Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points vs. Extreme Wireless Access Points

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
The Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points includes the 9115 and 9117, and designed to meet high demand network access.N/A
Extreme Wireless Access Points
Score 8.4 out of 10
N/A
Extreme Networks' Wireless Access Points (or ExtremeWireless) are designed to provide performance in the most demanding environments with the latest Wi-Fi technologies including 6 GHz, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and software-defined dual 6 GHz radios.N/A
Pricing
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access PointsExtreme Wireless Access Points
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access PointsExtreme Wireless Access Points
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access PointsExtreme Wireless Access Points
Considered Both Products
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco 5520 Wireless Controller
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points support more standards and are easier to configure than Ubiquiti APs. Ubiquiti APs also have some strange quirks or bugs if wired connection is lost.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
This allows us to upgrade seamlessly to new models without the need for special procedures to transition and with less impact to operations.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
We have knowledge that Cisco APs will fit our necessities. A very good range of options and configuration that help to IT Team to setup the network. The use of the new Wifi 6 technlogy is also other fact to select this brand. The users will have devices that will use wifi 6 …
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Meraki, but we decided not to go with Meraki. We went away from Meraki due to different case uses.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
So that's our company policy to go with the standard products. We have tried a couple of other vendors, but we didn't actually get a proper alignment with our requirements. So Cisco actually passed our standard requirement. So that's the reason why we go with Cisco. And also I …
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Well, it's a very different product. One's wired, one's wireless, but they work well together. The MG ports on the Catalyst switches allow the 9100 series APs to run at 5 gig wired speeds for the backhaul.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst Center
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
The Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points are way better for implementation and supports more features that we can use for our customer.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
The newer generation of APs are less bulky, heavy and have an improved aesthetic look.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
I like them and I think they are a nice product.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
We are migrating from Aironet platform to Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points. That's more flexible, and we do it to sync switching, SDWAN, and wifi under one family.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points and Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
1852 series is already too old technology and not performing as well as the Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
They are equal and Aruba seems to have an easier out the box setup. Adding APs is much simpler on Aruba.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Because to secure network access.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Of all the different APs that I have implemented the Cisco APs are still the most feature rich. The analytics that they provide sets them apart from all other vendors I have tested.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco access points have always provided us with the performance and flexibility we need so it was an easy decision to purchase the next release.
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Nothing compares to Cisco APs. Meraki is owned by cisco, but they are a poor mans cisco. Combined with the 9800 series controllers the 9000 series aps are unbeatable. i would recommend them to anyone, because they are easy to set up and are secure. they broadcast a long way and …
Chose Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
They are Similar in functionality and price, but free of charge vWLC is a killer feature.
Extreme Wireless Access Points
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
Had actuall customer support and installation assistance. Ubiquity appears to have little to none.
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
sub tier, but still a great product at a price point lower that the ideal vendor of choice
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
Aerohive wireless stacks up well with other vendors listed when it comes to centralized management. Being one of the first vendors to offer web-based management, I feel that they had the lead in that area, but lost it to the likes of Meraki and other solutions.
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
It was a product that fit our business needs so we selected Aerohive based on cost, product functionality, and performance.
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
The Aerohive wireless devices are comparable to Cisco's wireless solution, in regard to performance, features, and management.
But the cost of utilizing Cisco Wireless Access Points versus using the Aerohive access points is staggering. Since our wireless access points do not …
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
Aerohive is an amazing product. Cisco wasn't able to stack up when it comes to controller redundancy, backup, etc. No need to have special software to just have a secondary controller... which drives down the cost.
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
Aerohive's only meaningful competitor is Meraki; I'd say Aerohive/Meraki is 6 in one hand, half dozen in the other. You honestly can't go wrong with either, but I do not regret choosing Aerohive!
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
I've used both Aruba and Cisco (traditional, not Meraki) for wireless, and each have their own strengths. Aruba offers a lot of feature functionality, though the interface is difficult and confusing to use (this was ~4 years ago). Cisco wireless is fairly straightforward to …
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
We are running Ubiquiti APs for a separate network need in one of our buildings - which we are also happy with. But the difference between Ubiquiti and ExtremeWireless is vast - I cannot find most of the settings I'm used to seeing with ExtremeWireless in the Ubiquiti GUI. That …
Chose Extreme Wireless Access Points
It's been a few years since I evaluated other wireless access points from other manufacturers. However, from the different webinars I have seen of their competitors, I believe Extreme Wireless Access Points is just as good as HP Aruba access points, Meraki, etc.
Best Alternatives
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access PointsExtreme Wireless Access Points
Small Businesses
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
Score 9.5 out of 10
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
Score 9.5 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Meraki MR Wireless Access Points
Cisco Meraki MR Wireless Access Points
Score 9.2 out of 10
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Score 8.7 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access PointsExtreme Wireless Access Points
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
10.0
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Performance
8.9
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
8.6
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
7.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
8.2
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access PointsExtreme Wireless Access Points
Likelihood to Recommend
