Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches vs. Dell PowerConnect Switches

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches
Score 8.3 out of 10
N/A
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches include capabilities and management options needed to support applications today and in the future, such as security, advanced QoS, comprehensive IPv6 support, and Layer 3 dynamic routing.N/A
Dell PowerConnect Switches
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
Dell PowerConnect is a series of networking switches.N/A
Pricing
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesDell PowerConnect Switches
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesDell PowerConnect Switches
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesDell PowerConnect Switches
Top Pros
Top Cons
Best Alternatives
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesDell PowerConnect Switches
Small Businesses

No answers on this topic

No answers on this topic

Medium-sized Companies
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Score 9.2 out of 10
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Score 9.2 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Ethernet Switches
Cisco Ethernet Switches
Score 9.1 out of 10
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesDell PowerConnect Switches
Likelihood to Recommend
10.0
(1 ratings)
9.5
(13 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesDell PowerConnect Switches
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco
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.
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Dell Technologies
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.
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Pros
Cisco
  • Easy to create stacking
  • Easy to configure using web interface or command line
  • Similar command line to Cisco IOS
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Dell Technologies
  • 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.
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Cons
Cisco
  • 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
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Dell Technologies
  • 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
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Support Rating
Cisco
No answers on this topic
Dell Technologies
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.
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Alternatives Considered
Cisco
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.
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Dell Technologies
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.
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Return on Investment
Cisco
  • Money savings as they are cheaper than competative Cisco IOS switches
  • Cisco Business Switches has limited lifetime warranty
  • Good switching capacity, and reliability
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Dell Technologies
  • 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.
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