Cisco Ethernet Switches Reviews

Our main use case of ethernet switches is for security networks for digital video, digital access control, and digital inter-communications. Most of our work is for public institutions, including hospitals and universities when they need upgrades to POE switches. We're consultants in the security industry and I'm the senior project manager/systems engineer.

One of the prime features of this product is Multicast which is critical for video systems, ensuring you don't take down the network during an event where everybody needs video access. It generally requires layer 3 switches so that we cut up VLANs and separate different aspects of the systems. 

Network setup and Multicast are critical components for us and when you're also programming for video streams it can become quite complicated. It's more of an issue when you're dealing with public institutions and there might be a lack of tech-savvy people. When it comes to the video streams, if you're sending real-time video in a security system, and you drop packets, the information is lost and you can't get it back. That's a critical aspect for us. One of the issues we have is that the guy doing the video system knows how that works, and the network people know how the network works, but they don't know how to communicate with each other. The industry is trying to adapt to sort out that problem.  

I've been using this solution for over 30 years. 

This solution is stable. 

This solution covers it all. I've done everything from simple 12-port switches for a small facility to a wide area network with core switches and multiple redundant communication lines and there haven't been any scalability issues. There's no one-size-fits-all in terms of maintenance required, it depends on the size of the organization. 

On one of our recent large projects where we used core switches, I worked in-depth with technical support to help determine how to configure the switches, which hardware was required, and how to get the redundant communication paths. We don't use support much but when we do they're very helpful. 

The initial setup is complex. We've found that a lot of people don't know how to configure Multicast properly on a network, particularly in government agencies. It's one of the key components, especially when you're in the security industry, and it's a big issue for us. There's a steep learning curve in terms of properly setting up the network to manage the Multicast traffic, and then programming, especially on the IP video systems. Because they're managing video streams both systems have to be set up properly, and there seems to be a lack of knowledge around that. 

Our clients purchase the license so we're not involved in that aspect. Cisco doesn't like to give out information unless you're a dealer. For smaller projects, the cost is an issue and organizations will often look for less expensive options. Cisco is the major player in the network environment, but there are numerous alternative products that may be less feature-rich but fit the bill from a cost perspective. In addition to licensing, there is likely to be an annual fee to enable access to support. 

We previously looked at Extreme Networks, Fortinet, Aruba and NETGEAR. When we're dealing with harsh environments, we tend to look at companies like ComNet, EtherWAN, GarrettCom, who make hardened switches for harsh or difficult environments. A lot of the main players only make switches that go in data centers and IDF rooms.

When configured properly, the solution works. I rate this solution nine out of 10. 

The platform's management features need improvement.

We have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for ten years.

I rate the platform's stability a nine out of ten.

The platform is highly scalable. I rate the scalability a ten out of ten.

Our experience working with the technical support service team was great. The engineers took around an hour to resolve the issue.

Positive

The product can be deployed on-premises and on the cloud as well. It takes a few minutes to complete the process.

The product is expensive.

Port security is one of the most crucial features of the platform. It allows for analyzing and confirming security measures at the port level. 

The user interface and management of Cisco switches have significantly simplified network administration. The tool is easy to use, offering numerous options in terms of server connection.

While integrating Cisco Ethernet switches into existing network infrastructure, one challenge I encountered was ensuring connectivity with other servers.

It is reliable and stable, offering a wide range of features that can be easily implemented.

I rate it a ten out of ten.

I use the solution in our typical university network, which is not very sophisticated. In our university, we have some virtual networks within the labs, but normally, we have a very simple configuration without too many rules because it's supposed to be very flexible for us to use. The end users always ask something like how they would like to test one server over the other, making it really hard for our university's network administrator to manage it all day. Our university's network is pretty much open, and there is always a danger of intruders, but currently, we don't have such problems.

The high price of the tool is an area of concern where improvements are required.

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for over twenty years.

I haven't experienced any stability problems with the product, making it a perfect solution for me. I don't care about the other factors involving network administrators who use the tool since, for me, the service provided by the solution is okay.

It is a stable solution since I have not seen any network failures when using the product. Normally, there are no problems with the networks in our university. If there are some general problems in our university's network, it's mainly due to the provider facing some issues due to a cut-off in some fiber switches, which may be the result of some construction work somewhere. Under normal circumstances, everything functions perfectly.

