#1 most frequent
Hong Kong
25.0%1 installation of 4
What is Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller?
The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst Access Points (EWC-AP) is a next-generation Wi-Fi solution, combining an advanced controller – the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers – with a Wi-Fi 6 access point – the Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points – to create a wireless experience for evolving and growing organization.
Categories & Use Cases
Who Buys & Uses Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
#2 most frequent
Korea (Republic of)
25.0%1 installation of 4
#3 most frequent
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
25.0%1 installation of 4
Secure by design and flexible in its architecture
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller puts this intuitive, powerful control, easy-to-deploy-and-manage WiFi 6 network in the palm of our hands. The built-in enterprise-class security and resilience features always keep the network on and protected. Managing and monitoring the EWC is easy, so we have a reliable WiFi experience that can serve and perform multiple functions to meet the demanding requirements of the business.
Pros
- Offers enterprise-class security that keeps the network protected
- Cost-effective connectivity
- Deploying WiFi 6 network without complexity or added expense
- Controlling access points and clients
Cons
- The GUI is difficult to understand
- The process of setting up the Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller is cumbersome, but I like its reliability
Most Important Features
- Smart dashboard and mobile app
- Built-in enterprise-class security and resilience features
- WiFi 6 capacity
Return on Investment
- Minimal IT resources required
- No cost of physical appliance
- Benefit of enterprise features with a cost-effective approach
Alternatives Considered
Aruba Networks Wireless LAN (WLAN)
Other Software Used
V2 Cloud, Zapier
If your use case is right, the Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller can be the perfect solution
Pros
- They seem solid and well built, hardly ever fail
- Once you get a hand of the setup they're easy to add/remove
- Automatic failover is seamless and super helpful
Cons
- Occasionally require a reboot to get an AP back online
- Sometimes they will fight to be the controller
- They dont seem to handle as many clients as AP's connected to a WLC
Return on Investment
- Makes having remote sites less problematic when it comes to managing AP's
- Saved money on managed AP's as they're found cheaper
- Takes more time to manage additional controllers versus a WLC
Other Software Used
Aruba Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN), KnowBe4 PhishER, Cisco DNA Center
Good value for the price but may not compete with a Cisco centralized controller
Pros
- Automatic controller failover in the event of an outage.
- Lots of great deep security features that Cisco is known for.
- Well priced for an all in one device.
Cons
- Some bugs in the interface.
- Issues with licensing and Cisco DNA integration.
- Frequent software patches needed,
Return on Investment
- Money saved not needing a WLC and separate APs.
- Time saved during setup if you're using a Cisco DNA.
- Long term it may be more time spent diagnosing issues.
Other Software Used
Cisco Firepower NGFW (formerly Sourcefire), Cisco Firepower 4100 Series, KnowBe4 PhishER