Cisco Catalyst Switches and NETGEAR Switches compete in the network switch market. Cisco Catalyst has the upper hand for complex network environments with superior security and enterprise functionalities, while NETGEAR is preferred for cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment.
Features: Cisco Catalyst Switches are renowned for their advanced security capabilities, which include features such as port security, VLAN configuration, and PoE support, ideal for enterprise networks that require robust security measures. Additionally, Cisco's stacking technology allows multiple switches to act as a unified system, enhancing network resilience and scalability. NETGEAR Switches offer a simpler, more cost-effective option with straightforward setup, lower power consumption, and a user-friendly interface, making them particularly suitable for smaller enterprises with less complex networking needs.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Catalyst Switches face criticism for their high costs and cumbersome licensing procedures, suggesting room for pricing adjustments and streamlined management. In contrast, NETGEAR Switches, while cost-effective, lag behind in security features and interoperability with more intricate network setups, indicating a need for enhancement in security offerings and support for complex enterprise environments.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Catalyst Switches are commonly deployed in on-premises networks, offering extensive customer support services, though often viewed as expensive and not always prompt. NETGEAR's on-premises deployment process is simpler and more economical, with customer support seen as effective, and benefiting from improvements in remote management interactions.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Catalyst Switches come with a premium price tag and a complicated licensing model, typically offering a long-term ROI. NETGEAR provides a more budget-friendly alternative with simple cost structures and easier licensing processes, resulting in a quicker ROI for those prioritizing initial investment savings.
From an investment standpoint, deploying Cisco Catalyst Switches offers tangible benefits, including cost reductions.
Cisco support is very good and responsive.
Cisco's support is good, one of the best supports that you will get.
I am paying for Cisco support and would rate it nine out of ten.
There are issues distinguishing which switches support cloud features.
The scalability of Cisco Catalyst Switches is very much scalable, as it supports the stacking feature and growth; for instance, with 94K modular switches, based on the requirement, we can even increase modules for more bandwidth.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are scalable, and I would rate them eight to nine out of ten for scalability.
The scalability of NETGEAR Switches is easy and very beneficial for us.
NETGEAR's scalability through its Insight Cloud system is on par with Ubiquiti's, although it must offer features beyond its competitors.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are stable.
We've experienced failures such as a 16-port dying after three to four years.
Currently, I don't see much AI integration with Cisco Catalyst Switches; though they've started, it still needs improvement.
Cisco Catalyst Switches could be a little bit cheaper as they are very costly.
The configuration options on the Cisco Commerce website could be more efficient.
They should introduce features like dual firmware or dual boot that allow systems to be updated without downtime.
They can improve on the commercial part, specifically the cost, as it is higher than other brands.
Cisco provides unique features that justify their pricing.
Cisco usually is costly compared to other vendors.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are quite pricey.
Some high-end switches required for specific advanced features, like precision time protocols, can be more expensive.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are valuable for their reliability and performance.
Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization.
The most beneficial features for our network management are their stability and good customer support.
The precision time protocol feature caught our interest for future use in specific settings like churches, where low latency is required.
The most valuable features are routing and access control.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are a reliable and scalable network switching and routing solution, focusing on VLANs and VLAN switching. They are used as access switches, distribution switches, and core switches in various environments, deployed on-premises, and used for long connections. The switches are easy to configure, install, and upgrade and offer good pricing.
The most valuable features include warranty and firmware support, stability, security, good performance, flexibility, etc. The Cisco Catalyst Switches have provided a stable solution for the organizations and are widely used, trusted, and well-known in the networking industry.
NETGEAR Ethernet Switches is an Ethernet solution that offers businesses of all sizes the ability to easily set up secure and highly scalable networks. Small to medium-sized companies have the option to choose from three different switching options. The three options that are most appropriate for businesses of this size are the NETGEAR Unmanaged, Plus, and Smart Switch solutions. If you're managing a large enterprise network or a campus network, then NETGEAR Fully Managed Infrastructures is the solution for you. All the NETGEAR Ethernet Switches and solutions are innovative, easy to install and use, reliable, and very cost-effective.
NETGEAR Ethernet Switches have many features that make them a most effective product. Included in these is the ability to virtually stack IP addresses in such a way that users can scale their network up with ease. These IP addresses are grouped together. Once additional data ports are connected, you have only a single switch to manage and you gain both a much higher level availability of data and a greater level of network resilience.
Benefits of NETGEAR Ethernet Switches
Some of the benefits of using NETGEAR Ethernet Switches include:
Reviews from Real Users
There are a number of characteristics that make NETGEAR Ethernet Switches extremely effective. Two major ones are its inherent flexibility and its user-friendly nature.
PeerSpot user Kevin W., a network delivery architect at a tech-services company, notes that NETGEAR Ethernet Switches gives users the ability to tailor the switches to fit their needs. He writes, "The big winner for NETGEAR is their modular switch: the 96X version. That is something that you don't see in the market anywhere else, except for Cisco who has it at a high level for a high expense. The ability to customize your own switch with their modules is a big plus for what we do in the market right now. Instead of having to piece together standardized switches, trying to make something work, or fitting the design into the mold, the modular switches are aware that you can make a mark in the industry because you purchased one switch and design with different modules added and removed later on for functionality."
PeerSpot user Chris W., a system engineer at Diversified, notes just how easy they are to use when he writes, "The ease of use of these switches is very good because of the Cisco CLI. If you are familiar with CLI, then you can configure the switch that way. It also has a relatively straightforward web interface. Using the web interface is good for beginners or people who aren't familiar with Cisco CLI. However, having a common command line interface method is great for some of our more advanced guys who are familiar with it."
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