Higher Education

OK so we are currently using a 3600 controller based solution and have no complaints.  What are the advantages / disadvantages to the cloud based management?  I am having a hard time figuring out this question :)

Thanks in advance!

-Dan

Hi Dan,

Cloud management may be more attractive to someone if they have: 

a) Multiple remote sites, without IT staff / IT "touch"  . The cloud solution enables all sites to connect back to a central point and then the admin can manage everyone from one interface from their location.

b) Want to defer costs by lowering capital expenditure in favor of ongoing Operational expenditure (Cloud Subscription instead of Controller purchase)

Since you already have a well functioning 3600, at this point I would say Cloud really doesn't improve what you already have in place.   

If you are expanding to remote locations, teleworkers and the like then Cloud can certaily help you build 'around' the 3600 for those sites.   As Cloud evolves check back in and there may be some additional advantages for you.

JF

Jason,

We currently have a 3400 serving about 30 RAPs. We are concerned the 3400 may soon be EOL.

Would moving to the Cloud be an opton to consider in this case?

As a go-forward strategy when refreshing the Aruba Cloud is definately a consideration, as are newer Aruba controllers (the 7xxx line of controllers).

Key to the Aruba cloud command&control are Aruba Instant access points (IAPs).     To leverage the Aruba cloud option you would place IAPs (or RAPs that are IAP capable (RAP3, RAP155, RAP109 and so on) at your sites and use the Cloud as the centralized control, management, monitoring point.

What kind of access points population do you have today ? (model(s))

As for our friend the 3400, it does have many years of service infront of it planned yet.   FYI, Aruba supports all devices for 5 years post End-of-Sale (EOS).   The 3400 has not been EOS'ed as of yet.   aka.  you can think of it as having 5+ years of run time on that platform yet.    

JF

Primarily RAP-2s with some RAP-3s & RAP 5s

RAP-2 family - 13

RAP-3 family - 11

RAP-5 family - 6

AP-125  - 1

AP-135  - 1

Thanks.

The RAP-3 units that you have could be directed to the Aruba Cloud.  

At present, those other devices in your inventory would not have the option of communicating with the Cloud.  

JF