Regarding Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches, there is nothing technically that needs improvement, but the support and cost are significant concerns. The main issue is that many customers are hesitant to purchase Cisco products because the support costs are very high. When I compare it to HP Aruba switches, for example, the support from HP is almost free. Cisco always charges for support, which is understandable because Cisco has a very large support organization like Cisco TAC behind it. Additionally, upgrades are not free with Cisco. Other vendors offer switch upgrades and firmware upgrades mostly free of charge. These are my main concerns.
I see some areas for improvement, particularly for security. The reason for improvement is that we have some projects related to the segregation of the LAN and the establishment of a matrix of traffic.
It's hard for me to say if there's any room for improvement with them. With Cisco, having tools that allow for easier management and configuration would benefit the Cisco switches because the Linksys switches are easier to manage, set up, configure, and get up and running than doing configs on Cisco switches.
I would like Cisco to improve their technical support, and I have encountered challenges with Cisco Linksys switches. Additionally, I would like to see improvements in overall solution features in the future.
Cisco can do better as it can modify the OS to be able to handle the Python script from CLI. As I was reading about the features of Huawei, I saw that Huawei has a feature with which we can write a Python script into Huawei's switches and set the trigger condition in Python script to perform the action according to the log generated by the event, but such a feature is not available in Cisco. With Cisco, you can use Cisco IOS Embedded Event Manager (EEM), which is an old technique that most people don't know how to handle. Python or some automation tools should be incorporated into the CLI shell of devices.
Learn what your peers think about Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
Cisco offers a wide range of features, and in the enterprise and mid-segment market in Europe, we make use of most of them. Some features are essential for our operations, while others may go unused. The feature set provided by Cisco is comprehensive, and there's little more we could ask for. It would be a nice addition if, in the future, Cisco switches could incorporate artificial intelligence to provide proactive feedback and guidance instead of having to search for solutions ourselves. This development is likely to come with time, and we'll patiently await such enhanced functionality.
Some experts say that the price may be lower or that the ethernet switches are complex to set up and manage, maybe because of limited port density, supports, and quality of service, like capabilities. So that could be improved. In the next release, Cisco switches can have built-in two or four fiber ports available for fiber connectivity.
It is very difficult to obtain certified switches with licenses in Libya because there is a four-month wait list for shipping from Dubai. The solution used to be available within two weeks by contacting one partner in Libya. In 2014, Cisco left Libya so it is hard to get the solution because it requires contacting a middleman and a shipping company. Green market options are available instantly but most top companies require the solution be licensed to them.
We aren't lacking any features. The pricing can be a bit unstable. It's dependent on the account manager. They should offer reasonable standard pricing. We need to go through local vendors and everything varies far too much.
When we first installed it, it was very stable, and everything worked fine. After a few years, it begins to become unstable. We started having problems with the access points after about five or six years. Users are unable to connect to Wi-Fi and it must be restarted on a regular basis. Because the Wi-Fi occasionally goes out and then comes back on. There are several issues like this. It's no longer stable, the Wi-Fi on this device is no longer stable. The technical support could be improved. They are not very responsive.
The documentation should be improved from Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches. Although it hints or refers to being able to do certain operations, they try to get you to load the software instead. They need to be more open with their documentation on using the web interface and give the client the option to use the software or not. This improvement is not on the switch itself, it is in the packaging.
VP Global Information Technology at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Jul 29, 2021
The price of the solution should be lower and it should have better security and scalability. An alternate solution boasting the same scalability and security as Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches, but carrying a lower price tag, would be more attractive.
We would like Cisco to make it easier to work with them. We'd prefer if the product, in general, was easier to use. It can be a bit difficult. Although I didn't directly handle the implementation, the process does not look easy.
Team Lead Network Infrastructure at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Real User
Apr 28, 2021
Its scalability can be better. It is not suitable for enterprises. It is for small and medium businesses. It also needs system improvements. It needs new technology to improve the system.
Managing Director at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Nov 27, 2020
The interface is pretty outdated. I'm sure that there are newer technologies and newer interfaces available now. This product does not generate reports, so I would like to see something with better reporting.
We've realized that the solution is a very different product from other larger Cisco offerings, even though it's sort-of marketed as a cost-effective alternative for those that need something smaller. It would be ideal if they could do more configurations and offer more flexibility. Right now, it's not flexible at all.
