Cisco Wireless vs Juniper WLC Series comparison

Cisco and Juniper are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Cisco is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.6, while Juniper is ranked #18 with an average rating of 8.7. Cisco holds a 11.4% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Juniper’s 0.9% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Juniper users who would recommend it.

Cisco Wireless

Read 153 Cisco Wireless reviews

14,290 Views
13,100 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Juniper WLC Series

Read 14 Juniper WLC Series reviews

912 Views
934 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Cisco Wireless

Juniper WLC Series

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Cisco Wireless and Juniper WLC Series compete in the enterprise wireless network management category. Cisco Wireless holds an advantage in features, offering advanced integration and security, whereas Juniper is more cost-effective with easier deployment.

Features: Cisco Wireless includes Cisco CleanAir, advanced security features, and seamless integration with other Cisco products, catering to organizations requiring extensive functionalities. Juniper WLC Series emphasizes ease of deployment and reliable performance, although it provides fewer advanced features than Cisco.

Room for Improvement: Cisco Wireless is often critiqued for its high pricing and complex user interface, with users desiring improved third-party integration and signal coverage. Juniper WLC needs enhancements in traffic monitoring, broader integration support, and overall sophistication while maintaining user-friendliness.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both Cisco Wireless and Juniper WLC Series are commonly deployed on-premises. Cisco benefits from an extensive support network and comprehensive documentation but may face regional support challenges. Juniper’s customer service receives positive feedback for being prompt and straightforward, although it is less extensive compared to Cisco.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco Wireless, despite its perceived high cost, offers strong ROI due to its stability and comprehensive features, though its complex licensing model can increase expenses. Juniper WLC Series provides a more budget-friendly option with its pricing seen as reasonable for enterprise solutions, offering satisfactory ROI with a balanced cost-performance ratio.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Wireless vs. Juniper WLC Series Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless vs. Juniper WLC Series

April 2025

Download the complete report

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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

Ranking in Wireless LAN

3rd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

153

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Juniper WLC Series

Ranking in Wireless LAN

18th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Cisco Wireless is 11.4%, down from 14.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Juniper WLC Series is 0.9%, down from 1.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

GulfrazAhmad

Division Head Enterprise Infrastructure (SVP) at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Integrates with ISE, and is secure, reliable, and easy to deploy

The main concern is the length and overlapping. We have to put on four to six access points on the same floor, and we face the issue of overlapping areas. If Cisco can extend the range of their indoor APs, we would need to install just one or two access points, and it would eliminate the problem of the overlapping area. They should provide built-in features for safe authentication. Right now, we integrate with ISE and FortiClient for this feature. We first check the NAC, and after the NAC and before the domain, a token password installed on their mobile or a physical token is required to join the network. If Cisco had built-in authentication, we would be able to eliminate one product from our network.

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Matilda Elwell

Technical Team Leader - Network &Security at STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Offers visibility and cost benefits

The tool has given us more visibility, but I'm not very technical, so I can't comment on specific features. However, the diagnostic tools for identifying system issues have greatly improved, which we appreciate. We still use Cisco ICE for authentication on the Juniper network, as we did before. We've seen cost benefits with the Juniper WLC Series, which was a key factor in our decision-making during the proof of concept. Besides cost improvements, we've also noticed better resolution of issues and faults in our help desk, thanks to the enhanced features.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"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."

"The features that I have found most valuable with Cisco Wireless is that the average connectivity for this WIFI access point is 2.5 gigabytes. That's the highest technology and highest connectivity. They started using the new technology and WIFI to get you a faster connectivity."

"This solution is highly stable. We have only had one issue in seven years."

"The ability to make different types of networks, such as land networks, is the most valuable part of the solution."

"I'm very satisfied with Cisco's technical support."

"It always runs, and it's very reliable in terms of performance."

"I like that it's a standard wireless solution that can be rolled out throughout the campus. I also like that it is easy to manage. It is a good end-to-end solution."

"The support is very good. Technical support is very helpful."

More Cisco Wireless pros

"It prevents a large number of unauthorized modifications of access point devices."

"The AI integration with Marvis is very valuable."

"The tool has given us more visibility, but I'm not very technical, so I can't comment on specific features. However, the diagnostic tools for identifying system issues have greatly improved, which we appreciate. We still use Cisco ICE for authentication on the Juniper network, as we did before. We've seen cost benefits with the Juniper WLC Series, which was a key factor in our decision-making during the proof of concept. Besides cost improvements, we've also noticed better resolution of issues and faults in our help desk, thanks to the enhanced features."

