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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 176 Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews
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  • 2,579 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 20, 2025

Cisco Catalyst and Dell PowerConnect Switches compete in the networking hardware category. Cisco Catalyst appears to have the upper hand due to its extensive features and reliability, although it comes at a higher cost.

Features: Cisco Catalyst Switches offer robust security features like Port Security and VLAN support, alongside PoE capabilities which enhance deployment flexibility. They support various networking protocols, including RSPAN and VTP, facilitating efficient VLAN configuration. Dell PowerConnect Switches emphasize simplicity and integration, offering basic networking features and useful capabilities such as stacking and jumbo frames, particularly suited for budget-conscious enterprises.

Room for Improvement: Cisco Catalyst Switches face challenges with their high cost, complex licensing, and the need for greater integration options. Improved manageability is also desired. Dell PowerConnect Switches require enhancements in hardware reliability and support for modern networking needs like SD-WAN, as well as more advanced management features and quicker firmware updates.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Catalyst Switches are known for their robust support and comprehensive technical resources, though configuration complexity can be a hurdle for smaller enterprises. Customer support is generally well-regarded. Dell PowerConnect Switches offer simpler configuration and good integration but provide less extensive technical support compared to Cisco.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco Catalyst Switches entail higher costs due to their extensive features and reliability, making them suitable for enterprises seeking strong long-term investments. They promise robust ROI through performance and minimal downtime but may be financially challenging for small businesses. Dell PowerConnect Switches offer more cost-effective solutions with lower initial investment, appealing to budget-sensitive buyers seeking basic functionality. Both products target a three to five-year ROI timeline, with Cisco's pricing being higher compared to Dell's competitive strategy.

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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
176
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
34
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Featured Reviews

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.
Read full review
LarsEvans - PeerSpot reviewer
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 solution is robust in terms of the equipment provided."
"The ability to configure throughput is very flexible and improved the performance of our systems."
"Power over Ethernet (PoE) is one of the most valuable features. It eliminates the need for power supplies every time."
"The solution offers great scalability."
"These switches are very stable. We haven't had any problems. We also have some old switches that are working for almost ten years."
"The most valuable feature of the solution is reliability."
"The configuration is easy."
"The solution is highly reliable."
More Cisco Catalyst Switches pros
"Dell offers very good support."
"The most valuable feature is stability."
"The tool is reliable, and it stands up well. The solution works fine and lasts a long time."
"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."
"The product is reliable."
"This solution comes with a lifetime warranty."
"The platform's most valuable features are network switch functionality and fiber switch capabilities."
"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."
More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pros
 

Cons

"Cisco can definitely improve the training part. They can provide more training related to configuration."
"The only drawback I saw with Cisco Catalyst Switches is that it's not cloud-managed."
"The delivery of the product lead time should be improved."
"The solution could be cheaper."
"The tool is not user-friendly."
"The support is not the quickest."
"It would be good if Cisco Catalyst Switches could align maintenance with one version."
"The solution is expensive."
More Cisco Catalyst Switches cons
"Their hardware is not reliable, it's faulty."
"Because of the stackings you lose some boards and switches."
"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."
"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 configuration should be improved."
"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."
"The product price is an area of concern where improvements are required."
"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."
More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"These switches are expensive."
"Generally, Cisco Catalyst would be relatively expensive compared to the competition, it would be on the expensive side."
"The cost of Cisco switches is a little more expensive than the competition. However, as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." If you want a reliable solution and other benefits, Cisco Catalyst Switches are worth the money."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches is a very expensive solution."
"The price is in an affordable range and everything is included."
"The price is too high for this market."
"There needs to be some improvement with the Cisco DNA licensing activation process, it is difficult at the moment."
"I rate the product price a nine on a scale of one to ten, where one is low price and ten is high price."
More Cisco Catalyst Switches pricing and cost advice
"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."
"Its price is okay. Sometimes, it is lower than a Cisco solution."
"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 would rate the pricing as a seven or eight."
"Inexpensive"
"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."
"The solution is less expensive and more cost-efficient."
"The price of these switches is okay."
More Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] pricing and cost advice
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
41%
Computer Software Company
10%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Financial Services Firm
5%
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
7%
University
7%
 

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.
See all answers
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...
See all answers
 

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switches
June 2025
Cisco Catalyst Switches reportDownload Cisco Catalyst Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL]
June 2025
Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] reportDownload 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
Buyer's Guide
LAN Switching
June 2025
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