Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Meraki MX comparison

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Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the Firewalls category. Additionally, 100% of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 94% of Cisco users who would recommend it.

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch E...

Read 12 Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches reviews

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100% willing to recommend

Cisco Meraki MX

Read 80 Cisco Meraki MX reviews

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12,866 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch E...

Cisco Meraki MX

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches and Cisco Meraki MX based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

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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

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch E...

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Ethernet Switches (23rd)

Cisco Meraki MX

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Firewalls (10th), Unified Threat Management (UTM) (6th)

Q&A Highlights

it_user689088

Managing Director at a tech company with 51-200 employees

Jul 18, 2017

How to integrate Meraki MX Security appliances with other Switch brands?

With a good diagram and keeping in mind the whole routing part, it is really simple configuration, I have no knowledge on Alcatel switches but you will not have any problems for compatibility ...

See all answers

Featured Reviews

MikeKajubi

Operational Manager at Astrah Technologies

Has enabled reliable access control with good scalability

The primary use case is access control and normal LAN usage, including internet and email. For example, I have deployed the solution in airport scenarios where there are many users The most valuable feature for me is the stability of the switches. They do not hang often and are very reliable,…

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Md Rafique

it support at a outsourcing company with 51-200 employees

Centralized security management has simplified daily monitoring and remote troubleshooting

One area that could be improved is providing more advanced reporting and analytics within the dashboard, especially more detailed historical data and customizable reports. It would also be useful to have greater flexibility for advanced firewall and security configuration without making the interface more complex. Better customization and more detailed troubleshooting information would also help administrators. Another improvement would be more granular control over alerts and notifications, so administrators can prioritize critical security and network events without being overwhelmed by less important alerts. More detailed historical analysis and easier integration with third-party security and monitoring tools would also be valuable. Overall, I would keep the simplicity of the Meraki dashboard while adding more advanced options for administrators who need deeper control and visibility. One additional improvement would be better support for integration with third-party security and monitoring platforms. More flexible APIs, deeper SIEM integration, and more detailed security analytics would make Cisco Meraki MX even more useful for organizations with a broader security stack, while the simplicity and centralized management are already strong points.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The most valuable feature for me is the stability of the switches."

"All of the features in these switches are good."

"The most valuable feature of this solution is the wireless access points that enable direct access to clusters, and this is also a very stable and scalable solution."

"This is a dependable switch which will help you sleep at night."

"The solution has a very good web interface, it makes it easy to manage everything, and the command-line interface is very powerful."

"We are able to customize this solution based on the customer's requirements."

"It's easy to extend the stack, We don't use the smaller switches, but it's going well for the rest."

"Enables direct access to clusters."

More Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches pros

"Dual WAN connections are greatly simplified and point-to-point VPNs automatically connect regardless of what WAN connection is active."

"This solution provides a better capability where I can create a virtual network."

"These particular firewalls are a very good solution for a company that doesn't have an IT employee working directly on IT."

"The solution is good for load balancing."

"Both Meraki and Aerohive are good products, and I prefer Meraki."

"A strong, reliable solution for small companies with little or no dedicated IT department."

"It has very good features; it's easy to use, configure, set up, and deploy."

"Managed centrally over the web: You can manages all your Meraki devices in a single account."

More Cisco Meraki MX pros

Cons

"We had stability issues with Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches 6250. One issue is with licensing. When migrating from TDM to VoIP/ToIP solutions integrated on the same architecture, Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches don't have the same skill level or follow the same development path as companies like Cisco. They started integrating these solutions later, which is why there's a noticeable difference in advancement."

"My customer's team is not able to understand the loophole with Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches, but apart from that, there are no issues."

"I could see them possibly creating a more intuitive software. It's very user-friendly, but there are some things that aren't very intuitive when programming the switches."

"I find the CLI hard to use. I wish we could do more in the GUI interface."

