Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] Reviews

I use the solution in my company as our network switches. My company also deals with a small company.

The solution's most valuable feature stands up well. The tool is reliable, and it stands up well. The solution works fine and lasts a long time.

I think if you speak about the features that have a flow and you can measure, it is hard to say. I don't spend a lot of my time with the tool, but I know that Dell APEX is the solution's cloud. I would say the VLAN features are important. The VLAN features are really useful because network segmentation is important. I would say the tool is easy to program.

I don't know if the tool has any security features that I am aware of other than the fact that the solution is for networking. The VLAN and the ability to segment your networks are easy, which is its security feature.

My company thinks the product is made of gold. I don't know how my company would want to see improvements in the product.

The product price is an area of concern where improvements are required. Everybody likes to have products being made available at a better price.

I have been using Dell PowerConnect Switches for decades. My company is a customer of the tool.

It is a stable solution. The tool works fine and lasts a long time.

In my experience, the product's scalability features are good. My experience with scaling up the product is not huge. I know that the product has excellent scalability features for small and medium-sized businesses, but I don't know how it works for enterprises.

The solution's technical support is excellent. How effective the technical support of the product is can be considered to be something that depends on how stressful you feel on a particular day because of an issue. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten.

Positive

My company uses other switches to deal with other issues. Compared to the other switches in the market, Dell PowerConnect Switches are easy to use and program and provide more value for what you spend. A lot of stuff depends on what you are doing. It all depends on you and a lot of stuff, including where you are or where you are in the process.

The product's initial setup phase is straightforward and easy to configure. If one means difficult and ten means easy, I rate the product's initial setup phase an eight or nine.

Keeping a tab over the time required to install the product is the function of the people involved in the deployment process. I can say that the deployment process is very easy, but the time required to deploy the tool depends on what you want to do with the solution. If you are just setting it up with a known program, it takes no time.

The number of people required to deploy the product depends on the deployment process and the situation in which you are putting the product, but I know that one person can do it quickly. Some people check the tool, so even if one person could have deployed the product, two people must check each other's work. The tool fits right in, and it is very simple. Even the programming part of the tool is pretty straightforward. The switches are not rocket science to handle.

I haven't gained any ROI from using the product. I think it is kind of silly to think you can have ROI with the tool.

If one is the cheapest price and ten is the most expensive, I rate the product price as an eight or nine. The tool is not cheap.

I rate the tool a ten out of ten.

The platform's most valuable features are network switch functionality and fiber switch capabilities. The integration with both Dell and other vendors like Cisco is also seamless.

The product's infrastructure and connectivity features need improvement.

I have been working with Dell PowerConnect Switches for approximately five years.

I would rate the stability as a nine.

We have 70 to 100 Dell PowerConnect Switches users in our organization.

We also work with Cisco for hyper-converged infrastructure.

The installation process was relatively straightforward. It took around three to four days to complete. However, migration can be complex due to the prerequisites and integration with other products.

I handle maintenance with support from Dell as well as my professional team.

There has been a reduction in operational costs, by approximately 20% after implementing the solution.

I would rate the pricing as a seven or eight. 

The platform works well with PowerEdge and other servers, providing good compatibility and performance.

I rate it a nine out of ten. 

We use the solution in the data center. It's a robust solution that is stable and user-friendly. The comma blind is easy and provides the scalability required for data centers. We use it to integrate with other hypervisors. It is so user-friendly that it can easily incorporate  VxRail and support customers.

Dell works with large customers who want virtualization using the VxRail setup. I recommend having the power switch integrated with the VxRail setup, as it's already integrated with it. One advantage is its seamless integration, easy configuration, and ability to create a unified solution for switches and troubleshooting.

Dell PowerConnect Switches have a VTL feature similar to Cisco's VSS. With VTL, using this technology, you can cluster two switches together to increase redundancy in the environment.

The solution could provide more integration to focus on targeting the network as a whole rather than a unified environment. It is meant for a built environment, so integration with other third-party vendors will likely be necessary.

I have been using Dell PowerConnect Switches for one year.

