Cisco Ethernet Switches and MikroTik Routers and Switches both compete in the networking equipment category, with Cisco having the upper hand due to its robust enterprise-grade features and superior support network, although at a higher price point.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches provide power-saving design, efficient QoS, and MACsec layer-2 encryption. They support advanced IP routing and network virtualization with VLANs. MikroTik Routers and Switches offer essential routing features, ease of use, and cost-effective management for small to medium-sized networks, including bandwidth management and GUI-based configuration.
Room for Improvement: Cisco is often criticized for high pricing and complex licensing models and could benefit from a more user-friendly configuration interface. Integration with third-party products could also improve. MikroTik could enhance its advanced functionality and technical support, with the user interface and documentation needing improvements.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Ethernet Switches are deployed in both on-premises and hybrid cloud environments and praised for prompt technical support. MikroTik is primarily installed on-premises with satisfactory support levels but less favorable technical assistance compared to Cisco's established network.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco has high initial and ongoing costs with licenses and support contracts, providing long-term reliability and high ROI. MikroTik offers a lower initial investment with no recurring license fees, making it a cost-efficient choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
MikroTik Routers and Switches provide all the features necessary for network administrators to secure and monitor their networks and are suitable for companies of any size. The solution is ideal for creating Wi-Fi hotspots, connecting multiple servers, setting up firewalls and VPNs, and distributing bandwidth. MikroTik's user-friendly dashboard helps you interact easily with your hardware. With MikroTik's user interface, you can obtain real statistics by user or IP address and monitor bandwidth consumption.
Benefits and Key Features of MikroTik Routers and Switches
Reviews from Real Users
MikroTik stands out among competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its reasonably priced products and its user-friendly user interface, which makes it easy to work and communicate with its hardware.
Parameshwar P., a director at Navyug Networks, writes, "I like MikroTik's GUI. It's completely handy and easy to handle because of its GUI. Despite other brands like Cisco urging me to switch, I didn't because they don't have a GUI. This is the most comfortable thing in my project that anyone can use easily. It’s effortless to maintain MikroTik routers because both screens make it very easy in GUI mode. You can easily interact with your hardware.”
Rodney T., the chief solutions architect at Tech2go Strategic IT Solutions, says, "They are very good at providing the bandwidth for multi-tenants and multi-dwelling units. We're managing Wi-Fi hotspots for hundreds of locations, and the speed and performance are quite there. They also have very cheap 10G products that come with really good and flexible software. They are way cheaper than the top brands, and they're able to deliver the same performance and capabilities."
A principal consultant at a tech services company notes, "The most valuable aspect of this solution is the combination of value for money. They're extremely cost effective, yet they provide you with an extensive feature set of things you can do across the board. Also, they're pretty reliable, as far as equipment goes."
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