The Extreme CloudIQ solution made it possible to centrally manage an asset composed of switches and access points distributed over several sites. It was possible to deploy configurations quickly and easily, thanks to a very intuitive interface. The platform is very easy to use and has a large set of features.
Pros
Configuration deployment
Asset management
Analytics
Cons
Price
License requirement for upgrade
support
Likelihood to Recommend
It is definitely a suitable platform for medium to large enterprises that need to manage a significant number of devices. In this context, it is useful for deployment, management, analytics and for troublesooting. In a small environment for managing few devices it is an extra cost and may not be necessary.
VU
Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology (201-500 employees)
We love the cloud capability, ease of upgrades, and private PSK capability for managing our IOT. Our area has spotty cell reception, and using Wi-Fi for calling has allowed us to keep communication open.
Pros
Private PSK makes security easier to implement.
XIQ Companion Mobile App, allows easy onboarding and control of wireless from anywhere.
Great Auditing capability and easy resolution of problems.
Air Defense Essentials provides a strong security framework other providers just don't have.
Real-Time Heat Maps allow for easy reconfiguration of a room and allow optimization of the wireless for a better experience.
Cons
XIQ Refreshes could be enhanced for closer to on-prem experience.
Client Data polling interval needs to be quicker, 10 minutes.
Full feature parity of switch management in XIQ.
Likelihood to Recommend
Well-suited for High-density environments. Less Appropriate in Extreme Switch-only environments.
VU
Verified User
C-Level Executive in Information Technology (11-50 employees)
Extreme Cloud IQ manages switches and a wide range of APs. Notably, the flexibility of the PPSK feature allows for the isolation of various user profiles as required. This provides the security of 802.1x, which is not available to us. Some offices have a high number of clients connected, so the SDR feature, which provides a second 5GHz radio channel, is extremely valuable, effectively doubling the capacity when in most situations, the 2.4GHz radio would be disabled.
Pros
GTAC support is excellent; they understand the issue and do not hesitate to help in detail.
The layout is very intuitive and easy to use, especially the templating of switch port types. It makes it simple to use context-based names so the purpose of the port can be understood.
The auto channel selection now works very well, including the SDR dual 5GHz mode.
Cons
The XIQ cloud updates occasionally resulted in a small outage for some customers, but Extreme has been able to roll back the change each time.
The near WiFi-6E APs will include dual 5GHz radios. Currently, these allow 1x5 and 1x6 GHz but not 2x5GHz.
On Quick onboarding devices, go back to the more straightforward option, which did not require the location to be set as a default requirement. When location is needed to be specified, it prevents the area from being assigned via a subnet under auto-provisioning.
Likelihood to Recommend
In complex environments where redundancy is required or a high density of client devices is in use. It is helpful to small enterprises with limited IT staff, as once the auto-provisioning is set up with AP templates, it means APs can be installed by non-IT staff. Licensing can be complex due to all the models, but the ability for co-term licenses to end on the same expiry is essential.
