Cisco Nexus 9000 Series vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch comparison

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

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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 Nexus 9000 Series

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

16th

Average Rating

9.2

Reviews Sentiment

4.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Data Center Networking (8th)

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

17th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Routers (5th)

Featured Reviews

Fakhar Mahmood

Sr. Network Administrator at i2c

Has consistently supported high availability with reliable performance and minimal disruption

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series and the routers are good, but the FMC or FTDs still need some improvement. We have Palo Alto firewalls and Next-Generation Firewalls in our environment. In comparison to the main firewall, we moved from Cisco FTDs to Palo Alto. We still have FTDs in our environment, but the majority of the firewalls have been moved to Palo Alto. They are more user-friendly, give more visibility, and are more efficient. The performance is better than Cisco. With the new features, Cisco is having some improvement for the FTD. I am currently evaluating the FTDs. The new version has better features like the encrypted visibility engine and user-based changes in FMCs, and other things are quite useful for us. FTDs do have limitations and other issues. We communicated that limitation and feature support to the Cisco account manager. We do have support for the devices. We currently have a weekly call with Cisco and they are making progress regarding new versions of the FMCs and introducing new features. The performance of deployment has improved quite a bit compared to four or five years ago.

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Andriejus Artamonovas

IT Specialist at a outsourcing company with 501-1,000 employees

Has supported deeper configuration through traffic mirroring and advanced VLAN setup

The main reason why MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is usually chosen is its raw performance to price ratio. In comparison to UniFi switches, MikroTik Cloud Router Switch can mirror all ports for traffic inspection for further traffic analysis, which UniFi cannot do. VLANs in MikroTik Cloud Router Switch are always useful. The way MikroTik implements VLAN-aware switching at the bridge level is hidden in the configuration. Making CRS work as a simple VLAN-aware switch requires deeper configuration, which is not intuitive. VLANs support individual interfaces not part of the bridge, allowing for double VLANing. You can create a VLAN interface in the interfaces context and also create a bridge interface, add physical ports, create VLANs for that bridge interface, and assign tagged and untagged ports and VLANs. Load balancing is one of the key components. The feature itself is quite efficient and works reliably on MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. The very basic setup is one of my favorites because they have their protocol where I can connect through the MAC address right on Layer 2, and I don't lose connectivity to the switch if I mess up with bridging or IP addressing.

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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

"Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is quite a complex machine, but we are using a very simple configuration with basic Nexus switching, and we don't have many issues with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series at the moment in our present infrastructure."

"Performance has been great with no abnormal behaviors detected, and the network remains stable even in failover scenarios, supporting vast environments with high availability."

"The stability and reliability of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series are robust, and once you put it on, it does not just fail; that takes a long time, maybe even years."

"Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is very durable and very reliable, and there has never been any issue with it."

"We are using the core capabilities of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Ethernet switches, and it is performing well."

"RealPresence works effectively."

"The GUI is easy to use."

"A valuable aspect is its user-friendly configuration, making it accessible even for individuals with basic technical knowledge."

"The most valuable feature is that it has better throughput than its competitors."

"This solution is very similar to the on-premises version making it easy to use for those who know the architect."

"I think that Mikrotik is the best solution for SOHO and small businesses because the price is very good and it includes a lot of features."

"The traffic monitoring capabilities are excellent."

"The router power is the most valuable aspect."

"It's a well-rounded solution for routing."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pros

Cons

"We find that Cisco has been left behind by the other vendors. The other vendors have adopted new technology, and we find Cisco lagging behind."

"For Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, I think we need to work on the HSRP. Whenever it flaps or something happens, it creates an issue."

"Cost-wise, Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is very expensive."

"I would rate the technical support for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series an eight out of ten. This rating is not because of their lack of expertise, but just the assignment period."

"The SFP modules we are using have had issues. We have Cisco modules, but they frequently heat up or there are packet error issues."

"MikroTik has a three to five year maximum lifespan."

"It would be even better with a centralized management platform."

"This product is not recommended for enterprise-level projects."

"The port isolation and VLAN need to be improved."

"The area for improvement is security. MikroTik is mostly used by medium and small businesses, so the security is not as robust as Cisco."

"In medium to large sectors, there's a necessity for managing aspects like proxy firewalls."

"It can be difficult to identify key functions for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. I experience functionality limitations, particularly when trying to find specific features."

"The solution does not yet offer a SaaS version."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"The price is competitive."

"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."

"They came with the licensing when we purchased them."

"The price of the solution is fair and there is a one-time license purchase only."

"This product has a one-time cost and there is no licensing fee."

"I believe the price of the tool is high, but it is okay for the services we get from it."

