Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs Cisco FabricPath comparison

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the LAN Switching category. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise is ranked #10 with an average rating of 8.0, while Cisco is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.3. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise holds a 4.2% mindshare in LS, compared to Cisco’s 3.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Cisco users who would recommend it.

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch L...

Read 7 Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches reviews

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100% willing to recommend

Cisco FabricPath

Read 31 Cisco FabricPath reviews

682 Views
668 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch L...

Cisco FabricPath

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 6, 2025

Cisco FabricPath and Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches present distinct network management solutions, competing in areas like scalability, security, and reliability. Cisco FabricPath holds an edge due to its integration-friendly setup and competitive pricing, while Alcatel-Lucent excels in security features, which are seen as worthwhile investments.

Features: Cisco FabricPath's scalability allows efficient load balancing across networks. It integrates seamlessly with existing Cisco environments and offers reliable network management tools. Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches feature high reliability and robust security, providing centralized management and seamless integration in various environments.

Room for Improvement: Cisco FabricPath could improve its adaptability to non-Cisco environments, offer enhanced security measures, and provide more detailed documentation. Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches could streamline the setup process, enhance user interface complexity, and provide more cost-effective solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco FabricPath integrates smoothly into existing Cisco infrastructures, simplifying deployment, and is backed by responsive customer service. Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches, while requiring detailed configurations, provide comprehensive support to assist through deployment stages, which can be more involved.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco FabricPath is priced competitively with a focus on long-term ROI through scalable solutions. Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches have a higher initial cost but justify it with superior security features, offering a significant ROI, especially in environments focused on security.

To learn more, read our detailed Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs. Cisco FabricPath Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs. Cisco FabricPath

February 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch L...

Ranking in LAN Switching

10th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

4.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Cisco FabricPath

Ranking in LAN Switching

4th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the LAN Switching category, the mindshare of Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches is 4.2%, up from 3.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco FabricPath is 3.7%, up from 1.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

LAN Switching Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco FabricPath	3.7%
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches	4.2%
Other	92.1%

LAN Switching

Featured Reviews

reviewer2048676

App. Manager at a political organization with 501-1,000 employees

Reliable network access has improved daily connectivity and simplified graphical management

The specific network design is done by another company, and we just manage the access switches, in fact, the local access switches on the LAN. I don't think there is much prioritization in our network for the moment. I don't think that the users see much about it; it's transparent for users. Whether there is a Cisco switch or an Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switch, the user doesn't care. We are not expert users, but we are users for maintaining and keeping the situation alive, not experts of network switch programming. I'm not an expert of the switches to say what's missing. For smaller sites with 10 persons or so, it's sometimes not so easy to choose Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches.

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AmrFouad

Technical Project Manager at Cairo International Airport Co.

Offers seamless integration and boosts operational efficiency with minimum downtimes

I find stability to be the most effective feature of Cisco FabricPath; it is stable. Cisco FabricPath has good scalability; I don't have any problems with scalability as I can add any switches or distributors without any problem. I utilize the multipath routing architecture feature in Cisco FabricPath, and it's good in load balancing. Cisco FabricPath's compatibility to support Dynamic Layer 2 multipath routing in complex virtualized environments is good; I don't have any problems with it. Nothing comes to mind regarding metrics for using the Layer 2 multipath routing feature; it was good, and there were no problems at all with Cisco FabricPath. Cisco FabricPath's integration with Cisco Nexus works with virtual port channel (VPC) and is good for dual home servers and edge switches. We are using VPC in every layer of the Nexus center. Implementing Cisco FabricPath positively impacted my organization by providing minimum downtimes as the service is always up; everything is working properly with the VPC and Cisco FabricPath. I have experienced operational efficiencies with Cisco FabricPath that are 200% better than the old legacy equipment and protocols.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"These OmniSwitches are very manageable and easy to configure."

"With Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches everything comes from one vendor. It operates very smoothly."

"OmniSwitch LAN Switches' performance is very good."

"Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches provide stable work with no issues, with less downtime and fewer maintenance windows."

"I rate the technical support an eight or a nine out of ten. So far, they've been very professional and helpful, especially when we need to raise a case for any issue."

"One of the main advantages of the solution is that the configuration is straightforward, offering various configuration options through CLI or web interfaces. I'm satisfied with the customer service and support. The solution is good and people should know about it."

"The most valuable feature is the ease of configuration."

"FabricPath's best features are routing, OSPS, ethernet, and performance."

"The most beneficial feature of Cisco FabricPath for network performance is its reliability."

"We can also enhance our service line with disaster recovery."

"The most valuable features are the lead time and the high quality of the product."

"The fact that the solution is on the cloud is its most valuable aspect. If you are on the cloud, you can manage your network from anywhere, any place. It's very good."

"Cisco FabricPath is highly beneficial for network performance and relatively easy to implement. It also offers straightforward monitoring capabilities."

"The technical assistance is good."

"The tool makes it easy to manage multi-layer networking and increases network efficiency. I haven't faced any challenges in integrating it into our existing infrastructure."

More Cisco FabricPath pros

Cons

"n general, the way the product is put together is not well done."

"There is no OEM support in India so RMAs need to be sent to France, which takes a long time if the hardware is faulty."