The product is very stable.

The solution is scalable.

I worked on a Greenfield project, which did not require support. In general, the support is perfect. Furthermore, we brought it, and there are available online resources, which make any Greenfield implementation easy to deploy. Dell has got the resources.

The initial setup is straightforward and takes almost six hours to complete.

Initially, we bring up the device, perform the batching, conduct image upgrades, handle wiring and cable connections, and proceed with configuration. Following this, we conduct comprehensive testing, typically our standard procedure.

You can carry on a project without any consultation.

Since the VxRail solution is experiencing significant growth and demand, integrating Dell PowerConnect switches becomes crucial. This integration enhances the VxRail server by offering three distinct solutions. Thus, this gives Dell PowerConnect an edge over Cisco.

If you want to connect your virtualized environment and networks to your physical environment and users. In that case, Dell PowerConnect Switches, with VxRail, is the best choice for integrating such features into the hypervisor environment.

This product is mainly targeted to virtualization environments. Therefore, Dell has considered this product's scalability, reliability, and robustness.

If someone wants the server with VxRail as a free solution, I recommend going with the Dell PowerConnect.

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

We are a reseller for Dell. We wanted to evaluate the product to see if it suits some of the customer requirements. If it does, we will craft it in the form of a solution, and we will sell it to customers. So, we are still evaluating it. 

It is currently in our testing environment. We wanted to use spine-leaf architecture, and that's the reason we are using this product. We are doing a proof of concept for the spine-leaf architecture, and we are using Dell switches for that.

We are not using OS10; we are using SONiC.

Their support has been excellent, and it has been quite stable and easy to set up.

I expect it to be a zero-touch or a plug-and-play device. To some extent, it is, but we need to know the architecture, and we need to know what exactly we are doing. It is not so easy to implement. It depends on what exactly we are doing and it is still not a plug-and-play or zero-touch device. In the upcoming version, they can make it zero-touch, where we can just power it on and start using it. They can have some templates for different scenarios, such as when you are using it for the data center or adding it to your existing infrastructure.

We started making use of Dell switches in December of last year. So, it has been less than a year.

It is quite stable.

Scalability is the reason why we are going for spine-leaf architecture. This is a PoC environment. So, we want to scale. We want to replicate the same thing 100 times or 200 times, and we should be able to scale to that extent. 

Users-wise, currently, it is for our internal users. There are not many users.

Their support is excellent. We are also using Dell Server. The entire architecture is Dell, so the support is good. I would rate them a five out of five.

Positive

We have also worked with Cisco switches. There were so many gaps, and we are still trying to cover the gaps. We are very well-versed with Cisco to monitor everything. We were not able to initially monitor with Dell, but now, we are able to monitor. So, monitoring is one aspect. We are looking into auto-deployment. It is available in higher-end Cisco switches but not on all switches. We are still exploring this feature.

The pricing of Dell PowerConnect switches is much less than Cisco switches. Cisco switches are super-expensive.

It is quite straightforward. We are using a network operating system (NOS), so it is quite straightforward.

Dell PowerConnect switches are cheaper than Cisco switches. Cisco's higher capacity switches (100 or 200 gigs) are super-expensive. With the higher capacity, the price of the switches and the price of the architecture go high. Dell is cheaper and modular. So, I don't need to invest 100% upfront. I can invest as I progress. That is an option because the chassis will not be populated with all the pluggables. I have a choice because it is modular. I can go for 25 gigs today, and after four months, I can go for 100 gigs, and after that, I can go for 200 gigs. I have a choice when it is not a fixed switch.

I'm very lucky to have support from Dell. I also have experience in implementing OS10. If you want to use Dell from scratch, you should watch some videos and understand the limitations. There is a support matrix, and you should go through the support matrix because not everything is open-open. So, compatibility can be an issue. You should get in touch with the Dell support team. They have some use cases, and one of the use cases could be similar to yours and match the requirements. Otherwise, it could end up in a mess.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Whether the product will serve the purpose or not depends on where you want to put the tool. The product is mainly used in data centers and enterprises.