"Sometimes I feel that the Alcatel switches are not working harmoniously with some of the Cisco switches."

"The price should be lowered so that we can capture more of the market for Ethernet switches."

"The product would be better if it were completely compatible with other switching products."

"The commands for the switches could be easier as I find them more complex compared to those of Cisco."

More Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches cons

"From a subscription base or price perspective, there's some room for improvement. They also need more security features."

"I feel that Cisco Meraki MX is less of a next-generation firewall. In my assessment, compared to most next-generation firewalls from Fortinet and Palo Alto, it seems more like an application firewall and could be improved further."

"For this solution, Meraki is still more expensive than FortiGate. The FortiGate license is still less than the Meraki license."

"Could possibly use deeper configurations."

"When we do API integrations with Meraki, they have always been hard as well as tedious to build. The data that we want out of the API integrations has been only recently available. Six months ago, it was hard to get someone to build something correctly or useful with Meraki APIs. Recently, they have made more data available on the API, but it is just a start. They need to do more."

"We do not have account managers in our region for the solution. Some governments don't use the product since it is attached to the internet."

"For our use case, there is not anything specific that needs to change."

"There are a few things that are odd that I can do with other firewall products that I can't do with a Meraki."

More Cisco Meraki MX cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licensing for OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches is a one-time purchase with no additional costs."

"Pricing is cheap compared to other vendors. When we benchmark the tool against Meraki, Cisco, and others, it is usually more affordable."

"It is an expensive solution."

"The pricing is reasonable compared to Aruba and HPE."

"The license cost depends on the box. We acquired a different product line. We are dealing with MX appliance now, that is, MX6, MX54, MX100, MX250, MX450. Every box has got an identity, and it has got its own specification. Every box has got a different license fee. We deployed Meraki MX in UAE when it was not a mature product. We took a risk, but we were successful. We saved a huge amount of money after implementing and removing all the MPLS and leased lines. We got a broadband connection because Meraki MX could work on a broadband connection. We have drastically saved a very good amount of money, which was one of the successful things apart from the successful solution."

"The product's price depends on use cases."

"The price varies depending on the hardware platform as well as the type of license and whether you're adding security or not."

"The product’s pricing depends on the discount Cisco gives to different people."

"capabilities" What is our primary use case? The solution is mainly based on the cloud which is highly adaptable to the needs of its users due to its large user base. By employing over fifty VPS, we strategically position these units where clients require them the most. Remarkably, the cost of this setup is notably more affordable compared to competing alternatives. The management dashboard allows users to oversee each branch within their network. This comprehensive view is unified within the dashboard, offering insights into the entire branch network. The system works mostly for financial institutions, particularly banking clients. What is most valuable? The cloud management system is really valuable. What needs improvement? Direct logging is something that can be introduced. In the absence of cloud management, the possibility of local configurations and on-premise logins becomes restricted. This limitation stands as a primary concern. When it comes to resolving issues, the inability to access login options hampers troubleshooting efforts. The stability is noteworthy; but when compared to alternative products, its stability is comparatively lower. Additionally, certain limitations are observed in terms of remote control. Price-wise, the solution stands out for its competitive and cost-effective nature compared to other alternatives. Operationally, it is user-friendly and requires minimal effort from administrators, making configuration hassle-free. For how long have I used the solution? I have been using Meraki MX for the last three years. What do I think about the stability of the solution? The solution is stable however there are issues and we need to reboot sometimes. I would rate it five out of ten. What do I think about the scalability of the solution? Considering the needs of medium-class clients, scalability proves to be highly advantageous. I would rate it nine out of ten. How was the initial setup? The initial setup is easy via the cloud portal, primarily because managed support is needed for internet access. Without this, the direct configuration of the box becomes unattainable.The duration required is significantly shorter compared to alternatives. Occasionally, when dealing with a larger number of branches, like fifty or more, we managed to complete the implementation within 14 days. In cases involving complex processes and discussions, additional time might be necessary. However, once the system is set up and connected to the cloud, other configurations can be done within an eight-hour timeframe. What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing? The solution has three licenses; enterprise, security, and SD WAN. This subscription-based method aligns with customer requirements. When procuring hardware, the minimum requirement is the enterprise license, granting access to cloud management and the portal. Customers can opt to acquire the security or SD-WAN licenses if needed. This adaptable pricing model offers great flexibility. All licenses are linked to the device count, proving advantageous for customers. If there's a future demand for additional devices, licenses can be expanded accordingly without any concerns. The flexibility of the licensing system is indeed valuable."

