Cisco Ethernet Switches Reviews

Our main use case of ethernet switches is for security networks for digital video, digital access control, and digital inter-communications. Most of our work is for public institutions, including hospitals and universities when they need upgrades to POE switches. We're consultants in the security industry and I'm the senior project manager/systems engineer.

One of the prime features of this product is Multicast which is critical for video systems, ensuring you don't take down the network during an event where everybody needs video access. It generally requires layer 3 switches so that we cut up VLANs and separate different aspects of the systems. 

Network setup and Multicast are critical components for us and when you're also programming for video streams it can become quite complicated. It's more of an issue when you're dealing with public institutions and there might be a lack of tech-savvy people. When it comes to the video streams, if you're sending real-time video in a security system, and you drop packets, the information is lost and you can't get it back. That's a critical aspect for us. One of the issues we have is that the guy doing the video system knows how that works, and the network people know how the network works, but they don't know how to communicate with each other. The industry is trying to adapt to sort out that problem.  

I've been using this solution for over 30 years. 

This solution is stable. 

This solution covers it all. I've done everything from simple 12-port switches for a small facility to a wide area network with core switches and multiple redundant communication lines and there haven't been any scalability issues. There's no one-size-fits-all in terms of maintenance required, it depends on the size of the organization. 

On one of our recent large projects where we used core switches, I worked in-depth with technical support to help determine how to configure the switches, which hardware was required, and how to get the redundant communication paths. We don't use support much but when we do they're very helpful. 

The initial setup is complex. We've found that a lot of people don't know how to configure Multicast properly on a network, particularly in government agencies. It's one of the key components, especially when you're in the security industry, and it's a big issue for us. There's a steep learning curve in terms of properly setting up the network to manage the Multicast traffic, and then programming, especially on the IP video systems. Because they're managing video streams both systems have to be set up properly, and there seems to be a lack of knowledge around that. 

Our clients purchase the license so we're not involved in that aspect. Cisco doesn't like to give out information unless you're a dealer. For smaller projects, the cost is an issue and organizations will often look for less expensive options. Cisco is the major player in the network environment, but there are numerous alternative products that may be less feature-rich but fit the bill from a cost perspective. In addition to licensing, there is likely to be an annual fee to enable access to support. 

We previously looked at Extreme Networks, Fortinet, Aruba and NETGEAR. When we're dealing with harsh environments, we tend to look at companies like ComNet, EtherWAN, GarrettCom, who make hardened switches for harsh or difficult environments. A lot of the main players only make switches that go in data centers and IDF rooms.

When configured properly, the solution works. I rate this solution nine out of 10. 

The platform's management features need improvement.

We have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for ten years.

I rate the platform's stability a nine out of ten.

The platform is highly scalable. I rate the scalability a ten out of ten.

Our experience working with the technical support service team was great. The engineers took around an hour to resolve the issue.

Positive

The product can be deployed on-premises and on the cloud as well. It takes a few minutes to complete the process.

The product is expensive.

Port security is one of the most crucial features of the platform. It allows for analyzing and confirming security measures at the port level. 

The user interface and management of Cisco switches have significantly simplified network administration. The tool is easy to use, offering numerous options in terms of server connection.

While integrating Cisco Ethernet switches into existing network infrastructure, one challenge I encountered was ensuring connectivity with other servers.

It is reliable and stable, offering a wide range of features that can be easily implemented.

I rate it a ten out of ten.

We use Cisco Ethernet Switches to interconnect the 20 to 25 servers and workstations in our control room.

We use Cisco Ethernet Switches to configure VLANs in the VPN network. We need to put some subsystems in the VLAN so that other terminals will not access these equipment. We do all these configurations on the solution. The solution is easy to configure.

The solution's reliability should be improved. We see that some ports must be reset when in the hang mode. Only after a reset can we make use of those ports. There could be some internal or external reasons for the hang. We are looking for an improved reliability aspect.

I have worked with Cisco Ethernet Switches for over 20 years as an end user.

There are no issues with the solution’s stability.

Our department is quite big. About 50 engineers are accessing different nodes.

The solution’s customer support service is quite good.

The solution is easy to install. They're all plugin modules.

One engineer can complete the solution’s deployment within one to one and a half hours. We are a government department. Our engineers buy the equipment, follow the installation instructions, and do the installation.

The solution’s pricing is reasonable. The solution has a lifetime license because we are not renewing the license every year. It is a one-time purchase.

So far, the failure rate with the solution is very low, and we want to find a spare for the existing unit.

Users must be familiar with the operation and configuration of Cisco Ethernet Switches to use them. They have to familiarize themselves with the solution and know the different configurations and features it supports. Users need to understand the solution properly before using it.

Cisco Ethernet Switches is a good solution.

Overall, I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches ten out of ten.

