Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] comparison

Cisco and Dell Technologies are both solutions in the LAN Switching category. Additionally, 95% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 90% of Dell Technologies users who would recommend it.

Cisco Catalyst Switches

Read 177 Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews

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3,562 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

Read 34 Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] reviews

90% willing to recommend

Cisco Catalyst Switches

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 27, 2025

Cisco Catalyst Switches and Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] are key players in the network switch market. Based on the data comparisons, Cisco Catalyst Switches appear to have the upper hand due to their advanced routing capabilities, reliability, and extensive features.

Features: Cisco Catalyst Switches are noted for their strong VLAN capabilities, enhanced stability, and seamless integration with Cisco products. They provide robust performance and easy configurability. Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] highlight simplicity and ease of configuration, paired with competitive pricing, making them attractive for cost-conscious buyers needing straightforward integration.

Room for Improvement: Cisco Catalyst Switches could improve with better pricing and a simplified licensing model, as their high cost can be prohibitive. Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] face limitations with advanced features and integration issues with proprietary protocols, which are areas users seek enhancements, including feature expansion and more stable firmware.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Catalyst Switches are recognized for strong on-premises deployment and comprehensive customer support, despite concerns over service quality and pricing models. Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] are praised for simpler deployment and adequate support, offering cost-effective solutions, yet Cisco's customer service tends to be more comprehensive.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco Catalyst Switches, although expensive, justify their pricing with high performance and reliable support; however, users desire more competitive pricing. Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] are favored for affordability and a good price-to-feature balance, providing cost-effective options for those not requiring advanced functionalities. Both offer satisfactory ROI, with Cisco potentially taking longer due to higher upfront costs.

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August 2025

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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

Cisco Catalyst Switches

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

177

Ranking in other categories

LAN Switching (1st), Ethernet Switches (7th), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)

Dell PowerConnect Switches ...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

8.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Featured Reviews

Joshua Odunsi

I.T INFRASTRUCTURE/SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR at Haggai Mortgage Bank Ltd

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.

Read full review

LarsEvans

Chief Technology Officer / Chief Information Security Officer at Lorton Data, Inc.

Reliable and useful for network segmentation

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.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The pricing is quite good."

"The PoE capability of Catalyst Switches is great for using WAPs and other PoE equipment, such as security cameras."

"The warranty and continued firmware support are most valuable."

"The biggest advantage of having this solution is that it is easy to find engineers, and they are cheaper than hiring HP engineers."

"The solution is easy to use."

"The ability to configure throughput is very flexible and improved the performance of our systems."

"The main valuable features for me are the ease of configuration, the CLI, and the GUI."

"Their technical support is good, one of the best in the industry."

More Cisco Catalyst Switches pros

"The solution's most valuable feature is its good integration with solutions from other vendors."

"The technology is good and the interface is simple. We haven't had any bugs, disconnections or delays."

"The product is reliable."

"When the price is competitive the customers tend to choose the cheaper brand and then look at the features. So having a competitive price is a plus."

"PowerConnect Switches' stability is satisfactory."

"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."

"Its throughout and compatibility are the most valuable."

"It's easy to set up. We can put it in production in a couple of minutes."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pros

Cons

"When users put Cisco Catalyst Switches in the same environment or infrastructure where other devices or products exist, like HPE, Aruba, and Ubiquiti, it doesn't work properly."

"This product could be improved with cheaper pricing."

"The solution is expensive. They should work on their pricing model to try to make it more affordable for customers."

"Cisco Catalyst Switches could be a little bit cheaper as they are very costly."

"Scaling can be quite costly."

"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."

"Cisco should support all of the features that are included with the suite."

"Their price should be improved. They are a little bit expensive."

More Cisco Catalyst Switches cons

"When it comes to the configuration, there should be documentation and interactive help available to assist people who have experience with products from other vendors."

"There should be more port options in this switch. Currently, it has 24 or 48 ports. However, some of our customers require only 8 ports, but I have to put a switch with 24 ports. They should provide smaller solutions and complimentary access point for companies like ours with a low quantity of work. The main issue with this product is branding. They should improve their branding and promote their brand more in Mexico. Customers are more aware of brands like Cisco as compared to Dell."

"The one issue you face in the industry there is always some planned obsolescence in these switches."

"Scalability, especially with the power connect series is something that you have to take into account before starting the project because any changes to an ongoing project can be difficult."

"I can't think of what we would want in the next release."

"You have to build the stackable interface by yourself in Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL], making it an area that can be considered for improvement."

"The CLI for Dell PowerConnect Switches is sometimes confusing, especially with the LAN, but for the GUI it is simple."

"Accessibility and management could be improved."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The prices of Cisco devices are too high."

"It is reasonably priced because we have already conducted a tender, allowing Cisco and other vendors to compete for the best price."

"I don't see any price issue with Cisco. Whenever you buy a quality product, you always have a mindset of paying the premium amount. For any good product, you pay a premium amount, but that also means you are going to recover that premium over a period of time in terms of performance."

"The price of a Cisco Catalyst Switches license is expensive."

"The solutions are costly, considering that Cisco provides top-notch support and devices."

"It's overpriced and should be cheaper."

"The cost of this solution could be less expensive, and we are on an annual license."

"Pricing could be cheaper as well."

More Cisco Catalyst Switches pricing and cost advice

"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."

"The initial cost was high but since they have lasted for over ten or twenty years they are worth it."

"The solution is less expensive and more cost-efficient."

"This solution is much cheaper than comparable products by Cisco."

"If you want to purchase a new Dell PowerConnect Switch, you will pay up to $1,600, but I bought them used. I bought the four Dell PowerConnect Switches that I used for $1,000."

"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."

"The product has a low price for the features it provides."

"The product is cheaper than Cisco and licensing is yearly. We have to pay additional costs for support."

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Computer Software Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

10%

University

Educational Organization

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

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 ...

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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...

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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.

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What do you like most about Dell PowerConnect Switches?

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.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Dell PowerConnect Switches?

The solution is cheaper than Cisco.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Dell PowerConnect Switches?

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 t...

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Comparisons

Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Catalyst Switches

Compared 18% of the time

HPE ProCurve vs Cisco Catalyst Switches

Compared 9% of the time

ExtremeSwitching vs Cisco Catalyst Switches

Compared 8% of the time

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Catalyst Switches

Compared 6% of the time

Aruba Instant On Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches

Compared 6% of the time

More Cisco Catalyst Switches Competitors

Cisco Nexus vs Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

Compared 16% of the time

More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Catalyst Switches

August 2025

Download Cisco Catalyst Switches product report

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]

August 2025

Download Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] product report

Also Known As

Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst

PowerConnect Switches

Overview

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.

Cisco

PowerConnect Switches family offers a set of flexible, manageable and comprehensive switch solutions supporting up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and optimized Internet iSCSI (iSCSI) performance with Dell Storage solutions, ideal for enterprise and campus LAN environments alike.

Dell Technologies

Sample Customers

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

Amerijet Holdings Inc., CGD Securities, MavenWire, Tulane University

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