Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst IE3200 Rugged Series Switches

It works very well as stack of core switches in small/medium company with 4x 10Gbit SFP+ interfaces. Native stacking is simple and in ring topology every switch has 2 redundant connections. They support maximum of 8 units per stack. You could use Cisco SG500X in hybrid stack with other series of switches, but make sure if other switch is compatible with hybrid mode stacking. Hybrid stack mode lower the number of units in stack. You should consider other model of switches if you need more then four SFP+ ports to connect more access switches using fiber cables.

Incentivized

In areas with harsh temperatures like freezers they are an awesome fit, as I mentioned in the first part of this review. I would not recommend this switch in an area where it may be exposed to other elements like water. For example, in a washdown area like in our food production plants, we are constantly hosing down / steaming the area to sanitize. The only way I would recommend it in an area like that is if it is physically located inside of some sort of enclosure, but in that case you might as well purchase a less expensive non-ruggedized switch and do the same.

Incentivized

• Easy to create stacking
• Easy to configure using web interface or command line
• Similar command line to Cisco IOS

Incentivized

• Superior security.
• Extended switches.
• Extended voice services.

Incentivized

• Missing command line options like show running-config "| include, exlude"
• Possibility to connect to switch using usb console cable or usb dongle
• Missing vtp protocol support, only gvrp available

Incentivized

• A bit of speed improvement could help.
• The technology is quite new and more docs would help.
• Only 3 internet protocols are supported.

Incentivized

Cisco 550X switches stack using 10Gbit SFP+ ports on the front, while Dell N Series has dedicated ports (with cables) on the back of the unit. On the other hand dell N switches has number on small digital display showing stack member number, which is easier to identify. The cisco switches has dot beside the number of the switch member. I think Cisco devices are more reliable and stable than dell switches.

Incentivized

When comparing the Cisco Catalyst IE3200 Rugged Series Switches to the IE3300 model, I selected the IE3200 due to its affordability and comparable performance. The IE3200 offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on durability or functionality. Additionally, the IE3200's compact size and easy integration into existing infrastructure were additional factors that influenced my choice. Overall, the Cisco Catalyst IE3200 Rugged Series Switches provide a reliable and budget-friendly solution for rugged industrial environments.

Incentivized

• Money savings as they are cheaper than competative Cisco IOS switches
• Cisco Business Switches has limited lifetime warranty
• Good switching capacity, and reliability

Incentivized

• Allows us to have network connectivity in our warehouses and yards
• Allows us to have phones in our warehouses and yards
• Allows us to have surveillance in our warehouses and yards

Incentivized