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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Extreme VDX [EOL] comparison

Cisco and Extreme are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Additionally, 95% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Extreme users who would recommend it.
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Read 176 Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews
  • 3,817 Views
  • 1,829 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
Extreme VDX [EOL]
Read 3 Extreme VDX [EOL] reviews
    100% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Cisco Catalyst Switches and Extreme VDX [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Netgear and others in Ethernet Switches.

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    To learn more, read our detailed Ethernet Switches Report (Updated: June 2025).
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    June 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
    176
    Ranking in other categories
    LAN Switching (1st), Ethernet Switches (7th), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
    Extreme VDX [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.5
    Number of Reviews
    3
    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
    Osama Ahmed LUBBAD - PeerSpot reviewer
    A stable, scalable, and problem-free solution
    Software needs to be updated regularly in order to maintain security and performance. However, in some cases, it is necessary to stack switches in order to meet the needs of the network. Although Cisco switches are able to stack, other switches are not as simple to stack. I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands.
    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

    "They are pretty good. They are stable. Cisco has been around in the industry for a long time, so they are reliable, as well."
    "The most important features are that Cisco is one of the most robust switches, it is easy to configure, and the documentation is pretty good."
    "The product is reliable."
    "The main valuable features for me are the ease of configuration, the CLI, and the GUI."
    "They don't ever fail and they have a long service life."
    "Catalyst Switches perform very well, and the network is stable."
    "The most beneficial features for our network management are their stability and good customer support."
    "It is an infrastructure tool, so it is just providing a backend service. Its most useful feature is that it operates on a regular basis. It is reliable."
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches pros
    "Its simplicity and web interface were most valuable. I also liked the two-factor authentication."
    "The most valuable feature of Extreme VDX is that we have had no problems and the solution's performance is excellent."
    "The fabric of the solution and the management aspect are the solution's most valuable features."
     

    Cons

    "This product could be improved with cheaper pricing."
    "t is one of the most expensive solutions."
    "In terms of performance, Juniper switches have a more user-friendly interface and more features than Cisco switches."
    "Its price can be improved. It is currently expensive."
    "Cisco is a bit complex."
    "The solution could be cheaper."
    "Pricing for this product is on the higher end, and is something that could be improved. Security could also be increased."
    "They should make so that they let users know five to ten minutes before productivity is restored in the case of power loss."
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches cons
    "The only problem is that at the moment it's an Extreme product and Extreme is not really pushing it. They have to make up for weak innovation and I'm not sure if they want to do that."
    "I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands."
    "Its scalability can be better. If possible, it can have Hyper POE. I am not sure if there is a fiber version."
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "Licensing is on a yearly basis. We usually spend up to $20,000."
    "Pricing could be cheaper as well."
    "I would rate the features-to-pricing ratio at six out of 10. My advice about licensing is that you should have a perpetual license, not one that is subscription-based."
    "I don't know a lot about the price, but they are affordable compared with other solutions."
    "The solution is probably the most expensive, but users who want the best need to pay the premium."
    "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."
    "The price is too high for this market."
    "There are no licensing fees required."
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches pricing and cost advice
    "It was around $1500 a year. It is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Ruckus."
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Educational Organization
    51%
    Computer Software Company
    9%
    Manufacturing Company
    5%
    Financial Services Firm
    4%
    No data available
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    No data available
     

    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 ...
    See all answers
    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...
    See all answers
    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
    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
     

    Comparisons

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    HPE ProCurve vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 12% of the time
    ExtremeSwitching vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    ExtremeSwitching vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 8% of the time
    Aruba Instant On Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    Aruba Instant On Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 7% of the time
    Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches Logo
    Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch LAN Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches
    Compared 6% of the time
    More Cisco Catalyst Switches Competitors
    No data available
     

    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Catalyst Switches
    June 2025
    Cisco Catalyst Switches reportDownload Cisco Catalyst Switches product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    June 2025
    Extreme VDX [EOL] reportDownload Extreme VDX [EOL] product report
     

    Also Known As

    Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
    VDX, Brocade VDX
     

    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
    Brocade VDX Switches support Layer 2 and Layer 3 fabrics with open standards and extensive scalability to deliver high performance, capacity, and reliability for data center spine and leaf deployments. It includes the following products: Brocade VDX 6740 SWITCHES, Brocade VDX 6940 SWITCH and Brocade VDX 8770 SWITCH.
    Extreme
     

    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
    Niagra Falls Bridge Commission, Medien System Partner, CDE Lightband, MaximumASP
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    June 2025
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