Likelihood to Recommend 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.
Read full review We work in the electric industry. These should not be used in a high-heat environment. We like to keep the temperature of the room in the low 60's so they are not suited for our Substation locations due to extreme heat and cold. However, they perform great in a server room.
Read full review Pros Easy to create stacking Easy to configure using web interface or command line Similar command line to Cisco IOS Read full review Reliable. Excellent hardware support from Dell including 4 hour parts/replacement. Excellent technical support from Dell on software, troubleshooting, and configuration. More affordable than its main enterprise competitors. Easy to use CLI. Read full review Cons 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 Read full review Precarious graphical (GUI) mode, needing to be updated for more efficient technologies such as HTML5 Short support time, given how much these devices support in terms of use. I have owned the devices for years, but no longer have a warranty Read full review Support Rating Dell ProSupport is outstanding. Dell ProDeploy is likewise outstanding. I prefer them even over traditional Cisco support. I've had repeated cases where Dell immediately addressed or fixed an issue with US-based support, including firmware hotfixes. Not even Cisco can boast that.
Read full review Alternatives Considered 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.
Read full review I selected Dell mainly due to previous experience using them in a business environment. I've never had a unit fail on me and when my budget for equipment like network switches has been less than a training class on how to use those switches, it's incredible to be able to find quality equipment at the price point Dell offers and even more so when their enterprise support has been as excellent as I have been accustomed to dealing with. In all honesty, even if I had a larger budget, I would have bought these same switches since they were exactly what I needed to suit my needs. We looked into HPE/Aruba network switches, and while they would have performed everything we needed and more, they were almost four times the cost of these Dell network switches. That's a hard sell when it comes to planning a tight budget.
Read full review Return on Investment Money savings as they are cheaper than competative Cisco IOS switches Cisco Business Switches has limited lifetime warranty Good switching capacity, and reliability Read full review Reports are easily created and very useful. Quick creation of different network connections. Excellent and secure channels for multiple data management. Great data visualization options offered by Dell PowerConnect Switches. Read full review ScreenShots