I'm searching for the best solution to manage our WiFi networks through a central dashboard. I need to monitor the operational status of the network, view connected devices, and access everything remotely. Currently, each office has separate WiFi that isn't part of our internal network; it's only used for guests, mobile devices, and laptops. The issue is that we often don't realize when the network is down until someone reports it. We've got various routers and ISPs at different locations, but while the ISP options can't change, upgrading the routers and access points is possible. I'm considering using the same access points across locations to facilitate centralized management. What do you all think?
5 Answers
It really depends on your company size. I’ve used Ubiquiti for years but recently switched to Meraki. Both are great, but Meraki is a bit pricier and has a nicer interface.
Consider looking into SD-WAN solutions. They offer centralized management, and you can mix and match routers, switches, and APs. Popular options include HP Aruba, Cisco Meraki, and Ubiquiti Unifi.
I’ve only worked with Unifi systems, and they check all the boxes for multi-site and remote monitoring. We've set ours to alert us when a device goes down, which has been super useful! Just keep in mind you'll need to replace existing APs with Unifi to manage everything centrally.
Check out Ubiquiti or Aruba Instant On; they’re really solid choices for ease of use and reliability! Definitely worth considering for your setup.
I totally agree! Both of these options are super straightforward and just work really well.
Are your internet connections totally separate ISPs for the WiFi from your wired network? If so, you might want to consider unified systems from the same brand, like Unifi, Meraki, or Aruba for better monitoring. But let’s be real, budget will also play a big role. If your internet connections have static IPs, you can set up external monitoring too. But if not, you may need an onsite agent to report IP changes back to HQ.
Yeah, the internal network is completely separate. We have multiple APs, including D-Links and Eeros, but I’m not sure about budget yet. Looks like we need to figure out a management solution.
We have 18 offices, but most have just 5-10 users each, except a couple with over 30. So I’m looking for something that scales fairly well.