"I consider it to be a cost-effective solution."

"In Pakistan, if you buy this cloud router, it's approximately $700 for the device."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

25%

Construction Company

15%

Outsourcing Company

15%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

14%

Educational Organization

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	19
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	2

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?

At this point, not much could be improved about Cisco Nexus 9000 Series. Automation GUI based is not the core of the 9000, so this is a different device or a different solution. I do not find anyth...

What is your primary use case for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?

My usual use cases for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series involve various companies, particularly when they are in need of a new automation solution or just an upgrade of the data center.

What advice do you have for others considering Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?

I am very satisfied with this solution. However, it is more about whether it is actually possible to do the solutions, and normally people already know what they want. They only need to have the ri...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

The Python solution pricing is on the lower side.

What needs improvement with MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

It can be difficult to identify key functions for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. I experience functionality limitations, particularly when trying to find specific features. It would be beneficial to...

What is your primary use case for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

I mostly work with network equipment now, focusing mainly on routers. I work with FortiGates and MikroTik routers. When referring to FortiGate routers, I mean the firewalls, but not the enterprise-...

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series

Comparisons

Compared 18% of the time

Juniper QFX Series Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series

Compared 18% of the time

Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series

Compared 17% of the time

Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Networking Platform vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series

Compared 8% of the time

More Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Competitors

MikroTik Routers and Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 7% of the time

TP-Link Omada Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 7% of the time

Huawei Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 6% of the time

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 5% of the time

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Competitors

Product Reports

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series

Download Cisco Nexus 9000 Series product report

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Download MikroTik Cloud Router Switch product report

Also Known As

No data available

MikroTik CRS Series

Overview

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is a high-performing network switch line designed for modern data centers, offering scalability, flexibility, and efficiency for complex network infrastructures.

This series enhances data center performance with its ability to provide extensive support for open Ethernet standards and programmable networking environments. It is specifically tailored to meet the demands of evolving infrastructure by delivering advanced automation and simplified operations tailored for application-driven environments. Designed to tackle the challenges of today's data centers, Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ensures robust networking for enterprises seeking growth through technological advancement.

What are the key features of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?

High Density: Features high-density 40G Ethernet, enhancing throughput in data centers.
Programmability: Offers full programmable access via Cisco’s NX-OS software, enabling customized operations.
Scalability: Supports scalability to enable growth and expansion without compromising performance.
Energy Efficiency: Equipped with energy-saving technology, reducing operational costs significantly.

What benefits and ROI can users expect?

Cost Efficiency: Reduces costs through energy-efficient operations and maintenance.
Performance: Increases network performance forwarding vital data swiftly and securely.
Adaptability: Easily integrates into existing systems, aiding in smooth transitions and upgrades.
Reliability: Ensures continuous uptime and stability, crucial for business-critical operations.

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series finds extensive use in industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where robust, scalable network infrastructure is essential. In finance, it supports fast and reliable data transactions. In healthcare, it's critical for handling patient data securely. Telecommunications rely on it for managing extensive data traffic efficiently, demonstrating its adaptability and strength in managing sector-specific demands.

Cisco

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch offers a balance of price and performance ideal for businesses needing efficient routing and traffic management. It enables load balancing, VLAN support, and comprehensive monitoring, making it suitable for diverse network environments.

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is recognized for its flexible routing capabilities and cost-efficient solutions, benefiting sectors like public services and education. With user-friendly setup and advanced configuration options, it efficiently manages ISP business routes, integrates into corporate networks, and scales for government projects and data centers. However, it could benefit from improvements in security aspects like VPNs, and better technical support. While admired for intuitive interfaces, there’s a desire for enhancements in hardware quality, MPLS support, and OS utilization.

What are the key features of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

Flexible Routing: Allows for sophisticated traffic management suited for ISPs and corporate networks.
Intuitive Interfaces: User-friendly GUI and command-line setup for ease of use across tech levels.
Advanced Security: Offers firewall features and VPN support for secure network environments.
Load Balancing: Efficiently manages network traffic to optimize performance.
VLAN Support: Enables segmenting networks to enhance security and management.

What benefits should users expect in MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

Cost Efficiency: Competitive pricing aligned with high-performance delivery.
Scalability: Adaptable to network size, from small organizations to data centers.
User-Friendly: Simple setup and flexible configuration reduce deployment time.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Effective tools for real-time traffic and network status insights.
Support for Diverse Applications: Integrates well into educational, governmental, and commercial settings.

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch sees extensive use in industries requiring robust networking, like ISPs for core routing and client management, as well as government and educational sectors for large-scale network integration. Key users include distributors and service providers, leveraging its traffic control and secure routing in complex environments.

MikroTik

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch