Having difficulties choosing wireless networking equipment providers? Enterprise hardware companies provide essential network equipment and solutions, and as installations expand, network professionals are demanding smarter, more automated networks.
The global Wi-Fi market is expected to grow by 65% to reach $25.2 billion by 2026, with growth being driven by the introduction of faster and more reliable technology like 802.11ax.
This article evaluates hardware vendors based on their Wi-Fi systems’ intelligence, cloud-based management, IoT device integration, and roadmap for future Wi-Fi technology.
Let’s take a look at the top wireless networking equipment providers in 2023.
Best Wireless Networking Equipment Providers
Mordor Intelligence predicts the network hardware market will have a CAGR during 2023-2028. It’s important to carefully evaluate partners for enterprise needs.
Five selection criteria include market entrenchment, ability to scale, next-gen innovations, customer support services, and a partner network for customized solutions.
And IDC Research reports that in 2022, over 50% of enterprises increased their investments in network connectivity.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that this list is based on publicly available information and may include vendor websites that cater to mid-to-large enterprises. Therefore, readers are advised to conduct their research to ensure the best fit for their specific organizational needs.
1) Cisco/Meraki
Cisco is a dominant player in the WLAN market and among leading wireless networking equipment providers, with a 40% market share between its Catalyst and Meraki product lines.
Cisco DNA Center uses AI/ML to improve network efficiency and performance while simplifying network management through automation and analytics.
Cisco’s extensive portfolio of products supports Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and 6E standards, as well as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for IoT deployments.
The company employs over 50,000 people globally and has an established presence in key geographic locations, is known for its robust customer support, and has its own Cisco Networking Academy.
It has also made significant advancements in AI and ML to optimize network connectivity and monitoring.
Cisco’s recent acquisitions introduce customer experience and collaboration capabilities, combining networking capabilities with unified communications. However, the initial setup may be challenging due to the lack of templates, and the initial investment may be expensive.
2) HPE -Aruba
The company offers a wide range of Wi-Fi access points, including Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and 6E, and uses AI/ML to identify network issues and implement corrective actions in real-time through its cloud-based ESP product. It also offers readiness for scale, advanced infrastructure, edge, cloud, and AiOps solutions for network management.
HPE finds itself in a favorable position due to the rise of data at the network edge, cloud demand, and the need to generate valuable insights from data. HPE’s edge-to-cloud strategy enables the company to take advantage of these trends and expand its share of these markets.
HPE is designed to power edge-to-cloud connectivity, with robust support for IoT, AI, containerization, hyper-converged infrastructure, and hybrid workplaces.
Pricing for HPE Aruba starts at $79.99 for a basic access point. While HPE has made strides in AI and ML-based infrastructure management, command-line controls are limited to only top-tier products, and solutions are not always intuitive.
3) Extreme Networks
Founded in 1996, Extreme Networks is traded on NASDAQ and has offices in the U.S. and the U.K. is a leading provider of wired and wireless network infrastructure, with a strong presence in the market. Their 4000 Series wireless access points support Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and emerging Wi-Fi 6e standards.
The company is known for its ability to deliver scalable infrastructure components and network applications. It offers sophisticated cloud and analytics solutions to optimize network deployments and helps companies transform into an “infinite enterprise.”
Extreme’s observability and orchestration products are compatible with any network hardware, reducing the risk of vendor lock-in.
Customers can benefit from the Extreme Academy, a feature-rich support portal, and a repository of learning resources.
Extreme’s routers start at $2,995. However, customers have reported occasional downtime, making it unsuitable for mission-critical traffic pathways.
4) Arista Networks
Arista Networks is a leading provider of data-driven networking solutions for large data centers and campus environments, earning a visionary rating from Gartner.
In 2021, Arista expanded its Cognitive Campus with Wi-Fi 6E technology, catering to enterprise IoT and collaborative application needs. Arista also integrated its Awake Security acquisition to boost its campus security portfolio.
Arista’s solutions include cloud-based enterprise Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6 access points that act as wireless intrusion prevention sensors. The company’s hardware solutions are built on cloud networking principles, providing telemetry, analytics, and automation.
Arista’s open architecture approach provides scalable solutions for mid-sized enterprises, large deployments, and CSPs. It partners with Microsoft, Splunk, VMware, and other technology majors to deliver purpose-built solutions for complex data center environments.
The company offers country-specific services and premium support under the A-Care plan, with its extensible operating system (EOS) pricing starting at $495/month. While Arista’s solutions are future-proof, companies may find the post-deployment support limited and the features overwhelming.
Overall, Arista Networks is an excellent choice for companies looking to build a data-driven cloud ecosystem.
5) Juniper Networks
Juniper Networks, a veteran networking vendor, has been focused on integrating technology from its acquisition of Mist Systems. The company is incorporating cloud-based, AI-driven WLAN management into its wired switching and WLAN portfolio.
Juniper’s Mist AIOps offers network visibility, application performance, end-user experience metrics, and SLA compliance metrics in real time.
Network administrators can troubleshoot common network issues by using natural language queries through Marvis, a virtual network assistant that is part of the Juniper Mist Cloud.
The company’s cloud-based Mist WxLAN product portfolio offers Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 access points for indoor and outdoor deployments, with most supporting Bluetooth Low Energy.
In November 2021, Juniper added AI-driven Wi-Fi 6E access points and IoT Assurance to its portfolio of wireless devices.
Founded in 1996, Juniper Networks provides networking hardware equipment such as routers, switches, and security appliances, has an impressive software offerings portfolio, and is equipped to simplify your full stack of IT networking requirements, suitable for companies of every size, including very large or mid-sized businesses.
Pricing for hardware components starts at around $2,300.
While Juniper’s reliable network infrastructure and cloud solution make it ideal for digital and e-commerce services companies, customers have noted significant issues with firmware and documentation quality.
6) Ubiquiti
Ubiquiti is a major player in enterprise Wi-Fi with an 8% market share. The company provides a wide range of access points and switches for indoor and outdoor deployments, including its UniFi line for home, consumer, business wired and wireless networking, as well as its AirMax product line for point-to-point and point-to-multi-point links between networks.
Ubiquiti offers a unified IT operating system to simplify network management, including hardware solutions and multisite network governance tools. The company’s network equipment, phone systems, and on-site security solutions can be deployed and managed across multiple locations through cloud-based controls.
Ubiquiti specializes in sophisticated network management apps that work with routers, switches, and modems, and provides a simple online support portal, a help center, and a global community of customers. The company has a network of partners and resellers around the world.
Ubiquiti’s network solutions have a simple, minimalist yet feature-rich user interface, making it easy to manage network deployments of any size. Access point pricing starts at $99.
What Are WISP Connections & How Do They Differentiate From ISP Connections?
WISP stands for Wireless Internet Service Provider, while ISP means Internet Service Provider.
So, WISPs are Internet providers that offer wireless connections. This provides a series of important advantages, in addition to being the only option for many users who need to connect to the network.
It should be noted that currently, it is normal to contract a fiber optic Internet service for the home.
This is very interesting for isolated areas, hard-to-reach, and remote places. They are based on antennas or stations. In addition, another smaller antenna is installed in the user’s home that is connected to the station.
In this way, you can have a wireless Internet connection, without carrying out a complex installation.