We use the solution for Layer 2 switching and we are using it for the searching, VLAN features, and some DDoS prevention and protection.
System engineer at Colourtex Ind Ltd
Issue-free, easy to set up, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "The solution offers lifetime warranties."
- "The pricing could be lowered."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The Layer 2 switching capabilities are very useful.
It has an easy initial setup.
The solution offers lifetime warranties.
It has good stability.
it's been issue-free, and we haven't needed any support.
It can scale.
What needs improvement?
We haven't had any issues as of yet.
The quality could be better. For example, I much prefer Cisco. However, they are both almost at the same level.
The pricing could be lowered.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for four years.
Buyer's Guide
HPE Ethernet Switches
October 2025

Learn what your peers think about HPE Ethernet Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2025.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable solution. It is reliable. There are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn't crash or freeze. If it is configured correctly, I will rate the stability nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
They have 24 or 48 ports. It can scale. You choose according to your needs. We have 100 users.
We do not have plans to increase usage.
How are customer service and support?
We've never faced any issues, and our team is very knowledgeable. So far, we have not needed support or assistance.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use a variety of products, including Cisco, HPE, Aruba, Ruckus, Cambium, and D-Link.
How was the initial setup?
For switching and networking, it is okay to set up. We didn't run into any issues.
The deployment is quick and only takes half an hour. We used the console and the GUI during the process.
I have one or two resources available to handle any maintenance tasks.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the setup ourselves via the GUI.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is a bit expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I tend to prefer Cisco over HPE. We buy HPE mostly for its warranty.
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

IT Manager at Lancaster Kumasi City
Offers good performance, scalable, robust, and offer good speeds with standard configurations but expensive license
Pros and Cons
- "It is a stable product."
- "The pricing is expensive."
What is our primary use case?
It is a product that provides a reliable link to your network.
What is most valuable?
I use the HPE switches because of their toolkit. In terms of performance, the features are reliable, and the management and backup options are good.
The security features are good. Overall, it is scalable, robust, and offers good speeds with standard configurations.
What needs improvement?
The price could be cheaper. That might depend on the vendor you are buying from. So present something.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working on this solution for a very long time.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability depends heavily on how you manage them. For our current needs, we have no plans to scale up.
There are around 17 users using this in my organization.
How was the initial setup?
The deployment process depends on what you are doing and how many segments you are going to put on that switch.
If you are connecting, for example, four different applications with different connectivity requirements, the deployment time will be affected.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing is expensive. We pay yearly.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution a six out of ten. It is very robust and reliable. It's easy to get them up and running.
If you have IT experience, they're simple to manage and deploy. If not, you might need some external help.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
HPE Ethernet Switches
October 2025

Learn what your peers think about HPE Ethernet Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2025.
871,408 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Founder & CEO / CIO at German Top Secure Data Processing GmbH
Offers good performance and easy to deploy
Pros and Cons
- "I would rate the stability a solid ten out of ten."
- "There is room for improvement in the update process, especially the web UI update process."
What is our primary use case?
We use them as a core connection throughout the entire company. Our entire company network is run by those switches. So, it's for internal Ethernet. We use it for almost everything.
What is most valuable?
They are running very robustly, so they handle the default tolerance.
What needs improvement?
There is room for improvement in the update process, especially the web UI update process, is very, very slow. That should be improved.
In future releases, I would like to see zero downtime updates. Currently, when I do updates on a certain website, I have to restart the entire device, which makes it hard to keep network connectivity going.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability a solid ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is definitely scalable. I would rate the scalability a nine out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We actually looked into three companies, HPE, Dell, and Ubiquiti, during our initial setup. We made our decision for HPE because the price value was quite competitive. Even though at some point, they were more expensive than Dell's tools, they had some advantages in terms of stability and availability as well.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was actually straightforward. The onboarding was quite easy. You just have to learn some command line codes, which are very well documented. So with some experience, it was an easy task to do.
The initial deployment took me about three months throughout the entire company. We're talking about thousands of switches.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We also have Ubiquiti. We use them in our branch offices as a connection throughout the office network because they are very easy to manage. It's one of the best UI experiences I've had in the past years.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend that you talk to the folks from HPE. They have real knowledge of what they are doing. They don't see you as a typical customer; they see you as a partner. So they went pretty far with engineering and ingenuity, which took me very, very far. They've made a difference for us to get this all up and running.
Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
Director -Digital Transformation at Convergence
An enterprise-level solution that can be used for internet networking, but its throughput should be increased
Pros and Cons
- "We use HPE Ethernet Switches to provide solutions for the hotel, their guests, and IPTV."
- "The solution's throughput should be increased because we often get stuck when it comes to IPTV streaming."
