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Cisco Ethernet Switches vs D-Link Ethernet Switches vs MikroTik Routers and Switches comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

Review summaries and opinions

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

ROI

Sentiment score
7.5
Cisco Ethernet Switches offer reliability and efficiency, resulting in higher uptime, cost-effectiveness, and substantial long-term investment returns.
Sentiment score
1.0
D-Link Ethernet Switches offer a cost-effective, comparable alternative to Cisco, achieving ROI in four years with 90% resource savings.
Sentiment score
7.1
MikroTik devices are cost-effective, reliable, and offer an impressive 80% return on investment with no licensing fees.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.6
Cisco customer service is praised for responsiveness and efficiency, though support quality varies globally and integration issues exist.
Sentiment score
4.7
Users generally manage issues independently due to reliable switches, though technical support could improve, especially regarding response speed.
Sentiment score
4.3
MikroTik support receives mixed reviews; while knowledgeable, users face access challenges and documentation limitations compared to Cisco.
It takes two to three days for Cisco support to address issues.
Currently, we don't have any technical support because our license doesn't allow for direct support.
Cisco support is quick and responsive, often answering within an hour.
Whenever there is an issue, the local technical team supports us, whether through physical presence or remotely.
We have implemented these switches in 25 to 30 sites without significant problems.
Their support team knows their product very well.
I sometimes need technical support from my ISP company, or else I gather information from YouTube.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
8.0
Cisco Ethernet Switches offer flexibility and scalability, but some users are concerned about high costs and limited scalability.
Sentiment score
5.9
D-Link Ethernet Switches offer reliability, scalability, and affordability, appealing to medium and large enterprises for flexible network expansion.
Sentiment score
7.1
MikroTik Routers are seen as scalable, though some note hardware and security limitations in larger deployments.
Cisco mainly provides security, patch management, hardware reliability, durability, scalability, and security features supporting my organization's expansion.
The latest products do not allow integration with the earlier environment.
The scalability depends on the model.
The pricing is competitive in the market, making D-Link Ethernet switches a good option for both middle-end and high-end brands.
There is not much scalability.
Even in a big enterprise, MikroTik Routers and Switches can scale very well.
It's easy to scale MikroTik Routers and Switches; you can add more and have a cluster.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.9
Cisco Ethernet Switches are praised for stability, reliability, and durability, offering minimal disruptions and consistent low-maintenance performance.
Sentiment score
7.8
D-Link Ethernet Switches are reliable and stable, though some experience minor issues like heating and limited compatibility options.
Sentiment score
7.4
MikroTik Routers and Switches are generally stable, but newer OS versions and the power system can cause issues.
The switches are very stable, rated ten out of ten.
There are no stability issues with D-Link Ethernet switches.
The integration has been successful with no security breaches or network disturbances.
The stability of D-Link Ethernet Switches is good.
MikroTik Routers and Switches are very stable.
MikroTik Routers and Switches have very high stability.
 

Room For Improvement

Cisco Ethernet Switches need improved usability, security, pricing, support, integration, stability, scalability, and enhanced management features.
D-Link Ethernet Switches need improved management, security features, broader product range, software integration, scalability, and industrial support.
MikroTik Routers and Switches need better interface, security, documentation, compatibility, advanced features, and support for improved user experience.
The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products.
FortiGate switches are considered more valuable because they have firewall capabilities.
For example, on switches, filtering specific sections isn't supported, whereas, on routers, you can do 'show run' with additional commands to filter.
Improvements in the voltage facility, like increasing from 360 watts to 400 or 450 watts, would make them more competitive with other vendors.
Currently, D-Link Ethernet Switches are often not used in large data centers due to issues with performance and scalability.
It would be better for me if I could establish filter rules within MikroTik.
The most important thing is maintaining and enhancing their strong security features.
 

Setup Cost

Cisco Ethernet Switches are considered expensive but valued for quality and reliability, despite cheaper alternatives and licensing costs.
D-Link Ethernet Switches offer cost-effective, license-free solutions ranging $65-$1000, appealing to budget-conscious enterprises over pricier Cisco options.
MikroTik offers cost-effective routers with lifetime licenses, appealing to enterprises seeking affordable high-performance alternatives without hidden charges.
Cisco Ethernet switches are priced at a rating of nine, indicating they are expensive.
We need to pay for the subscription, as there are extra expenses after purchasing the product.
The solution is described as midrange in terms of pricing.
High-end switches should be slightly cheaper.
The pricing of D-Link Ethernet Switches is cost-effective.
D-Link Ethernet Switches are 30% cheaper than Cisco switches.
MikroTik Routers and Switches are expensive, but they are the best products in terms of quality.
 