The solution's most valuable feature is its good integration with solutions from other vendors. The rest of the tool's features are the same, meaning they are just functioning as they should.

The older Dell PowerConnect Switches have a stackable interface, especially Dell PowerSwitch N Series on the end series. You have to build the stackable interface by yourself in Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL], making it an area that can be considered for improvement.

I have been using Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] for more than fifteen years. My company operates as a reseller, partner, and integrator for Dell.

It is a 100 percent stable solution.

Scalability-wise, the solution is easy to use.

I work with large customers or enterprise-sized businesses.

The solution's technical support is satisfactory. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten.

Positive

I sell Cisco and HP to other people. The majority of the vendors offer the same type of products when it comes to switches.

The product's initial setup phase is easy.

The time to deploy the tool depends on the solution you are trying to build, and it can range from hours to days.

On a scale of one to ten, if one means it is a cheap solution, and ten means it is a very expensive tool, I rate the product's price as seven. The tool is a bit pricey. I am satisfied with the tool's licensing fees.

There is hardly any maintenance required for the tool.

One person is enough to maintain the tool.

I have not used any AI features in the tool.

I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

Dell PowerConnect Switches are primarily used at the distribution layer, but as the product evolved, higher models became available. These newer models can function closer to the core network or the backbone.

I have used these switches in banks and government hospitals in Nigeria. They are also deployed in universities and SMEs.

The tool is very user-friendly, with features catering to beginners and advanced users. For beginners, there are models with interactive and easy-to-navigate GUIs that aid in initial deployment and updates. For advanced users, there is the option to use the CLI.

Some proprietary commands available in Cisco are preferred by users accustomed to Cisco systems. These users might hesitate to switch because they want to continue using familiar commands and see their work on the new system. Although Dell PowerConnect switches support many industry standards, vendor-specific proprietary commands still differ between OEMs like Cisco, HP, and IBM.

It is designed to accommodate industry standards and ensure vendor compatibility. This approach would create a more seamless transition for users, allowing them to use familiar commands across different devices.

Intellectual property issues or policies might restrict this kind of implementation, but offering the ability to use proprietary commands from various vendors on a single device would provide a competitive edge and a better overall solution for users.

I rate the solution’s stability an eight out of ten.

The solution is scalable. 500 users are using this solution. It offers scalability and room for expansion through modular designs. They include chassis-based switches that can be expanded with additional Dell modules. These switches are ideal for data centers where space and cooling are not major concerns, allowing for significant growth and flexibility. While other brands of modular switches, such as Falcon Elite, are available. However, due to the bulkiness and higher demands for power and cooling, these chassis-based switches may not be the best fit for data centers with limited space and resources.

Support for Dell PowerConnect Switches is generally good, but there's room for improvement. Sometimes, the support process involves redundant steps, and the severity of the case can affect the responsiveness. When an engineer is finally assigned, the approach is very procedural, often requiring a detailed description of the issue in the ticket. Ideally, the initial conversation should quickly cover the requirements and the problem within a few minutes. If a fix is readily available, it should be applied immediately, and if further action is needed, it should be addressed.

The initial setup is easy and takes 10-15 minutes for a beginner to complete. It can be deployed using CLI or connected apps. Since I have experience, it took seven minutes to deploy.

The solution is cheaper than Cisco.

Dell PowerConnect Switches offer advanced segmentation, traffic suppression, and bandwidth based on requirements. They provide a level of security that ensures Application A cannot communicate with Application B. This is achieved by isolating applications on dedicated VLANs, ensuring they do not share resources. This is particularly important from a PCI DSS perspective, as sensitive applications must be isolated to prevent data breaches.

The switches support virtual operations, enabling efficient network segmentation. This is especially beneficial for traditional three-tier architecture setups, where web applications, service centers, and applications are each placed on separate VLANs. This logical separation enhances security and performance, making Dell PowerConnect Switches a unique solution for managing network traffic and ensuring secure, efficient operations.

