

ExtremeSwitching and Cisco FabricPath are competitors in the networking solutions domain. While Cisco seems to have the upper hand in terms of security and advanced features, ExtremeSwitching appeals to smaller businesses with its cost-effectiveness and unique features.
Features: ExtremeSwitching stands out with its ease of configuration, leveraging a unique ring topology protocol, and offers features such as deep packet inspection, scalability, and cloud management through ExtremeCloud IQ. Cisco FabricPath is noted for its strong security features, network efficiency, and the ability to support multiple VLANs, integrate with VXLAN, and provide advanced routing capabilities.
Room for Improvement: ExtremeSwitching could benefit from enhancing its training resources and pricing strategy to compete more aggressively against Cisco. Cisco FabricPath, although robust, is seen as costly, prompting users to desire better pricing and improved documentation. Both could improve on cyber asset management and integration with teleconferencing applications.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: ExtremeSwitching supports diverse deployment options including on-premises, private cloud, and hybrid environments. It has generally good customer service but could improve its training programs. Cisco FabricPath also offers multiple deployment architectures and is known for quick and reliable service, with better responsiveness compared to ExtremeSwitching.
Pricing and ROI: ExtremeSwitching is recognized for its competitive pricing, making it cost-effective for small and medium businesses. While its licensing fees are reasonable, rising costs are a concern. Cisco FabricPath, although more expensive with high licensing and operational costs, justifies its price with superior performance and stability, making the ROI evident after several years.
The return on investment is high.
In the future, we can convince the customer to make use of 100G capability to suffice their requirement, but at the moment we are using 40G only.
Based on my experience with technical support from Cisco, they are helpful and responsive; they respond based on severity.
Cisco provides excellent support.
Typically, cases are handled without needing service escalation, as 90-95% of issues can be resolved by the initial contact.
Requiring improvement in the technical support provided to customers.
ExtremeSwitching is highly scalable, and I would rate it as nine out of ten.
Cisco FabricPath is stable.
I cannot report any crashes or performance issues with ExtremeSwitching; the stability and scalability have been consistent and reliable.
The stability for ExtremeSwitching is excellent.
Additionally, parts availability in these regions needs improvement to address hardware failure situations, such as the availability of parts like a power cable.
In future updates, I would prefer to see features such as more AI functionality or better integration added to Cisco FabricPath.
Unlike Cisco, Aruba, and Huawei, Extreme currently lacks SMB products in the market, but if they produce such offerings, many more customers would engage with Extreme Networks.
ExtremeSwitching's software stability could be improved, as it sometimes crashes.
Because I am not a networking specialist, I do not know much about the things in detail.
Additionally, many products have subscriptions, making it very expensive when you bundle all together.
While pricing is slightly on the higher side, the overall assessment, which includes cost and technical capabilities, often favors Cisco.
Our prices are very competitive when compared to Cisco and Aruba.
ExtremeSwitching is priced in the mid-range, not too expensive nor too cheap.
I have experienced operational efficiencies with Cisco FabricPath that are 200% better than the old legacy equipment and protocols.
Cisco is the best choice in terms of cost, quality, and post-procurement services.
The most valuable feature of ExtremeSwitching is the Extreme Fabric, specifically the switching fabric.
The best features in ExtremeSwitching that I appreciate include the technology known as Extreme Fabric, which our customers find miraculous because it enables automated networks.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco FabricPath | 4.9% |
| ExtremeSwitching | 7.7% |
| Other | 87.4% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 11 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 14 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 12 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 8 |
| Large Enterprise | 7 |
Cisco FabricPath offers enhanced network management, reliable VM migration, and robust security for data centers and hybrid clouds, integrating well with Cisco Nexus and VPC. It ensures improved traffic control and minimal downtimes, supporting efficient Layer 2 networks.
Cisco FabricPath empowers enterprises with a seamless networking experience, offering robust performance and operational efficiency. It supports dynamic multiprotocol environments and ensures reliable service continuity. By eliminating STP issues, it enables active-active links, reducing downtime risks. Integration within data centers enhances management and optimizes VM migration, contributing to a stable and scalable network architecture. However, improvements in interoperability, cost management, and security features are areas where users seek optimization.
What are the key features of Cisco FabricPath?In the telecom and enterprise sectors, Cisco FabricPath is commonly implemented to support robust data environments. It is ideal for hybrid clouds and large enterprise LANs due to its capacity to handle extensive VLANs and Layer 2 networks. Its implementation streamlines operations, enhances connectivity, and offers scalable solutions to meet intense data demands, particularly benefiting industries requiring high reliability and secure, continuous connectivity.
ExtremeSwitching delivers robust security and scalability, valued for deep packet inspection and cost-effectiveness. It simplifies deployment and enhances network management with innovative features, despite requiring improvements in cyber attack management and 5G capabilities.
ExtremeSwitching is designed for seamless performance in networking environments. Its ease of configuration, coupled with advanced fabric technology, simplifies deployment. However, challenges include software inconsistencies and pricing issues. The intuitive interface provides enhanced visibility and control, yet could benefit from simplification. Reliability and innovative functionalities contribute to high satisfaction, although support resources require enhancement. Integration of AI features could benefit usability for less skilled administrators, and improvements in entry-level options are needed.
What are the key features of ExtremeSwitching?ExtremeSwitching assists sectors like education, hospitality, IT, and manufacturing. It supports networking infrastructure, Wi-Fi, and enterprise core functionalities, ideal for projects such as smart city development and government networks. Its deployment aids connectivity in LANs, campuses, and data centers, ensuring reliable system and user networking.
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