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review
August 29, 2022

review

Pawel Sokol | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches

We use Cisco 550X series devices as core switches in our environment in native stacking mode. We have 3 switches and they are connected in ring topology.
  • Easy to create stacking
  • Easy to configure using web interface or command line
  • Similar command line to Cisco IOS
  • 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
  • Stacking mode which allows to manage as one device
  • 10Gbit SFP+ uplinks
  • Easy configuration
  • Similar commands, like in Cisco IOS
  • Money savings as they are cheaper than competative Cisco IOS switches
  • Cisco Business Switches has limited lifetime warranty
  • Good switching capacity, and reliability
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.

Do you think Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches again?

Yes

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.