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Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers VS Cisco Catalyst Switches

Compare Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers VS Cisco Catalyst Switches and see what are their differences

Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers logo Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers

Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLAN), wireless controller, provides wireless performance of all mobile devices, offers limited hotspot coverage and more.

Cisco Catalyst Switches logo Cisco Catalyst Switches

Catalyst 9500 is Cisco’s leading fixed-core switch series for enterprise. Built for security, IoT, and the cloud, this series is a building block for SD-Access.
  • Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-06
  • Cisco Catalyst Switches Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-07

Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers features and specs

  • Scalability
    Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) are designed to handle the needs of both small-scale and large-scale wireless deployments, offering models that can manage a wide range of access points and clients.
  • Centralized Management
    WLCs provide a centralized platform for managing all wireless access points, simplifying configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and updates across the network.
  • Advanced Security Features
    Cisco WLCs offer robust security features, including role-based access control, rogue access point detection, and wireless intrusion prevention systems to ensure secure wireless network environments.
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
    Cisco WLCs support QoS features that prioritize traffic to ensure optimal performance for voice, video, and data applications, enhancing user experience.
  • Seamless Roaming
    These controllers provide smooth roaming capabilities, allowing clients to move across access points without interrupting connectivity, which is essential for mobility-driven environments.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers

  • Cost
    Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers tend to be more expensive compared to some other vendors, which might be a barrier for smaller companies with limited budgets.
  • Complexity
    The advanced features and capabilities of Cisco WLCs can also introduce complexity in setup and management, requiring skilled IT staff or specialized training.
  • Vendor Lock-in
    Organizations using Cisco WLCs may become reliant on Cisco products and technology, making it challenging to integrate or switch to solutions from other vendors without significant changes.
  • Licensed Features
    Some features offered by Cisco WLCs require additional licenses, which can increase the overall cost and complexity of deployment for organizations.
  • Hardware Limitations
    In some cases, older models of Cisco WLCs may not support the latest wireless standards and technologies, necessitating hardware upgrades to take full advantage of new features.

Cisco Catalyst Switches features and specs

  • High Performance
    The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches provide high throughput and low latency, making them ideal for high-demand network environments.
  • Advanced Security Features
    These switches include advanced security mechanisms like Encrypted Traffic Analytics, providing enhanced protection against threats.
  • Scalability
    Cisco Catalyst switches offer modular design options, allowing network scaling as organizational needs grow.
  • Integration with Cisco Ecosystem
    They seamlessly integrate with other Cisco products and solutions, offering a unified approach to networking and management.
  • Advanced Routing Capabilities
    Supports advanced routing protocols and features, making it suitable for complex network topologies.
  • Energy Efficiency
    Built with energy-efficient technologies to minimize power consumption, adhering to modern environmental standards.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco Catalyst Switches

  • Cost
    Cisco Catalyst switches tend to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, which might not be suitable for small budgets.
  • Complexity
    The advanced capabilities and features can lead to a steep learning curve for network administrators unfamiliar with Cisco systems.
  • Licensing Requirements
    Cisco products often require additional licenses for access to specific features, potentially leading to higher operational costs.
  • Hardware Limitations
    Being hardware-based, these switches may not offer the same flexibility or rapid innovation speed as virtualized network solutions.
  • Maintenance and Support
    Proper maintenance often requires skilled personnel or reliance on Cisco’s support services, which can be costly.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Cisco Catalyst Switches)
CMS
29 29%
71% 71
Networking Hardware
30 30%
70% 70
Network & Admin
59 59%
41% 41
Uptime Monitoring
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Cisco Catalyst Switches, you can also consider the following products

FortiAP - Integrated Secure Access Managed Wireless LAN

HPE Switches - Invest in network switch technology that’s futureproof.

Fortinet Wireless LAN - Simplify WLAN planning and deployment with our graphical Wireless LAN planning and post-deployment site survey tool.

Huawei Ethernet Switches - Updated for 2020! Reviews, ratings, alternative vendors and more - directly from real users and experts.

Aruba Networks Wireless - People move. Networks must follow. Connect your world with intelligent mobility. @arubanetworks

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch - Switches keep the office, campus & data center networks connected with high-performance Ethernet switch that delivers uninterrupted network.