What is our primary use case?
HPE Ethernet Switches are used for internet networking and the hotel industry.
What is most valuable?
We are not using any specific features. We use HPE Ethernet Switches to provide solutions for the hotel, their guests, and IPTV.
What needs improvement?
The solution's throughput should be increased because we often get stuck when it comes to IPTV streaming.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using HPE Ethernet Switches for more than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
HPE Ethernet Switches are not as stable as Cisco. I rate HPE Ethernet Switches a six out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Around 250 users are extensively using HPE Ethernet Switches. We do not have plans to increase the solution's usage.
I rate HPE Ethernet Switches a six out of ten for scalability.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before HPE Ethernet Switches, we used Juniper switches. We mainly switched from Juniper to HPE because of the local support HPE Ethernet Switches provide.
How was the initial setup?
Cisco Meraki has an easy initial setup. Aruba and HPE have a pretty configuration setup.
What about the implementation team?
The solution was implemented through our in-house engineers. It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to deploy the solution.
Our engineers use the same deployment process as with other products. We cannot get support from local HPE because they don't have local engineers. So most of the time, we get support from other countries or someone who specializes in those areas.
What was our ROI?
We will see a return on investment with HPE Ethernet Switches within one year.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have to pay for a yearly license for HPE Ethernet Switches. The solution's pricing is lower than Cisco's. The solution does not include any extra costs in addition to the standard licensing fees.
What other advice do I have?
I am using the latest version of HPE Ethernet Switches.
One or two engineers are required for the solution's deployment and maintenance, but it depends on the customer site.
HPE Ethernet Switches are more suited for enterprise-level customers. However, Cisco is the best solution for data center-level customers.
Overall, I rate HPE Ethernet Switches a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Manager at GASCO
An affordable, easy-to-configure solution
Pros and Cons
- "HPE Ethernet Switches are easy to configure."
- "The technical support does not match up to the standard of Cisco."
What is our primary use case?
HPE Ethernet Switches are used for networking.
What is most valuable?
HPE Ethernet Switches are easy to configure.
What needs improvement?
The technical support does not match up to the standard of Cisco.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using HPE Ethernet Switches for one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
HPE Ethernet Switches are stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
HPE Ethernet Switches are scalable.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The license cost is yearly.
What other advice do I have?
I give HPE Ethernet Switches an eight out of ten.
I recommend HPE Ethernet Switches for users. It is not as expensive as Cisco Switches.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Director at JEDI SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED
A scalable solution that is easy to use and has a very low failure rate
Pros and Cons
- "HPE Ethernet Switches are scalable, and their software is also quite sturdy."
- "The solution’s licensing could be improved."
What is most valuable?
HPE Ethernet Switches are scalable, and their software is also quite sturdy. The solution's security is up to the mark according to industry standards. HPE Ethernet Switches are very easy to use, and the MTBF or failure rate is very low.
What needs improvement?
The solution’s licensing could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
In my current organization, I have provided HPE Ethernet Switches to one or two customers, but in my previous organization, we have provided HPE Ethernet Switches to more customers. They entered the Indian market in 2008 and have a very good reputation.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate HPE Ethernet Switches a nine out of ten for stability.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support team of HPE Ethernet Switches is very good.
How was the initial setup?
The setup of HPE Ethernet Switches depends on the SoW, and it's not complex at all. The solution's initial setup is quite straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
L2 switches are deployed in half an hour to one hour. But L3 switches get deployed in one, two, or three days depending on the SoW.
Depending on the quantity, one or two L2 or L3 people are more than sufficient for the solution's implementation. Two people are required to implement L3 switches, and depending on the SoW, the job can be finished in one or two days.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
HPE Ethernet Switches used to have a lifetime warranty for some of the products. We have to see only the security part when considering licenses because the licenses upgrade.
What other advice do I have?
Since the Indian market is very price-sensitive, HPE Ethernet Switches are preferred from a commercial point of view. Cisco switches are more stable from a technical and commercial point of view, but commercially, HP is the choice for any enterprise. Since HPE Ethernet Switches have an SMB presence, SMB customers will buy them.
Overall, I rate HPE Ethernet Switches an eight or nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Integrator
They're solid and can last for up to 15 years
Pros and Cons
- "I like that HPE's management functions are GUI-based, so it doesn't rely on command lines."
- "I would also like to see a more centralized private management console for the series of devices. Most solutions are adopting centralized cloud-based management, but my client base believes cloud solutions are too insecure. You've got a few dozen switches, so it would be nice to have the ability to manage them on a "single pane of glass.""
What is our primary use case?