"There are some issues with the network firmware being deleted from the switches."

"For smaller sites with 10 persons or so, it's sometimes not so easy to choose Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches."

"A customer expressed dissatisfaction with the color of the switches, preferring black over the current color, which is close to white. While the color is not a personal concern, my earlier preference was for all products to be extendable in one large stack since some equipment limits stacking to four elements instead of eight."

"I would like to see better third-party integration with third-party systems."

"The price is a little bit too high."

"While Cisco products are excellent, the problem is the cost. Cisco products are product, Cisco products are very expensive. I rate Cisco FabricPath three out of 10 for affordability."

"The solution is complex to set up."

"Currently, there are no issues or suggestions for improvement as everything is working smoothly."

"The prices for FabricPath are very high, and Cisco also takes a long time to deliver products (in Mexico, the delivery time is eight months)."

"The solution should offer better reporting."

"There is room for improvement in terms of pricing for the Cisco solution. They are somewhat good at the starting point, but when you get the license and such, it becomes very expensive."

"In terms of the series, I find that the integration with other teleconferencing applications needs to be more seamless. I have suggested to Cisco that the endpoint device should allow joining calls from Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other teleconferencing applications. Additionally, I appreciate the recent inclusion of breakout sessions in the Cisco Webex application, which enhances its relevance in the networking field."

More Cisco FabricPath cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"OmniSwitch LAN Switches are cheaper than Cisco's switches."

"The license is purchased one time only, it is a perpetual license with no renewal."

"The price is okay. It's comparable to similar switches."

"The solution’s price is at a moderate level."

"FabricPath is very reasonably priced."

"It is very expensive."

"The solution falls under the pricier category, but it provides value for the price charged."

"I rate it seven out of ten on pricing as it's a bit expensive. It would be better if the price were lower, but we prioritize quality over cost."

"I rate the product's pricing a ten out of ten. Cisco switches cost around 15,000 dollars, and DNS licenses cost around 25,000 dollars. The total amount is 45,000 dollars, which is too expensive."

"The price of Cisco FabricPath could be reduced, it is expensive in the market here in Sri Lanka. The solution is subscriptions based, if the customer wants any future integrations, or if there are any future enhancements they will have to pay. There are different license options available, such as one or three years purchases."

"Cisco is expensive but offers good-quality features, so I would rate it high on the pricing scale."

"The pricing of Cisco FabricPath can be quite high depending on the architecture, but it's justified by the stability it offers."

More Cisco FabricPath pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Manufacturing Company

12%

University

12%

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Marketing Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Midsize Enterprise	3
Large Enterprise	2

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	11
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	14

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches?

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches?

I still work with Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches. We work with internet switches, but we also use LAN switches from Alcatel-Lucent. All the switches on the sites or across sites are Alcatel...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches?

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches work well for us. I would rate this solution a 9 out of 10.

See all answers

What do you like most about Cisco FabricPath?

The tool makes it easy to manage multi-layer networking and increases network efficiency. I haven't faced any challenges in integrating it into our existing infrastructure.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco FabricPath?

Cisco is somewhat expensive, but it provides good quality products and operations, so I can't complain about licensing cost and setup costs. There is room for improvement in terms of pricing for th...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Cisco FabricPath?

In future updates, I would prefer to see features such as more AI functionality or better integration added to Cisco FabricPath; more AI would be useful.

See all answers

Comparisons

Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches

Compared 43% of the time

Cisco Nexus vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches

Compared 22% of the time

Aruba Instant On Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches

Compared 20% of the time

HPE ProCurve vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches

Compared 15% of the time

More Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches Competitors

Juniper QFabric vs Cisco FabricPath

Compared 38% of the time

ExtremeSwitching vs Cisco FabricPath

Compared 28% of the time

Arista Campus LAN Switches vs Cisco FabricPath

Compared 19% of the time

HPE ProCurve vs Cisco FabricPath

Compared 16% of the time

More Cisco FabricPath Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches

January 2026

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches report

Download Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco FabricPath

January 2026

Download Cisco FabricPath product report

Also Known As

Alcatel Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches, OmniSwitch, OmniSwitch LAN Switches

FabricPath

Overview

Information not available

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

Cisco FabricPath is a Cisco NX-OS software innovation combining the plug-and-play simplicity of Ethernet with the reliability and scalability of Layer 3 routing. Using FabricPath, you can build highly scalable Layer 2 multipath networks without the Spanning Tree Protocol. Such networks are particularly suitable for large virtualization deployments, private clouds, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The benefits of Cisco FabricPath include: Minimal commands per switch ease configuration and operation, Autodiscovery simplifies addition of new links and switches, Provision additional network bandwidth without impacting network, Supports one-, two-, or three-tier architectures, VLAN extensibility across the data center.

Cisco

Sample Customers

Advocate Health Care, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Azienda Ospedaliera della Provincia di Lodi, Centre Hospitalier Carcassonne, Certis Cisco Security, China Tianchen Engineering Corporation Co. LTD, City of Frankfurt, Dongseo University

Bellevue, Calligaris, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Management Science Associates, Multi-Customer, Oediv, Roper St. Francis, SNAM

Buyer's Guide

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs. Cisco FabricPath

February 2026

Free Report: Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs. Cisco FabricPath

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