Meraki MS Switches and Juniper QFX Series Switches are contenders in the network switches category. Meraki holds an advantage with its easy-to-use cloud management platform.
Features: Meraki MS Switches provide cloud management with a centralized dashboard, simplifying configuration and remote management. Quick deployment and cloud-based firmware updates are also included. Juniper QFX Series Switches offer high port density, VxLAN, and EVPN functionalities, enhanced by Broadcom chipsets for superior performance.
Room for Improvement: Meraki Switches are seen as costly, with users desiring offline functionalities to reduce cloud reliance. Juniper Switches need improvements in GUI simplicity, better support for fiber connectivity, and smoother upgrade processes. Both products could benefit from more competitive pricing strategies.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Meraki supports flexible deployment models and simplifies the process via its cloud-based management, though there are inconsistencies in technical support response times. Juniper focuses on on-premises deployments and excels in customer service, offering quick and efficient technical support.
Pricing and ROI: Meraki's high pricing is offset by integrated features and scalability, though costs can vary based on cloud usage. Juniper, while expensive upfront, offers competitive pricing compared to high-end rivals and delivers consistent scalability, justifying its investment.
Other brands might break after three or four years, but with Juniper, I can use it until now, around nine years, and it's still very usable and very stable.
The normal ROI customers work with is five years unless there is a major change in technology.
The technical support of Juniper is very helpful because if we have some big issues, we can raise P1 or P2 tickets, and the response from Juniper is very fast.
Sometimes parts are not available in stock, then you have to wait for replacement time.
The support is excellent and rated ten out of ten.
If the devices are licensed, the support team will assist you depending on the severity level of the case.
Cisco's tech support is pretty good, and I would rate it an eight out of ten.
For any kind of environment, this scalability is extensive.
They're quite scalable for my environment.
Juniper has better performance than any other networking product as far as performance is concerned in the router area.
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.
My personal opinion is that if anyone wants to work with a Layer 3 fabric in a data center, they should choose Juniper because working with ACI and APIC is very complex in the Cisco part.
I would like to see other cheaper plans for the license on the QFX series.
The only improvement I seek is configuration without an internet connection.
When a switch disconnects from the internet, you can't make any changes to that switch.
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.
We are a number one, tier-one partner of Juniper. Therefore, we normally get better discounts than with Cisco because we don't have the level one partnership with Cisco.
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.
The best feature of Juniper QFX Series Switches is the virtual chassis feature because it's very stable in my experience.
They work with EVPN solutions, providing a Layer 3 fabric, which is a very good capability.
The control plane is in the cloud, and the data plane is local, allowing manageability from anywhere.
Zero-Touch Provisioning helps streamline my deployments by ensuring that every system does not trust anybody or anything, requiring identification and authentication while implementing MFA.
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.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Meraki MS Switches | 2.6% |
| Juniper QFX Series Switches | 1.0% |
| Other | 96.4% |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 5 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 1 |
| Large Enterprise | 2 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 54 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 20 |
| Large Enterprise | 22 |
Juniper QFX Series Switches are designed for efficiency and scalability, with support for high port density and multiple connectivity options. They are optimized for use in data centers, providing a reliable and flexible network solution.
These switches offer numerous advanced features, including ease of use and scalability, making them ideal for a range of networking applications. Leveraging Broadcom chipsets, they deliver performance and cost-effectiveness while maintaining low power consumption. The virtual chassis feature enhances network stability, and integration of EVPN-VXLAN supports a flexible and scalable infrastructure. The QFX series supports leaf-spine architecture, often preferred in data center environments, and provides a competitive edge over Cisco's Nexus series. While users value their functionality, there are areas for improvement such as the graphical interface, pricing structure, and integration for smoother upgrades. Challenges may arise with existing data center compatibility and lack of dedicated fiber connectivity for specific storage systems like Dell's.
What are the key features of Juniper QFX Series Switches?Juniper QFX Series Switches find applications in industries requiring robust routing, data center utilization, and Layer 2 connectivity. They are instrumental in site routers and datacenter operations, as well as IP fabric implementations. Organizations in the finance sector use them effectively for connecting to CDN networks and services, appreciating their simplicity and comprehensive Layer 2 functionality.
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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