It is a scalable solution.

There are around 3,000 to 4,000 users of the solution, considering that all the students in our university use it.

The product's initial setup phase is not easy, considering that there is a need to plan the virtual networks and see how you are connected. I think that network administrators can manage the setup phase since they have been through Cisco-centric courses, making them capable of handling the setup phase if they are able to define what you want.

During the setup phase, challenges arise when we have to define what we want and the services we expect from our network.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

It is an expensive product since it is used in a large network where you cannot rely on some cheaply priced solution. The solution primarily stays stable, so we don't face any problems with the product.

If you are looking at something really stable, then you will buy Cisco. If you want to buy a product for some offices or small buildings, then you can go for a cheaper tool that you can maintain and replace easily.

Though I wanted to use the product, there were no opportunities at the university that would allow me to use the solution.

The product does have some security features, but I don't get involved with the security area since I don't need it.

There are two to three people to maintain the solution, but we outsource the maintenance services when we face some major issues.

I recommend the product to those who plan to use it.

I rate the tool an eight to nine out of ten.

I use Cisco Ethernet Switches to provide end-user connectivity in an optimized, balanced, and stable way. Before being a security engineer, I was a network architect or network manager. In that case, Cisco Ethernet Switches were mostly related to the classic set of data centers.

Cisco Ethernet Switches are more stable than other products.

The solution's pricing could be improved. Cisco is one of those market leaders who always try to benefit from having a market-leading position. Cisco gradually increased prices for the same products they delivered over the decade.

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for 17 years.

I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches a nine out of ten for stability.

Around 3,000 users use the solution in our organization.

I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches a nine out of ten for scalability.

The solution's first-line technical support is terrible. The second-line support is always adequate. I always tend to skip the first-line support because most of these people just run by a script book, and they start to panic when they don't see a solution in the script. So, I tend to always ask for second-level agents.

The solution’s initial setup is straightforward.

The solution's deployment time depends on the company's size and client requirements. For the solution's deployment, we start with the analysis phase, the financial aspect, the implementation phase, the operational phase, and hypercare.

Users have to pay an annual licensing fee for Cisco Ethernet Switches, which is expensive.

Cisco asks for an additional fee for the support part, whereby you become eligible to download firmware updates.

In the case of Cisco, users should not limit their knowledge about the hardware from Cisco but should also deep dive into general network services and topologies. Users should not consider Cisco a specific and unique brand but should understand the services that run under Cisco appliances.

Overall, I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches an eight out of ten.

The Cisco Ethernet switches are primarily used as regular core switches for networking, distribution, and access levels. We also utilize Cisco Wi-Fi, VPN, and Wi-Fi controllers.

The Cisco Ethernet switches have improved our network's security, ensuring it is 100% secure by not allowing any external network connections.

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.

There is room for improvement in terms of cost. The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products.

We have been using Cisco Ethernet switches for around seven years.

The solution is very stable and I would rate it as ten out of ten.

Cisco Ethernet switches are scalable. However, every four to five years, the entire setup needs to be replaced with the latest products, which does not allow integration with the earlier environment. I would rate scalability at seven.

It takes two to three days for Cisco support to address issues, which I rate as eight out of ten.

Positive

While Cisco is a leading brand, other products with similar features and sturdiness are available at a lower cost.

The initial setup is a bit complex, but if we possess the necessary knowledge, it becomes manageable.

The renewal costs and scalability challenges impact our return on investment on a higher side.

Cisco Ethernet switches are priced at a rating of nine, indicating they are expensive.

Other solutions such as Arista or HP offer similar features at potentially lower costs.

The solution's durability and sturdiness are significant positives, especially in terms of reliability and long-term use. However, due to high renewal and setup costs, I would recommend considering alternative products with comparable features.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

Our primary use case for Cisco is for access and core switching as most of our clients use it for these purposes. We also work with Fortinet for network solutions, mainly FortiGate, FortiAuthenticator, and FortiManager. Additionally, we use Cisco for campus switches, mainly the Catalyst series.

It helps our organization because Cisco switches are stable and rock solid, making them reliable for our clients.

The most valuable feature of Cisco Ethernet Switches is their stability. They are rock solid, and that's the advantage of Cisco. It is also easy to integrate.

