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Ahmed Salah - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Manager at Misrconsult
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Oct 2, 2024
Enhanced network stability and easy to integrate with essential IP routing features
Pros and Cons
  • "The IP routing is the most important feature."
  • "AI technology must be involved in the future."

What is our primary use case?

I am using Cisco Ethernet Switches in my company.

How has it helped my organization?

The solutions meet my sign and safety requirements, integrate easily with my firewall device, and ensure the stability of our network.

What is most valuable?

The IP routing is the most important feature. It has saved my devices and PC printers and it is a very important feature.

What needs improvement?

AI technology must be involved in the future. Also, it would be better to have a little bit lower price or another licensing model.

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches
March 2026
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For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco Ethernet Switches for about 14 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Till now, I have not placed any maintenance requests because this device is stable all the time.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Cisco Ethernet Switches are scalable.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't needed technical support because the device is stable all the time.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before Cisco Switches, I worked with 3Com devices, but only a few. I switched because Cisco is the most popular company.

How was the initial setup?

The integration was easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Cisco is more expensive in my country. It is usually just one payment, and I do not need to pay for maintenance or support.

What other advice do I have?

I strongly recommend Cisco Ethernet Switches.

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.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2000751 - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Manager at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 20
Dec 7, 2023
A stable solution that can be used to provide end-user connectivity in an optimized and balanced way
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco Ethernet Switches are more stable than other products."
  • "The solution's pricing could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

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.

What is most valuable?

Cisco Ethernet Switches are more stable than other products.

What needs improvement?

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.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for 17 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

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

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

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

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

How are customer service and support?

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.

How was the initial setup?

The solution’s initial setup is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

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.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

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.

What other advice do I have?

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.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Ethernet Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
884,976 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Vivek Makhijani - PeerSpot reviewer
Director at JEDI SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED
Real User
Jul 11, 2023
A stable solution that has a user-friendly initial setup
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco Ethernet Switches is a very stable product."
  • "From a system integrator's perspective, Cisco must train system integrators, partners, and customers about their services."

What is our primary use case?

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.

What is most valuable?

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.

What needs improvement?

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.

For how long have I used the solution?

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

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

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

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

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.

How are customer service and support?

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

How was the initial setup?

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

What about the implementation team?

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.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

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

What other advice do I have?

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

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Integrator
PeerSpot user
Jose-Rivera - PeerSpot reviewer
Account Manager at Telefónica
Real User
Feb 5, 2023
Effectively provides a stable connection for users and includes good technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution effectively provides a stable connection for users."
  • "To keep up with the market, the solution should have better evolution and innovation."

What is our primary use case?

Our company uses the solution to set up local access networks for users and route applications. We work with several models including 9300 and 9500. We plan to increase usage in the future. 

What is most valuable?

The solution effectively provides a stable connection for users. 

There is a lot of knowledge in terms of Cisco networking, so you can very quickly find technical support. 

What needs improvement?

To keep up with the market, the solution should have better evolution and innovation. 

More security features should be added. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable so I rate stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable so I rate scalability an eight out of ten. 

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is good so I rate it a nine out of ten. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The setup is very simple. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is reasonable so I rate it a six out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

Be sure you have an understanding of how many appliances you need and how many users you have to cover, so that you have a good and proper design for the solution. 

I rate the solution an eight 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.
PeerSpot user
Yusuf Kucuk - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Manager at EMU
Real User
Feb 3, 2023
It's a solidly stable product from a leader in the field
Pros and Cons
  • "We have a good technical support provider in Turkey that offers support, and we work closely with Cisco. Everything is sorted."
  • "It could be cheaper, especially the DNA license. One DNA license is around $3,000 for a three-year contract."

What is our primary use case?

We are a university with around 1,000 instructors and more than 15,000 students. We use Cisco for access points and endpoint cable networks. We used the 9000 series for years, and now we are working with the Catalyst 9300. Before that, we were using a 2960 switch and a 6500 for the Cisco side.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco Ethernet switches more than 20 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Cisco switches 10 out of 10 for stability. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate Cisco switches 10 out of 10 for scalability. We design our networks to be scalable. Scaling is only a matter of procuring new devices. 

How are customer service and support?

I rate Cisco support 10 out of 10. We have a good technical support provider in Turkey that offers support, and we work closely with Cisco. Everything is sorted. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

We have enough experience with Cisco, so it's easy for us to deploy and configure their switches. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price depends on the license type and the number of devices. Each device is licensed. It could be cheaper, especially the DNA license. One DNA license is around $3,000 for a three-year contract. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Cisco Ethernet switches nine out of 10. Cisco is the leader in networking hardware. 

