Inherited Aerohive - Migrate to Extreme or jump ship

[Rundc]

Hi All,

 

I've inherited a Aerohive platform managing 240 access points (Mainly AP121's and AP130s) across a number of schools.

 

As it was working when i started here a few months back i've left it well alone, however there was recently a problem which i started invetsigating an finally got put in touch with a reseller who support us on this (No handover so i didn't have this information to hand). I've been told this platform is EOL March 2023 and there were talks of migration before I joined but they fell through for some reason.

 

So im currently looking at either migrating the APS from aerohive to Extreme IQ, or replace everything.

 

Any opinions on Extreme IQ vs Meraki or Rukcus for example or any other providers I should be looking at... Currently undecided on whether t pursue the migration of look at alternatives.

[mavhc]

Cambium XV2-2 APs are about £250 each

[Wave9_Lee]

We'd recommend Meraki, everyone has their favourites - I'd be happy to arrange a demo/quote if needed. Have you checked to see if any of your schools are eligible for Connect the Classroom? https://www.wave9.co.uk/dfe-funding-connect-the-classroom/

 

cheers

[titch]

Hi All,

 

I've inherited a Aerohive platform managing 240 access points (Mainly AP121's and AP130s) across a number of schools.

 

As it was working when i started here a few months back i've left it well alone, however there was recently a problem which i started invetsigating an finally got put in touch with a reseller who support us on this (No handover so i didn't have this information to hand). I've been told this platform is EOL March 2023 and there were talks of migration before I joined but they fell through for some reason.

 

So im currently looking at either migrating the APS from aerohive to Extreme IQ, or replace everything.

 

Any opinions on Extreme IQ vs Meraki or Rukcus for example or any other providers I should be looking at... Currently undecided on whether t pursue the migration of look at alternatives.

Upgrading them to the very good extreme software was painless for us but also nearly as expensive as a new system. They have switched their model from expensive devises/cheap subscription to cheap devices/expensive subscription which has left us paying a lot more. Get your quotes I'm and see how they compare. .

[Norphy]

Getting rid of an Aerohive system ranks second on my list of good moves in my last education job, not far behind getting rid of CC4. I hated that system, it was utter garbage. IMO.

[rogerdnixon]

We have Extreme at a number of our Secondaries and its by far the best WiFi solution we have across our 28 schools. The Extreme interface is very flexible and have a ton of options other systems don't have. However, as others have said it's not the cheapest solution - but it does support our 1:1 programmes with zero issues. AP121 are very old and would need to be replaced. AP131's are fine and we still have quite a few of them.

The main issue is getting hold of the new ones as lead times seem to be quite long - WiFi 6 we have quite a few AP305's which have been great.

You can use Extreme for free (max three sites in one instance) - but you will miss out on a lot of features - but we do use it like this at a few primaries.

At primaries we normally just use Unifi kit (e.g. U6-Pro's in latest refreshes) as it does what they need and works without issue or any ongoing costs.