Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches vs. Juniper EX 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

Juniper EX Series Switches are well suited for my environment (school system) and my staff who don't have a lot of experience in configuring and troubleshooting all the various switches and platforms. Juniper EX Series Switches have been a real blessing to us. Everything I need to do with them is easy to learn and I've experiences no problems with them not behaving properly.

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

Incentivized

• Commit Confirmed - saves lots of headache and possibly travel if a remote goes awry
• Stacking - switches can be stacked together easily with regular network cables, using any port
• L3 routing on any switch model, even BGP with the right license

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

• Virtual chassis new switch has overwritten existing config if not performed in a particular way.
• Applying a configuration to a range of interfaces could be done in a better way.
• Applying firewall rules to multiple security zones could be done a little more efficiently.

Incentivized

Easy to use once you create your templates. Stacking is easy by creating a virtual chassis and everything shows up under one pane per switch. Showing LLDP or CDP on each port is really good so you can determine the device. Insights in to connectivity issues could be better and provide more info.

Incentivized

Many times when contacting Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches support, it seems that it is easiest for support to recommend a straight replacement (RMA) instead of taking time to walk through a solution on the faulty system. We find we get better help from a third-party consulting firm that has Juniper certified technicians or professionals on staff. They take the time to explain processes and workflow, which Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches support seems to shy away from.

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

Juniper is much better than Cisco. Especially when it comes to price for performance. I can do the same thing with a Juniper switch and a Cisco switch at the same power-level. It cost much less to run the Juniper switch. I also have the Mist dashboard which provides incredible insight into my network.

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

• From a user's point of view, the ease of configuration and management has been incredible. Much less time is spent maintaining Juniper than previous solutions.
• From a reseller's point of a view, Juniper is excellent. They treat small partners like us very well even if our volume is not huge. Juniper switches are part of our standard solution that has been great for our customers.

Incentivized