Well suited in the sense that we use wireless on wheels devices a lot, having devices to monitor the patient's room to room. So this is a very useful, actually, it helps us to transmit the data through the wireless infrastructure. And I don't see, it's less because the WIFI is everywhere, it's very vital part of our life, so I can't say any shortcoming, so it's less useful
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The Extreme access point solution has been used in the cooperative scenario with VLANs for employees in access through 802.1x authentication and also for guests through the captive portal that allows access of people for a limited time and prior registration. The equipment has great performance and connection speed and supports a high density of users connected at the same time without lag and crashes. The management of this equipment is being carried out through software with cloud management and is accessed by our infrastructure team to configure and monitor alerts.
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Pros
  • It is a versatile, clean, balanced and secure access point.
  • Wifi 5 802.11ac wave 2 technology.
  • Client link and cleanair are functions to mitigate and improve user connection.
  • Reliable smartnet service for warranty and technical support.
  • Perfect for offices and indoor locations.
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  • Ease of use and Management. The process of implementing APs is straight forward and managing the wireless infrastructure is quite simple and efficient.
  • Coverage: we are very happy with the distance each AP coverages in our warehouses without having any drop issues or over implementing APs.
  • Cost competitive versus other cloud managed wi-fi solutions such as Cisco, Aruba or Mist.
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Cons
  • Firmware distribution between access points
  • Replace web auth certificate without reloading WLC controllers
  • The issue with expired MIC certificate - but this is not an issue with 9100
  • New AP with new hardware revision works only with the new WLC firmware
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  • We use WiNG still for our WAP's, which is ok to do administrative tasks from, but it could be better. However, Extreme Wireless Access Points is moving everything to CloudIQ, which is better in every way and something we plan to move to soon.
  • The logo on the access points makes you want to mount the AP's sideways like a diamond because otherwise the logo looks crooked, and that just looks bad, so you have to take extra time sometimes, depending on the mount, to get the AP to look square.
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Usability
The Cisco Catalyst 9120 Access Points have been a solid deployment for me. Using their interface is a mix of new and old. They run IOS, so if you know the CLI, you can easily navigate around them. You can join them to an older controller if it supports a certain version, you can join it to a new 9800 controller--very straight forward--and you can run the embedded wireless controller on them directly. I've found this to be very useful at smaller sites. The Cisco Catalyst 9120 Access Points are not limited to feature sets like the older generations' mobility express platform.
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Extreme Wireless Access Points are easy to manage. They are easy to deploy and install. The hardware and firmware are reliable. There a number of things to be improved since we are still using the WiNG platform, but all of those things will be much better when we migrate to CloudIQ.
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Performance
Cisco is providing the best in class access points. We would be focusing Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points to have the common platform. We are waiting for cloud implementation on DNA or cloud monitoring of 9800cl in Meraki dashboard. It's reliable, tagging gives a lot of flexibility. Virtualization finally works as expected.
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Extreme Wireless Access Points can support all our devices, even in high capacity areas. They are easy to manage and get basic information. There was a time back around 2017-2018 where people's devices needed to make sure they were using the latest wireless drivers; otherwise, people were having connection issues. Other than that time period, we were able to have fewer complaints from end users.
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Support Rating
Cisco has been very good at correcting early issues with their code. Their TAC support has been fantastic when I would open a case with issues I was facing. Even though the hardware was new, they were very familiar with the interfaces and issues I was having. In the past I've been concerned about adopting a new product right away because of support issues. That was not the case here. Once I had the deployment up and running, they have had a good run of reliability.
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Support was always responsive and willing to help, but at times did not know when to call it and send a replacement to stop the bleeding. I respect that fact that they wanted to get the solution working, and the wanting to learn more and understand, but at times you cant do that at the expense of the customer.
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Alternatives Considered
Previously we used 3800 series access points within our infrastructure. These access points have been supported within the 9800 wireless controller and are currently being used still as we work to replace access points in the near future. These access points have provided excellent service but the newer access points are much better and provide additional services.
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We are running Ubiquiti APs for a separate network need in one of our buildings - which we are also happy with. But the difference between Ubiquiti and ExtremeWireless is vast - I cannot find most of the settings I'm used to seeing with ExtremeWireless in the Ubiquiti GUI. That said - you pay for what you get. ExtremeWireless is about 5x the cost per AP than Ubiquiti is. The reliability of uptime with the hardware, as well as the cloud service from ExtremeWireless, has been fantastic to utilize.
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Scalability
These access points offer flexibility in deployment scenarios, supporting both standalone and controller-based architectures. Organisations can choose the model that best suits their current needs and scale as their requirements grow. Cisco Aironet Access Points are compatible with Cisco's Wireless LAN controllers, allowing for centralized management and monitoring of a large number of access points across the network. With the recent changes, it will even support cloud base controllers.
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No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
  • I'd say overall positive impact replacing some of our older model APs. These are much more stable. Some of the older models that we're getting rid of needed to be rebooted. Sometimes they would just stop working different bugs and things like that in their software or hardware. These, I have to say, so far they've been much more stable. They've been definitely a positive impact on our environment for wireless.
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  • Initial expense is high due to pricey hardware, though recurring costs make the ROI better over the long term.
  • Remote access is fairly simple and we can deploy entire home setups or even small offices very quickly. This is provides good ROI to get the business moving quickly.
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ScreenShots

Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points Screenshots

Screenshot of C9117AXI-B Catalyst 9117AX Access PointScreenshot of C9117AXI-B Catalyst 9117AX Access PointScreenshot of C9117AXI-B Catalyst 9117AX Access PointScreenshot of C9117AXI-B Catalyst 9117AX Access Point

Extreme Wireless Access Points Screenshots

Screenshot of AP5020Screenshot of AP5010Screenshot of AP3000/XScreenshot of AP4000Screenshot of AP5050U/D