Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller vs. D-Link Wireless Access Points

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller
Score 9.7 out of 10
N/A
The Cisco 3504 Wireless (WLAN) Controller provides centralized control, management, and troubleshooting for small to medium-sized enterprises and branch offices.N/A
D-Link Wireless Access Points
Score 4.7 out of 10
N/A
D-Link offers wireless access points. Designed for versatile deployment, their enterprise products supports indoor, outdoor, and wall-mounted installations to meet diverse coverage and environmental needs.
$120.99
one-time fee
Pricing
Cisco 3504 WLAN ControllerD-Link Wireless Access Points
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
D-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 Access Point (DAP-X2810)
$120.99
one-time fee
D-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 Outdoor Access Point for Business (DAP-X3060OU)
$239.99
one-time fee
D-Link BE9500 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Smart Router (R95)
$249.99
one-time fee
D-Link Nuclias Cloud-Managed AX3600 Access Point - (DBA-X2830P)
$349.99
one-time fee
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco 3504 WLAN ControllerD-Link Wireless Access Points
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsAvailable through D-Link's shop or through third-party resellers.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco 3504 WLAN ControllerD-Link Wireless Access Points
Best Alternatives
Cisco 3504 WLAN ControllerD-Link Wireless Access Points
Small Businesses
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
Score 9.5 out of 10
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
WatchGuard Secure Wi-Fi Cloud
Score 9.5 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Cisco Aironet 1800 Series Access Points (discontinued)
Score 9.8 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Score 8.7 out of 10
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Score 8.7 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco 3504 WLAN ControllerD-Link Wireless Access Points
Likelihood to Recommend
9.8
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.4
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco 3504 WLAN ControllerD-Link Wireless Access Points
Likelihood to Recommend
What I
like most about the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller is that its user interface makes
networking very simple. Shows real-time information about the network which
helps admins watch the traffic flow and client connections using the dashboard.
Since it’s so simple, people find it very easy to start using the system. The complexity in setting it up for the first time could hinder
efficient deployment in fast-paced environments.
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Best in small networks & appropriate in industrial areas. AP works fine in any temperature & location (in remote locations office or remote location). Open area wireless connectivity is good with good range. Simple VLAN management and management are good. Backup and restoration is very good. Small home offices using wireless network work awesome.
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Pros
  • [...] One thing which always fascinated me is the user interface because it is very friendly in nature.
  • Also, with this tool, [my team and I] have started feeling more secure and safe because this platform does not require any such implementation. [A]ll the security patches happen on their own.
  • One of the main pros of this app is that because it is so compact, it makes this platform a very good travel option. [I]t is also portable [and] can be easily carried anywhere.
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  • Due to multiple switches in a single network environment, communication issues are common; therefore, productivity is effected. After installing D-Link Wireless, we resolved these kind of issues in our network.
  • One windows solution make management easy via D-Link Wireless.
  • Logs and troubleshooting is now easily handled. Pictorial form help in configuration and users management.
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Cons
  • The interface needs improvement, it is still complex to find some functions quickly
  • The price of the product is still a big limiter
  • The fragility of its physical structure, any impact, which is a little stronger, can cause damage to the product
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  • Hanging issues are common in large scale networks. Even wireless controller is hanged in peak hours.
  • Issues in VLAN configuration and port configurations.
  • Cost is high in front of other brands.
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Likelihood to Renew
We have been using Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller in our network infrastructure for a long time now and it has been a very critical and beneficial addition in our network infrastructure. it has provided us with the tools required to efficiently manage and monitor our wireless network and users. it is a highly reliable and efficient device for any kind of environment.
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Usability
I have given it a rating of 10 because of all the efficiencies it brings into our working place. The Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller is a very reliable router. Advanced threat detection, guest access
security and extensive encryption are provided by the controller to safely
protect important data. Focusing on network security increases users trust as
well as helps secure the entire wireless setup.
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No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco TAC is well known and SLA levels are great. Cisco support website and Cisco communities are another help for issues resolution. TAC is always supportive over Webex and helps to resolve issues pretty fast. This is another assurance for people to go with Cisco as the TAC capabilities are proven for all product lines.
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Alternatives Considered
I have done the comparative analysis of the Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller with other products like the Cisco 5520 Wireless Controller and the Ubiquiti network UniFi Controller. I chose the 3504 because it was within the same network scale, reliable, and offers central management to the whole network.
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We studied and selected D-Link due to usage in a limited area, and it is a very cost effective solution; therefore, D-Link Wireless AP and D-Link Wireless Controller [were] selected for our organization. We also [researched] Cisco, but Cisco was an expensive product and not appropriate in our required area or task; therefore, we selected D-Link.
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Return on Investment
  • The WLAN controller is a great tool for wireless network administration. With the Cisco Wireless Controller, we can quickly configure and manage all Cisco access points. It's also very easy to set up and manage. The Wlan Controller is a must-have for all our wireless network design.
  • The WLAN Controller is a really useful device, it's easy to use and the setup is clear. The 3504 we use has 4 interfaces, we use 2 for data, one for management and one for failover. The wireless controller is very reliable, it will not let your network down. The only downside is that it can be a little bit slow when you need to add a lot of new access points.
  • Cisco 3504 Wireless Controller is a great tool for managing WLANs. The controller allows you to manage a large number of access points and allows you to very quickly manage and configure all devices in the network and have one of the most important components of the system. The controller is easy to use and supports a large number of connections and devices.
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  • Organizational needs are fulfilled [which] means return on investment.
  • Smooth connectivity increases productivity. Yes, we are satisfied in this area.
  • Management and troubleshooting are core features & very quick in production area.
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