Invisible IT!
Use 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.
Return on Investment
- It has been referred to as "invisible IT" because the number of support tickets to the IT desk has been reduced to practically none.
- An IT team no longer desires ongoing WiFi support agreements, as once it is set up well, they do not need to contact us for higher-tier support.
Usability
Alternatives Considered
Aruba ClearPass, Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller, Ubiquiti Networks UniFi, Cisco Meraki Dashboard, Ruckus ICX Switches, Fortinet Wireless LAN and Cambium Networks
Other Software Used
Microsoft Excel, Cambium Networks

