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Cisco Ethernet Switches vs D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch comparison

Cisco and D-Link are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Cisco is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.8, while D-Link is ranked #11 with an average rating of 7.9. Cisco holds a 15.6% mindshare in ES, compared to D-Link’s 6.0% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 82% of D-Link users who would recommend it.
Cisco Ethernet Switches
Read 134 Cisco Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 18,665 Views
  • 16,902 Comparison Views
96% willing to recommend
D-Link Ethernet Switches
Read 29 D-Link Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 5,683 Views
  • 5,302 Comparison Views
82% willing to recommend
Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Read 6 Nokia Ethernet Service Switch reviews
  • 890 Views
  • 576 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary
We performed a comparison between Cisco Ethernet Switches, D-Link Ethernet Switches, and Nokia Ethernet Service Switch 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: March 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
March 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

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

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches is 15.6%, down from 18.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of D-Link Ethernet Switches is 6.0%, up from 5.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Nokia Ethernet Service Switch is 0.7%, up from 0.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Pradeep Adhav - PeerSpot reviewer
Network security enhancement with sturdy switches despite high costs
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…
Read full review
MichaelNdwiga - PeerSpot reviewer
Enhanced network efficiency through features and demonstrate minimal downtime
One of the issues is the range of their products. They need to increase it. For example, if I want a 12-port switch that is fully managed, it's not easy to find. So, I have to opt for a 24-port switch that is fully managed, which might not be necessary as I only need 12 ports. So if they could increase the range of the switches in regards to the features, and the number of ports, that would be beneficial. So, that's the only potential improvement. The switches are perfect otherwise. Ideally, I'd like to see a central management system included as part of their license, not as a separate purchase. Currently, we have to manage switches independently. A central portal for managing all switches and providing visibility would be great.
Read full review
Teuku Maiyasya - PeerSpot reviewer
A stable solution which is competitively priced and offers good support
We would like to have an unified monitoring system, while Nokia have different monitoring system for different product, we find it to be quite troublesome. I also would prefer that all the licenses be open for our use. This would obviate the need to purchase individual licenses for each feature.
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

"The tool is easy to use, offering numerous options in terms of server connection."
"The installation is very straightforward."
"We like the stability and scalability of Cisco Ethernet Switches."
"One main feature of this solution is the POE switches."
"The features that I have found most valuable are the core reliability and the switching group. All the features are very generic switching features with high reliability. That is the main key point I can highlight."
"Cisco Ethernet Switches are stable."
"One valuable feature is that you can string a number of switches together, and the fact that there are various methods to connect them, such as by stacking."
"Cisco Ethernet Switches are rugged, secure, and scalable. It provides smart devices and reliable switches."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches pros
"There are no stability issues with D-Link Ethernet switches."
"These switches are very easy to install because there is no configuration."
"The initial setup was very easy and user-friendly."
"The management interface makes network management very easy."
"It is a stable solution."
"We use the solution for the network and ethernet connection."
"The solution is easy to use."
"It is very stable and reliable."
More D-Link Ethernet Switches pros
"Despite initial hindrances, once understood, these differences help in forming a good career foundation."
"The performance and reliability are the solution's most valuable features."
"On several occasions we encountered major issues with the solution and have found the Nokia technical support to be quite supportive."
"The highest value lies in aggregating the data to improve both traffic management and device utilization, emphasizing the importance of engagement and liability."
"The most valuable features are user functionality and interoperability."
"The most valuable feature is the product's availability."
 