"The larger MX products are on the expensive side."

"The pricing could always be improved — especially with the shape the economy is in at the moment."

"Meraki MX's pricing is cheaper as compared to Cisco's standalone products."

More Cisco Meraki MX pricing and cost advice

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Answers from the Community

it_user689088

Managing Director at a tech company with 51-200 employees

Jul 18, 2017

How to integrate Meraki MX Security appliances with other Switch brands?

With a good diagram and keeping in mind the whole routing part, it is really simple configuration, I have no knowledge on Alcatel switches but you will not have any problems for compatibility ...

2 out of 13 answers

Akshay Balaganur

Founder and Lead Network Consultant at Airowire Networks

Jul 12, 2017

Hi, Could you elaborate on your requirement. What do you mean by "integrate" ? What do you intend to do ?

Read full answer

Azadur Sarker

Deputy Manager at a tech services company with 201-500 employees

Jul 12, 2017

The Meraki MX100 is an enterprise security appliance designed for distributed deployments that require remote administration. It is ideal for network administrators who demand both ease of deployment and a state-of-the-art feature set. This security appliance provides the following new features: Two GbE SFP connections (requires optional Meraki SFP-1GB-SX transceiver). USB port, to support approved 3G/4G cards for failover to cellular networks. 1TByte cache storage for WAN acceleration. LAN 2 port can be configured to be a LAN or WAN connection, allowing support up to 2 WAN connections. Dedicated management port. Front-panel rack mounts. Now want to know about your issues. Is it a deployment factor with Alcatel switches ?

Read full answer

See all 13 answers

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Outsourcing Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

Comms Service Provider

Computer Software Company

10%

Outsourcing Company

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	3

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	47
Midsize Enterprise	23
Large Enterprise	20

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches?

In terms of pricing, Alcatel is cheaper than Cisco, however, MikroTik is the cheapest. I cannot comment on the pricing reasonability as I am a technical person, and decisions are made by those who ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches?

The commands for the switches could be easier as I find them more complex compared to those of Cisco.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches?

The primary use case is access control and normal LAN usage, including internet and email. For example, I have deployed the solution in airport scenarios where there are many users.

See all answers

Fortigate 60d vs. Meraki MX67 for a small company without a dedicated IT Department

We have Meraki Mx devices now, we are looking to replace them. But that is because the Meraki MX platform lacks SSL Inspection, Granular Firewall rules (Block only, no allow setting), client vpn re...

See all answers

Which is better - Meraki MX or Cisco ASA Firewall?

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software is the operating software for the Cisco ASA suite. It supports network security and firewall options. We researched both Meraki and ASA. We liked t...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Meraki MX?

I find the pricing for Cisco Meraki MX reasonable and competitive given the features provided and the target market. I believe it is acceptable.

See all answers

Comparisons

Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

Compared 13% of the time

HPE Ethernet Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

Compared 10% of the time

Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

Compared 8% of the time

MikroTik Routers and Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

Compared 5% of the time

Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

Compared 3% of the time

More Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches Competitors

Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Cisco Meraki MX

Compared 31% of the time

Fortinet FortiGate vs Cisco Meraki MX

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco Secure Firewall vs Cisco Meraki MX

Compared 6% of the time

Sophos Firewall vs Cisco Meraki MX

Compared 5% of the time

SonicWall TZ vs Cisco Meraki MX

Compared 3% of the time

More Cisco Meraki MX Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

September 2026

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches report

Download Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Meraki MX

September 2026

Download Cisco Meraki MX product report

Also Known As

Alcatel-Lucent Ethernet Switches, OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches

MX64, MX64W, MX84, MX100, MX400, MX600

Overview

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches offer customizable and stable networking with user-friendly management and high-capacity fiber support for efficient data transfer.