"The Artificial Intelligence on offer is very useful."

"It is a very stable solution."

"It's easy to set up, and I feel it's very secure. I also prefer its reporting feature. The devices are quite good."

"Juniper Wireless is reasonable, with a bit of complexity compared to Alibaba and SQL."

More Juniper WLC Series pros

Cons

"The product could improve the security system's alertness to detect and respond to intrusions more effectively."

"It would be better if some utility lets us know the best place to install the system. Every time we install it, we have to change it, and we have to add more access points. This is a problem we have all the time. It would be better if it integrated seamlessly with products from other vendors. It'll also help if they included a device diagnostics feature in the next release."

"It's end-of-life, it will be end-of-support in the next two years. The APs are also end-of-life."

"The configuration interface could be easier. They should make roaming easier and should fix it so that when you cross a building you can keep the signal."

"Its licensing has been very frustrating. There is also the complexity of managing the product. These are probably the two reasons why we're looking at Aruba. The way they license this product is not simple. There are some good features in the latest version, but there are additional license costs as well, which is frustrating for us. It is not really a feature issue for us. It really comes down to cost and licensing. They should make it a bit simpler to manage. We find the overall solution a little bit more complex than we would like to deal with. Its troubleshooting is a bit difficult, and it does require a high skill set. Comparatively, Aruba seems quite simple. One of the benefits of the Aruba product is that it is cloud-managed. We don't have to manage the management platform itself, whereas Cisco is on-premise. Its user interface could also be better."

"In the next release, I would like to have support for Wi-Fi 6."

"No product can be a ten out of ten and there are some security issues."

"The coverage provided by the solution is an area of concern in some cases, making it an area where improvements are required."

More Cisco Wireless cons

"The solution should create configuration documentation."

"Juniper WLC Series has certain shortcomings in traffic monitoring."

"There could be more information from the controller, and it could be easier to work with the controller lights. It's not easy to bring up the upgrades."

"There could be a high level of security."

"In my region, access to the product is very difficult and presents a logistical nightmare. Also, pricing is a big problem and a barrier to entry when selling Juniper against competitors."

"The biggest issue was that Juniper stopped developing, so we had to look for another solution."

"The network coverage of Juniper WLC Series and Cisco is different. We need to add additional access points."

"We would prefer it if the solution could be less expensive."

More Juniper WLC Series cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Cost is one of the reasons why we are switching to Aruba. Aruba is significantly lower than Cisco in price. We do the licensing on a three-year basis. Cisco makes licensing very difficult."

"The price of this product is reasonable."

"I rate the tool's pricing a seven out of ten."

"The solution does not come with a licensing fee."

"The platform is expensive for small-scale businesses."

"Its price is a bit high. It is more expensive than its competitors, but when I look at the return on investment, it is worth it."

"The price of Cisco Wireless is in the high range compared to other solutions. The solution could be less expensive."

"The solution is a little expensive compared to other brands."

More Cisco Wireless pricing and cost advice

"The solution's pricing is reasonable."

"The licensing cost is quite high, but considering it's an enterprise solution, the complexity justifies the price."

"There is a certain amount that needs to be paid towards the licensing charges associated with the product, but though I am not sure, I feel the licenses that we have in our company are for three years."

"The product is relatively affordable for enterprise companies."

"Juniper WLC Series is a bit pricey but worth its cost."

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Comparison Review

it_user212721

President at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

Mar 24, 2015

Cisco vs. Aruba Wireless Solutions

Cisco or Aruba Networks? If you are considering wireless access solutions, this is a common question that you are probably asking. You probably have sales people knocking at your door. How do you make sense of all the stories that you are presented with. If you have done any research, you are…

Read full review

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

Computer Software Company

13%

Financial Services Firm

University

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Cisco Wireless or Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN?

Cisco Wireless is very robust, very rugged, and can handle indoor and outdoor coverage extremely well. We found it to be very reliable and to consistently run very efficiently. Cisco Wireless helpe...

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Which is better - Ruckus Wireless or Cisco Wireless?

Ruckus Wireless offers users the benefit of being both easy to set up and get running as well as being very user friendly. This user-friendly quality also renders it easy to learn how to use and ma...

See all answers

How does Cisco Wireless compare with Aruba Wireless?

