Invisible IT!
Rating: 10 out of 10
IncentivizedUse Cases and Deployment Scope
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.
JH
Jason Hills
Senior WiFi Consultant in Engineering at Simpson Grierson (Law Practice, 201-500 employees)
Vetted Review
14 years of experience