Cons

"In the case of an already existing network, we encounter technical issues related to following protocols."
"I would like to see this solution automatically store multiple versions of the configuration file."
"Cisco Ethernet Switches could improve if they removed the command line interface and replaced it with a better GUI. It is too difficult at the moment, we always need to figure out the commands."
"There are instances where the commands you are familiar with might change or be replaced with newer syntax."
"The solution should offer a method for user-based load balancing."
"We'd like the pricing to be lowered."
"We need more management tools for the solution."
"The initial setup for on-prem versions is complex and requires a trained, certified engineer."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches cons
"It should be more stable, and it should have good integration with the cloud. It should support configuration, supervision, and control through the cloud."
"In future releases, I would like to see improved security and an improved CLI (Command-Line Interface)."
"I'd like to see a central management system included as part of their license, not as a separate purchase. Currently, we have to manage switches independently. A central portal for managing all switches and providing visibility would be great."
"Currently, D-Link Ethernet Switches are often not used in large data centers due to issues with performance and scalability."
"The D-Link Ethernet Switches have to be replaced because they are difficult to manage and security is poor. They should add centralized manageability to make the solution better, it will allow administrators to better know what is happening on the network."
"For high-end switches, the price could be 5% to 10% cheaper."
"The solution needs to improve layer 2 switches."
"The solution's web filtering feature could be improved."
More D-Link Ethernet Switches cons
"The solution needs more monitoring tools."
"The segment routing could be improved, and they could also transfer a lot of legacy to the cloud domain."
"I would like to see more collaboration with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) vendors, such as Itron."
"The documentation needs improvement for better accessibility, as there isn't proper documentation currently available."
"I would suggest improvements regarding enhancing support response times and implementing user interface modifications for quicker and more user-friendly interactions."
"I would prefer that all the licenses be open for our use."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"When we want an extra feature then we need to purchase another license bundle."
"Cisco is quite expensive. In our market, a lot of customers are forced to go with something else because they cannot afford a brand-new Cisco even though they know a Cisco switch will be more reliable."
"The price of Cisco Ethernet Switches here in India is too high. There are other cheaper solutions available."
"Its price is very high, but it is a good device. Cisco must work on its price. Other solutions provide a better price for similar functionalities."
"It's a little expensive."
"It is very expensive."
"It could be cheaper."
"There is a license required for this solution and the price could be better."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches pricing and cost advice
"These units vary in price from $200 to one thousand dollars. They're available for a one-time purchase."
"It is an affordable solution."
"There is not a license required for this solution and it is priced well."
"The solution's pricing is reasonable."
"They were cheap. We were not paying for any license."
"The D-Link Switches are cheaper than Cisco."
"The price of D-Link Ethernet Switches is in the 4,000 to 5,000 rupees or 65 to 100 USD range. The price of the solution is not expensive."
"D-Link Ethernet Switches are cheap products for homes and small offices."
More D-Link Ethernet Switches pricing and cost advice
"It is quite expensive compared to alternative technologies."
"The price of the solution is very competitive in comparison with that of the competition."
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Comparison Review

it_user82779 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 29, 2014
Benefits of Juniper vs Cisco
Both are decent products. I prefer Juniper for the following reasons: 1) Cleaner separation of data plane from control plane. Higher end Cisco devices are better at this but most of the lower end products still seem to be more integrated than I like. 2) The Hierarchical config design means I can…
Read full review
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
15%
Healthcare Company
9%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Computer Software Company
19%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
6%
 

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 func...
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Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet F...
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In terms of ethernet switches, would you go with Cisco or Juniper?
Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether Cisco or Juniper Ethernet switches were the better fit for...
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What do you like most about D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link has a good VPN feature and quality of service.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link Ethernet Switches are 30% cheaper than Cisco switches. Pricing has not been a concern since it is already incl...
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What needs improvement with D-Link Ethernet Switches?
Currently, I have no issues with D-Link Ethernet Switches nor any new features needed at the moment.
See all answers
What do you like most about Nokia Ethernet Service Switch?
The highest value lies in aggregating the data to improve both traffic management and device utilization, emphasizing...
See all answers
What needs improvement with Nokia Ethernet Service Switch?
In my opinion, Nokia has to improve its documentation, offering step-by-step configuration guides and examples of wha...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Nokia Ethernet Service Switch?
I have been working with Nokia switches for six months. Before that, I was using Cisco devices. I am involved in conf...
See all answers
 

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Compared 6% of the time
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Compared 2% of the time
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Compared 40% of the time
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Compared 9% of the time
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs D-Link Ethernet Switches Logo
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Compared 6% of the time
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MikroTik Routers and Switches vs D-Link Ethernet Switches
Compared 5% of the time
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Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches vs D-Link Ethernet Switches
Compared 3% of the time
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Arista Networks Platform vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 16% of the time
Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 15% of the time
Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 8% of the time
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 7% of the time
More Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches
April 2025
Cisco Ethernet Switches reportDownload Cisco Ethernet Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
D-Link Ethernet Switches
April 2025
D-Link Ethernet Switches reportDownload D-Link Ethernet Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
March 2025
Nokia Ethernet Service Switch reportDownload Nokia Ethernet Service Switch product report
 

Also Known As

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches
No data available
Nokia ESS, Nokia 7450 Ethernet Service Switch, Nokia 7450 ESS
 

Overview

Cisco Ethernet Switches scale to meet the needs of networks of all sizes. They are Secure, Reliable and Seamless.
Cisco
Typically managed using a browser-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), D-Link Ethernet Switches are attractively priced and support an essential set of Layer 2/2+ switching functions including VLAN, Link Aggregation, QoS, Bandwidth Limiting, Access Control Lists, and more.
D-Link

The Nokia 7450 Ethernet Service Switch (ESS) family of Carrier Ethernet switch routers is designed to deliver advanced Carrier Ethernet services. It also provides the ideal platform for the metro Ethernet aggregation of fixed and mobile networks.

Nokia
 

Sample Customers

Linz AG
George Mason University, Somerville House, Hiperwall, New Brunswick School District 16, The Fulcrum Group, Bremond Independent School District, University of Texas Health Science Center, Grand Canyon Skywalk, SUN Area Career & Technology Center, Abington Senior High School
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
March 2025
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