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches provide robust VLAN management, operate on open standards, and ensure seamless integration for broad networking needs. Featuring both web and command-line interfaces, these switches simplify deployment and management. While offering stable wireless access, improvements could enhance networking speed, simplify interface usage, and increase third-party integration. Price adjustments, better documentation, and consistent technical support are currently needed. Compatibility with other brands and cloud-based solutions remain key areas for growth.

What are the most important features of Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches?

Customization: Tailor the network settings to fit specific industry needs.
High-Capacity Fiber Ports: Ensure efficient data transfer across fiber networks.
User-Friendly Management: Simplifies control through an intuitive web interface.
Open Standards Compatibility: Facilitates flexible integration across multiple platforms.
VLAN Management: Enhances security and network efficiency.

What benefits or ROI can users expect from Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches?

Easy Deployment: Accelerates setup with intuitive interfaces.
Reliable Stability: Reduces downtime through robust hardware design.
Cost Management: Potential savings through compatibility with existing systems.
Scalability: Supports future growth and network expansion plans.
Enhanced Accessibility: Offers varied access points for remote management.

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches are integral for healthcare, hospitality, education, government, and enterprise networks. These switches facilitate seamless intra-site communication, distribute local area networks, and connect client-side devices in dual-core and two-tier systems. Industries rely on them to manage access control in LANs, support communication in traffic networks, and serve hotels as connectivity portals.

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

Cisco Meraki MX offers cloud-managed security with user-friendly setup and efficient management, enhancing VPN and firewall functionalities for businesses.

Cisco Meraki MX is known for its robust cloud-based network management, featuring AutoVPN, SD-WAN, and advanced security. Its centralized control over firewall, traffic shaping, and monitoring ensures excellent connectivity and security. The interface allows easy management by non-technical staff, offering remote access and seamless network performance through real-time alerts and troubleshooting. It supports global connectivity with minimal effort, addressing needs across small to enterprise environments. Despite its strengths, users point out areas needing improvement like load balancing, VPN features, more flexible logging, and session capabilities. Pricing, integration limits, and licensing need enhancement.

What are the key features of Cisco Meraki MX?

AutoVPN: Enables automatic VPN configuration for secure, site-to-site connections.
SD-WAN: Optimizes traffic routes for increased performance and reliability.
Advanced Security: Offers unified threat management, intrusion prevention, and content filtering.
Centralized Management: Simplifies operations with remote monitoring and configuration.
Traffic Shaping: Prioritizes critical business applications to maximize performance.

What benefits should users consider?

Ease of Deployment: Simplified installation reduces setup time and cost.
Real-Time Alerts: Ensures proactive issue identification and resolution.
Scalability: Supports growth with seamless integration and management of multiple sites.
Global Connectivity: Maintains efficient connections across geographic locations with minimal effort.

In industries like retail, finance, and education, Cisco Meraki MX provides enhanced security and connectivity. Retail chains benefit from easy VPN setups for secure multi-site networking, while educational institutions find value in its ability to manage large campuses efficiently. Financial services leverage its robust security features to protect sensitive data, ensuring compliance and trust.

Cisco

Sample Customers

Bayonette, California State University (CSU), Centre Hospitalier Carcassonne, Centro Universitšrio de Brasilia (UniCEUB), China Tianchen Engineering Corporation Co. LTD, Citta Della Speranza, City of Frankfurt, City of Ogden, City of Vila Franca de Xira

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