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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Extreme VDX [EOL] comparison

Cisco and Extreme are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Additionally, 95% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Extreme users who would recommend it.
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Read 175 Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews
  • 5,865 Views
  • 2,944 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
Extreme VDX [EOL]
Read 3 Extreme VDX [EOL] reviews
    100% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Cisco Catalyst Switches and Extreme VDX [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Netgear and others in Ethernet Switches.

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    To learn more, read our detailed Ethernet Switches Report (Updated: February 2025).
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
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    Helped 838,713 peers since 2012

    Review summaries and opinions

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Categories and Ranking

    Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.9
    Number of Reviews
    175
    Ranking in other categories
    LAN Switching (1st), Ethernet Switches (7th), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
    Extreme VDX [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.5
    Number of Reviews
    3
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
     

    Featured Reviews

    Joshua Odunsi - PeerSpot reviewer
    Ensures efficient performance and supports network growth with optimal speed
    Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization. I experience optimal speed and effective configuration, making them stand out compared to other switches. The PoE switches offer more ports on SFP, and it is efficient in use. Overall, the switches provide me with the value I expect in terms of speed and efficiency.
    Read full review
    Osama Ahmed LUBBAD - PeerSpot reviewer
    A stable, scalable, and problem-free solution
    Software needs to be updated regularly in order to maintain security and performance. However, in some cases, it is necessary to stack switches in order to meet the needs of the network. Although Cisco switches are able to stack, other switches are not as simple to stack. I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Pros

    "It's got one feature, and that's handling extreme temperatures."
    "Catalyst Switches are reliable. We don't have major problems like lost connections, and we only have a minor issue with something every few months. In the last five years, a switch broke down once, and that was due to human error."
    "Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization."
    "The stability and Cisco's support are the most valuable features."
    "Its implementation is quite simple as there's good documentation you can reference."
    "The most valuable feature is the interface, it's easy to configure. The command line uses a switch that gives us security."
    "One of the most valuable features is the MatchBox Switch."
    "The configuration and command set are user-friendly."
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches pros
    "Its simplicity and web interface were most valuable. I also liked the two-factor authentication."
    "The most valuable feature of Extreme VDX is that we have had no problems and the solution's performance is excellent."
    "The fabric of the solution and the management aspect are the solution's most valuable features."
     

    Cons

    "I would like to see better efficiency. They are powering all the PoE ports 100% of the time instead of powering only when there is a draw on them. It has too many options. Therefore, there is a reasonably high barrier to entry in terms of learning about this stuff. A lot of times, you need to be a CCNA, which is like your ticket into the industry, but it is not the easiest thing to get."
    "The solution is quite expensive for our clients. It's a pain point for some companies. They should work to reduce the price."
    "Stability could be better."
    "The configuration options on the Cisco Commerce website could be more efficient."
    "Cisco Catalyst Switches should have better performance and be easier to use. Additionally, they should add artificial intelligence features."
    "I would like for Cisco to come up with an affordable dynamic VLAN solution."
    "When you compare it with HPE and Aruba, it should be fancier."
    "Cisco needs to improve compatibility with other solutions and other vendors like SolarWinds. We've had problems using Catalyst with SolarWinds. Some devices can't be put on SolarWinds due to some ID Values and so on."
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches cons
    "The only problem is that at the moment it's an Extreme product and Extreme is not really pushing it. They have to make up for weak innovation and I'm not sure if they want to do that."
    "Its scalability can be better. If possible, it can have Hyper POE. I am not sure if there is a fiber version."
    "I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands."
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "The price of these switches is on the upper end. It is around $3,500 plus for a 24-Port switch. These switches are more expensive than Linksys and TP-Links, but you get what you pay for. If you look at the pros and cons per switch, you can justify the cost compared to a lesser and cheaper brand."
    "I rate the product price a nine on a scale of one to ten, where one is low price and ten is high price."
    "We had to pay for the product’s licenses."
    "I rate the overall product a six out of ten from a price perspective since it is an expensive tool."
    "The price is in an affordable range and everything is included."
    "The price of this solution could be reduced, it is expensive and I am using an annual license."
    "The price of this solution is reasonable."
    "The licensing, and maintenance fees are paid on a yearly basis."
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches pricing and cost advice
    "It was around $1500 a year. It is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Ruckus."
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Educational Organization
    66%
    Computer Software Company
    6%
    Government
    3%
    Financial Services Firm
    3%
    No data available
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    No data available
     

    Questions from the Community

    Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
    Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
    See all answers
    What do you like most about Cisco Catalyst Switches?
    We are a vendor for the healthcare sector, especially hospitals, and normally, we use a full Cisco solution for stability, especially for the stability of the Access Points and the security of swit...
    See all answers
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Catalyst Switches?
    Cisco Catalyst Switches are quite pricey.
    See all answers
    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
     

    Comparisons

    Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 22% of the time
    HPE ProCurve vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    HPE ProCurve vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 14% of the time
    Aruba Instant On Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    Aruba Instant On Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 12% of the time
    ExtremeSwitching vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    ExtremeSwitching vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 10% of the time
    Cisco Nexus vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    Cisco Nexus vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 7% of the time
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches Competitors
    No data available
     

    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Catalyst Switches
    February 2025
    Cisco Catalyst Switches reportDownload Cisco Catalyst Switches product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
    Extreme VDX [EOL] reportDownload Extreme VDX [EOL] product report
     

    Also Known As

    Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
    VDX, Brocade VDX
     

    Overview

    Cisco Catalyst Switches are a reliable and scalable network switching and routing solution, focusing on VLANs and VLAN switching. They are used as access switches, distribution switches, and core switches in various environments, deployed on-premises, and used for long connections. The switches are easy to configure, install, and upgrade and offer good pricing. 

    The most valuable features include warranty and firmware support, stability, security, good performance, flexibility, etc. The Cisco Catalyst Switches have provided a stable solution for the organizations and are widely used, trusted, and well-known in the networking industry.

    Cisco
    Brocade VDX Switches support Layer 2 and Layer 3 fabrics with open standards and extensive scalability to deliver high performance, capacity, and reliability for data center spine and leaf deployments. It includes the following products: Brocade VDX 6740 SWITCHES, Brocade VDX 6940 SWITCH and Brocade VDX 8770 SWITCH.
    Extreme
     

    Sample Customers

    Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena
    Niagra Falls Bridge Commission, Medien System Partner, CDE Lightband, MaximumASP
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
    Download Free Report
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    We monitor all Ethernet Switches reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.