NETGEAR Switches Reviews

We have a five-story head office and deployed NETGEAR switches here, running for the past two years. We have 1,000 employees working in this building.

Centralized monitoring is there, but competitors like Cisco Prime are at a higher level of centralized monitoring where you can jump into any switch from anywhere and do the central maintenance. NETGEAR should consider that.

It's been almost two years since I started using NETGEAR switches.

The product is very stable. The managed switches are reliable, and we have not faced any issues so far with uptime.

The product is scalable. We have more than 100 switches.

In my last organization, we worked with Cisco, standardizing our network equipment with them. In this organization, we've been working with NETGEAR. So far, the feedback I've received is that it's good. However, I've worked with Cisco for the past 15 years at Tata Steel, but it's just been two months for me here. Going forward, if NETGEAR creates trouble, we will replace it with Cisco.

Cisco has a world-established brand, so Cisco would be better in those terms. I have seen it working for the past 15 years. We have a refresh policy where we replace all the switches and the network's other active components every four-and-a-half or five years. I'm not sure what the policy is in this new organization, but I know that NETGEAR has been used here for more than two years. We'll be working out some new policies at the current organization. The pros with Cisco are the reliability and the number of hours it works and that there's no need to manage it. However, the same goes for NETGEAR. The cons with NETGEAR is that I'm unsure about its market share. Cisco has a very good reputation and is a market leader.

Besides that, Cisco has the advantage of being managed centrally through a central management suite. But NETGEAR, I have seen that we need to log into the switch to take it remotely.

The product is easy to deploy. The time to deploy the product depends upon the deployment scale. A single building deployment would take days while configuring a single switch would take hours or minutes.

We do the architecture, and our engineers do the deployment. The product is easy to maintain. We need more people to manage our switches; if one switch and link are down, we would need at least two or three people to manage it.

We have local partners here to support and network experts. We have not faced a case where we have to contact the OEM.

NETGEAR is a cost-effective solution when going for a small enterprise or a small-scale business. In those cases, I recommend NETGEAR switches. But I recommend Cisco if it's a very large-scale, enterprise-level organization. I can't recommend NETGEAR for enterprise businesses since I have not seen NETGEAR switches deployed through thousands or tens of thousands of switches.

I rate NETGEAR switches an eight out of ten.

In my house, there are LAN wires throughout the house, along with eight or nine LAN ports or LAN points, to take care of which we needed NETGEAR Switches. When dealing with internet services from multiple ISPs, NETGEAR Switches help us to join the connection and help with the load balancing part.

The most valuable features of the solution are its ability to take care of the LAN ports or LAN points and deal with the internet services from multiple ISPs.

The gigabyte range NETGEAR Switches claims to provide its users is not actually a gigabyte output. Until and unless you go for a high-end model of NETGEAR Switches, it does not provide any speed, which is not something that is good. The aforementioned area can be considered for improvement.

The product's scalability has certain shortcomings that can be improved.

I have been using NETGEAR Switches for a decade. I use the solution's latest device, which was purchased two years ago, and it works fine.

It is a stable solution. At times, the USB ports go off and stop working, but it is fine.

The product's scalability is okay. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

The number of users of the tool depends on the number of ports. The higher model of NETGEAR Switches was extensively used, but the lower model was not that extensively used.

The initial setup was straightforward.

The setup phase took 10 to 15 minutes.

The solution is deployed on-premises.

The setup phase involves plug and play, where you connect the device to multiple LANs, and it starts to work. One can go to the admin module of the UI and configure it according to one's preferences, after which it is ready.

I took care of the solution's implementation phase.

I have experienced a return on investment through the use of NETGEAR Switches.

There are no licensing costs. It only involves the costs of the devices.

NETGEAR Switches are good and efficient, so it is worth trying.

Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

We use it based on customer requirements. If a customer says they need NETGEAR installed, then we are ready to provide NETGEAR customer support and are willing to pay Cisco.

The service for NETGEAR is very prompt. We personally know the NETGEAR process. If there are any problems, they try to support customer support.

In the last two or three years, Cisco products have been unavailable. That's why we switched to NETGEAR for remote capabilities, etc.

Moreover, I like the stability. The Netgear build is stable. We haven't had any problems with NETGEARs in the last few years.

The output is good, but one thing I would like to see improved is the response time for technical support. Currently, it takes more than 15 to 20 minutes to connect with a technician through the toll-free number. It would be much better if the call could be connected within five or two minutes.

NETGEAR is a good product. We've been using it for more than ten years. 

The stability is good. I would rate the stability a ten out of ten. 

The scalability is good. We have different projects at different locations, each with 50 to 100 users. However, we don't track individual users in housing complexes.

We have dedicated technical personnel. If we encounter any problems, we can contact NETGEAR directly.

