Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] vs ExtremeSwitching comparison

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

1,182 Views
946 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

ExtremeSwitching

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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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, Netgear and others in LAN Switching.

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

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LAN Switching

March 2026

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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

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 (7th), Data Center Networking (8th), AV Over IP Switching (3rd)

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.

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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.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"For me, excellent, never had any issue."

"The product is cheap."

"Dell PowerConnect Switches are easy to configure and fully integrate into our Cisco switches without any problem."

"The security is the most valuable aspect of this solution. It also has good storage and resource handling."

"The solution’s technical support is good."

"The solution's most valuable feature is its good integration with solutions from other vendors."

"We have these switches installed in an environment with hardware from many other vendors, and so far, so good."

"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."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pros

"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."

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

"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."

"It is meeting our expectations in terms of performance as well as cost-effectiveness."

"ExtremeSwitching switches are highly reliable."

"Advice that I would give to people considering switches is that I think Extreme products are pretty feature-rich and they are definitely worth considering alongside the competition."

"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 performance of ExtremeSwitching is good."

More ExtremeSwitching pros

Cons

"Scalability can be a problem with these switches."

"We've only been using the solution for half a year. We haven't run into any issues, but maybe over time, that may change. It's too soon to tell. Offhand, there aren't any features that are lacking."

"We've only been using the solution for half a year. We haven't run into any issues, but maybe over time, that may change."

"Because of the stackings, you lose some boards and the two switches."

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

"The CLI for Dell PowerConnect Switches is sometimes confusing, especially with the LAN, but for the GUI it is simple."

"The configuration should be improved."

"When it comes to the configuration, there should be documentation and interactive help available to assist people who have experience with products from other vendors."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] cons

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

"Their support could definitely be better."

"ExtremeSwitching is scalable to a certain extent for SME-segmented IP."

"ExtremeSwitching should provide command lines more readily without needing in-depth searching on their support portal, especially for unique configurations."

"ExtremeSwitching has many features but having come from Cisco environments, there is a steep learning curve to learning all the functionality."

"The interface could be improved."

"ExtremeSwitching should come out with simpler but lower-cost switches that are more suited to the Asian market."

"The solution as a whole has hardware quality issues."

More ExtremeSwitching cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"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."

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

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

"Dell PowerConnect switches are cheaper than Cisco switches. Cisco's higher capacity switches (100 or 200 gigs) are super-expensive. With the higher capacity, the price of the switches and the price of the architecture go high. Dell is cheaper and modular. So, I don't need to invest 100% upfront. I can invest as I progress. That is an option because the chassis will not be populated with all the pluggables. I have a choice because it is modular. I can go for 25 gigs today, and after four months, I can go for 100 gigs, and after that, I can go for 200 gigs. I have a choice when it is not a fixed switch."

"PowerConnect Switches are priced well."

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

"The solution is less expensive and more cost-efficient."

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

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pricing and cost advice

"On pricing, ExtremeSwitches are going to beat most of the major competition."

"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."

"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."

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

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

"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."

"The product is expensive."

"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."

More ExtremeSwitching pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

11%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Energy/Utilities Company

University

Manufacturing Company

18%

University

Computer Software Company

Energy/Utilities Company

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	7

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Dell PowerConnect Switches?

Dell PowerConnect Switches have a VTL feature similar to Cisco's VSS. With VTL, using this technology, you can cluster two switches together to increase redundancy in the environment.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Dell PowerConnect Switches?

The solution is cheaper than Cisco.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Dell PowerConnect Switches?

Some proprietary commands available in Cisco are preferred by users accustomed to Cisco systems. These users might hesitate to switch because they want to continue using familiar commands and see t...

See all answers

What do you like most about ExtremeSwitching?

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.

See all answers

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 ...

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Comparisons

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Compared 35% of the time

HPE ProCurve vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 18% of the time

NETGEAR Switches vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 16% of the time

Arista Networks Platform vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 10% of the time

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

Compared 10% of the time

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] Competitors

Cisco Catalyst Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 39% of the time

NETGEAR Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 13% of the time

Ixia Bypass Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco Nexus vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 10% of the time

Enterasys Campus LAN Switches vs ExtremeSwitching

Compared 9% of the time

More ExtremeSwitching Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

March 2026

Download Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] product report

Buyer's Guide

ExtremeSwitching

March 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 is the family of products comprising different switch types: Modular (X8 and 8000 series [formerly BlackDiamond] and S and K series switches); Stackable (X-series and A, B, C, and 7100 series switches); Standalone (SSA, X430, and D, 200, 800, and ISW series); and Mobile Backhaul (E4G). ExtremeSwitching work from Edge Switching that ensures the performance and reliable operation of end-user devices and applications including port density, bandwidth, and network services to Aggregation / Core Switches is designed for the demanding needs of aggregation, top-of-rack and campus core environments, these switches deliver 10Gb, 40Gb and even 100Gb bandwidth with maximum throughput and reliability.

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, Netgear and others in LAN Switching. Updated: March 2026.

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