If they want a replacement for their Dell PowerConnect switches, I recommend upgrading to a higher model. A higher model offers improved features and better performance. These newer models come with enhancements and additional capabilities to meet their needs. They can benefit from the latest advancements while maintaining compatibility with their current infrastructure. It's important to remember that it's an open market, so they can choose the best option.

Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

Dell PowerConnect Switches are the main switches we use for our users.

The solution’s technical support is good.

The IOS software that is used on the switches could be improved. The solution is a little cumbersome to configure and get them up in the environment.

I have been using Dell PowerConnect Switches for six years.

I rate the solution an eight out of ten for stability.

I rate the solution a six out of ten for scalability.

The solution’s technical support is good.

Positive

I've previously used Cisco switches. I switched to Dell PowerConnect Switches because it was less expensive and more cost-efficient.

The solution’s initial setup was a little complex. Two people were involved in the solution’s deployment.

We have seen a return on investment with Dell PowerConnect Switches.

The solution is less expensive and more cost-efficient.

Users will take a little time to configure the solution and get things up and running. However, the solution is pretty stable once it's up and running.

Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

Dell PowerConnect Switches is a solution used by the cabinet of ministers in governmental structures, businesses, and other national agencies for television and broadcasting. Dell PowerConnect Switches can be considered a very compatible product with Cisco products. With the product's documents having documents available for Dell PowerConnect Switches, you can prepare something similar to Cisco. The price of Dell PowerConnect Switches is very competitive since there may be no proper variety of products like Cisco has when it comes to Dell.

The most valuable features of the solution stem from the fact that it is a stable and reliable product covered with good warranties and prices that ensure deep discounts for partners.

From an improvement perspective, I would like Dell to offer more core products to users since Dell doesn't offer a wide range of products. I want the product to be more compatible with Cisco.

It would be great if users could have more products for their core business. 

I have experience with Dell PowerConnect Switches for more than ten years. My company sells the solution.

The stability of the product is very good.

It is a scalable solution.

Around 30 to 40 customers of our company work with Dell PowerConnect Switches.

Support-wise, Dell PowerConnect Switches look like the rest of the products in the market. My company doesn't have to deal with bad technical support from Dell. The technical support's response time is quite fast.

A user can take care of the product's installation part, but it may not seem to be an easy process.

During the deployment process, my company's engineers visit our customers' sites to set up all of the equipment before installing and connecting everything and then start making adjustments per a set procedure.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

My company can call Dell via phone and ask for support when it comes to the product's deployment process, but in such a scenario, we need to pay something, meaning there is an opportunity provided to us where we can seek help from Dell employees but we try not to use it.

My company never pays for Dell ProDeploy and to get the installation done by employees from Dell, as we do it ourselves.

The product's price is normal and okay since Dell normally ensures that all its products are equipped with licenses and warranties. When Dell terminates a product's warranty after three, five, or seven years in the port, you automatically will have to renew the licenses. In my opinion, it is a product that is priced somewhere in the middle, making it a well-priced solution in the middle. It is not a very cheap product.

The setup process of the product is not a problem. I need Dell to offer a variety of products and be more compatible with Cisco.

My company does everything perfectly with the help of Dell PowerConnect Switches. For the engineers and customers, Cisco is a little bit simpler tool compared to Dell products, but I am not sure about it since the opinion is based on what our company's customers claim.

I rate the overall product a nine out of ten.

My main use case for Dell PowerConnect Switches is as a data center switch, but only for specific servers.

The most valuable feature of Dell PowerConnect Switches for me is the throughput. I also like that the product has more compatibility with Dell infrastructure, especially with EMC and new generation Dell servers. Dell PowerConnect Switches can also easily integrate with Dell servers, and this is another pro.

What's lacking in Dell PowerConnect Switches is SD-WAN integration, and this is what needs to be improved in it.

All enterprises now move towards SD-WAN infrastructure, and because Dell PowerConnect Switches don't currently support SD-WAN, the product would be replaced, considered a secondary switch, or linked up to a different switch. Integration or support for SD-WAN is what I'd like to see in the next version of Dell PowerConnect Switches.

My experience with Dell PowerConnect Switches is three to four years.