Access Network Operations Unit Manager at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Oct 11, 2020
There is a lot of competition between Cisco, Juniper, and other switches such as Extreme. Our IT team is comfortable with Cisco switches, but the only problem is that there are many different versions of software that can be used across different platforms of Cisco, and normally with other vendors, we have a unified software that is running across different platforms, but Cisco does not. We are expecting one software that can run across all of Cisco hardware, software, and Cisco Switch router, similar to what Juniper has. They are stable, but not as good as Juniper, they could be improved.
The Cisco deployment instructions are not very easily available outside of the certification courses. It would be a very good thing if somebody without Cisco certification could learn the system. If Cisco adopted a more open-source mindset, I would personally prefer that. Technical documents and other configuration-related information should be more freely available online. The user interface can be improved, although I cannot specifically suggest in which ways. Simply put, anything can be made more intuitive. Even the Apple iPhone can be made better.
Executive Director at a pharma/biotech company with 1-10 employees
Real User
Sep 16, 2020
The pricing could be improved or reduced. It's an old tool that needs to be more competitive with other solutions that are available on the market such as HP, or Dell.
DGM Programming at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Sep 13, 2020
In particular, the simplicity of management could be improved. At present, all these switches require a software layer. For example, I am asking for the SDN (Software Defined Networking) for managing a network-based project. Similarly, I would like to get the SDS (Smart Distributed System) for storage projects. Managing things is a little bit difficult, definitely. So, manageability can be improved. At the individual product level, an improvement to the difficulty of management will be very helpful for admin users.
Director of Information Technology at UniTeller Financial Services
Real User
Aug 25, 2020
I think that Cisco UI interfaces need to be a little better. They use Java for parts of the graphical user interfaces and that messes up things from time-to-time. It is very hard to maintain that graphical user interface. If it would be anything but Java it would be better. Like if you could just access the GUI from a browser, that would be wonderful. But every time Cisco has their own product — like CCP (Cisco Configuration Professional) which is a nightmare to use. What I believe they could do more with is enhancement of the security features. The security controls that are given to users with Cisco 4600 now can be integrated with the Cisco firewalls. I think something similar needs to be done on those Lynksys models as well.
Network Security Architect at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Aug 19, 2020
The user interface needs a lot of improvement. The enterprise-level and data center products need to be improved. The command-line interface could be more user-friendly.
Solution Architect at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Aug 9, 2020
It would be nice if they can provide support for local authentication protocol, which is a security feature. It is not supported for 802.1X feature. They already support security features, so adding some local authentication features would be very nice. Actually this should be done by Belkin, as you know Belkin acquired Linksys from Cisco Systems on 2013, so it would be nice if Linksys or Belkin could do these enhancements.
There isn't anything negative to point out about the solution. Like all Cisco products, it's very good. If possible, we'd like to see support in our country, but it will be difficult as we are located in Iran. The solution doesn't have rich features and only offers a small support for expander products and protocols.
Technical Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Dec 23, 2019
Having the option for a web-based interface would be an improvement over being forced to use the CLI. This is especially true for the high-end switches.
Senior Information Technology Manager at a construction company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Dec 12, 2019
The stability of the solution needs improvement. There's a problem with disconnecting the network. I have to restart it and set it correctly again. After a while, it disconnects again and I have to report it once more. The solution's framework and some of the techniques need improvement. I've been watching Aruba, and they have a lot of technologies within the access points. For example, it has a virtual controller to connect all Aruba switches. Sharing access, sharing Wi-Fi or access IDs would be great.
I think that most everyone prefers a GUI rather than working through the command line. They have a GUI but it's not that interesting when you compare it to other vendors such as Check Point. They should reduce the price to stay competitive. While the Cisco product is good, the pricing is not competitive. People will end up going with other cheaper solutions such as Arista. The drawbacks come from support. The tools are rare, but to find someone knowledgeable with Cisco, is a problem. There are issues with the C-Level required to maintain them and then to configure them.
Head of IT Operations at a recreational facilities/services company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Nov 26, 2019
The pricing for this solution needs to be improved. I would like to see built-in registration features for the users to help with accessing Google and other platforms.
Enterprise Architect at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Reseller
Nov 6, 2019
The only thing that needs to improve, the only stumbling block, especially in our region, is the cost of the solution. But from a hardware and software perspective, the feedback we get is essentially positive. Our users are very impressed with the product.
Managing Director at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Oct 31, 2019
Some of these switches are still using a GUI interface, but I would prefer using the command line interface like the original system. Lynksys are only switches using the GUI interface. Scalability-wise, this solution is not designed for small businesses.
Regarding Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches, there is nothing technically that needs improvement, but the support and cost are significant concerns. The main issue is that many customers are hesitant to purchase Cisco products because the support costs are very high. When I compare it to HP Aruba switches, for example, the support from HP is almost free. Cisco always charges for support, which is understandable because Cisco has a very large support organization like Cisco TAC behind it. Additionally, upgrades are not free with Cisco. Other vendors offer switch upgrades and firmware upgrades mostly free of charge. These are my main concerns.
I see some areas for improvement, particularly for security. The reason for improvement is that we have some projects related to the segregation of the LAN and the establishment of a matrix of traffic.
It's hard for me to say if there's any room for improvement with them. With Cisco, having tools that allow for easier management and configuration would benefit the Cisco switches because the Linksys switches are easier to manage, set up, configure, and get up and running than doing configs on Cisco switches.
I would like Cisco to improve their technical support, and I have encountered challenges with Cisco Linksys switches. Additionally, I would like to see improvements in overall solution features in the future.
There should be an improvement in Cisco's response time and overall competence. They should be more easily reachable in Turkey for technical support.
Cisco can do better as it can modify the OS to be able to handle the Python script from CLI. As I was reading about the features of Huawei, I saw that Huawei has a feature with which we can write a Python script into Huawei's switches and set the trigger condition in Python script to perform the action according to the log generated by the event, but such a feature is not available in Cisco. With Cisco, you can use Cisco IOS Embedded Event Manager (EEM), which is an old technique that most people don't know how to handle. Python or some automation tools should be incorporated into the CLI shell of devices.
Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches are expensive.
The product must be made cloud-based.
Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches’s stability and pricing needs improvement.
It should be cheaper. It is expensive. Another area of improvement is scalability.
Cisco offers a wide range of features, and in the enterprise and mid-segment market in Europe, we make use of most of them. Some features are essential for our operations, while others may go unused. The feature set provided by Cisco is comprehensive, and there's little more we could ask for. It would be a nice addition if, in the future, Cisco switches could incorporate artificial intelligence to provide proactive feedback and guidance instead of having to search for solutions ourselves. This development is likely to come with time, and we'll patiently await such enhanced functionality.
Pricing is an area with a shortcoming since the solution is expensive. Pricing needs to be improved.
We encounter a challenge in automating the product to reduce manual work.
Some experts say that the price may be lower or that the ethernet switches are complex to set up and manage, maybe because of limited port density, supports, and quality of service, like capabilities. So that could be improved. In the next release, Cisco switches can have built-in two or four fiber ports available for fiber connectivity.
Right now, there aren't any improvements needed in the solution. Feature-wise, there are no features that I would like to see included in the tool.
The solution's support can use improvement because they are not very good at following up. A reduction in cost can improve the solution.
It is very difficult to obtain certified switches with licenses in Libya because there is a four-month wait list for shipping from Dubai. The solution used to be available within two weeks by contacting one partner in Libya. In 2014, Cisco left Libya so it is hard to get the solution because it requires contacting a middleman and a shipping company. Green market options are available instantly but most top companies require the solution be licensed to them.
We aren't lacking any features. The pricing can be a bit unstable. It's dependent on the account manager. They should offer reasonable standard pricing. We need to go through local vendors and everything varies far too much.
This product does not scale to environments where there is a lot of network traffic. The security features for the web services can be improved.
We haven't had any issues with the solution.
When we first installed it, it was very stable, and everything worked fine. After a few years, it begins to become unstable. We started having problems with the access points after about five or six years. Users are unable to connect to Wi-Fi and it must be restarted on a regular basis. Because the Wi-Fi occasionally goes out and then comes back on. There are several issues like this. It's no longer stable, the Wi-Fi on this device is no longer stable. The technical support could be improved. They are not very responsive.
The documentation should be improved from Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches. Although it hints or refers to being able to do certain operations, they try to get you to load the software instead. They need to be more open with their documentation on using the web interface and give the client the option to use the software or not. This improvement is not on the switch itself, it is in the packaging.
The only thing is that the sizing is important in Linksys. If the sizing is wrong, you can run into issues. The licensing could be simplified.
Cisco Linksys could be more secure. It could also add a controller to control all the devices, like the access points and so on.
The price of the solution should be lower and it should have better security and scalability. An alternate solution boasting the same scalability and security as Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches, but carrying a lower price tag, would be more attractive.
It would be ideal if, for private users that are not companies, the solution could be made even cheaper.
We would like Cisco to make it easier to work with them. We'd prefer if the product, in general, was easier to use. It can be a bit difficult. Although I didn't directly handle the implementation, the process does not look easy.
Its scalability can be better. It is not suitable for enterprises. It is for small and medium businesses. It also needs system improvements. It needs new technology to improve the system.
Their performance should be improved.
