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Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch comparison

Cisco and Nokia are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Cisco is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.8, while Nokia is ranked #23 with an average rating of 8.3. Cisco holds a 12.8% mindshare in ES, compared to Nokia’s 0.9% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Nokia users who would recommend it.
Cisco Ethernet Switches
Read 135 Cisco Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 13,797 Views
  • 13,797 Comparison Views
96% willing to recommend
Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Read 7 Nokia Ethernet Service Switch reviews
  • 827 Views
  • 827 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

Cisco Ethernet Switches and Nokia Ethernet Service Switch compete in the field of network switching technologies. Data indicates that while Cisco leads in pricing and support, Nokia offers advanced features and customization.

Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches provide robust performance, reliability, and extensive security options, making them suitable for large and small businesses. They ensure seamless compatibility with numerous network protocols. Nokia Ethernet Service Switch excels in high-capacity throughput and advanced traffic management, making it ideal for environments needing customization and scalability.

Room for Improvement: Cisco could benefit from enhancing its feature set to match the advanced functionalities offered by competitors. Improving customization tools and further reducing downtime during deployments might help. Nokia may look into expanding support networks to ensure prompt issue resolution and could work on making initial deployment costs more appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco's deployment is straightforward, supported by a comprehensive network of certified professionals that ensures quick and efficient setup with minimal downtime. Nokia offers simplified deployment with flexible services beneficial for unique environments, though its support network is less extensive compared to Cisco's.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco offers competitive pricing with excellent ROI, credited to its reliable longevity. Although Nokia's initial setup is more costly, its robust customization and advanced functionalities provide significant long-term benefits. Cisco's pricing and long-term cost-effectiveness make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

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To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Report (Updated: July 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
July 2025
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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

Cisco Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
1st
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
135
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
23rd
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
3.1
Number of Reviews
7
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches is 12.8%, down from 18.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Nokia Ethernet Service Switch is 0.9%, up from 0.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Myint Aung - PeerSpot reviewer
Exceptional network support and AI integration drive performance while suggesting enhancements for future use cases
I work with both HyperFlex and other Cisco products. I prefer to make online support available because I can utilize my CCIE architect, solution consultant, and engineer team along with our account manager and product sales team. We can clarify requirements and decide how to support you. We should arrange a conference call about Cisco Ethernet Switches where I can invite my architect and consultant to clarify more about the features that are most beneficial for improving network efficiency. Today is AI day, and all the new firmware includes AI to optimize the performance, traffic, and security of Cisco Ethernet Switches. It's performing very well. With many solutions and vendors available, you have to decide on one. I am extremely satisfied with the licensing cost for Cisco Ethernet Switches. For the price of Cisco Ethernet Switches, I would rate it a 7. My overall rating for Cisco Ethernet Switches is 10 out of 10.
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Montassar Turki - PeerSpot reviewer
Empowering networks with enhanced scalability and reliability
It provides excellent scalability capabilities, as well as the flexibility to work with different cost structures. It supports a large number of switches very well and meets the specific requirements. In our enterprise, we currently have two hundred servers, and this technology accommodates our growing user base, which may reach millions of users.
Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Cisco switches have several valuable features like VLAN mapping. We seldom use that, but we find the security configurations helpful, like high availability with trading port channels and MAC filtering."
"Cisco Ethernet Switches is stable and robust."
"Cisco Ethernet Switches have a lot of valuable features. One that stands out to me is its ease of implementation."
"This is a great solution for network switching and security."
"We use Cisco Ethernet Switches to configure VLANs in the VPN network."
"The hardware is rugged. We use it for the basic configuration."
"The stability is 100%."
"The most valuable feature is the performance."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches pros
"The most valuable features are user functionality and interoperability."
"On several occasions we encountered major issues with the solution and have found the Nokia technical support to be quite supportive."
"Despite initial hindrances, once understood, these differences help in forming a good career foundation."
"The highest value lies in aggregating the data to improve both traffic management and device utilization, emphasizing the importance of engagement and liability."
"The performance and reliability are the solution's most valuable features."
"The most valuable feature is the product's availability."
 

