Item: Dell PowerConnect Switches
Rating: 10
Author: Roni Peterson Alvarenga

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have been using Dell [PowerConnect] Switches for about 7 years in virtually the entire organization. They are robust equipment that leave nothing to be desired for your competitors, their functionality allows me to create multiple security layers with Vlans, access tracking with radius and so many other features.

Pros and Cons

Vlam targeting
Radius connection
Ability to handle loads of storage and servers efficiently

Precarious graphical (GUI) mode, needing to be updated for more efficient technologies such as HTML5
Short support time, given how much these devices support in terms of use. I have owned the devices for years, but no longer have a warranty

Most Important Features

Efficient support
Comprehensive, easily accessible documentation
Integration with several other manufacturers

Return on Investment

Massive decrease in network-related incidents
Downtime close to zero
Due to the robustness (and reductions that they can provide), MTBF is high and coherent, creating the possibility of effective preventive actions

Alternatives Considered

Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series Switches, D-Link Ethernet Switches, HPE Aruba Ethernet Switches and Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch

I replaced all Alcatel on my network with Dell, they were gone and had neither accessible documentation nor technicians with enough knowledge to manage them or even provide support. However, I still use some of these brands, such as Cisco and HPE, but not as my network's backbone and core, just for access.
The main choice factor was after sales and price, with Dell being superior in both, since in configuration, all these brands are able to meet.

Key Insights

Do you think Dell PowerConnect Switches delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Dell PowerConnect Switches's feature set?

Yes

Did Dell PowerConnect Switches live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Dell PowerConnect Switches go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Dell PowerConnect Switches again?

Yes

Other Software Used

D-Link Ethernet Switches, HPE Aruba Ethernet Switches, Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller

Likelihood to Recommend

I believe that the Dell PowerConnect [Switches] can be used in any environment, everything will depend on how much the organization is willing to invest. It is important to take into account that the investment is not low, but the quality is very high.
The equipment can adapt to any topology and environment, and must have trained professionals to get the best out of them.

Dell PowerConnect Switches: Proving that it's not just Servers and Storages that Dell is made of!

Overall Satisfaction with Dell PowerConnect Switches