I use the solution in our typical university network, which is not very sophisticated. In our university, we have some virtual networks within the labs, but normally, we have a very simple configuration without too many rules because it's supposed to be very flexible for us to use. The end users always ask something like how they would like to test one server over the other, making it really hard for our university's network administrator to manage it all day. Our university's network is pretty much open, and there is always a danger of intruders, but currently, we don't have such problems.

The high price of the tool is an area of concern where improvements are required.

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for over twenty years.

I haven't experienced any stability problems with the product, making it a perfect solution for me. I don't care about the other factors involving network administrators who use the tool since, for me, the service provided by the solution is okay.

It is a stable solution since I have not seen any network failures when using the product. Normally, there are no problems with the networks in our university. If there are some general problems in our university's network, it's mainly due to the provider facing some issues due to a cut-off in some fiber switches, which may be the result of some construction work somewhere. Under normal circumstances, everything functions perfectly.

It is a scalable solution.

There are around 3,000 to 4,000 users of the solution, considering that all the students in our university use it.

The product's initial setup phase is not easy, considering that there is a need to plan the virtual networks and see how you are connected. I think that network administrators can manage the setup phase since they have been through Cisco-centric courses, making them capable of handling the setup phase if they are able to define what you want.

During the setup phase, challenges arise when we have to define what we want and the services we expect from our network.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

It is an expensive product since it is used in a large network where you cannot rely on some cheaply priced solution. The solution primarily stays stable, so we don't face any problems with the product.

If you are looking at something really stable, then you will buy Cisco. If you want to buy a product for some offices or small buildings, then you can go for a cheaper tool that you can maintain and replace easily.

Though I wanted to use the product, there were no opportunities at the university that would allow me to use the solution.

The product does have some security features, but I don't get involved with the security area since I don't need it.

There are two to three people to maintain the solution, but we outsource the maintenance services when we face some major issues.

I recommend the product to those who plan to use it.

I rate the tool an eight to nine out of ten.

I use Cisco Ethernet Switches to provide end-user connectivity in an optimized, balanced, and stable way. Before being a security engineer, I was a network architect or network manager. In that case, Cisco Ethernet Switches were mostly related to the classic set of data centers.

Cisco Ethernet Switches are more stable than other products.

The solution's pricing could be improved. Cisco is one of those market leaders who always try to benefit from having a market-leading position. Cisco gradually increased prices for the same products they delivered over the decade.

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for 17 years.

I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches a nine out of ten for stability.

Around 3,000 users use the solution in our organization.

I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches a nine out of ten for scalability.

The solution's first-line technical support is terrible. The second-line support is always adequate. I always tend to skip the first-line support because most of these people just run by a script book, and they start to panic when they don't see a solution in the script. So, I tend to always ask for second-level agents.

The solution’s initial setup is straightforward.

The solution's deployment time depends on the company's size and client requirements. For the solution's deployment, we start with the analysis phase, the financial aspect, the implementation phase, the operational phase, and hypercare.

Users have to pay an annual licensing fee for Cisco Ethernet Switches, which is expensive.

Cisco asks for an additional fee for the support part, whereby you become eligible to download firmware updates.

In the case of Cisco, users should not limit their knowledge about the hardware from Cisco but should also deep dive into general network services and topologies. Users should not consider Cisco a specific and unique brand but should understand the services that run under Cisco appliances.

Overall, I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches an eight out of ten.

Cisco Ethernet system serves our needs primarily for user integration and connectivity, providing access to the Internet and services. One scenario where Cisco switches significantly improved our network performance was when we faced challenges with traditional network setups. The features that proved highly effective for network management include comprehensive visibility, an all-in-one solution for management, stability, connectivity, and troubleshooting capabilities.

We use Cisco Ethernet system for user connectivity, with multicast being an advanced feature that helps alleviate some of our work challenges. In terms of scalability, we utilize stacks which have proven to be reliable and easy to manage. As for security functionalities, we rely on Palo Alto for our network's safety. I would prefer to discuss detailed information via email for a comprehensive review.

Improvement as per customer requirements. 

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for the past 4 years. 

As for stability, I have found the feature to be highly stable with minimal issues.

Although we also use HPE switches in other departments, I lean towards Cisco due to its reliability and performance.

Installing Cisco Ethernet system is relatively straightforward, especially since we are familiar with the process. However the installation may require some technical expertise.The deployment process for Cisco Ethernet system typically takes about a day with our team's support. For more complex configurations, it may require additional time depending on the customer's requirements. One major challenge we face is with licensing, especially for Cisco's wireless features. Understanding and managing license changes over time, such as moving to new licenses for VPN support, can be challenging for customers. We often need support from Cisco to navigate these licensing challenges.

