Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] vs ExtremeSwitching comparison

Why PeerSpot?

Dell Technologies and Extreme Networks are both solutions in the LAN Switching category. Additionally, 90% of Dell Technologies users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 94% of Extreme Networks users who would recommend it.

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

Read 34 Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] reviews

90% willing to recommend

ExtremeSwitching

Read 26 ExtremeSwitching reviews

2,700 Views
1,728 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

ExtremeSwitching

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] and ExtremeSwitching based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Extreme Networks and others in LAN Switching.

To learn more, read our detailed LAN Switching Report (Updated: September 2026).

Buyer's Guide

LAN Switching

September 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 913,924 peers since 2012

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

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

8.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

ExtremeSwitching

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

LAN Switching (6th), Data Center Networking (11th), AV Over IP Switching (4th)

Featured Reviews

LarsEvans

Chief Technology Officer / Chief Information Security Officer at Lorton Data, Inc.

Reliable and useful for network segmentation

The solution's most valuable feature stands up well. The tool is reliable, and it stands up well. The solution works fine and lasts a long time. I think if you speak about the features that have a flow and you can measure, it is hard to say. I don't spend a lot of my time with the tool, but I know that Dell APEX is the solution's cloud. I would say the VLAN features are important. The VLAN features are really useful because network segmentation is important. I would say the tool is easy to program. I don't know if the tool has any security features that I am aware of other than the fact that the solution is for networking. The VLAN and the ability to segment your networks are easy, which is its security feature.

Read full review

Meric-Dinc

Director, Solutions at TopTel

Automated fabric networking has simplified large deployments and now streamlines complex operations

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. With fabric technology, customers are very happy since they don't need to perform new configurations in the core, distribution, or access site, but only some configuration in access switch ports, as the network automatically knows where services start and end. It is definitely secure and very easy to install. We are utilizing ExtremeSwitching's automated network management feature, and when we sell our products to clients, we always offer Extreme Site Engine or now Platform One for cloud. Having this automated network management helps streamline operations by requiring less manpower, as infrastructure is hard to manage, but with the visualization provided by network management systems, clients only need to use a few clicks to deploy new services. There is no need to create multiple ports or VLANs, allowing even one or two individuals to operate very large networks. ExtremeSwitching's intuitive management interface has improved network performance significantly. For instance, Extreme Networks currently utilizes a very good AI system. When users need to perform configurations like MLAG, they can simply log in, ask for the configuration, and receive recommendations. This capability makes clients very happy because the management software inspects the entire network and provides valuable recommendations that lead to significant improvements.

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

"The technology is good and the interface is simple. We haven't had any bugs, disconnections or delays."

"The most valuable features are the jumbo frames and the stacking."

"The most valuable feature of this solution is simplicity."

"There is high reliability since we have used them for close to twenty years and only had possibly one failure."

"The features I've found most valuable are that the product is very easy to configure and inexpensive."

"The most valuable feature of Dell PowerConnect Switches for me is the throughput. I also like that the product has more compatibility with Dell infrastructure, especially with EMC and new generation Dell servers. Dell PowerConnect Switches can also easily integrate with Dell servers, and this is another pro."

"This solution comes with a lifetime warranty."

"PowerConnect Switches' stability is satisfactory."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pros

"The product offers a single management platform for multiple models of switches. The tool also allows users to manage multiple sites from a single dashboard."

"The price is low compared to the competition."

"ExtremeSwitching fabric technology is a unique technology used to protect against viruses. ExtremeCloud IQ is a very good and feature-rich solution compared to Cisco, Ruxi Networks, or Huawei."

"ExtremeSwitching switches are highly reliable."

"Setup was easy. It only took a couple of hours to set up."

"The licensing is good with the cloud, as they are able to interchange the license depending on their usage rather than having to buy individual licenses for each asset."

"First of all, the product is robust and they are also coming up with new features; the second part is the support is excellent from ExtremeSwitching, they maintain delivery time and follow through on their commitments properly, and the performance we expected, we are getting from ExtremeSwitching."

"The solution can scale."

More ExtremeSwitching pros

Cons

"Technical support tends to give conflicting advice on how to configure the product."

"The IOS software that is used on the switches could be improved."

"The solution's ROI for generic networking is not extraordinary."

"I can't think of what we would want in the next release."

"You have to build the stackable interface by yourself in Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL], making it an area that can be considered for improvement."

"Scalability can be a problem with these switches."

"A user can take care of the product's installation part, but it may not seem to be an easy process."

"The product's infrastructure and connectivity features need improvement."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] cons

"I believe they should be more aggressive in terms of pricing."

"The training and resources for learning are lacking."

"Their support could definitely be better."

"The solution lacks a cyber asset attack capability."

"Extreme Networks does not have any entry-level products. This is a problem for them because Aruba has an Instant On series, which is new and cost-effective. Cisco also has the 1000 series, and other brands offer entry-level products."

"Their pricing could be a bit cheaper, as Huawei switches offer better pricing."

"We noticed over the years that the price of the Extreme Switches has been rising and this will become a concern in the future."

