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What are some of the popular commercial access points which I can plug righ into my network? I am running all sonicwall devices. I am aware that sonicwall has a AP, however, I am trying to avoid their licensing.

Thanks

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5 Answers

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We use Cisco Aironet for use where a "consumer" grade unit isn't acceptable.

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The Cisco Aironet gear is a bit pricey, but it's great gear. It's very reliable and has a good feature-set. – Evan Anderson Jun 9 '09 at 17:19
Are there easy to configure? I'd purchased one a while back but later found out it was depenant on a parent device to be installed on the network. Is there a model I can plug rignt into my network and configure? – Saif Khan Jun 9 '09 at 17:20
Yes. We use the Cisco Aironet 1100 (maybe a newer model since we last bought one). It's standalone and works fine without any other devices. – Kevin Kuphal Jun 9 '09 at 17:36
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When you order the Aironet AP, They sell two verions of most models, one for use with a Controller, and one as a standalone. It is supposedly possible to flash the firmware on one to change to the other, but I never did it. The one time a vendor sold me the wrong version, I just exchanged it for the standalone version. The Standalone verisons generally configure through a Web interface, much like the consumer models. – BillN Jun 9 '09 at 17:55
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As BillN mentions don't buy the "lightweight" version, it's not just a flash change to get the full firmware these days, Cisco will want another few hundred dollars first. – LapTop006 Jun 10 '09 at 12:31
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We implemented Aerohive. Specifically because it met each of our requirements, a.) ultimately manageable by the helpdesk, b.) reliable security, and c.) good support.

(Personally however, I would have opted for a Cisco wireless AP solution, but that's just me. :)

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At my office we use Ruckus gear. The thing I really like about the ruckus is the management box. It makes administrating/updating all of our APs all too easy. Colleague of mine does town/city wide wireless networks and uses Aruba

::Edit:: I just re-read your question, you wanted something that is "plug-n-play" into your existing network. The Aruba is way over what you need, but the ruckus might work.

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Is the SonicWall licensing required just for updates? Going with Cisco would require a SmartNet agreement for software and support. You might want to consider moving to HP gear. Their support is incredible and the price is reasonable.

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SonicWalls are a PITA in general. The licensing is required for everything, not just updates. – Jesse Weigert Jun 10 '09 at 7:02
seriously, it's one of the things I dislike about sonicwall. – Saif Khan Jun 11 '09 at 15:46
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Colubris AP by HP. You can also get A controller which once you plug in the AP's they get a default config. The APs are dual radio and draft N as well as ABG. HP do lifetime* warranty too. By * I am not sure what the exact definition of lifetime warranty.

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