While Cisco's pricing can be a concern, particularly with support fees, its overall features and support community make it a solid choice.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Cisco Ethernet system as a 9 for its overall functionality and support, with the caveat of considering pricing and support options carefully before making a decision

I used Cisco Ethernet Switches primarily for campus networks, specifically in hospitals, to provide endpoint connectivity for users, including doctors, and to support wireless access points for devices like iPads.

The most valuable features of Cisco Ethernet Switches for our network are speed, latency, and reliability. We rely on fast data transfer and minimal downtime, especially for handling large image files. Additionally, the MTBF and unit-level failover capabilities have been crucial for maintaining uptime. The switches seamlessly integrate with our dual-band wireless network, providing efficient connectivity for both public and partner users across the hospital campus.

While Cisco Ethernet Switches are already quite advanced, one area for improvement could be integrating a single dashboard for both wired and wireless networks. Additionally, enhancing cyber protection features directly within the switches could be beneficial to prevent network vulnerabilities and downtime caused by malicious activity.

I have been working with Cisco Ethernet Switches for almost 15 years.

I would rate the stability of the product as a nine out of ten.

I would rate the scalability of the product as an eight out of ten. About 3,000 users are currently using Cisco Ethernet Switches, and there are plans to increase usage as the hospital expands.

Technical support from Cisco is generally good, with knowledgeable core technical staff. However, there can be issues with overpromising in marketing, leading to discrepancies between promises and the capabilities of the actual support team. I would rate the support as a nine out of ten.

Positive

I would rate the easiness of the initial setup of Cisco Ethernet Switches as a nine out of ten. The setup process itself was fantastic, but it heavily relies on capable partners for proper installation. If the partners aren't well-trained or capable, it could lead to setbacks, but generally, Cisco works with good partners.

Deploying Cisco Ethernet Switches involved two main phases. The passive network setup, including cable laying and rack installation, took about eight to nine months due to various challenges. However, mounting and configuring the switches only required around one month. Overall, the deployment involved a team of three people.

For maintenance, at least two people are typically available around the clock to monitor the network, address calls, and handle any issues that arise. So far, there haven't been any failures, but if one occurs, they address it.

I would rate the pricing of the product as a seven out of ten in terms of costliness. While Cisco Ethernet Switches are expensive, they were chosen for their quality and worth the investment. Additional costs beyond standard licensing fees were fixed for two years, but afterward, negotiations depended on market fluctuations.

In a big hospital project covering 20 acres and 51 buildings, Cisco Ethernet Switches played a crucial role. We set up connections for the entire campus, including the data center, all the devices people use, and equipment, making sure everything could communicate smoothly.

The scalability of Cisco Ethernet Switches has supported our organization's growth by allowing us to easily expand our network architecture. We have implemented a scalable design with core, distribution, and endpoint switches, connected via fiber optic cables. This setup enables us to add new switches or networks without disrupting the existing infrastructure. We can seamlessly plug in additional switches to the core switches, facilitating expansion wherever needed.

When considering Cisco Ethernet Switches, users should assess their specific needs and whether they require higher speeds or prioritize stability and reliability. It is crucial to ensure that the switches perform as advertised, especially for critical applications. Reliability is crucial, so users should prioritize switches that can operate without downtime, particularly for mission-critical functions.

Overall, I would rate Cisco Ethernet Switches as an eight out of ten.

Cisco Ethernet Switches can be used for any particular application. We have many customers like IDBI and State Bank of India using Cisco switches, Cisco routers, and Cisco SD-WAN. My organization provides some Cisco switches and AMCs of Cisco switches.

Cisco Ethernet Switches is a very stable product. Cisco products are extremely rugged and stable. I have faced very few complaints about Cisco products supplied to my customers.

From a system integrator's perspective, Cisco must train system integrators, partners, and customers about their services. Cisco has many products like switches, routers, and now SD-WAN, and they need to educate the partners and customers about these services.

I've been dealing with Cisco Ethernet Switches for about 25 years.

I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches ten out of ten for stability.

Since Cisco Ethernet Switches can be integrated with different modules, we can have one switch to scale up to 10, 15, or 20 switches. The solution is enterprise scalable and telecom scalable. I've got about 12 to 14 customers using Cisco products.

In my previous organization, my service engineer used Cisco's technical support, and their response was quite good.

Setting up a Cisco switch or router is very user-friendly as far as the service team is concerned.

Cisco L2 switches hardly take a couple of hours or less than an hour to deploy. It all depends on whether the customer requires VLAN and what type of setup they require. LC switches would take a couple of days to deploy, depending on the SoW the customer provides. The solution's tech support is also quite good. Most of their employees have done the Cisco certification, and installing Cisco Ethernet Switches doesn't take any time.

The deployment model is quite simple. It's fit-and-play if it's an L2 switch. However, if it is an L3 switch, some configurations are required, which takes time.

There are certain modules for L3 switches. Customers have to pay for some of the L3 switches licenses, which are expensive.

Overall, I rate Cisco Ethernet Switches ten out of ten.