Recommendations on access points

[talksr]

I have a school with Cisco Managed wireless.

It works a treat however there is one building which is not hooked up to the Cisco WiFi system. They have been using Apple Airports for years, however, Apple don't make these anymore and their existing ones are starting to get old and unreliable.

Can anyone suggest a suitable replacement? They will only need one or two.

The cost of expanding the Cisco WiFi solution to this area is prohibitive, hence my posting this post!

 

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[BKGarry]

I went from Meru wireless to Unifi 2 years ago, never looked back.

I was running both next to one and other without a problem, as Windows NPS (RADIUS) server allows you to just do this with adding the APs as RADIUS Clients.

Just configure your SSID and security settings the same.

 

Free controller software that runs on Windows or Linux without hassle (except making sure you have the right Java version in windows).

I have mostly the AP AC Pro from them, ceiling mounted, with two wall mounted. I have 5 of the In wall AP Pros, they are great and do POE Pass-through to phones where needed. And I have recently put in one HD access point, which I have been amazed with.

[localzuk]

For a couple of devices like that? I'd be looking at either Ruckus Unleashed devices, or Unifi devices. Depending on load anyway.

[snagrat]

I would be looking at Cambium or Unifi.

 

Cambium offer a free cloud controller but slightly more expensive per AP

[Jcx500]

Can't go wrong with Unifi, Works great here 30+ ap's with cloud key, Would suggest the controller on a pc if you are only having a few

[synaesthesia]

Another vote for Unifi, loved ours. Just had it replaced with Aruba ready for a higher density device deployment but the new kit has a shocking range in comparison. For low load, the unifi is a mile better.

[wright-fi]

I would be looking at Cambium or Unifi.

 

Cambium offer a free cloud controller but slightly more expensive per AP

 

Cambium and Unifi are both good products. In addition to the free cloud Cambium also offer free telephone/online support and a 5 year warranty.

[talksr]

Thank you everyone, very helpful.

[mavhc]

If the Aruba is for high density I'd assume the low range is deliberate.

 

Why is the cost of expanding the Cisco Wifi so high?

[saggu]

Can't go wrong with Unifi, Works great here 30+ ap's with cloud key, Would suggest the controller on a pc if you are only having a few

Whom did you buy it from? is there a way get a trial AP?

[synaesthesia]

Whom did you buy it from? is there a way get a trial AP?

 

Why on earth would you want a trial AP, just buy one, they cost less then most wifi providers charge to answer a phone.

[Jcx500]

Got them from Bt Business Direct, Im not sure on a trail AP

[mcolbourn]

Another vote for unifi we are running with just over 100 AP's and a AWS hosted Cloud controller and love it (we had Meru before hand but the ongoing cost made it hard)