

Cisco Ethernet Switches and Meraki MS Switches both compete in the network switch category. Often, Meraki MS Switches hold an advantage due to their cloud-based management features, which are well-suited to remote networking environments.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches feature power-saving architecture, flexible system configuration options, and robust security through MACSec encryption. They also offer redundant power supplies and layer 3 switching capabilities. Meanwhile, Meraki MS Switches provide easy cloud-based management, zero-touch deployment, and centralized control, making them advantageous for handling remote networking.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Ethernet Switches are often criticized for high costs, complex setup, and vendor lock-in due to proprietary technology. Suggestions point to improving pricing strategies, support for third-party integrations, and user interface. Meraki MS Switches also face criticism for high costs, especially their subscription-based model. Users have noted that limited functionality without cloud connectivity poses challenges in sectors like finance.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Ethernet Switches are predominantly on-premises, appreciated for their technical support; however, some users find the support inconsistent. Financial investments in Cisco are seen as beneficial due to system reliability. In contrast, Meraki MS Switches utilize hybrid and public cloud environments, simplifying network management. The cloud-based deployment model is praised, though the dependency on cloud connectivity is a concern.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Ethernet Switches are known for high initial and ongoing costs, including licensing and support. However, users justify these costs through durability, stability, and return on investment. Meraki MS Switches are considered expensive due to ongoing subscription costs linked to cloud functionality, yet the investment is often deemed worthwhile for the ease of management and streamlined operations they offer.
It has saved considerable time for engineers to troubleshoot and perform related tasks.
Customer support for Cisco Ethernet Switches is really good.
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.
If the devices are licensed, the support team will assist you depending on the severity level of the case.
The support is excellent and rated ten out of ten.
Cisco's tech support is pretty good, and I would rate it an eight out of ten.
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.
They're quite scalable for my environment.
The switches are very stable, rated ten out of ten.
If something happens to the device or hardware, Cisco will automatically change the device by the next business day.
We faced issues following firmware updates, which we now handle by performing updates outside of working hours.
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.
Meraki should also consider improvements in stacking features, particularly in the lower-end models like NS130, where stacking isn't supported, unlike with Cisco traditional switching.
There are compatibility issues with certain Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices, which we would like to see resolved.
Most people are familiar with the Cisco commands, and it would be beneficial if the switch could be accessed by GUI configuration and by normally accessing the console.
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.
Regarding the cost, Cisco Ethernet Switches have a competitive price.
Meraki MS Switches, including their licensing, are somewhat expensive, particularly when compared with competitor solutions like HP.
Meraki pricing is a little premium compared to other vendor products.
Pricing is affordable, and licenses for the cloud need to be purchased every three to five years.
Their stability and durability are essential features we've been looking for many years, and they are still working fine.
It provides a high layer of enterprise security via 802.1X port-based authentication, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, IP Guard, ACLs, and integration with Cisco ISE.
The Cisco Ethernet switches are sturdy products that do not require any kind of maintenance.
The control plane is in the cloud, and the data plane is local, allowing manageability from anywhere.
One of the most valuable features of Meraki MS Switches is its precise traffic analytics capabilities, allowing us to query the system for any place at any time.
The most valuable feature is the ability to access devices from anywhere in the world through the cloud.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Ethernet Switches | 8.8% |
| Meraki MS Switches | 2.8% |
| Other | 88.4% |

| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 60 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 35 |
| Large Enterprise | 55 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 54 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 20 |
| Large Enterprise | 22 |
Cisco Ethernet Switches provide reliable, high-performance networking with advanced features suitable for demanding environments, offering flexibility and easy management. These switches integrate well with different technologies, making them a go-to option for enterprises needing robust network solutions.
Renowned for superior performance and reliability, Cisco Ethernet Switches offer advanced networking features like network virtualization, VLAN, and quality of service. Robust design ensures durability in harsh conditions, while enhanced security features and remote management capabilities provide exceptional flexibility and troubleshooting ease. Users appreciate the support and comprehensive documentation provided, alongside the switches' ability to integrate seamlessly with technologies, supporting scalability and making them a preferred choice for businesses looking for efficient, secure networking solutions.
What are the key features of Cisco Ethernet Switches?Cisco Ethernet Switches are widely used in industries focusing on local area networking, data center infrastructure, and core to edge connectivity. Supporting LAN, data centers, security networks, and others, these switches facilitate robust communication and reliable connections. With advanced routing and stacking features, they optimize latency and handle high-throughput traffic, making them ideal for industries requiring stable and efficient networking.
Meraki MS Switches offer scalable cloud-managed networking with intuitive dashboards, security, and easy deployment. They provide reliable remote management and comprehensive analysis, ideal for enterprises seeking centralized control.
Meraki MS Switches deliver cloud-managed networking solutions, simplifying configuration and management with a user-friendly GUI. They are known for their scalability, security features, and zero-touch deployment capabilities. With remote switch management and deployment, the creative cloud interface simplifies setup and maintenance while offering comprehensive network traffic analysis and device tracking. However, there are areas for improvement, such as quoting processes and price reductions. Users often note the need for more configuration options, better third-party system integration, and concerns around cloud dependency. Stack features and security enhancements are also desirable, as well as improved performance and support.
What are the key features of Meraki MS Switches?Meraki MS Switches are widely implemented across educational institutions, government agencies, and small to mid-sized businesses. They provide a unified platform for access points and switches, facilitating remote configuration and monitoring. Users appreciate their ability to handle VLANs and LAN access points while connecting end-users with features like PoE and integration with Meraki's cloud infrastructure.
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