I am in the process of designing a enterprise wireless solution for a client, and I was wondering what the cost difference was between sticking with two Cisco Wireless LAN controllers (redundant), with a 50 AP license vs. going with Meraki Access points and a cloud subscription?
Waiting for my sales reps to get back to me on this, but I was wondering what you guys have experienced in regards to this? Sounds like if I put controllers into a redundant pair, I would need double the AP licensing. But the client is a little averse to subscription service.
@Silas1066, as @NolanHerring mentioned, you can buy up to 10 years upfront and therefore there are no realistic renewals or subscriptions to pay. As you **have** to buy at least a one year subscription, it is possible that they might be able to account for the initial subscription under capital expenditure rules, I'd ask them.
wouldn't the second WLC require the same AP license account as the first (active)?
I don't have numbers but keep in mind you'll need smart net to cover those controllers in case of issues whereas with the Meraki subscription that is not needed.
If the comparison is "apples with apples", you you use SmartNet and DNA licencing with the same terms as the Meraki licences - the Meraki solution usually works out wayyyyyyyyy cheaper.
I haven't done a WLC for a while now. I think DNA licencing is compulsory on them now, every if you don't have DNA Centre.