Valuable Features

Cisco Ethernet Switches provide reliable performance, ease of management, advanced security features, scalability, and excellent support for diverse networking needs.
D-Link Ethernet Switches are valued for affordability, stability, and features like VLAN, easy management, energy efficiency, and security.
MikroTik devices combine affordability, scalability, and performance with features like flexible firewalls and user-friendly GUI for efficient networking.
The Cisco Ethernet switches are sturdy products that do not require any kind of maintenance.
The most valuable features of Cisco Ethernet switches include plug-and-play capabilities.
Cisco Duo is a great tool for increasing security within our company, making resources more protected.
It's especially valuable because Cisco and other products function similarly, but for smaller networks where high transfer rates aren't necessary.
The features of D-Link Ethernet Switches that have proven most beneficial in managing network traffic include their cost-effectiveness, which is suitable for small data centers.
With D-Link Ethernet Switches, I do not face any network load issues.
They simplify the process of creating access lists, allowing me to understand my network's activities effectively.
MikroTik Routers and Switches are some of the best routers around, security-wise, followed by Cisco.
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches is 12.8%, down from 18.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of D-Link Ethernet Switches is 5.3%, down from 5.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Routers and Switches is 7.1%, up from 4.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Myint Aung - PeerSpot reviewer
Exceptional network support and AI integration drive performance while suggesting enhancements for future use cases
I work with both HyperFlex and other Cisco products. I prefer to make online support available because I can utilize my CCIE architect, solution consultant, and engineer team along with our account manager and product sales team. We can clarify requirements and decide how to support you. We should arrange a conference call about Cisco Ethernet Switches where I can invite my architect and consultant to clarify more about the features that are most beneficial for improving network efficiency. Today is AI day, and all the new firmware includes AI to optimize the performance, traffic, and security of Cisco Ethernet Switches. It's performing very well. With many solutions and vendors available, you have to decide on one. I am extremely satisfied with the licensing cost for Cisco Ethernet Switches. For the price of Cisco Ethernet Switches, I would rate it a 7. My overall rating for Cisco Ethernet Switches is 10 out of 10.
Daniel Kivuthi - PeerSpot reviewer
Fits well in networks, integrate well but initial setup needs trained people
I did not face any major challenges, but the only thing is that D-Link has to invest in training technicians or engineers who install their products. They have to keep training them. D-Link can offer free training, or maybe even if they are charged, it's some fair charge. That way, D-Link encourages many technicians to take that training. And when the team has trained technicians or trained engineers, then it becomes very easy to install the devices and put them in the network. The solution integrates very well with our existing network infrastructure. The initial setup is straightforward. But, again, I will insist: If it is handled by trained personnel, then you find that the integration and installation are easy. But when people try to install the switches or the solutions and they do not have the technical know-how, then it becomes a challenge. People start saying that it's not a good solution, that they are not working. Yet, it is the technician who does not know how to handle them.
AnikIslam - PeerSpot reviewer
Cost-effective protocol support and a straightforward setup with room for login enhancements
In the network operations center, I manage our client's bandwidth. We connect with our clients through BGP and OSPF based on client demands. We also manage routing protocols, policies, internal firewalls, and other details like QE bandwidth, client manage bandwidth management, PoE, PPPoE, and DNS…
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Comparison Review

it_user82779 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 29, 2014
Benefits of Juniper vs Cisco
Both are decent products. I prefer Juniper for the following reasons: 1) Cleaner separation of data plane from control plane. Higher end Cisco devices are better at this but most of the lower end products still seem to be more integrated than I like. 2) The Hierarchical config design means I can…
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
12%
Comms Service Provider
10%
Healthcare Company
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
16%
Computer Software Company
13%
Hospitality Company
7%
Manufacturing Company
6%
 

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 func...
Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet F...
In terms of ethernet switches, would you go with Cisco or Juniper?
Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether Cisco or Juniper Ethernet switches were the better fit for...
What do you like most about D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link has a good VPN feature and quality of service.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link Ethernet Switches are 30% cheaper than Cisco switches. Pricing has not been a concern since it is already incl...
What needs improvement with D-Link Ethernet Switches?
Security enhancement would be beneficial as security challenges constantly emerge. New challenges will arise with 6G ...
How do Cisco Enterprise routers compare with Mikrotik routers and switches?
Cisco Enterprise Routers are very stable and easy to use. They offer a very solid performance and are very secure. Th...
Which are better - Ubiquiti UniFi switches or MikroTik routers and switches?
Ubiquiti Unifi is a great solution. For starters, it is easy to configure and implement, and doesn’t require a learni...
What do you like most about MikroTik Routers and Switches?
The price is a big factor. They are very affordable, and the quality is high.
 

Also Known As

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches
No data available
No data available
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Linz AG
George Mason University, Somerville House, Hiperwall, New Brunswick School District 16, The Fulcrum Group, Bremond Independent School District, University of Texas Health Science Center, Grand Canyon Skywalk, SUN Area Career & Technology Center, Abington Senior High School
ABB, Boingo Wireless, JPL, HP, Allied Telesis, iPass, Mips Technologies, MicroAge, Matsushita, Telia, undp, WFP, NASA
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Netgear and others in Ethernet Switches. Updated: August 2025.
865,164 professionals have used our research since 2012.