohive, Cisco is behind in technology and just a little more expensive. Aerohive, as I mentioned, has some access points in the new 802.11ax standard and Aruba, in many cases, is more user-friendly to configure and to manage.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Technical Specialist at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Installation is easy and the Guest feature works well
Pros and Cons
- "The Guest feature is pretty good."
- "Sometimes I've seen some issues come up with the interference. That's an issue users face at times. It becomes very complex when you have a lot of wireless interference in the area, or in your office. It's because of the environment of Cisco. Maybe, in the future, they can work on this area, and fix this issue."
What is our primary use case?
The primary use case is for enabling the users to connect wirelessly to the network, to give them seamless mobility if they go to a meeting room. It's always-on connectivity.
How has it helped my organization?
Having Cisco switches in the network also benefits the wireless. Having both in the same network has advantages in regards to compatibilities. It's also pretty easy to get it up and running in a short time, so that's a big advantage. Having the same vendor, Cisco, for switches and wireless, we can roll out more features without having to worry whether they will be supported or not.
What is most valuable?
The Guest feature is pretty good.
What needs improvement?
Sometimes I've seen some issues come up with the interference. That's an issue users face at times. It becomes very complex when you have a lot of wireless interference in the area, or in your office. It's because of the environment of Cisco. Maybe, in the future, they can work on this area, and fix this issue.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The wireless controller runs smoothly, without any issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
For Cisco Wireless, you need to have Cisco access points and a Cisco controller to get it running, but if you want to expand your infrastructure in Wireless, you just need to buy a new AP and get it installed. It's pretty easy.
How is customer service and technical support?
Tech support for Cisco Wireless has been pretty good. They have helped us through problems.
How was the initial setup?
The setup was straightforward. It's a very complex switch, but if you have a person with the ability to follow the steps, it will be up and running.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco wireless is a pretty good product. I would definitely recommend buying it. If you are looking for a wireless solution I would definitely recommend going with Cisco Wireless.
I rate Cisco Wireless at about eight out of 10. It's pretty good, it's very compatible with other Cisco products.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Service integrator.
Senior Manager at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Allows us to logically to segregate traffic between multiple types of endpoint devices
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco Wireless technology allows us to logically segregate networks, to segregate the traffic between multiple types of endpoint devices, connected to the network. For example, corporate laptops are connected to one network, corporate iPhones will go through a different network."
- "With Cisco Wireless we have DNA technology for the frequency in which it operates, so that in case of any frequency interference it can look for and switch to another frequency, where there no interference."
What is our primary use case?
Cisco Wireless FlexConnect mode is for branches where the traffic can be switched locally. There is centralized switching for the corporate side where the wireless controller will be in the headquarters, and the branches will only have access points. We have the flexibility to use Cisco's FlexConnect for the branches and centralized switching for the corporate network. Combining these feature ensures the traffic flow for the wireless is being controlled and provides the best wireless scenario for the branches. You don’t need to go to the controller each and every time.
How has it helped my organization?
Cisco Wireless technology allows us to logically segregate networks, to segregate the traffic between multiple types of endpoint devices, connected to the network. For example, corporate laptops are connected to one network, corporate iPhones will go through a different network.
What is most valuable?
With Cisco Wireless we have DNA technology for the frequency in which it operates, so that in case of any frequency interference it can look for and switch to another frequency, where there no interference.
Another feature of Cisco Wireless is that we are able to operate APs in multiple frequencies by grouping the APs into multiple groups, so we can operate the wireless in one group at 2.4 gigahertz and the other group at 5 gigahertz. This allows us to group the APs based on the business case or on the bandwidth.
What needs improvement?
There are a couple of shortcomings in Cisco Wireless right now. I don't see a policy model for the wireless technology solution. If Cisco could bring the wireless architecture around with the controls, it would lead to being able to fine-tune the configuration a little better.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco Wireless' stability is quite good as of now. The recent APs are coming with a backbone of up to 5 MBPS throughput, and that is quite okay.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is good.
