Cisco Catalyst and Linksys Ethernet Switches compete in the network equipment category. Cisco Catalyst appears to have the upper hand with its advanced features and reliability, although it comes at a higher cost compared to the affordable Linksys switches that target smaller businesses.
Features: Cisco Catalyst Switches offer robust security, stackability, port-channeling for data reliability, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) for simple deployment of devices, along with the capability to perform under harsh conditions. In comparison, Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches focus on providing basic networking capabilities with affordability as their key advantage, serving mainly small to medium-sized businesses.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Catalyst Switches are criticized for their high cost, complex licensing, and limited open-source programmability. Suggested improvements include better expandability, integration, and enhanced security features. On the other hand, Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches could improve in durability and scalability while offering more enterprise-level features and support options.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Catalyst Switches support a wide range of deployment scenarios including on-premises and cloud environments, although initial setup can be complex. Their customer service is well-regarded albeit sometimes costly. Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches are generally easier to deploy in smaller environments but may not provide as robust support options as Catalyst.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Catalyst Switches are known for their high price, justified by their reliability and features, but are often too expensive for smaller businesses with ROI evident long-term due to the initial cost. Conversely, Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches are more budget-friendly, appealing for smaller setups with a quicker ROI because of lower upfront investment costs.
From an investment standpoint, deploying Cisco Catalyst Switches offers tangible benefits, including cost reductions.
Cisco support is very good and responsive.
Cisco's support is good, one of the best supports that you will get.
I am paying for Cisco support and would rate it nine out of ten.
They've integrated it over the last few years, and they don't differentiate with the support as far as the Linksys versus the full-blown Cisco switches.
They were easily reachable for technical support in our last project.
I rate Cisco's technical support at eight out of ten.
The scalability of Cisco Catalyst Switches is very much scalable, as it supports the stacking feature and growth; for instance, with 94K modular switches, based on the requirement, we can even increase modules for more bandwidth.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are scalable, and I would rate them eight to nine out of ten for scalability.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are stable.
The Linksys depends on the environment; if it's an easy-going environment, they're pretty stable, but in more complex network environments, Cisco is definitely a lot more stable.
Currently, I don't see much AI integration with Cisco Catalyst Switches; though they've started, it still needs improvement.
Cisco Catalyst Switches could be a little bit cheaper as they are very costly.
There could be improvements in the repeat configuration with some file integration that is currently missing.
I would like Cisco to improve their technical support.
Having tools that allow for easier management and configuration would benefit the Cisco switches because the Linksys switches are easier to manage, set up, configure, and get up and running than doing configs on Cisco switches.
There should be an improvement in Cisco's response time and overall competence.
Cisco provides unique features that justify their pricing.
Cisco usually is costly compared to other vendors.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are quite pricey.
Pricing can be high when compared to other solutions in the market.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are valuable for their reliability and performance.
Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization.
The most beneficial features for our network management are their stability and good customer support.
Cisco is trusted by most broadcast customers for data centers due to their experience and knowledge.
Some of the most valuable features of Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches include their security features.
Cost savings and ease of use are benefits I've seen from using this, as it's less complex to set up and configure compared to Cisco switching.
Cisco Catalyst Switches are a reliable and scalable network switching and routing solution, focusing on VLANs and VLAN switching. They are used as access switches, distribution switches, and core switches in various environments, deployed on-premises, and used for long connections. The switches are easy to configure, install, and upgrade and offer good pricing.
The most valuable features include warranty and firmware support, stability, security, good performance, flexibility, etc. The Cisco Catalyst Switches have provided a stable solution for the organizations and are widely used, trusted, and well-known in the networking industry.
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