Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches vs. Lantronix XPress-Pro SW

Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches are what I would say a primary option if you are already a Cisco house that has software such as DNA Centre (they are compatible with it) or the future Catalyst Centre. This is great as it can be integrated into your existing infrastructure without compromising manageability or having to retrain staff to work on new equipment. Managing the switches is effectively the exact same. In my opinion, it is also more suited to small industrial needs in certain climate zones that are not extremes, as there are bespoke vendors that may be better hardware-wise than Cisco, but of course software wise Cisco does take some beating.

Incentivized

Lantronix is very well suited for a lean and mean type of setup where the network devices are monitored, but the location does not have onsite IT support because with the Lantronix the Network Administrator can access the devices without onsite assistance. Lantronix is not necessary for a location with an onsite Network Administrator, but it is nice to be able to console connect without leaving your office.

Incentivized

• small form
• switching
• Climate control

Incentivized

• Allows you to manage networking devices remotely
• Some have built-in environmental sensors
• Cost effective

Incentivized

• Mounting unit kit provided at sale
• Better DC power connection cabling
• More aesthetically pleasing to look at

Incentivized

• I have no issues with the Lantronix devices that we use, other than some are console and some use regular ethernet

Incentivized

Overall, a few vendors like Siemens, Moxa, Versitron. We were only after a simple solution, so Moxa could have seemed a good option but overall being a Cisco house is a no brainer for the organisation and teams. Comparisons weren't really in the decision. But these Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Rugged Series Switches are working great.

Incentivized

The only device that is similar to the Lantronix that I have used was a serial console device by WTI. The Lantronix is more intuitive, and as I have stated earlier in this review, has the environmental sensors built in. Other than those two minor details, there is virtually zero difference in the two products.

Incentivized

Easy to add additional modules.

Incentivized

• over priced
• Tac support is horrible
• Cisco has given up on hardware

Incentivized

• Lantronix along with thin clients has reduced onsite IT costs
• External environmental sensors are not necessary
• No need for a onsite network admin

Incentivized