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.

I have been working with Cisco Ethernet Switches for more than ten years.

Cisco Ethernet Switches are stable. I would rate their stability at eight or nine out of ten.

In terms of scalability, it's pretty straightforward to expand the number of users and the network. I would rate it an eight out of ten.

Their technical support is very professional, and I don't have any negative comments.

Positive

The setup and configuration process is very simple.

The pricing of Cisco is high, which makes it more suitable for enterprise-level companies. I would rate the pricing model at four out of ten.

Apart from Cisco, other solutions considered include Juniper, Aruba, and Huawei. Huawei is considered a strong competitor due to its pricing and features.

Cisco Ethernet Switches are mostly recommended for enterprise-level companies due to the cost.

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.

All Ethernet switches come in various sizes and capabilities. For example, we can have a 12-port switch, a 24-port switch, or even a 48-port switch with multiple fiber up-links. Additionally, there are different feature sets depending on the brand and model, such as IP services, LAN-based, or IP-based. Stacking is only possible with similar feature sets, which means two 9300 switches may not be stackable, but up to eight of the same model may. Additionally, the iOS and feature set capabilities may differ between the same models. All of the switches are Ethernet, but the features they are equipped with vary, which means they will operate differently. For example, a LAN-based switch will only work at primarily layer 2, whereas IP services works more as a router with features such as NAT, multicast, dynamic routing, QOS, and other additional and advanced services.

Generally, we use the switches to provide LAN access to endpoints (workstations, cameras, wireless access points, IP phones, and so on).

In most projects awarded to my organization, we used Cisco Ethernet switches.

The most valuable feature of the solution is its stability and durability. There is no other alternative solution that is as stable as Cisco Ethernet Switches. We can expect Cisco Ethernet Switches to last for years without issue.

We often face issues with Cisco software, and while they do release patches to fix bugs, I believe they need to improve. Huawei, one of Cisco's competitors, is better in this regard. While I'm not a fan of Huawei due to my environment, clients insist on using it because it is cheaper. Despite this, I think Cisco could improve its software. Cisco should strive to improve the software for its switches. To make the switch more user-friendly, Cisco should create a system where a user can simply connect their cable and access the GUI interface without needing to configure the device first on the CLI.

I have been using the solution for nine years.

The solution is very stable.

The solution is highly scalable.

We have a good TAC support experience.

Neutral

The initial setup of a Cisco switch is straightforward for those who are technically inclined. This is because most Cisco switches are manned, meaning they require some configuration on the command line interface (CLI) before access to the graphical user interface (GUI) is granted. With a basic knowledge of the Cisco CLI, setup should take approximately 20-30 minutes.

The pricing is comparatively expensive.

I give the solution a nine out of ten.

Cisco Ethernet system serves our needs primarily for user integration and connectivity, providing access to the Internet and services. One scenario where Cisco switches significantly improved our network performance was when we faced challenges with traditional network setups. The features that proved highly effective for network management include comprehensive visibility, an all-in-one solution for management, stability, connectivity, and troubleshooting capabilities.

We use Cisco Ethernet system for user connectivity, with multicast being an advanced feature that helps alleviate some of our work challenges. In terms of scalability, we utilize stacks which have proven to be reliable and easy to manage. As for security functionalities, we rely on Palo Alto for our network's safety. I would prefer to discuss detailed information via email for a comprehensive review.

Improvement as per customer requirements. 

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for the past 4 years. 

As for stability, I have found the feature to be highly stable with minimal issues.

Although we also use HPE switches in other departments, I lean towards Cisco due to its reliability and performance.

Installing Cisco Ethernet system is relatively straightforward, especially since we are familiar with the process. However the installation may require some technical expertise.The deployment process for Cisco Ethernet system typically takes about a day with our team's support. For more complex configurations, it may require additional time depending on the customer's requirements. One major challenge we face is with licensing, especially for Cisco's wireless features. Understanding and managing license changes over time, such as moving to new licenses for VPN support, can be challenging for customers. We often need support from Cisco to navigate these licensing challenges.

While Cisco's pricing can be a concern, particularly with support fees, its overall features and support community make it a solid choice.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Cisco Ethernet system as a 9 for its overall functionality and support, with the caveat of considering pricing and support options carefully before making a decision