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Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs SonicWall SonicWave Access Points comparison

Why PeerSpot?
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 9, 2026

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Wireless 9100 Access ...
Ranking in Wireless LAN
4th
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
6.6
Number of Reviews
35
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
SonicWall SonicWave Access ...
Ranking in Wireless LAN
25th
Average Rating
10.0
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
4
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of November 2026, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is 1.3%, up from 0.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SonicWall SonicWave Access Points is 1.3%, up from 0.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Wireless LAN Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points1.3%
SonicWall SonicWave Access Points1.3%
Other97.4%
Wireless LAN
 

Featured Reviews

Thu Al-Faqar Salah - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Engineer at V2X
Wireless network has delivered secure high-speed coverage and has reduced support tickets
The best features Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points offer include the 6 GHz supporting band and incredible stability in 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, along with features like radio active, band selecting, access point rogue discovery, and support for more than 10 SSIDs broadcasting at the same time. It supports the most secure security features, such as WPA3 and 802.1x, and many features that help secure a network, besides supporting an embedded wireless LAN controller. Out of all those features, I find myself relying on most day-to-day, and all of them are very reliable. I leverage the 6 GHz band in the locations where I install and deploy access points, which was amazing and provided all the features needed. Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points have positively impacted my organization by helping us get a stable connection, stable Wi-Fi, stable broadcasting, and a secured network, along with very nice coverage and high-speed bandwidth because it supports Wi-Fi 6. It has helped us eliminate the need for changing access points between different models. Previously, we had issues where access points would fail unexpectedly, but with this model, it has been two years with no stability issues or connectivity problems. Since we started using Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points, the uptime has been approximately 105 to 106 months, and we have not experienced any downtime since installation. The internet bandwidth has increased from 50 to 60 megabits per second to approximately 200 megabits per second since we started using Wi-Fi 6 features. The scalability and ability to broadcast more than 10 SSIDs helps us leverage our VLANs across all locations. Regarding Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points' AI capabilities, I think its governance and security are excellent because they support the most-used security features, including WPA3, pre-shared key, KES, and SHA-256. Many security features are utilized in this model, including MAC filtering and RADIUS for authentication with specific features available for customers to connect. The security implementation is outstanding. I would rate the accuracy of Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points' AI capabilities as 10 out of 10 because it is incredibly accurate. The traffic management is excellent, the coverage is amazing, and everything performs perfectly.
Jasmit Singh Juneja - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO & Technology Specialist at Karman Infotech Private Limited
Easy-to-deploy platform with prompt technical support services
The platform's most valuable feature is the ability to provide cloud access to configure and manage devices. It integrates with ETP solutions; thus, we don't need to run a firewall. They provide an online wireless line manager application. Its basic access point is Wi-Fi 621, which has 2.5 G connectivity. None of the competitors, including Fortinet, enables this facility on the most basic level.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The features in Catalyst 9100 Access Points that I have found most valuable include that it's a complete solution; we go with Cisco because you have access points, you have a controller, you have Cisco ISE, and you have Cisco DNA Center."
"My favorite thing about Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is that they just work, and they work reliably."
"Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points have improved our network performance and reliability based on stability, and having a stable and reliable wireless connection with higher bandwidth has also improved productivity inside the office."
"There is completely transparent switching from one access point to another for mobile users without session loss or interruption, and in terms of reliability, the equipment is extremely robust, ensuring high availability and a significant reduction in network outages."
"Cisco does a good job at keeping all gear in lockstep with advancements so I do not encounter problems."
"Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points' best feature is that it is a standalone device and we do not have to configure it, as it is just plug and play and once you connect the access point to the switch, it will start working and enable many users to connect through the access point."
"What I like the most about Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is the breadth of the portfolio."
"Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points have positively impacted my organization by helping us get a stable connection, stable Wi-Fi, stable broadcasting, and a secured network, along with very nice coverage and high-speed bandwidth because it supports Wi-Fi 6."
"This is a very good management option that can be managed through the cloud or firewall, is a very good solution for controlling or managing the device, and offers good integration with many capabilities."
"Unlike the Cisco solution that needs a dedicated wireless controller outside of a firewall, SonicWall has everything in one box. Fortinet is close to it."
"A good management tool that can be managed through the cloud or firewall."
"I rate SonicWall a nine out of ten."
"The security features of SonicWall are highly valued."
"The platform's most valuable feature is the ability to provide cloud access to configure and manage devices."
 

Cons

"Something I dislike about Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is that they're a little heavy, so when you're mounting them, you have to be really careful to make sure they're mounted on something metal or something that you can actually connect it to."
"Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points could provide more automation instead of requiring manual work."
"Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points could improve by enhancing support. Tech support is more of a pain point."
"If I compare Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points with other vendors such as Aruba, one area for improvement is pricing."
"Theoretically, you can connect up to 100 clients simultaneously, but practically, this is not feasible. There will be bandwidth deterioration, and 100 clients using the same bandwidth will impact the quality of service."
"One thing I dislike about Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is definitely the price."
"What I dislike about Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is that controlling multiple APs is not centralized."
"The initial configuration of Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points is somewhat complex, especially if someone is not familiar with the Cisco ecosystem."
"We have a lot of overlapping wireless networks with a lot of cheap equipment that does not run on any rules or regulations. The best way to improve the wireless network, like in SonicWaves, is to defeat these networks by isolating, preventing them, or overcoming their wireless signal. We try to do that, but I live near an airport, and the AirPortRadar glitches my wireless network every nine seconds."
"The main issue is the management of the access points. They are sometimes difficult to manage from the end-user side because they are not yet familiar with the configuration."
"The product's pricing is high and could be improved."
"Integrating with the firewall and management console was a little complex."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available
"The pricing of the SonicWave Access Points solution is different in the US and Brazil. In the US, the solution is priced more competitively than other vendors. In Brazil, the exchange rate is a problem. To address this, SonicWall managers in Brazil are running several sales promotions and improving the price of new units."
"The platform offers yearly licenses."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
17%
Outsourcing Company
16%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Leisure / Travel Company
8%
Computer Software Company
12%
Financial Services Firm
10%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Comms Service Provider
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business13
Midsize Enterprise10
Large Enterprise21
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Catalyst 9100 Access Points?
Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points could be improved if they began supporting QoS or automatic traffic control, but I think it functions well as is. I do not see any drawbacks or significant issues....
What is your primary use case for Catalyst 9100 Access Points?
My main use case for Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points involves delivery and broadcast, wireless LAN networks, and broadcasting SSIDs, VLANs, and internet across network LANs. I use it for Wi-Fi co...
What advice do you have for others considering Catalyst 9100 Access Points?
If others are considering Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points, I strongly suggest they prioritize stability and look for something so efficient that it will improve their networking and security, esp...
What needs improvement with SonicWall SonicWave Access Points?
The main issue is the management of the access points. They are sometimes difficult to manage from the end-user side because they are not yet familiar with the configuration.
What is your primary use case for SonicWall SonicWave Access Points?
I am using the SonicWall SonicWave Access Point for our Proof of Concept (POC) to our customers.
What advice do you have for others considering SonicWall SonicWave Access Points?
I rate SonicWall a nine out of ten. It should provide training to end users to enhance their knowledge.
 

Also Known As

Catalyst 9100 Access Points
SonicWave 200 Series, SonicWave 200 Series Access Points, SonicWave 400 Series, SonicWave 400 Series Access Points
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
St. Dominic's School for Girls
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Wireless 9100 Access Points vs. SonicWall SonicWave Access Points and other solutions. Updated: September 2026.
920,769 professionals have used our research since 2012.