"From a marketing perspective, I would like to see Extreme Networks expand its product line to include small and medium business (SMB) solutions, as many customers do not have large budgets."

More ExtremeSwitching cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Inexpensive"

"Its price is okay. Sometimes, it is lower than a Cisco solution."

"The product is cheaper than Cisco and licensing is yearly. We have to pay additional costs for support."

"Pricing for Dell PowerConnect Switches is quite competitive compared to Cisco and HP pricing. Dell has cheaper pricing and the company is trying to push for sales for its switching infrastructure because right now, the current market is dominated by Cisco. In the US market, there's Cisco, HP, Juniper, and Arista which you can buy for data center switching meant for different kinds of enterprises and ISPs. Dell PowerConnect Switches, on the other hand, is a product for people who need smaller setups or individual switches, especially those looking for a cheaper product and basic switching, though you can also buy a complete suite packaged with the switches."

"The initial cost was high but since they have lasted for over ten or twenty years they are worth it."

"The price of these switches is okay."

"I would rate the pricing as a seven or eight."

"This solution is much cheaper than comparable products by Cisco."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pricing and cost advice

"It is not a subscription-based model, and there is no licensing concept. We have to pay for hardware AMC. We have hardware on our premises and for the hardware support, we have to go for the annual maintenance contract with the partner."

"There is a cost for ExtremeSwitching and if you want the support and maintenance, there are additional costs. My clients typically pay for the support and maintenance annually."

"The price is expensive. We pay for a license, but you have to pay more if you want to increase the number."

"The product is expensive."

"ExtremeSwitching offers very good pricing plans for their licenses. Compared to their rivals, ExtremeSwitching's prices are very affordable and reasonable. This is why our customers are happy to pay for their service critical support. ExtremeSwitching also offers a great portal to track clients, further satisfying our customers. They are always happy to pay for the service every month. The pricing is very reasonable."

"There is no license required to use the solution. The hardware controller is expensive, and this is why I prefer controlling ExtremeSwitching on the cloud."

"The pricing and licensing are good with the cloud."

"We paid 25,000 to 30,000 INR."

More ExtremeSwitching pricing and cost advice

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which LAN Switching solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

913,924 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

25%

Outsourcing Company

12%

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

14%

Manufacturing Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

11%

Outsourcing Company

10%

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	21
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	6

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	12
Midsize Enterprise	8
Large Enterprise	8

Questions from the Community

Ask a question

Earn 20 points

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for ExtremeSwitching?

Regarding pricing, I find it very competitive, especially in Turkey, where markets in the Middle East and Africa tend to be price-sensitive. Our prices are very competitive when compared to Cisco a...

See all answers

What needs improvement with ExtremeSwitching?

From a marketing perspective, I would like to see Extreme Networks expand its product line to include small and medium business (SMB) solutions, as many customers do not have large budgets. Unlike ...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for ExtremeSwitching?

We are utilizing Extreme products in many cases, including a significant project in Antalya, Turkey, involving five five-star hotels, as well as several municipality projects around a million. Most...

See all answers

Comparisons

Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 22% of the time

HPE ProCurve vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 16% of the time

NETGEAR Switches vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 15% of the time

Dell PowerSwitch N-Series vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 13% of the time

Cisco Nexus vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 6% of the time

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] Competitors

Cisco Catalyst Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 22% of the time

Cisco Networking Platform vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 13% of the time

NETGEAR Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 12% of the time

Cisco Nexus vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 11% of the time

Ixia Bypass Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 9% of the time

More ExtremeSwitching Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

September 2026

Download Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] product report

Buyer's Guide

ExtremeSwitching

September 2026

Download ExtremeSwitching product report

Also Known As

PowerConnect Switches

No data available

Overview

PowerConnect Switches family offers a set of flexible, manageable and comprehensive switch solutions supporting up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and optimized Internet iSCSI (iSCSI) performance with Dell Storage solutions, ideal for enterprise and campus LAN environments alike.

Dell Technologies

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?

Robust Security: Offers advanced security features to protect network infrastructure.
Scalability: Easily scales to accommodate growth within networking environments.
Deep Packet Inspection: Provides detailed analysis of data passing through the network.
Cost-Effective Pricing: Offers competitive pricing that maximizes value for users.
Ring Topology Protocol: Utilizes a unique protocol for efficient network architecture.
Fabric Technology: Simplifies deployment with minimal manpower needed.

What benefits and ROI should users look for when evaluating ExtremeSwitching?

Reliability and Performance: Ensures robust network connectivity in demanding environments.
Cost Efficiency: Offers low-cost solutions that provide significant value.
Innovative Functionalities: Provides features that enhance network management and visibility.
Seamless Operation: Delivers smooth functionality without complex configurations.

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.

Extreme Networks

Sample Customers

Amerijet Holdings Inc., CGD Securities, MavenWire, Tulane University

Blue Waters

Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Extreme Networks and others in LAN Switching. Updated: September 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

913,924 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our list of best LAN Switching vendors and best Data Center Networking vendors.

We monitor all LAN Switching reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.