Cisco Ethernet Switches Reviews

Name: Cisco Ethernet Switches
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.3 (132 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.3 out of 5

132 reviews
96% willing to recommend

3,048 followers

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What is Cisco Ethernet Switches?

Cisco Ethernet Switches scale to meet the needs of networks of all sizes. They are Secure, Reliable and Seamless.

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Cisco Ethernet Switches is the #1 ranked solution in top Ethernet Switches. PeerSpot users give Cisco Ethernet Switches an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 132 most recent Cisco Ethernet Switches reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.2. (Among the lowest in the category). Cisco Ethernet Switches is most commonly compared to Aruba Switches: Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Aruba Switches. Cisco Ethernet Switches is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 55% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Ethernet Switches

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Ronald Van Rees

Business Owner at Vareza

The vendor is presently working with large digital network architectures and additional software, as it is now willing to become a software-focused company instead of a hardware one. Cisco Ethernet Switches presently provide two options, either the user can utilize the basic features or the advanced software. Previously, advanced features were included in the basic package, but now they are provided as add-ons that need to be purchased separately for an extensive period of three or five years. As part of the advanced features in the solution, there is Digital Network Architecture (DNA) that provides insights, multiple dashboards and monitoring capabilities over Nexus and Catalyst switches from Cisco. Sometimes, customers need to buy features for Cisco Ethernet Switches that they do not require or use. The basic switches like the C1000 from the vendor don't have the DNA feature, but advanced version switches like Cisco Ethernet Switches have made the add-on purchases mandatory to avail certain features, which makes it difficult for several users.

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Yusuf Kucuk

Network Manager at EMU

We are a university with around 1,000 instructors and more than 15,000 students. We use Cisco for access points and endpoint cable networks. We used the 9000 series for years, and now we are working with the Catalyst 9300. Before that, we were using a 2960 switch and a 6500 for the Cisco side I…

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Jose-Rivera

Account Manager at Telefónica

Our company uses the solution to set up local access networks for users and route applications. We work with several models including 9300 and 9500. We plan to increase usage in the future. The solution effectively provides a stable connection for users. There is a lot of knowledge in terms of…

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Cisco Ethernet Switches mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches in the Ethernet Switches category stands at 19.3%, down from 20.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 13, 2024

Valuable Features

Cisco Ethernet Switches offer valuable features like power-saving design, MACSec encryption, StackPower, and efficient QoS. They provide excellent performance, stability, and manageability with advanced routing, remote management, VLAN capabilities, and layer-2 encryption. High availability and resistance to temperature changes enhance their reliability. They support seamless network expansion, easy configuration, robust security, and quality technical support. Their network virtualization, automation with DNA Center, and versatile hardware make them a preferred choice for organizations.

"The Cisco Ethernet switches are sturdy products that do not require any kind of maintenance."
"They are easy to use and have low maintenance requirements."
"The most valuable feature of Cisco Ethernet Switches is their stability. They are rock solid, and that's the advantage of Cisco."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Ethernet Switches face several challenges including high costs, complex licensing, and the need for GUI enhancements. Users desire improved integration with third-party products, broader security features, and easier configuration options. Many also report frequent software bugs and the need for more intuitive interfaces. Licensing changes and additional costs for advanced features add to user dissatisfaction, and there is a call for enhanced technical support and supply chain improvements.

"There is room for improvement in terms of cost."
"The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products."
"Cisco should consider adding a GUI as most vendors now offer the ability to manage switches via a graphical user interface, while Cisco switches are managed using pure CLI."

ROI

Cisco Ethernet Switches typically provide a high return on investment due to centralized administration, reduced equipment, and lower management time. Users report a low failure rate and long lifespan contribute to positive returns. Although some have not observed immediate gains, the performance generally leads to a rewarding investment. While renewal costs and scalability might affect returns, most users find Cisco Ethernet Switches' longevity and management efficiency offer substantial financial benefits.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers considering Cisco Ethernet Switches should anticipate high initial and ongoing costs. While the upfront prices can vary based on device types and support contracts, the overall expense is notably higher compared to alternatives like Huawei or HPE. Licensing and support add to the financial burden, with specific licenses required for advanced features. Discounts are negotiable, especially for large projects, but many companies still view Cisco as an expensive yet reliable choice.

"The product is very expensive"
"While Cisco's pricing can be a concern, particularly with support fees, its overall features and support community make it a solid choice."
"It is an expensive product since it is used in a large network where you cannot rely on some cheaply priced solution."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Cisco Ethernet Switches for connectivity in LANs and internet routing, accessing aggregation, IP routing, and data centers. They handle network infrastructure tasks, manage local area networks, and improve latency. These switches support multiple environments like enterprise, small businesses, government offices, and educational institutions. Common functionalities include VLAN tagging and security enhancements. Users benefit from network traffic management, endpoint connectivity, and structured deployments in data centers and campus networks.

Service and Support

Users find customer service for Cisco Ethernet Switches to be satisfactory, generally responsive, and effective. While many report positive experiences with technical support, highlighting knowledgeable staff and fast problem resolution, some note inconsistencies in response times and expertise levels. There are acknowledgments of helpful documentation and forums, with some expressing the need for better integration assistance. Variability in service quality based on location and time zones is also mentioned. Most rate the support experience as good to excellent.

Deployment

Users find Cisco Ethernet Switches' initial setup straightforward when they have the necessary knowledge, with some mentioning ease due to the setup wizard and documentation. Deployment time varies depending on project size and complexity. Those unfamiliar with networking may encounter challenges. Multiple VLANs and advanced features require careful configuration. Experience and expertise significantly impact how manageable the setup is. Adequate planning and technical resources help achieve efficient deployment.

Scalability

Cisco Ethernet Switches are widely recognized for their high scalability, allowing easy expansion by adding new modules or stacking switches. Users frequently highlight its capability to accommodate diverse network sizes, efficiently supporting thousands of users. While some models may present scaling challenges, many appreciate the flexibility and broad range of options. Cost is a noted concern, but the overall perception is that Cisco Ethernet Switches are highly adaptable for varying organizational needs.

Stability

Cisco Ethernet Switches are considered stable by users, with many praising their long-term reliability and minimal issues. Reports highlight dependable performance, easy maintenance, and no crashes or glitches. Some users have encountered minor firmware or memory problems, but these are rare occurrences. Widely regarded for their durability and consistent functionality over years, users often rate stability between eight to ten out of ten, underscoring their satisfaction with Cisco's robust design and reliability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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