While significantly smaller than most on this list, I would like to throw in my two cents:
We are using Meraki to manage our Ipads, ipods, etc. It works great. Having said that, if there is any interruption (internet, problems with firewall, their site, whatever) the only downside would be that we could not install apps, change settings, etc. until the issue was rectified. I hesitate to put something that is more critical, like a wireless controller, offsite as it is a more time sensitive system. Even without internet our users can logon and work locally. We are using a Ruckus ZD3000 with 31 APs and have had zero downtime, coverage is excellent, and speeds are fast. We feel strongly enough about it we purchased a second ZD3000 and have them synced at all times. The failover is instant (almost) and the second unit was very inexpensive. Best thing about the Ruckus is the interface is MUCH easier than the Aruba that we retired. . The APs act independent from the controller (for the most part. Maybe I am showing my age, but giving up all control to "the cloud" spooks me. Hope that helps, Bob Williamson Network Administrator Annie Wright Schools | 827 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403 | www.aw.org<http://www.aw.org/> D: 253.272.2216 | F: 253.572.3616 | [email protected] Mission: Annie Wright's strong community cultivates individual learners to become well-educated, creative, and responsible citizens for a global society. Find Annie Wright Schools on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/anniewrightschools> Follow our Head of Schools on Twitter @AWShead<http://www.twitter.com/awshead> "Be green; keep it on the screen." ~ AWS Green Team From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jesse Safran Sent: Monday, April 29, 2013 8:23 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Distributed WiFi model - Thin vs Thick debate revisited Aerohive is not cloud only. They do have a Virtual HiveManager that you can run on VMWare. One of the things that really makes them stand out from Meraki, IMO. On Mon, Apr 29, 2013 at 11:20 AM, Thomas Carter <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Additional items I'm sure you've seen in the archives, but not listed here: Controller Pros: - Easy central config management and monitoring - Centralized rogue detection and coutermeasures Controller Cons: - Controllers are critical hardware to monitor and manage - License chaos (do you have the correct licenses on the controller for the APs you have) The cloud-based "controllerless" options like Aerohive seem to strike a middle balance, but I'm a little leery; too many cloud-based things are not living up to the hype. Thomas Carter Network and Operations Manager Austin College 903-813-2564<tel:903-813-2564> [AusColl_Logo_Email] From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>] On Behalf Of Barros, Jacob Sent: Monday, April 29, 2013 9:52 AM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Distributed WiFi model - Thin vs Thick debate revisited Hello all. We are seriously considering replacing our Aruba infrastructure in favor of a distributed model. We are having controller issues this academic year and the appeal of a controller-less model is strong. It feels like I am coming full circle to where I was six years ago. Though I know its not exactly the same, I went back to the thin vs thick debates in the archives. A few things stood out to me as considerations: One concern was vendor longevity. Another was whether or not the thick AP model would be able to keep up with the controller based architecture. An advantage of the controller based architecture that stood out to me was central processing, specifically regarding key exchange. Are these points still valid concerns? If your administration asked you to consider a distributed architecture, what other (vendor-neutral) concerns would you have? Thanks, in advance, for your opinions! Jake Barros | Network Administrator | Office of Information Technology Grace College and Seminary | Winona Lake, IN | 574.372.5100 x6178<tel:574.372.5100%20x6178><tel:574.372.5100%20x6178> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. -- Jesse Safran Sr. Desktop Supervisor/Assist. Network Admin Green Mountain College 1 Brennan Circle Poultney, VT 05764 802-287-0105 (Cell) 802-287-8264 (IT Computer Support Line) [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
