Cisco and NETGEAR Switches compete in the Ethernet networking hardware category. Cisco seems to have the upper hand with its advanced features and robust security, while NETGEAR provides a cost-effective, user-friendly solution.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches offer a power-saving architecture, Cisco network discovery protocol, and MACSec layer-2 encryption for increased security. They support multiple dynamic IP routing protocols and provide extensive remote management options. Cisco also offers advanced QoS and troubleshooting tools. NETGEAR Switches are known for their cost-effectiveness, auto-sensing Ethernet connectivity, and a user-friendly interface. They offer managed and unmanaged options with seamless deployment and remote management through the Insight product line.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Switches face challenges due to high pricing and complex licensing models. Integration with third-party products can be difficult, and the lack of an intuitive GUI can be a barrier. Improved scalability options and security features could enhance user experience. NETGEAR Switches have limitations in security features and support for complex enterprise networks. Their cloud management, while competitive, lacks sophistication, and there are issues with legacy firmware and advanced settings support.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco deployment is complex, typically requiring skilled personnel, but offers reliable support and hybrid cloud flexibility. Technical support is generally praised, though response times can vary. NETGEAR Switches boast a straightforward setup process with easy management via Insight and responsive support, making them a strong choice for smaller enterprises in terms of configuration and management.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco's high initial cost and licensing fees are offset by long-term reliability and premium features, beneficial for larger enterprises. The ROI varies, with smaller companies finding it less economical. NETGEAR is more budget-friendly with competitive pricing and minimal licensing costs, offering significant ROI for small to mid-sized businesses with a clear cost structure and robust warranty.
Currently, we don't have any technical support because our license doesn't allow for direct support.
Cisco support is quick and responsive, often answering within an hour.
It takes two to three days for Cisco support to address issues.
There are issues distinguishing which switches support cloud features.
Cisco mainly provides security, patch management, hardware reliability, durability, scalability, and security features supporting my organization's expansion.
The latest products do not allow integration with the earlier environment.
The scalability depends on the model.
The scalability of NETGEAR Switches is easy and very beneficial for us.
NETGEAR's scalability through its Insight Cloud system is on par with Ubiquiti's, although it must offer features beyond its competitors.
The switches are very stable, rated ten out of ten.
We've experienced failures such as a 16-port dying after three to four years.
For example, on switches, filtering specific sections isn't supported, whereas, on routers, you can do 'show run' with additional commands to filter.
FortiGate switches are considered more valuable because they have firewall capabilities.
In the data center portion, we need to provide the fiber channel and Nexus switch to use a more reliable solution.
They should introduce features like dual firmware or dual boot that allow systems to be updated without downtime.
They can improve on the commercial part, specifically the cost, as it is higher than other brands.
We need to pay for the subscription, as there are extra expenses after purchasing the product.
Cisco Ethernet switches are priced at a rating of nine, indicating they are expensive.
Regarding the cost, Cisco Ethernet Switches have a competitive price.
Some high-end switches required for specific advanced features, like precision time protocols, can be more expensive.
Their stability and durability are essential features we've been looking for many years, and they are still working fine.
Cisco is mainly known for its security, patch management, hardware reliability, durability, scalability, and security features which support my organization's expansion.
Cisco Ethernet Switches are very reliable and work like a clock once configured.
The precision time protocol feature caught our interest for future use in specific settings like churches, where low latency is required.
The most valuable features are routing and access control.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Ethernet Switches | 10.6% |
| NETGEAR Switches | 7.9% |
| Other | 81.5% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 59 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 36 |
| Large Enterprise | 53 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 42 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
| Large Enterprise | 11 |
NETGEAR Ethernet Switches is an Ethernet solution that offers businesses of all sizes the ability to easily set up secure and highly scalable networks. Small to medium-sized companies have the option to choose from three different switching options. The three options that are most appropriate for businesses of this size are the NETGEAR Unmanaged, Plus, and Smart Switch solutions. If you're managing a large enterprise network or a campus network, then NETGEAR Fully Managed Infrastructures is the solution for you. All the NETGEAR Ethernet Switches and solutions are innovative, easy to install and use, reliable, and very cost-effective.
NETGEAR Ethernet Switches have many features that make them a most effective product. Included in these is the ability to virtually stack IP addresses in such a way that users can scale their network up with ease. These IP addresses are grouped together. Once additional data ports are connected, you have only a single switch to manage and you gain both a much higher level availability of data and a greater level of network resilience.
Benefits of NETGEAR Ethernet Switches
Some of the benefits of using NETGEAR Ethernet Switches include:
Reviews from Real Users
There are a number of characteristics that make NETGEAR Ethernet Switches extremely effective. Two major ones are its inherent flexibility and its user-friendly nature.
PeerSpot user Kevin W., a network delivery architect at a tech-services company, notes that NETGEAR Ethernet Switches gives users the ability to tailor the switches to fit their needs. He writes, "The big winner for NETGEAR is their modular switch: the 96X version. That is something that you don't see in the market anywhere else, except for Cisco who has it at a high level for a high expense. The ability to customize your own switch with their modules is a big plus for what we do in the market right now. Instead of having to piece together standardized switches, trying to make something work, or fitting the design into the mold, the modular switches are aware that you can make a mark in the industry because you purchased one switch and design with different modules added and removed later on for functionality."
PeerSpot user Chris W., a system engineer at Diversified, notes just how easy they are to use when he writes, "The ease of use of these switches is very good because of the Cisco CLI. If you are familiar with CLI, then you can configure the switch that way. It also has a relatively straightforward web interface. Using the web interface is good for beginners or people who aren't familiar with Cisco CLI. However, having a common command line interface method is great for some of our more advanced guys who are familiar with it."
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