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3Com H3C Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

3Com H3C Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
21st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
5.8
Number of Reviews
7
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
177
Ranking in other categories
LAN Switching (1st), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of 3Com H3C Switches is 0.9%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches is 2.5%, up from 2.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

MURALI NIDAMANURI - PeerSpot reviewer
Upgraded interface supports efficient configuration and extensive network layer integration
The user interface is upgraded to the latest GUI technology, allowing configurations like VLAN to be done through the interface rather than the command line, making it more efficient. The solutions provided support many network layers extensively, including VLANs, L3 APIs, and L4, L5, L7 application layers, which improve customization, security, and data management.
Joshua Odunsi - PeerSpot reviewer
Ensures efficient performance and supports network growth with optimal speed
Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization. I experience optimal speed and effective configuration, making them stand out compared to other switches. The PoE switches offer more ports on SFP, and it is efficient in use. Overall, the switches provide me with the value I expect in terms of speed and efficiency.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The installation is quite straightforward."
"They are easy to use, they are cheaper, and it's a trusted brand."
"They're straightforward and stable."
"Their customer service is instant with a tracking system and follow-ups for human access."
"The user interface is upgraded to the latest GUI technology, allowing configurations like VLAN to be done through the interface rather than the command line, making it more efficient."
"The reliability of the solution has been the best feature."
"The hardware side is a very big advantage. We use it 24/7 and we haven't had any problems so far with the switches."
"Power over Ethernet (PoE) is one of the most valuable features. It eliminates the need for power supplies every time."
"Since Cisco Catalyst Switches don't go online, they are secured."
"It is easy to install."
"The solution is highly reliable."
"The product is stable, and it performs well."
"A good feature of Cisco Catalyst is that it records crash log files which can be used to literally identify the cause of a crash because there is a lot of information. And Cisco Catalyst supports the use of external flash disks for storing of images and file systems."
"We have dealt with Cisco's technical support in the past. They were especially helpful and very polite. They are always there if we need them and their insights are always excellent. I would say that we have been satisfied with the level of support we've gotten so far."
"They don't ever fail and they have a long service life."
 

Cons

"The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents."
"The configuration of 3Com H3C Switches could be better."
"The technical support services need improvement in terms of communication."
"When we try to do configuration changes sometimes it malfunctions."
"The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents."
"I think there's nothing that needs to be improved because the company is no longer in existence."
"The cost and the integration with other solutions could be better."
"The pricing could be better. Cisco is quite expensive."
"Cisco applies restrictions in relation to renewals on a yearly basis. Many other brands don't have restrictions. If Cisco lifted them, they wouldn't lose so many clients to competitors."
"The price is high and it should be improved."
"The product could always be more secure."
"The configuration options on the Cisco Commerce website could be more efficient."
"For zero-touch deployment, we have to work around a little bit initially because the switches are not exactly zero-touch provision ZTP. Currently, I don't see much AI integration with Cisco Catalyst Switches; though they've started, it still needs improvement."
"The price could be improved."
"The product could be more user-friendly."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"3Com H3C Switches have a competitive cost. I rate the pricing a nine out of ten."
"The cost could be improved, but it is cheaper than the others."
"It is reasonably priced because we have already conducted a tender, allowing Cisco and other vendors to compete for the best price."
"There needs to be some improvement with the Cisco DNA licensing activation process, it is difficult at the moment."
"We must pay a high price for the product."
"Pricing from Cisco is expensive but we pay for the reliability."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches are very expensive."
"Cisco switches are expensive. Their price range is based not only on what the product does but also the name in the industry. They are good at what they do. If you need a better product, there are other lineups available."
"The price could be improved."
"I rate the product price a nine on a scale of one to ten, where one is low price and ten is high price."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
11%
University
11%
Financial Services Firm
10%
Construction Company
7%
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Government
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about 3Com H3C Switches?
The installation is quite straightforward.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for 3Com H3C Switches?
The price depends on the segments the switches serve. For some segments, they can be costly.
What needs improvement with 3Com H3C Switches?
The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents. Remediation recommendations sho...
Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
What do you like most about Cisco Catalyst Switches?
We are a vendor for the healthcare sector, especially hospitals, and normally, we use a full Cisco solution for stability, especially for the stability of the Access Points and the security of swit...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Catalyst Switches?
For pricing satisfaction, I'd say it will be six to seven because Cisco usually is costly compared to other vendors. Regarding pricing, there is indeed room for improvement.
 

Also Known As

No data available
Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

British Columbia Assessment Authority, DreamWorks, DRV
Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena
Find out what your peers are saying about 3Com H3C Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
865,384 professionals have used our research since 2012.