Cons

"The NX-API REST is not very good and should be improved."
"The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products."
"In the case of an already existing network, we encounter technical issues related to following protocols."
"They need to offer free replacements until the end of life for devices."
"Cisco products are expensive compared to any other solution. Now, there are many competitors that give the same level of services - such as Juniper or Aruba."
"Technical support could be better. Firmware upgrades should be better. We have an issue with upgrading the firmware. It's not upgradable. I think it should be easy to improve and upgrade the firmware."
"I think the price should be cheaper to be able to afford more."
"Cisco has a lot of propriety protocols compared to other products, such as Arista Networks."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches cons
"I would suggest improvements regarding enhancing support response times and implementing user interface modifications for quicker and more user-friendly interactions."
"I would like to see more collaboration with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) vendors, such as Itron."
"I would prefer that all the licenses be open for our use."
"The solution needs more monitoring tools."
"The documentation needs improvement for better accessibility, as there isn't proper documentation currently available."
"The segment routing could be improved, and they could also transfer a lot of legacy to the cloud domain."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution does not require a license. However, it is expensive and the price could improve."
"The price is very high though it is priced right for the level of quality."
"We are happy with the pricing from Cisco."
"The cost of the solution is by unit."
"The price of Cisco Ethernet Switches here in India is too high. There are other cheaper solutions available."
"The solution has different prices depending on the features that you want to have."
"Cisco offers annual and three-year license options."
"The pricing is reasonable so I rate it a six out of ten."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches pricing and cost advice
"It is quite expensive compared to alternative technologies."
"The price of the solution is very competitive in comparison with that of the competition."
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Comparison Review

it_user82779 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 29, 2014
Benefits of Juniper vs Cisco
Both are decent products. I prefer Juniper for the following reasons: 1) Cleaner separation of data plane from control plane. Higher end Cisco devices are better at this but most of the lower end products still seem to be more integrated than I like. 2) The Hierarchical config design means I can…
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Comms Service Provider
11%
Performing Arts
10%
Computer Software Company
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
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Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet FortiSwitch is an ethernet switch solution that provides security and performance...
See all answers
In terms of ethernet switches, would you go with Cisco or Juniper?
Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether Cisco or Juniper Ethernet switches were the better fit for us. We decided to go with Juniper. Juniper ethernet switches are a lesser-known...
See all answers
What do you like most about Nokia Ethernet Service Switch?
The highest value lies in aggregating the data to improve both traffic management and device utilization, emphasizing the importance of engagement and liability.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Nokia Ethernet Service Switch?
We can understand the customer network better and propose products accordingly as areas for improvement. Engaging with customers directly would improve how that could be done easily. Many times the...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Nokia Ethernet Service Switch?
I am a system integrator working for different customers. My clients use this product for their network, either for network upgrade or new rollout.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Aruba Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Aruba Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 19% of the time
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 16% of the time
D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 9% of the time
NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 7% of the time
Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 2% of the time
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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 19% of the time
Arista Networks Platform vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 10% of the time
Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 8% of the time
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 7% of the time
NVIDIA Mellanox vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Logo
NVIDIA Mellanox vs Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
Compared 7% of the time
More Nokia Ethernet Service Switch Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches
August 2025
Cisco Ethernet Switches reportDownload Cisco Ethernet Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
August 2025
Nokia Ethernet Service Switch reportDownload Nokia Ethernet Service Switch product report
 

Also Known As

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches
Nokia ESS, Nokia 7450 Ethernet Service Switch, Nokia 7450 ESS
 

Overview

Cisco Ethernet Switches scale to meet the needs of networks of all sizes. They are Secure, Reliable and Seamless.
Cisco

The Nokia 7450 Ethernet Service Switch (ESS) family of Carrier Ethernet switch routers is designed to deliver advanced Carrier Ethernet services. It also provides the ideal platform for the metro Ethernet aggregation of fixed and mobile networks.

Nokia
 

Sample Customers

Linz AG
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
July 2025
Free Report: Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Nokia Ethernet Service Switch
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