Ethernet switches connect computers and laptops to a local area network (LAN). Organizations can connect several switches to boost the ethernet’s capacity.
We asked PeerSpot users what they consider to be most valuable when looking for an ethernet switch. Some of the answers included: compatibility with the system’s needs, robust connectivity, an API, and good interoperability. Here is the shortlist of the five best ethernet switches for 2022, according to the Peerspot community:
1. Cisco Ethernet Switches
In our #1 spot, Cisco Ethernet Switches are robust, secure, and easy to use. They provide connectivity for various industries and use cases, from manufacturing to utilities and smart cities. Their robust security features include segmentation and threat detection. Here’s what our users say about Cisco Ethernet Switches.
B.R., an infrastructure manager at a university, says Cisco Ethernet Switches offer a “Customizable interface with good throughput and the ability to expand.” Among the features this reviewer considers most valuable are the high throughput, energy-saving, and scalability. He says the setup process is easy, and the technical support is strong. The downsides? This reviewer would like the patching and updating to be improved.
D.M., a network tech leader at an aerospace firm, says the best thing about Cisco Ethernet Switches is that “They are useful for routing and scalable.” However, they find Cisco is not as programmable as other vendors.
2. NETGEAR Switches
NETGEAR Switches, our number 2, is a solution that enables organizations to set up secure and highly scalable networks. The company offers three different switch options, unmanaged, plus, and smart switch solutions. With Netgear, you can stack IP addresses, group them and manage them from a single switch, increasing the availability and network resilience. In addition, Netgear switches offer a single pane of glass interface so administrators can have real-time visibility.
Here’s what our reviewers have to say about Netgear switches:
W.S., the owner of a network integration company, says they like Netgear Ethernet Switches because “It comes with a lifetime warranty and is easy to implement and manage.” They add that the most valuable features are the easy setup, usage, and access and that "the versatility helped us to install them for various use cases, for instance, core switching, remote switching, and even stand-alone switches." This reviewer would like to see more AI technology included in the actual porting. "
3. MikroTik Routers and Switches
MicroTik Routers and Switches are in third place for ethernet switches according to PeerSpot reviewers. The company offers integrators and accessories, such as RouterBOARD compatible cases, outdoor antennas, and more. Users say one of the best advantages is the low cost, which makes it suitable for small and medium businesses. Here’s what our community has to say about MikroTik routers and switches.
A principal consultant at a tech services company, O.S., says MicroTik Routers and Switches are “Cost-effective and provide you with an extensive feature set.” The most valuable feature for this user is the combination of value for money and the extensive range of features. They find the switches to be reliable, too. The user would suggest some improvements, such as more training for new releases of products.
D.M., a general manager at a solution provider specializing in infrastructure, says the best thing about MikroTik routers and switches is the “Good bandwidth, well suited for small locations.” They also value the stability of the routers and switches. The integration with VPNs and the switching capabilities could be improved, though.
V.B., head of the information technologies system department at a manufacturing company, says the best thing about MikroTik is that it is “Stable, simple installation, and scalable.” The downside is that MikroTik does not offer a wireless solution.
4. Aruba Switches
The focus of Aruba Switches is the mobile-first campus. These switches feature HPE Smart Rate multi-gigabit ports to achieve high-speed connectivity. According to users, these switches are scalable and secure. Aruba offers a lifetime warranty, and the configuration is easy, with a new switch configured in minutes. Users also value the affordable price and the easy-to-use interface. Here is what Peerspot members think about Aruba Switches:
D.K., a system administrator at an energy company, says Aruba switches are a “reliable, reasonably priced, and easy to implement solution for network connectivity.” This user also values the scalability and reliability of the solution as well as the straightforwardness of setup. However, they would like to see more security features, and mention that while the deployment is on-premises, the management of the switches is on the cloud.
H.I., a network team lead at an education technology company, describes Aruba Switches as “a trusted solution that’s reliable and has a user-friendly GUI.” The user says Aruba helped their organization because of its stability and reliability. The lifetime warranty and the good technical support are among the best features. They say the log viewer needs improvement, though.
5. Ubiquiti UniFi Switches
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches are managed switches available with 24 or 48 Gigabit ports. The switches include two SFP ports and can process traffic without risking packet loss. Users say Ubiquiti Unifi switches are simple to use and deploy. They consider it reliable, stable, and cost-effective. Here is what the PeerSpot community says about Ubiquiti UniFi Switches:
S.M., the owner of a consultancy firm, says Ubiquiti is “Great for small and medium business with single-pane management and good pricing.” They consider the built-in single-pane management to be one of the best features. On the downside, they don’t like that the support is email-based and slow.
I.R., a manager at a tech services company, says of Ubiquiti that it “Has good performance, price, and a lot of functions.” They like the switch’s performance and the affordable price.
B.A., the owner of a tech services company, says about Ubiquiti UniFi switches: “Works extremely well, great price point and easy setup.” They like the ease of use and setup. However, they feel the supply chain is a significant issue to improve, as well as the lack of reliable support (besides email or users forums).
Netgear has always been one of our most trusted partners in terms of performance and cost of ownership.
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