Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches vs. Lumen Ethernet

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

It is well suited based on our experience for small-scale projects where there are not very critical production-related activities happening. It will be easy to control and handle within a small set of deployments or platforms such as mobile-related activities. I don't recommend it for large server-scale deployment because we have seen inconsistencies with the connectivity of services.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• Speed has been consistent.
• Reliability of uptime.
• Hardware has been solid.

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

• Offer better line location for construction
• Available in more states
• Quality of service reports monthly

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

AT&T I would say is the leader within this area in terms of handling any large-scale deployments and their services are awesome. No connectivity issues at all and no latency in feedback. Server deployments are handled very effectively, that's not the case with century link. Of course, security is second to none with AT&T.

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

• Positive: After configuration and initial setup service has been great. We have a call center running off the service and calls have much less jitter now.
• Positive: Fiber speeds have helped us execute daily tasks quicker.
• Negative: Much time and money wasted on the initial configuration and setup.

Incentivized