Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. D-Link Ethernet Switches vs. Lantronix XPress-Pro SW

Cisco is a name well known in the IT field. The technology is tried and true and they have built a reputation on a solid platform. Though many people do not like the cost of the devices and the continued fees associated with long term ownership, you get what you pay for. I dont hesitate to recommend Cisco because I know people will get a solid product that will last a long time.

Incentivized

The focus of the equipment is SoHo, that is, small businesses or companies and even domestic use. It meets these scenarios very well. Using for large scale, they can present difficulties to maintain throughput, that is, its use in large networks can be difficult to maintain.
Another issue to be taken into account is technical assistance, they are not as agile as the competition.

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

• Easy setup and configuration. While the web UI has its quirks, setting up VLANs and other tasks which can be exceedingly complicated on other switches, are much easier on Cisco SG switches. You also have the ability to upload an existing configuration to switches, which can speed up the task of deploying many identical switches.
• Features for the price. Getting a 48 port L3 switch with PoE+ for less than $2,000 is a great value.
• Reliability. We have hundreds of the SG switches in dozens of client sites, many in harsh conditions, and they just keep going.

Incentivized

• Easy to use GUI
• Inexpensive
• Available in a different number of ports.
• Support for copper as well as fiber ports.
• Available in gigabit ethernet and above speeds as well.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• The web UI has taken a turn for the worse with the latest firmware on the SGx50 models -- the bifurcation between basic and advanced modes and the changes to the way VLANs are modified is a step backward in my opinion.
• The power bricks on smaller models are enormous. I'm sure, however, keeping this circuitry external to the switch is what keeps my switches running year after year in hot environments.
• Fans can be a bit loud on larger switches -- this is true of pretty much any 1U device though.

Incentivized

• Updates frequently
• End of life cycle and end of support cycle.
• As D-Link frequently changes its products and customer have to switch very often.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

for their relialiabilty

D-Link Ethernet Switches are working fine and fulfill all of our organization's needs cost-wise and efficiency-wise. The rating that I gave would vary based on performance and durability. We used an open environment without an IP-rated network rack, but its working fine and we handle all weather issues carefully and manage the network smoothly. Takeaways: cost effective, handles complex networks, and very good performance.

Incentivized

I have given it 9 out of 10 just because of its low cost and additional features that have been an integral part of any product, otherwise, the load management part was far more inferior as compared to the Cisco switches, as those switches have a spanning tree protocol built-in.

Incentivized

Cisco is more enterprise level, more reliable, and generally more feature rich but also very expensive. That being said old or refurbished Cisco switches are much more affordable and in comparison to even new switches from the competitor they are still a great value even though they are used. I like Ubiquiti switches as well but Cisco is usually better overall.

Incentivized

They stack up great. In performance, Price, Physical style. I have been around many networks with a business that has spent three times as much on a network solution and Dlink matches up toe to toe. Has of now they are moving over to Cisco language. So this will improve the availability of engineers and support.

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

• Failure on Cisco Switches, from my experience, is rare in the first 5 years the device is up.
• I have see the Cisco 6500 switches go 5 years without a reboot, which is nothing short of amazing.
• The service that you get is top notch and available 24/7, and you really cannot put a price on that.

Incentivized

• Reduction of oscillations in the network caused by repeater equipment (which was replaced by D-links).
• Low cost of implementation and acquisition, making it possible to acquire a sufficient quantity to meet the entire park and demand.
• Due to its low price, we have no losses with maintenance, and can simply purchase other equipment for replacement.

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