NETGEAR's technical support is also good. They have their own office in Kolkata, which makes it easy for us to access and communicate with them.

Positive

We have completed more than 60 to 70 projects. Additionally, there are many end users.

After receiving a project, we can start the inquiry. We make the switch within two months.

We work in the government and corporate sectors. We require it regardless of the segment.

We have seen a good return on investment. NETGEAR switches are reliable, scalable, and affordable. We haven't found any other product that offers the same combination of features and price.

It's cheaper than Cisco. For the features it offers, the pricing is good. 

For example, if we need a specific feature like VIN, we can access to an appropriate suite like L2 or L3. Similarly, if we only need basic network functionality, a simpler and more affordable option like a normal suite would be ideal.

We focus on virtual experience and profit margin. If there's an opportunity on NETGEAR or Sophos, or Ubiquiti, we'll recommend that product. If not, we might recommend Ubiquiti. We're not dedicated to any particular network brand. We can deal with them all, including Cisco, depending on the customer's needs and budget. So, we have all the reputed products. 

For NETGEAR, it has a wide range of switches and routers for different needs. We choose the appropriate model based on our specific requirements.

Overall, I would rate the solution a ten out of ten. 

The solution is very powerful and versatile.

The firewall has many options for add-ons.

There is a lack of documentation, and the documentation I have is unclear, so I have to rely on Google for information.

The customer support is a paid add-on; you must buy it to get help.

I've been working with the solution for 15 years. 

One aspect of the scalability is that there is no option to upgrade the device. Netgate discontinued the 3100 model, which had a little more than a GB of throughput on the firewall, and replaced it with the 2100, which has less than a GB of throughput. Replacing a 1,200MB device with a 700MB one is illogical; if anything, the replacement should be higher end.

Our customers are generally unwilling to pay for the support, so we go with the light package. Once connected to the internet and working, the only help available is for refreshing devices and new firmware. We can exchange a device if it's under warranty, but we have to ship it, and then they send a replacement, which means we're out of a device for a while.

I can't comment on the full level of support, as our only experience has been with the light version. They help us get online and respond quickly to new firmware requests, usually with a download link within 24 hours, and that's the only assistance if you don't pay for more.

The setup is relatively challenging; the solution has a GUI, but it isn't as clear as other routers. The product will write some rules on the firewall, but I've seen firewalls that are easier to set up, and you need to know what you're doing, especially if you want to go into the more advanced features such as NAT, dynamic DNS, etc.

The product lacks remote access support, so the maintenance is Plug and Play; we go in about once a year to ensure we do the firmware upgrades properly. That's the extent of the maintenance; the solution runs by itself and doesn't require much interference from us.

The price is very fair for this type of device, especially for what it does.

I rate the solution nine out of ten. 

To fully leverage the solution, you need to understand your router.

This is a pure fiber solution. We use it for both SMBs and big organizations. We use it as a switch. 

It has the same features as many other brands. 

I like the way they work with customers.

The features are stable, and it deploys easily. It's very simple to implement in general.

The user interface is very good. 

The solution is scalable.

It is stable and reliable. 

Technical support is helpful and quick to respond. 

They currently don't have any stock. It's hard to get the devices. 

There's a lack of chips and, consequently, a lack of deliveries. They're out of stock at their European warehouse.

They also used to offer quite cheap routers, and now there is nothing under 150 euros. It's getting expensive. Many customers don't want to spend more than 60 or 70 euros on something like that. 

The scalability is limited to some extent. It's meant for smaller users. 

I'm working with home routers, and the Wi-Fi at the moment is Wi-Fi 6. With Wi-Fi 5 routers, there was a feature that was called device prioritization. This feature is missing with Wi-Fi 6 routers. I don't know why. Maybe the CPUs are not so strong or powerful, or maybe they believe that this feature is pointless since the devices are so powerful. That said, from my point of view, it is very important as a customer to have this feature.

I've been dealing with the solution for 12 years. 

There are no bugs or glitches, and it doesn't crash or freeze. It's quite stable and reliable. 

The solution can scale quite well. However, it doesn't scale quite as well as Huawei, which can get much larger. 

I have found that technical support replies quickly, and they close their tickets once they've completed their tasks. They are great. 

I'm also familiar with Huawei. The difference is this product is more for SMBs. The user interface is great for non-technical people, and everything works smoothly. Huawei can be more complex for some users. 

I've also used Aruba as well. 

The solution deploys easily. It's a straightforward setup. It's not a complex endeavor, even for a home user. In the past, I had to explain to my manager who wanted to buy some Wi-Fi extenders. I showed her how to set up the device. She said, "Okay, it sounds easy. I will do this by myself." The next day, she said, "Yeah, it is several clicks, and everything works fine." It's so very simple. YOu only need one person to handle the deployment.  

