Ubiquiti vs. Cisco- Which network provider has an edge over the other?
A comparative analysis is key in understanding which network provider offers better network devices that give you a seamless and secure internet experience. Let us take a look at the features and differences of Ubiquiti and Cisco that would help us deduce which provider is better than the other.
What would you want your network to do for you? How many devices do you intend to have on your network? What is your budget and how much control would you like to have over your network? Answering this helps you pick out the right devices for your network. Ubiquiti and Cisco are among the technology companies that are invested in taking your networking experience to the next level. However, the one you choose over the other ultimately depends on your network needs. The table below summarizes their differences.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Ubiquiti and Cisco?
Company |
Ubiquiti |
Cisco (Winner) |
Year Founded |
2005 |
2006 |
Access point lines |
UniFi |
Meraki and Aironet |
Functionality |
Home and small businesses |
High density environments |
Radio Frequency performance |
Multi-lane RF technology |
Smart Antenna architecture |
Network management options |
UniFi Wireless Controller Software |
Cisco Wireless Controller |
Ubiquiti vs. Cisco – How do they compare?
Performance
Ubiquiti access points have been optimized with Multi-lane RF technology which optimizes operating channels, significantly increases the 2.4 GHz band wireless capacity and throughput in high density areas and it further enhances co-location of access points. The downside here is that your high bandwidth activities and applications may not be entirely catered for.
Cisco access points, on the other hand, have been optimized with the Smart Antenna feature which allows for signal boosting in high density environments and in areas with Wi-Fi interferences. This allows the access points to maintain their simultaneous dual band functionality at all times. Because of this, Cisco access points have a higher performance than the Ubiquiti access points.
Functionality
Majority of the Ubiquiti access points are ideal for home environments and small businesses which do not require a lot of users and in less density environments. Cisco access points, on the other hand, support many users at the same time and can be used in high density environments such as malls, auditoriums and conference halls. For this reason, Cisco access points work better in high density environments than Ubiquiti access points.
Network Control
The configuration and management of your network is important as you need to acquire an access point with a centralized management system so that you do not have to manually configure each access point on your network. With this in mind, the Cisco access points offer easier management and configuration options than the Ubiquiti access points.
The Cisco access points have been fitted with the Cisco Wireless Controller while the Ubiquiti access points come with the UniFi Controller software. Both of these controllers allow you to easily configure and administer your network. However, the difference is that Cisco access points would be ideal for you if you have a vast network with multiple SSIDs, guest networks and different network needs that need to be met at the same time.
Ubiquiti vs. Cisco- How do they compare?
Ubiquiti
Ubiquiti Networks is among the American technology companies that were developed to manufacture and distribute wireless data communication products for both enterprise and wireless broadband providers. It was founded in 2005 and was established in San Jose, California but is currently operating from New York City. Its primary focus is in emerging and under-served markets.
Through its switches, routers and access points, it seeks to provide you with a faster, stronger and more reliable network. Its access point product line is known as UniFi which is the most popular of its brand.
Access point: UniFi AC HD
- Connectivity technology: Ethernet
The UniFi AC HD is a dual band access point that supports 802.11ac wave 2 technology. It is an indoor and outdoor access point that comes with a compact design that blends into the aesthetic fabric of your home. It delivers throughput speeds of 2.533 Gbps to your connected devices which is distributed as 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Aside from that, it boosts your Wi-Fi signal over a range of up to 400 feet/ 122 meters.
Its simultaneous dual band operation with 4 x 4 MU-MIMO technology is a huge contributing factor to its optimal performance and network efficiency. Also, it features 802.3at PoE compatibility and allows for easy mounting. Additionally, it allows you to easily configure and administer your network through the UniFi Controller software. With the UniFi Controller software you are also able to access advanced options such as real-time status, RF map & performance features and also automatic UAP device detection.
Cisco
Cisco is an American technology company that is based in San Jose, California. It specializes in the manufacture of networking hardware & software, high technology services and telecommunication equipment. Its product line includes routers, switches, cloud computing services, access points, storage networking and data center switching.
Additionally, its access point lines are Meraki and Aironet. Its devices have been designed to provide radio frequency excellence for high density environments and they allow you to manage your devices and network through its Meraki Dashboard.
Access Point: Cisco Aironet 2800 series
- mu-mimo: 802.11ac wave 2 with 4x4 multiple-input multiple-output (mimo) technology with three spatial...
- application visibility and control: network-based application recognition (nbar) deep-packet inspection...
The Cisco Aironet 2800 access points support wave 2 Wi-Fi standard and its flexibility allows you to expand your network. It has been optimized with MU-MIMO technology which allows it to work seamlessly in high density environments. Also, it works well in high density environments because of its simultaneous dual band operation.
Also, the Cisco Aironet access points have been designed to deliver throughput speeds of up to 2.6 Gbps to your connected devices. The bandwidth speeds are distributed as up to 800 Mbps to the 2.4 GHz band and 1800 Mbps to the 5 GHz band. Through its Cisco Wireless Controller, you are able to easily configure and administer your network.
A summary table of the UniFi AC HD and the Cisco Aironet 2800 series
Model |
UniFi AC HD |
Cisco Aironet 2800 series |
Wi-Fi technology |
802.11 ac |
802.11 ac |
Environment |
Indoor / Outdoor |
Indoor/ Outdoor |
Frequency band |
2.4 and 5 GHz |
2.4 and 5 GHz |
Throughput speed |
2.533 Gbps |
2.6 Gbps |
Range |
400 feet |
400 feet |
Availability |
Conclusion
Generally, both Ubiquiti and Cisco have different network capabilities and unique technologies that operate to provide you with a seamless network. As mentioned earlier, your network needs determine your choice of network providers.
Final Verdict: So, which is better- Ubiquiti or Cisco?
Cisco has an edge over Ubiquiti when it comes to enhancing your networking experience. It provides you with exceptional connectivity and it is easy to configure and use. Aside from that, it offers sustainable control integration and great application visibility.
FAQs
What is a Push-to-Talk channel on my Cisco network devices?
A Push-to-Talk channel is a communication path that allows users on your network to communicate with each other.
When should I back up my database on my Cisco network devices?
You are recommended to back up your database during off peak hours and during periods of low activity so that you can achieve optimum performance on your Cisco network device.