Cisco Catalyst Switches and MikroTik Routers and Switches compete in the networking hardware category. Cisco Catalyst has the upper hand in robust security and support features, while MikroTik stands out for cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Features: Cisco Catalyst Switches offer advanced security with Port Security, VLAN capabilities, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and sophisticated monitoring options like RSPAN. They ensure high reliability and availability, making them suitable for enterprise environments with features like stacking and HSRP. On the other hand, MikroTik Routers and Switches provide excellent routing capabilities without additional licensing, including load balancing and traffic management options, offering a versatile and affordable solution.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Catalyst Switches are often criticized for their complexity and high price, along with a lack of open-source integration and simplified licensing options. Users also suggest enhancement in firmware support and better compatibility with other brands. In contrast, MikroTik Routers and Switches face challenges with limited support and sometimes require deep technical knowledge for full utilization. Users also seek improved documentation, enhanced security features, and better scalability options for enterprise-level deployment.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: The deployment options for Cisco Catalyst Switches include both on-premises and private cloud scenarios. They are favored by large enterprises for their robust support infrastructure, although some users note occasional delays in receiving technical support. MikroTik Routers and Switches are primarily deployed on-premises, offering simplicity in setup but a less comprehensive support network. They rely on an active user community, which can be challenging but often compensates for direct support limitations.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Catalyst Switches are considered a more expensive option, reflecting their enterprise-grade features and reliability. The high initial costs and complex licensing, however, can be barriers for smaller businesses. MikroTik Routers and Switches are applauded for their affordability and lack of recurring expenses, providing compelling ROI, especially appealing to budget-conscious buyers looking for efficient performance in diverse networking scenarios.
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.
MikroTik Routers and Switches provide all the features necessary for network administrators to secure and monitor their networks and are suitable for companies of any size. The solution is ideal for creating Wi-Fi hotspots, connecting multiple servers, setting up firewalls and VPNs, and distributing bandwidth. MikroTik's user-friendly dashboard helps you interact easily with your hardware. With MikroTik's user interface, you can obtain real statistics by user or IP address and monitor bandwidth consumption.
Benefits and Key Features of MikroTik Routers and Switches
Reviews from Real Users
MikroTik stands out among competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its reasonably priced products and its user-friendly user interface, which makes it easy to work and communicate with its hardware.
Parameshwar P., a director at Navyug Networks, writes, "I like MikroTik's GUI. It's completely handy and easy to handle because of its GUI. Despite other brands like Cisco urging me to switch, I didn't because they don't have a GUI. This is the most comfortable thing in my project that anyone can use easily. It’s effortless to maintain MikroTik routers because both screens make it very easy in GUI mode. You can easily interact with your hardware.”
Rodney T., the chief solutions architect at Tech2go Strategic IT Solutions, says, "They are very good at providing the bandwidth for multi-tenants and multi-dwelling units. We're managing Wi-Fi hotspots for hundreds of locations, and the speed and performance are quite there. They also have very cheap 10G products that come with really good and flexible software. They are way cheaper than the top brands, and they're able to deliver the same performance and capabilities."
A principal consultant at a tech services company notes, "The most valuable aspect of this solution is the combination of value for money. They're extremely cost effective, yet they provide you with an extensive feature set of things you can do across the board. Also, they're pretty reliable, as far as equipment goes."
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