Unleashing Cost Efficiency: Why Ubiquiti UniFi Outperforms Cisco Meraki for SMEs!
No shade at Cisco – they’re the champs of networking for a reason! 🏆 But here’s the buzz: In recent years, Ubiquiti UniFi has taken the lead, transforming SME networking like never before and at a fraction of the cost. SMEs crave reliable networking solutions with smooth connectivity, advanced features, and budget-friendliness. Enter the arena: Ubiquiti UniFi and Cisco Meraki, two major players. While both bring their A-game, UniFi takes the spotlight as the wallet-wise pick for SMEs.
Licensing and Subscription Costs 💰
Cisco Meraki’s pricing model includes ongoing licensing and subscription costs that can quickly add up over time. These costs are tied to the number of devices and the desired feature set, making it challenging for SMEs to predict their networking expenses accurately. Ubiquiti UniFi, on the other hand, offers a simpler licensing model with one-time purchase fees for hardware and optional cloud-based management. This transparency in pricing empowers SMEs to make informed decisions without fearing unexpected financial burdens.
Subscription comparison
*Please note these are rough estimates* Example provided is using a 1GB line with a router / firewall, switch and an AP.
What do you need?
We’re going to come away from the comparison between the two products for the remainder of the post. Unifi offers a range of networking products that can be combined to build a complete network stack tailored to the needs of businesses, organizations, or even home users. Let’s take a closer look at what a UniFi network stack might include:
Router/Security Appliance:
At the core of a UniFi network stack, you’ll often find a security gateway. This device serves as the entry point to the network, providing firewall capabilities, routing, and often VPN functionality.
Switches:
UniFi switches are crucial components for creating a wired network infrastructure. They allow multiple devices to connect via Ethernet cables, providing data connectivity. UniFi switches come in various configurations, from basic models to more advanced ones with PoE (Power over Ethernet) capabilities. Depending on the size of the company and your POE requirements, switch sizes may vary in required ports; In this instance we will be using 24 port switches.
Access Points:
Access points (APs) are used to provide wireless connectivity within your network environment. UniFi access points offer high-speed wireless access with features like seamless roaming, guest network isolation, and centralized management through the UniFi Network Controller. We’re focusing strictly on data transfer here so MIMO will be the key factor. MIMO indicates the number of antennas at the transmitter and receiver. The higher the number of antennas, the greater the potential for improved data rates and performance.
Simplicity Meets Sophistication
So, we’ve talked about the important part; Cost. But what makes this platform stick out for us and why do we recommend it? Well, UniFi strikes a unique balance between simplicity and sophistication. Its intuitive interface, coupled with a wide range of features, makes it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.
Advanced Guest Network Management:
UniFi allows you to create customized guest networks with different access policies, time limits, and captive portal pages. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that frequently host events or offer guest Wi-Fi access.
Quality of Service (QoS):
UniFi’s QoS feature lets you prioritize certain types of traffic over others. For instance, you can prioritize VoIP calls or video conferencing traffic to ensure optimal performance even during peak usage times. We can even restrict upload and download speeds for certain networks. EG guest networks.
Traffic Analysis and Monitoring:
UniFi provides detailed insights into network traffic patterns, allowing you to monitor usage, identify bottlenecks, and optimize network performance. This data-driven approach helps you make informed decisions to enhance user experience. Worker spending to much time on social media? Click of a button and it’s blocked!
Forging Networks of Excellence
So there we have it, the UniFi platform isn’t just hardware; it’s an enabler of excellence. Through consistent configurations, real-time insights, and proactive alerts, administrators are empowered to create networks that deliver peak performance and unparalleled reliability for their customers. As technology continues to advance, the UniFi console remains a steadfast ally for administrators seeking to navigate the complexities of network administration while achieving the ultimate goal: consistent perfection.
Keep up to date!
🚀 Upgrade your tech game with our new blog posts! Expert insights and advice on the latest trends and developments in the tech industry. Click below to give your business a boost! 📲
Subscribe to our newsletter!