We can implement the solution for people. Some of our partners are so small they may need assistance as they are non-technical.  

The product is more expensive than, for example, TP-Link; however, it is cheaper than Aruba, Cisco, or Huawei. All of these are more enterprise-level switches, which is why the cost is a bit more. NETGEAR is better for smaller businesses. That said, while it is not a cheap brand, it offers good value. 

I haven't really evaluated other solutions. I'm quite overloaded as it is. 

I'd recommend the solution as it is very simple and stable. However, it is important to choose the right partner to help implement the solution. It will help everything go smoothly during implementation. 

It's also pretty plug-and-play. If you do need help, you can always reach out to NETGEAR. They are pretty responsive. 

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten. 

I use the solution in my company to connect devices together. I have experience with the very basic switches provided by NETGEAR.

The most valuable feature of the solution stems from the fact that its performance was okay.

Though the tool's useability is good, it has certain shortcomings where improvements are required.

There are certain shortcomings in the stability offered by the product, and improvements are required since I sometimes have to do the power reset.

I have been using NETGEAR Switches for a few months.

The product's stability is fine. Users should not face any stability-related issues when using NETGEAR Switches. My previous organization has used the product for a very long time, and it was there even during the phase when I was about to leave the company.

The product is easily scalable. With time, I was able to add additional NETGEAR Switches and increase the number of products in our network. You need to have a crossover cable to increase the number of switches, but you can directly add NETGEAR Switches, which is really cool.

I used to work in a library where there were around 127 nodes connected to NETGEAR Switches.

The tool is very easy to deploy as it is a very basic switch. I just need to put in the rack and plug in the cables to it.

For the product's deployment phase, you need to unpack the product and get the product ready to be mounted on the rack. After the product is mounted on the rack, you can plug in your ethernet and power cables and conduct a test.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

From unpacking and unboxing to racking up and plugging the cables, it takes less than thirty minutes to deploy it.

My assistant and I were the two people involved in the tool's deployment.

I deployed the tool in my company.

Speaking about the ROI, I didn't have to spend money replacing NETGEAR Switches that had issues, especially in a short span of time. Based on the tool's reliability, the product is good to use.

I wouldn't know anything about the price. I didn't purchase it directly.

I haven't used the tasks for applications under NETGEAR. I have always used the switches provided by NETGEAR.

Stability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Speaking about reliability and uptime, the tool I deployed in my company has been working for around five years now. The product is reliable.

The product is good, and I recommend it to others who plan to use it.

I rate the tool's ease of use an eight out of ten.

I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

My company uses NETGEAR Switches for internal networking purposes.

The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is easy to use.

The product's stability has certain shortcomings that need improvement.

I have been using NETGEAR Switches for more than twenty-five years. I don't remember the version of the solution.

It is a scalable solution.

More than 200 employees in our company use NETGEAR Switches.

I have contacted NETGEAR's technical support for help with routers and not switches. I like NETGEAR's technical support.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

A team of three people formed from those who work as managers, admins, engineers, or developers in our company help with the deployment and maintenance of the solution.

Our company's IT department carried out the product's installation phase in-house.

I have seen my company experience a return on investment from the use of NETGEAR Switches.

It is a slightly expensive product.

My company needs to purchase no licenses to use the product.

I use D-Link Switches and Wi-Fi routers from NETGEAR.

If the solution can be made available at a better price, then I would recommend the product to others who plan to use it.

I rate the overall solution a seven out of ten.

Our company integrates audio and radio systems, such as professional audio or installing PA systems.

M4250 is a new product line specially made for Audio and radio over IP systems. This switch is Layer 3, so it is a totally managed system.

The M4250 switches need more SFP models. There are only four to eight models in the M4250 product line. Some bigger installation systems need fiber to transmit much longer, so we need more SFP models.

We have been using NETGEAR Switches for about two years. The current model we are using is in their new product line.

I rate the stability an eight out of ten.

Technical support in China is not aware of audio over IP switches, so we need to learn how to set up the switches ourselves.

We used Cisco and Huawei switches more than a year ago. We switched because Huawei does not have these kinds of switches.

One or two years ago, we could not get suitable switches for Audio over IP. Configuring the switches is now more difficult for us.

So, users of Audio over IP who have little experience with the Internet need setup and configuration of the switches to be much easier.

NETGEAR could make this serial of switches much simpler to configure for Audio experts.

The M4250 series of switches is not expensive and is even cheaper than Huawei. A license is not required.

The M4250 series of Audio over IP switches is much more efficient and cheaper than Cisco. I'm also looking for these kinds of switches from Huawei, but the market is not big enough to allow Huawei or Cisco to produce a new product line for Audio over IP.

NETGEAR is stable and very user-friendly, and we plan to increase the use of the NETGEAR Switches in the future. I rate the product an eight out of ten.