Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 27, 2025
Cisco and Huawei Ethernet Switches compete in the networking hardware category. Cisco maintains an upper hand in terms of performance and management capabilities, but Huawei provides a cost-effective solution with essential functionalities.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches are known for their power-saving design, advanced management protocols such as CDP, and enhanced security features like MACSec encryption. They provide high performance with dynamic IP routing protocols and are suitable for complex networking environments. On the other hand, Huawei Ethernet Switches offer affordability without compromising features, including intelligent stacking, spanning tree protocols, and integration capabilities at no additional cost, making them appealing for businesses seeking value.
Room for Improvement: Cisco's high costs, complex licensing, and intricate configuration process are notable drawbacks, with users calling for better third-party integration and more intuitive management tools. Huawei, meanwhile, faces challenges in the realm of comprehensive support resources and documentation, with some users noting language barriers and a need for more robust firmware updates and security features.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Ethernet Switches typically focus on on-premise deployments, with strong customer service but mixed reviews on response times for complex scenarios, especially concerning third-party integration. While Huawei Ethernet Switches are also centered around on-premise setups and appreciated for their easy installation and general customer service, they are noted for lacking the premium support level of Cisco, partly due to differences in knowledge base and language support.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco is recognized for superior quality and performance, but its higher pricing impacts ROI for smaller businesses despite long-term reliability. Huawei offers a significant pricing advantage by providing essential features at a lower cost, delivering quick ROI, and positioning itself as a more economical choice without major sacrifices in functionality.