It should be cheaper. We need a better price from Cisco. Its initial setup and support should also be improved.
The interface is pretty outdated. I'm sure that there are newer technologies and newer interfaces available now. This product does not generate reports, so I would like to see something with better reporting.
We've realized that the solution is a very different product from other larger Cisco offerings, even though it's sort-of marketed as a cost-effective alternative for those that need something smaller. It would be ideal if they could do more configurations and offer more flexibility. Right now, it's not flexible at all.
There is a lot of competition between Cisco, Juniper, and other switches such as Extreme. Our IT team is comfortable with Cisco switches, but the only problem is that there are many different versions of software that can be used across different platforms of Cisco, and normally with other vendors, we have a unified software that is running across different platforms, but Cisco does not. We are expecting one software that can run across all of Cisco hardware, software, and Cisco Switch router, similar to what Juniper has. They are stable, but not as good as Juniper, they could be improved.
The Cisco deployment instructions are not very easily available outside of the certification courses. It would be a very good thing if somebody without Cisco certification could learn the system. If Cisco adopted a more open-source mindset, I would personally prefer that. Technical documents and other configuration-related information should be more freely available online. The user interface can be improved, although I cannot specifically suggest in which ways. Simply put, anything can be made more intuitive. Even the Apple iPhone can be made better.
The pricing could be improved or reduced. It's an old tool that needs to be more competitive with other solutions that are available on the market such as HP, or Dell.
In particular, the simplicity of management could be improved. At present, all these switches require a software layer. For example, I am asking for the SDN (Software Defined Networking) for managing a network-based project. Similarly, I would like to get the SDS (Smart Distributed System) for storage projects. Managing things is a little bit difficult, definitely. So, manageability can be improved. At the individual product level, an improvement to the difficulty of management will be very helpful for admin users.
Integration with other networks is possible, but you have to configure it.
The installation should be simplified.
I think that Cisco UI interfaces need to be a little better. They use Java for parts of the graphical user interfaces and that messes up things from time-to-time. It is very hard to maintain that graphical user interface. If it would be anything but Java it would be better. Like if you could just access the GUI from a browser, that would be wonderful. But every time Cisco has their own product — like CCP (Cisco Configuration Professional) which is a nightmare to use. What I believe they could do more with is enhancement of the security features. The security controls that are given to users with Cisco 4600 now can be integrated with the Cisco firewalls. I think something similar needs to be done on those Lynksys models as well.
The user interface needs a lot of improvement. The enterprise-level and data center products need to be improved. The command-line interface could be more user-friendly.
It would be nice if they can provide support for local authentication protocol, which is a security feature. It is not supported for 802.1X feature. They already support security features, so adding some local authentication features would be very nice. Actually this should be done by Belkin, as you know Belkin acquired Linksys from Cisco Systems on 2013, so it would be nice if Linksys or Belkin could do these enhancements.
The manageability could be improved.
The installation could be simplified.
There isn't anything negative to point out about the solution. Like all Cisco products, it's very good. If possible, we'd like to see support in our country, but it will be difficult as we are located in Iran. The solution doesn't have rich features and only offers a small support for expander products and protocols.
Having the option for a web-based interface would be an improvement over being forced to use the CLI. This is especially true for the high-end switches.
The stability of the solution needs improvement. There's a problem with disconnecting the network. I have to restart it and set it correctly again. After a while, it disconnects again and I have to report it once more. The solution's framework and some of the techniques need improvement. I've been watching Aruba, and they have a lot of technologies within the access points. For example, it has a virtual controller to connect all Aruba switches. Sharing access, sharing Wi-Fi or access IDs would be great.
I think that most everyone prefers a GUI rather than working through the command line. They have a GUI but it's not that interesting when you compare it to other vendors such as Check Point. They should reduce the price to stay competitive. While the Cisco product is good, the pricing is not competitive. People will end up going with other cheaper solutions such as Arista. The drawbacks come from support. The tools are rare, but to find someone knowledgeable with Cisco, is a problem. There are issues with the C-Level required to maintain them and then to configure them.
The pricing for this solution needs to be improved. I would like to see built-in registration features for the users to help with accessing Google and other platforms.
In the future, I would like to see more focus on software-defined networking solutions.
The only thing that needs to improve, the only stumbling block, especially in our region, is the cost of the solution. But from a hardware and software perspective, the feedback we get is essentially positive. Our users are very impressed with the product.
Some of these switches are still using a GUI interface, but I would prefer using the command line interface like the original system. Lynksys are only switches using the GUI interface. Scalability-wise, this solution is not designed for small businesses.