On the most basic level, Cisco Wireless can offer a rather straightforward initial setup. In the span of about three hours, the basic framework can be set up. Step-by-step instructions are availabl...

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What do you like most about Juniper WLC Series?

Juniper WLC Series is a very high-performance device designed for indoor wireless deployment.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Juniper WLC Series?

Juniper lacks a network access control agent similar to solutions like Alubakya Path and Cisco ISE. There should be a network access control engine. Some customers find it challenging as they do no...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Juniper WLC Series?

I work with Juniper service provider solutions. I have a service provider customer and some enterprise customers in retail.

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 28% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 27% of the time

Huawei Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 8% of the time

Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 7% of the time

Mist AI and Cloud vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 2% of the time

More Cisco Wireless Competitors

Aruba Wireless vs Juniper WLC Series

Compared 30% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Juniper WLC Series

Compared 27% of the time

More Juniper WLC Series Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless

May 2025

Download Cisco Wireless product report

Buyer's Guide

Wireless LAN

May 2025

Download Juniper WLC Series product report

Also Known As

Cisco WLAN Controller

Juniper WLAN

Overview

Cisco Wireless is a comprehensive suite of wireless solutions designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity for enterprises of all sizes. Offering a range of access points, controllers, and advanced management tools, Cisco Wireless ensures seamless and reliable network access, enhancing mobility and productivity.

Cisco Wireless solutions provide robust, scalable wireless networks capable of supporting high-density environments and diverse applications. With features such as seamless roaming, advanced security protocols, and detailed analytics, Cisco Wireless addresses the needs of modern businesses. The solutions include the Cisco Catalyst and Aironet series access points, wireless LAN controllers, and the Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and automation.

What are the key features of Cisco Wireless?

High-Density Performance: Optimized for environments with a high number of devices, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.
Advanced Security: Incorporates robust security measures such as WPA3, Secure Boot, and segmentation to protect data and devices.
Seamless Roaming: Enables uninterrupted connectivity as users move across different areas within the network.
Centralized Management: Cisco DNA Center provides a single pane of glass for managing and automating wireless networks, enhancing operational efficiency.
Flexible Deployment Options: Supports various deployment models, including on-premises, cloud-managed, and hybrid solutions.

What benefits should users look for in reviews when evaluating Cisco Wireless?

Improved Mobility and Productivity: Users often highlight how Cisco Wireless enhances user mobility and productivity through reliable and consistent connectivity.
Scalability: Reviews frequently mention the scalability of Cisco Wireless, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Ease of Management: Many users appreciate the centralized management capabilities, which simplify network administration and troubleshooting.
Enhanced Security: The advanced security features are often noted for providing peace of mind and compliance with industry standards.
User Experience: The overall user experience, including ease of use and seamless integration with other Cisco products, is a common point of praise.

Cisco Wireless solutions are implemented across various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. In healthcare, they support critical applications like patient monitoring and electronic health records. Educational institutions use Cisco Wireless to provide reliable internet access for students and staff. Retailers benefit from enhanced customer experiences through in-store connectivity, while manufacturers use wireless networks to improve operational efficiency and automation.

Pricing and licensing for Cisco Wireless solutions are typically based on the scale of deployment and specific product selections. Cisco offers various support plans, including 24/7 customer service, technical support, and access to software updates and patches.

In summary, Cisco Wireless provides robust, scalable wireless networking solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and management for diverse enterprise environments.

Cisco

WLC Series Wireless LAN Controllers deliver and manage wireless local area networks with the highest level of reliability, performance, security, and management in the industry. They integrate secure, wireless LANs with any size wired infrastructures, from small branch offices to the largest enterprise or university campus.

Juniper

Sample Customers

Aegean Motorway, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Brunel University London, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Chartwell School, Children's Hospital Colorado, Cisco Live Milan, City of Biel, City of Mississauga, Dundee Precious Metals, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Erickson Living, Goldcorp, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS)

Apollo Hotel Papendrecht, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Bajaj Capital, Baloise Insurance, BAS Group, Borealis, Danish Crown, Deloitte Belgium, Jan Yperman Hospital, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, MercaSID, S.A., NHTV Breda University, Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary, San Antonio Community Hospital, Sandia National Laboratories, Springfield Public Schools (SPS), St. Catherine University, TalkTalk, The Education Village, University of Copenhagen, University of the Highlands and Islands, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Valdosta State University, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), zulily

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless vs. Juniper WLC Series

April 2025

Free Report: Cisco Wireless vs. Juniper WLC Series

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