Dell PowerConnect Switches is a product that's quite stable.

I find Dell PowerConnect Switches scalable.

The technical support for Dell PowerConnect Switches isn't comparable with Cisco, Dell, and other major vendors. Dell support is improving, and it's good, not bad, but it's not comparable to Cisco support as the Cisco team is more knowledgeable and Cisco has a knowledgebase that's more easily available and reachable online. While in general, Dell products and systems has a knowledgebase that's still lacking.

If I were to rate the support for Dell PowerConnect Switches, I'd give a rating of two out of five.

Setting up Dell PowerConnect Switches is quite easy. On a scale of one to five, with one being difficult and five being easy, my rating for the initial setup of the product is four.

If you buy Dell PowerConnect Switches as a bundle with computers and the rest of the infrastructure, it's a good setup and you'll get value from your investment or ROI from the product.

Pricing for Dell PowerConnect Switches is quite competitive compared to Cisco and HP pricing. Dell has cheaper pricing and the company is trying to push for sales for its switching infrastructure because right now, the current market is dominated by Cisco.

In the US market, there's Cisco, HP, Juniper, and Arista which you can buy for data center switching meant for different kinds of enterprises and ISPs. Dell PowerConnect Switches, on the other hand, is a product for people who need smaller setups or individual switches, especially those looking for a cheaper product and basic switching, though you can also buy a complete suite packaged with the switches.

I have one customer that has a VxRail setup, a computer, an LDN platform, then Dell PowerConnect Switches. That customer has a complete rack, for example, four racks, and on top of the racks are Cisco switches, with the Dell switches linked up to the Cisco switches, rather than integrating the full environment with Dell. There's only a partial setup for the Dell PowerConnect Switches, then the rest of the environment has Cisco switches set up.

Many customers focus on Cisco or Arista gear, but smaller organizations or anybody looking for a smaller setup would find Dell competitive, easy to pitch, and easy to sell.

I evaluated Cisco, HP, and Arista products.

In comparison, Dell PowerConnect Switches provide normal switching or just the basic switching and routing protocols required for DC or campus area network infrastructure, while Cisco and HP have industry-standard and advanced protocols such as EVPN, IRS, clustering, VPC, virtual channels, etc., which are missing in Dell PowerConnect Switches. Even Arista has a good switching infrastructure for data centers.

Dell PowerConnect Switches is quite simple to operate, but if you compare it with Cisco, Arista, or HP, the switching infrastructure of Dell is inferior, and the main challenge is that it's missing industry-standard or advanced switching protocols.

The reason many people still buy Dell PowerConnect Switches, particularly the big organizations, is because of the Dell infrastructure. For example, if you buy the Dell rack solution "VxRail", then you have NSX and a complete Dell suite with storage, you'll want to have  Dell PowerConnect Switches, so mostly, the switches from Dell work perfectly because they're part of a bundle of Dell products.

I've been working with Dell PowerConnect Switches.

I would 100% recommend Dell PowerConnect Switches if you have a Dell environment and Dell infrastructure for more compatibility.

I'm rating Dell PowerConnect Switches seven out of ten. The product is fine in terms of reliability. It's just that its knowledge base is lacking and its technology also needs improvement versus other solutions in the market, so many people don't consider Dell PowerConnect Switches as primary switches.

I'm an integrator of Dell PowerConnect Switches.

The product has a low cost. The product is reliable.

The network features are not good.

My organization has a partnership with Dell.

The tool’s stability is good. I rate the stability a nine out of ten.

We have multiple customers. Each customer has around 100 users.

The technical support team is good.

Positive

The solution is not popular in the market. Cisco and other brands are more popular. The customers often choose Cisco. Cisco is known for its good network features.

The initial setup is easy. The tool doesn’t provide a GUI. Other products provide GUI. The time taken for deployment depends on the configuration and how the servers and nodes are connected.

The product has a low price for the features it provides. The price is comparable to other brands like HPE. The solution is worth the money.

It is a good solution with good features. Overall, I rate the tool a nine out of ten.