Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. NVIDIA Spectrum Switches

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

Works well if you use core networking functionality Does not work well in a multi-vendor setup.

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

• open platform for use with e.g. Cumulus OS
• cost effective
• excellent support

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

• Interoperability with other vendors
• Bugs

Incentivized

for their relialiabilty

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

Mellanox have more competitive pricing. Mellanox is an open System which Supports Cumulus OS

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

• Overall seamless integration into the datacenter
• Better cost per port so higher ROI

Incentivized