Cloud Managed Networks

Hi Folks,

I need help.  If at all possible I'd like to learn as much as I can about the differences between the Meraki Cloud Management vs. the AOS-CX.

I find that asking the question in a forum, such as this, provides me informative answers with ZERO sugar coating.  I'm extremely well versed in Meraki so if you have questions for me please ask.

I have just started with a new company and "my" new network is in dire need of a re-design and upgrade.  I simply know that I'm going to find it difficult to justify the cost of implementing an entirely new Meraki environment on the licensing alone.  So I thought I would look at alternatives.  I've looked at everything from Netgear > Ubiquiti > Dell...I'm now at Aruba.

Can someone please tell me how GREAT Aruba is... How this AOS-CX software is more than capable of competing with Cisco's Meraki Dashboard.  I'll give an example.  If I want to aggregate 3 ports...on Meraki I, literally, click a checkbox on the three ports then click a little button that says Aggregate.......done.....nothing more or less.  I can do that across 3 physical switches a port each or all 3 on one switch...etc.....  Is it that easy on AOS-CX?  Can I configure 20 ports on AOS-CX all at the same time?  Change the VLAN on all 48 ports at once?  I'm so in the dark and need to make a choice.

I would love to say I have some competition with the Cisco gear.  It would be a much easier sell.  I have NEVER put my hands on an Aruba device.  I wouldn't mind starting.  Help!!!!

Crap...editing already...    Stacking....

Is it true that Aruba has no rear stacking ports?  Do I have to "waste" the SFP+ ports in the front.  Or is that just specific models?  I also forgot...whatever I chose MUST be cloud managed.  I have to be able to be sitting in AppleBees and if the call comes in that port 29 needs to be on VLAN 22 I can do it right there.

Sorry for the edit...thanks folks!

Aruba has Central for cloud management, not sure though how it works.

Use 802.1X authentication with switches so you don't have to do it the old way and manually configure switch ports to VLANs.

Stacking varies on the switch model.  Some use front panel ports (VSF stacking) the 2930F as a good example of this.  Others use backplane stacking modules, the 3810 and 5400 are examples of this type.

Aruba Central is the Aruba cloud management similar to Meraki's dashboard. Aruba OS-CX is the software that runs on the new line of switches. All of the Aruba OS-CX switches will use one of the SFP28 or higher ports for VSF or VSX depending on the switch model. The Aruba-OS Switches can either use backplane stacking or VSF utilizing a port on the front of the switch. 2930M and 3810 are examples of switches that use backplane or dedicated stack ports on the back of the switch. The 2930F and 5400R use ports on the front of the switch to stack. 

As for as using Aruba Central to manage switches it was built for simplicity but at the same time it gives you the tools to troubleshoot just as if you were on the CLI. Setting up a "link agg" or as Aruba calls it a "Trunk group" utilizing multiple interfaces it is quite simple. You would click to add a new group, select the interfaces, select the untagged vlan and the tagged vlans, set the protocol (lacp) and hit "ok". 

As for modifying Vlans on ports it is just as simple. You can modify multiple ports at once, even all 48 if you wanted to. 

Reach out to your local Aruba SE and I'm sure they would be happy to show you a demo. Your local partner might also be able to help or at least help get you in touch with your Aruba SE. 

Hope this helps. 

Jerald...THANK YOU!

That is exactly what I was looking for!  I just needed to know it was in the same "arena" as the Meraki Dashboard et. al.

This is wonderful information.  Helps as I'm planning.  I have to do a full network rebuild, from the core out, and whatever I can do to lower costs I'll need to do.  I've just come to appreciate the management functionality that comes with a Meraki style dashboard.  Thanks Jerald!

I have been using Meraki for 5 years and just rolled out a project using Aruba's Wireless Management. 

I can say without bias that Meraki's software is far superior. The UI of Aruba just doesn't compare, not even in the same league. 

The capabilities of the Aruba devices and controller are all there (and in  some cases better than Meraki), but the ease of use, setup and management is not.

If you  value the  simplicity of Meraki you will struggle to map the same methodology  to Aruba. Expect a learning curve.

Thanks so much!

That's what I was worried about.  I don't mind a learning curve if I HAVE to.  If I don't then why bother?  Especially considering, from what I've seen, Meraki and the Aruba gear is fairly equally priced.  Thanks again!!

In our case Aruba was much more cost effective, both Capex and Opex!  Usually this is the big driving  point for Aruba, the price; especially  Wireless.

We are outside of the U.S so it's possible that the poor Australia/U.S conversion is to blame.

You mentioned Aruba Controllers. Were you using Aruba Central or Aruba Airwave to manage the wireless network? 

Aruba Central

I saw that there is a UI update coming, which looks cleaner than the  current version!