How is customer service and technical support?
The technical support is good.
How was the initial setup?
We need to do a site survey, AP placement, and wireless configuration: Which are we going to configure, how are we going to get it authenticated, how will we go into control? So we need to have a plan. That's not only for Cisco, it's true for whichever wireless we need to deploy. We need to have a proper plan in place, but configuration-wise it is straightforward. It is simple.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
The shortlist was Aruba and Cisco. The features are more or less the same, but the cost is also important.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco Wireless has been around for quite some time. Cisco is a leader and its Wireless product is very reliable, so investing in it is a safe bet.
I would rate this solution at eight out of 10 because of the availability of support, and its stability.
My most important criteria when selecting a vendor are the
- product knowledge
- support from the vendor and the availability of the technical staff to support it.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Manager at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Secure solution, it's easy to distribute the SSID, and I like the controller
Pros and Cons
- "The main features are that it's secure and it's easy to distribute the SSID and control it. I also like the controller."
- "There is a problem with the controller. When we have to restart the controller, it does not show the time. We have to manually configure the time when we restart it. I have read about this issue, to get some information, and all answers are about having to connect it with a time server, which is very difficult."
What is our primary use case?
We use it to distribute our internet connection. We use it in some departments for accessing systems, but in the main, it is for internet access. The performance of the network, the connection and stability, are very good. Perfect.
What is most valuable?
The main features are that it's secure and it's easy to distribute the SSID and control it. I also like the controller.
What needs improvement?
There is a problem with the controller. When we have to restart the controller, it does not show the time. We have to manually configure the time when we restart it. I have read about this issue, to get some information, and all answers are about having to connect it with a time server, which is very difficult.
For how long have I used the solution?
One to three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
As a wireless solution, it's very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
No issues with scalability.
How are customer service and technical support?
I tried to get support, to get a solution for this "time" problem I mentioned. We have other Cisco products and the support is perfect. But for the wireless, we haven't gotten an answer to this problem.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were using another option. It was not professional, something like D-Link. We had to configure each router separately. That's why we use Cisco, because I like the controller.
There is a company here, a Cisco partner or distributor. They advised us to use the system, and they brought it to us.
I have also used another Cisco product but at another company, Cisco Meraki. It's easier in terms of the configuration and the cloud. I liked it.
How was the initial setup?
You only have to set up the controller and everything is working; all the configuration. I like it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's good to compare pricing, but it's Cisco and I trust Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
I would strongly advise any company, but especially in business, to use this wireless solution.
I rate Cisco Wireless at nine out of 10 because, as I said, I like the performance, stability, the easy implementation and the controller. There is just that one problem with the controller, so that's why I gave it a nine and not 10.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Manager Corporate IT at a retailer with 1,001-5,000 employees
Provides good coverage and the stability is the best part of the solution
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the coverage."
- "The GUI could be made more user-friendly. There should also be a dashboard where it can showcase how many end-users are connected to a particular access point."
What is our primary use case?
The primary use is for wireless connectivity.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the coverage. Also, the management provides the most important security features in these devices.
What needs improvement?
The GUI could be made more user-friendly. There should also be a dashboard where it can showcase how many end-users are connected to a particular access point.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have not run into any issues related to stability.
How is customer service and technical support?
Technical support has been very good.
How was the initial setup?
We feel that it's complex in terms of manageability. You require a skilled person to handle it.
What was our ROI?
The ROI is good because the stability is so good from Cisco.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I feel the product's pricing is a good value.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did not evaluate anything else because Cisco is a brand name for networking devices.
What other advice do I have?
When implementing this solution, you require the right partner to be in place to support it, that is the first requirement.
I would rate this solution at nine out of 10. The best part of the solution is the stability. Also, the easy usage of the switches They are automatically switched on and get their configuration. I don't need any technical person to look at it.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: February 2026
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