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Syed Basheer - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Network Engineer (Level-3) at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Sep 19, 2022
A high-end solution that can handle a huge network with tons of traffic
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is a high-end router that can handle a huge network with tons of traffic."
  • "The solution provided a high-end throughput that was easy to handle, implement, and route."
  • "The solution should offer a method for user-based load balancing."
  • "Recently, I worked with them on an encryption issue and didn't receive a solution for three weeks."

What is our primary use case?

My former employer used the solution to build a campus network that included one distribution switch for each of its 200 buildings. 

Every building had its own Catalyst 3750 Series switch that provided access layers connecting back to 7600 Series distribution switches and routers. We used the MPLS network to build OSPF and PGP and provide multiple services with their own VRFs such as data NPT television and building management systems. 

The solution provided a high-end throughput that was easy to handle, implement, and route. 

What is most valuable?

The solution can handle a huge network with tons of traffic.

What needs improvement?

The solution should offer a method for user-based load balancing. Load sharing exists but the only balancing available is for the server load and not the Internet. 

Most engineers now prefer a GUI that is not part of this solution. In my experience, GUI is not required because the solution's commands are very familiar, easy to understand, and available via Google or the solution's portal. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for eleven years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is very stable because of its good performance and long life. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable and depends on the desired model. You can create multiple contexts and extend your network by adding Nexus 5000 or 2000 for connections. 

I am currently working on a big project with thousands of routers and 70% of them are Cisco switches. Scalability is not dependent on the number of users but is instead about providing access to the network. 

How are customer service and support?

I contacted technical support many times in the past and received helpful, straightforward, and responsive assistance. 

Recently, I worked with them on an encryption issue and didn't receive a solution for three weeks. This experience was disappointing but others have been resolved satisfactorily. 

How was the initial setup?

The setup was straightforward. 

It takes about four hours to build both chases and install the supervisor engine, line cards, and fiber connectivity before uploading and confirming configurations. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing for individual use is expensive but partners receive discounts of 70-80 percent for high-end use. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I used to face many physical hardware issues with FortiGate that I don't experience with the solution because it is straightforward to install, upgrade, and configure. 

The solution's logistical perspective is easy to understand and troubleshoot when configuring protocols and manipulating routes.

What other advice do I have?

When choosing a router, it is important to match solutions to requirements. This is a high-end router so important things to consider are use, budget, and desired performance. 

I am not familiar with all of the solution's features. Based on my use cases, I rate the solution an eight 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
PeerSpot user
Sales Engineer at Phoenyx Commtech Pvt. Ltd.
Reseller
Top 5Leaderboard
Nov 26, 2024
Improved organizational operations by being effective and reliable in our environment
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Cisco Ethernet switches include plug-and-play capabilities, ease of deployment, and high reliability."
  • "I'd rate the solution ten out of ten."
  • "There is a need for improvement on the ordering and delivery side for Cisco Ethernet switches."
  • "There is a need for improvement on the ordering and delivery side for Cisco Ethernet switches."

What is our primary use case?

I primarily work with network solutions like Cisco Ethernet switches, especially when it comes to secure networking through VLANs.

How has it helped my organization?

The deployment of Cisco Ethernet switches has improved organizational operations by being effective and reliable in our environment.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Cisco Ethernet switches include plug-and-play capabilities, ease of deployment, and high reliability.

What needs improvement?

There is a need for improvement on the ordering and delivery side for Cisco Ethernet switches.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Cisco switches for about ten to 15 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Cisco Ethernet switches are reliable, and I have not encountered any issues with their stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Cisco products are compatible with various industries and support scalability efficiently.

How are customer service and support?

I am 100% satisfied with the technical support provided by Cisco.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have mostly used Cisco switches, however, if a customer has budget constraints, I might suggest using Sophos switches.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Cisco Ethernet switches was straightforward and efficient, taking minimal time.

What about the implementation team?

Initially, implementing AI-driven technologies on Cisco switches required some effort, but the results are commendable.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is described as midrange in terms of pricing.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I have recommended Sophos switches to customers who have budget issues.

What other advice do I have?

Cisco Ethernet switches are compatible with many industries and reliable for various network implementations.

I'd rate the solution ten out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
Engineer -'SF' at NRSC
Real User
Aug 25, 2023
A stable and easy-to-configure solution that can be used to interconnect servers and workstations
Pros and Cons
  • "We use Cisco Ethernet Switches to configure VLANs in the VPN network."
  • "The solution's reliability should be improved."

What is our primary use case?

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

What is most valuable?

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.

What needs improvement?

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.

For how long have I used the solution?

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

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

There are no issues with the solution’s stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

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

How are customer service and support?

The solution’s customer support service is quite good.

How was the initial setup?

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.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

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.

What other advice do I have?

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.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: March 2026
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Download our free Cisco Ethernet Switches Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.