What is our primary use case?
We utilize the solution for asset layers and then also for the core. The ones around the core have been failing, and I've been replacing them as they fail with Cisco replacements.
What is most valuable?
The solution easily integrates and operates well with Cisco.
Pricing-wise, Huawei is quite good.
What needs improvement?
I've found that the Huawei switches around the core fail, or at least the 9300 series do. I've had to move to Cisco. They tend to freeze and cause problems on my network, so I've needed to replace them with a bigger Cisco switch that can handle the network more effectively.
With Cisco, there are a few particular routine protocols that are not supported on Huawei. Cisco has these proprietary routine protocols which they try to maintain. Since we have the two switches integrated together, it would be helpful if Huawei could offer a more open routine protocol that can be standardized, and they should offer the same protocols that are standard on Cisco on their service as well so that the switches can match up a bit more elegantly. It would be great if the two solutions could somehow actively collaborate a bit more together.
The solution needs to provide a lot more availability. There needs to be more information on the internet to help people more easily configure the solution, etc. Right now, if you need to know something or need to find something, you have to go directly to Huawei.
There needs to be more documentation. If they opened up a bit and shared more information and maybe allowed for YouTube videos about their products and how to work them, it would benefit the users quite a bit.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for over five years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution isn't completely stable. There are some glitches, but for the assets there, it doesn't cause me any real issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable, but it really depends on what you buy. The first core switch I bought was very scalable because they have almost eight channels and I could scale everything so easily. You can buy an appropriate switch to accommodate future groups that you can align, to gather to the core switches. Even if you don't make provisions for it you can actually scale, but it's better to plan ahead and know what you need.
How are customer service and technical support?
We've reached out to technical support and have occasionally come across language barriers. Sometimes the person speaks English, and other times it's Chinese with English as a second language, and it can be difficult to converse and to describe the issues we are having. It would be better if they had more staff on hand that were able to communicate in English a bit better, but the help itself isn't too bad.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I currently also use Cisco switches. In fact, I'm slowly, as Huawei switches fail, subbing in Cisco switches. Currently, our network has both integrating with each other and working together. We're phasing out Huawei and we won't be using them anymore.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward if you are well trained on the solution. However, if you are not trained, then it may be more complex.
If you are trained, it's as simple. It just has a few different commands. With training, it's no problem.
What about the implementation team?
I didn't directly handle the implementation myself. However, my team did.
What other advice do I have?
We are both an installer and considering becoming a Huawei partner.
About five years ago I began working with Huawei, and I decided then whenever they failed, I'd just replace the old ones with Cisco. However, after five years, many are still working, so we have a hybrid system where we use both Huawei and Cisco switches. However, whenever they do fail, I replace them with Cisco, so there may come a time int eh future where I will no longer be working with them and will have completely switched over to Cisco.
I don't have the exact version number, but I'm dealing with the 9300 core switch.
Although we are currently in the process of phasing out the Huawei switches in favour of Cisco, I'd still recommend the solution.
I'd rate the solution six 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