

Meraki MS Switches and Aruba Switches both compete in the enterprise networking category. Meraki appears to have an upper hand due to its strong cloud management capabilities and ease of deployment.
Features: Meraki MS Switches stand out for their ease of configuration and management through cloud-based dashboards. They offer global configuration changes, zero-touch deployment, and robust security features. Aruba Switches provide stability, ease of integration with ClearPass, and a versatile API-driven architecture. Their unique features include PoE without additional licensing costs, suitable for varied deployment scenarios.
Room for Improvement: Meraki MS Switches are critiqued for high pricing and reliance on cloud services, potentially problematic with unreliable internet. The complex licensing model and performance enhancements are often pointed out. Aruba Switches can improve stability in specific implementations and documentation clarity. Enhanced SD-LAN visibility and simplified management are also needed.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both Meraki and Aruba offer versatile deployment options from on-premises to hybrid solutions. Meraki is praised for rapid cloud-managed deployment crucial for businesses with remote locations, while their customer service is generally effective though senior support access can be delayed. Aruba delivers solid support, but improvements in visibility tools and management console intuitiveness are suggested.
Pricing and ROI: Meraki MS Switches are viewed as expensive, driven by their subscription model but offer value in management capabilities. Aruba, though also premium, usually offers a lower price point and requires no licenses for basic features, making them more cost-effective long-term. Both solutions offer potential ROI via reduced management overhead, yet cost remains a significant factor for users.
When issues are escalated to TAC for switching cases specifically, the support tends to be a little poor, whereas support for other products remains acceptable.
Their tech support is good.
I find that technical support is available, especially during the warranty period.
If the devices are licensed, the support team will assist you depending on the severity level of the case.
The support is excellent and rated ten out of ten.
Cisco's tech support is pretty good, and I would rate it an eight out of ten.
The scalability offered by Aruba Switches is similar to Cisco, demonstrating options for enterprise networking.
I would rate the scalability of the product an eight out of ten.
I would rate the ability to scale at seven because the modular backbone devices are very good.
They're quite scalable for my environment.
I have sites that have been running for many years with no issues.
The stability of Aruba Switches is very good, and I would rate it between eight and nine out of ten.
Once we install Aruba Switches, we can forget about them for years and years.
If something happens to the device or hardware, Cisco will automatically change the device by the next business day.
We faced issues following firmware updates, which we now handle by performing updates outside of working hours.
Improving the distribution network across regions would be beneficial.
Aruba Central also has certain security features including segmentation capabilities and endpoint information that can be used to define policies.
There are more centers of knowledge for Cisco than for Aruba here.
Meraki should also consider improvements in stacking features, particularly in the lower-end models like NS130, where stacking isn't supported, unlike with Cisco traditional switching.
There are compatibility issues with certain Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices, which we would like to see resolved.
Most people are familiar with the Cisco commands, and it would be beneficial if the switch could be accessed by GUI configuration and by normally accessing the console.
The pricing of some products, such as the 6300M switch, is considered a significant cost.
From my experience, the pricing of Aruba Switches is competitive.
A high-end model with Aruba is about five thousand.
Meraki MS Switches, including their licensing, are somewhat expensive, particularly when compared with competitor solutions like HP.
Meraki pricing is a little premium compared to other vendor products.
Pricing is affordable, and licenses for the cloud need to be purchased every three to five years.
One of the most valuable features of Aruba Switches is the security and cybersecurity features they have.
Scalability is significant since you can start from an economical product to a very high-end option, accommodating growth.
In the hotel sector, IGMP 3 is particularly valuable for IPTV.
The control plane is in the cloud, and the data plane is local, allowing manageability from anywhere.
One of the most valuable features of Meraki MS Switches is its precise traffic analytics capabilities, allowing us to query the system for any place at any time.
The most valuable feature is the ability to access devices from anywhere in the world through the cloud.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Aruba Switches | 8.6% |
| Meraki MS Switches | 2.8% |
| Other | 88.6% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 50 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 19 |
| Large Enterprise | 22 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 54 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 20 |
| Large Enterprise | 22 |
Aruba Switches provide centralized management through Aruba Central, offering robust security, reliability, and seamless integration with ClearPass. They are known for scalability, affordability, and easy configuration, catering to diverse network infrastructures across industries.
Aruba Switches are favored for their centralized management capabilities using a GUI that mirrors Cisco's CLI, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Seamlessly integrating with ClearPass, they support dynamic policies and offer excellent technical support with a lifetime warranty. Their high-performance capabilities, modular architecture, and diverse product range are supported by comprehensive documentation. Cloud and on-premises management options offer flexibility for enterprise networking needs. Users note areas for improvement, such as enhanced platform integration, dashboard functionality, and port flexibility. Enhanced training and technical support, along with improved hardware stability, are requested.
What are the key features of Aruba Switches?Aruba Switches are implemented in industries like education, healthcare, and hospitality, serving as crucial components in network infrastructures. They support applications such as ERP systems, VLAN setups, and Wi-Fi access points, being deployed in office, data center, and campus networks. Known for affordability and reliability, they provide connectivity and power over Ethernet capabilities, meeting the needs of both small and large enterprises.
Meraki MS Switches offer scalable cloud-managed networking with intuitive dashboards, security, and easy deployment. They provide reliable remote management and comprehensive analysis, ideal for enterprises seeking centralized control.
Meraki MS Switches deliver cloud-managed networking solutions, simplifying configuration and management with a user-friendly GUI. They are known for their scalability, security features, and zero-touch deployment capabilities. With remote switch management and deployment, the creative cloud interface simplifies setup and maintenance while offering comprehensive network traffic analysis and device tracking. However, there are areas for improvement, such as quoting processes and price reductions. Users often note the need for more configuration options, better third-party system integration, and concerns around cloud dependency. Stack features and security enhancements are also desirable, as well as improved performance and support.
What are the key features of Meraki MS Switches?Meraki MS Switches are widely implemented across educational institutions, government agencies, and small to mid-sized businesses. They provide a unified platform for access points and switches, facilitating remote configuration and monitoring. Users appreciate their ability to handle VLANs and LAN access points while connecting end-users with features like PoE and integration with Meraki's cloud infrastructure.
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