Around 90 percent of our clients have no in-house IT staff. We resell solutions and manage the hardware and software for networks and desktops. We're a provider of managed services and security. We spec out the solution they need minus the necessary software for their business.
How has it helped my organization?
HPE's switches get the job done. There are a million to choose from, but this is the one I prefer. You can't have a network without them, so it's hard to say that HPE switches do anything wonderful. So all you're looking at is price point and functionality.
What is most valuable?
I like that HPE's management functions are GUI-based, so it doesn't rely on command lines.
What needs improvement?
The GUI still doesn't cover everything. The basic stuff can be done in the GUI, but you still need to use the CLI to implement the advanced features. That's the biggest complaint. Some things still need to be configured in the command line interface. I would rather not use the CLI for anything.
I would also like to see a more centralized private management console for the series of devices. Most solutions are adopting centralized cloud-based management, but my client base believes cloud solutions are too insecure. You've got a few dozen switches, so it would be nice to have the ability to manage them on a "single pane of glass."
Everybody's doing that in the cloud. They want to charge you for the cloud, and you have no idea who has access to your network. That creates another attack vector because the switches are always phoning home. They can be hijacked, but everybody thinks that's what they want because they can manage it from anywhere. They like the convenience. However, I've been in the business for a long time, so I know it's going to come back to haunt them. It's just a matter of time before it happens.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using HP switches since they bought the technology from the Digital Equipment Corporation in the mid-1980s.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
HPE switches have been rock-solid for many years. They usually outlast the servers. Their useful life is about 10 to 15 years. If you're not making major changes to the network, you never need to touch them. You can go for years without ever rebooting them. A lot of times they're only rebooted when there's a major enough power failure that they finally go down.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability and backbone don't come into play often. I would say HPE switches are as scalable as anything else out there.
How are customer service and support?
HPE customer service is pretty good. I rate their support eight out of 10. At times, they can be too slow to respond if you have an unusual request. Sometimes, you have a problem that nobody on their team has seen.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Typically, our clients haven't used anything else. Many of them have been using HPE for over 10 years, and we usually deployed the first switches, which would've been HPE. For some clients, we've completely replaced everything three times now during that time because things have reached the end of life and need to be replaced.
How was the initial setup?
Deploying HPE switches is straightforward unless you have to enable some advanced features, then you need to go into the command line interface, which makes it more complex than necessary.
Usually, it takes only a few minutes to deploy because most of my clients' networks are pretty flat. The only thing we need to do is configure a few VLANs on the switch. After deployment, maintenance is minimal.
What was our ROI?
It's like the janitor. You can't have a business without it, so it's hard to say that you're not going to save money because you put one in. You have to have it, so it's hard to say that there is a return on investment. It's just one of those things you need to do business. It's like saying the ROI for the power bill. You either make money or you don't.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I like HPE switches because you get a perpetual license with the hardware.
The initial cost is about the same as other switches, but it starts beating the competitors after three or four years because you don't have to pay for additional annual licensing costs.
We also pay for a support contract as well. It's optional, but you don't get software updates without the contract.
What other advice do I have?
I rate HPE Ethernet switches a solid eight out of 10. This is the best product to get if you're not doing something special. If you're doing something odd, you should consider going with Cisco.
There are many cheaper options, but they don't have lifetime hardware support. That's one of the reasons I like HPEs better.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner & reseller
Enterprise Solutions Manager at Ethio Telecom
Easy to set up and quick to deploy with fair pricing
Pros and Cons
- "You can scale the product as needed."
- "It would be ideal if the product offered more security."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for the switch mechanisms.
What is most valuable?
We actually use these only as the situation calls for it. It depends on if the switches make sense for a company. They are good for IT companies and enterprises.
The solution is stable and the performance is good.
You can scale the product as needed.
It is a product that is very easy to set up and deploy.
The pricing is pretty good.
What needs improvement?
It's not easy to find the devices. Companies often don't keep them in stock and only get them when there is a demand.
It would be ideal if the product offered more security.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been dealing with HP for years now. It's been a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good. The solution offers good performance and reliability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable and easy to expand. If a company needs to scale, it can do so.
We have maybe 1,000 people using the product in our company right now.
How are customer service and support?
I've dealt with technical support in the past and never have had issues with their level of service. I'm satisfied with them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I'm also familiar with Cisco, which is a bit more expensive.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy to set up the product. It doesn't take long either. Deployment might take an hour. It's not a difficult process at all. A company wouldn't have any issues setting everything up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product itself is less expensive than, for example, Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
I'm just a customer and an end-user. I don't have a business relationship with HP.
I'm not sure which version of the solution I'm using at this time.
I'd recommend the solution to other people and other companies.
I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.

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Updated: October 2025
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