When evaluating Ethernet Switches, consider aspects such as speed, scalability, and management capabilities.
Speed
Scalability
Management Capabilities
Port Density
Energy Efficiency
Security Features
Speed is vital to ensure efficient data transfer. Look for switches supporting gigabit or higher to future-proof the network. Scalability allows for growth, making it crucial to select switches that can join a larger network or add new devices without hassle.
Management capabilities provide control over network traffic. Managed switches enable monitoring and control for enhanced performance and troubleshooting. Port density should align with your connection needs, providing enough ports for current and future devices. Energy efficiency features, like auto-sensing ports, can reduce power consumption significantly. Lastly, consider switches offering robust security features such as access control lists and encryption to protect sensitive data from potential breaches.
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System & Network Engineer at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Jul 13, 2017
I would say a mix between performance, stability, managebility, functionality, flexibility, compatibility and price.
I'm all into SDN, automation and integration.
We avoid proprietary protocols and try to achieve vendor independency.
Also: know the vendor's architecture & vision.
IT Security Engineer at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Aug 25, 2015
I really enjoy the Meraki's approach to switch administration and I think all future switches (managed locally on primes or via the cloud) should provide administrators more visibility and ease of administration.
Head of computer network and telecommunications division at a financial services firm
Real User
May 12, 2015
There is no one uber criteria for all types of switches. It always depends..
Campus access switches require PoE and stack capabilities. DC access switches have to be superfast and reliable. Core/Disrribution/Spine and DCI role switches are to support extended L3 and MPLS functionalty and so on.
Nevertheless in a new era of SDN where automation and orchestration paradigms come to play all ongoing switches have to have some sort of open API. Besides that an interoperability is a key factor as well. So open standarts is my another main criteria.
Associate Director - University Technology Infrastructure (UTI) with 1,001-5,000 employees
Vendor
Mar 30, 2015
My most important criteria in Ethernet Switches would be compatibility of needed functions (hardware and software used) and other products, throughput, reliability, and the accountability of the product to be functioning for 7-10 years (the next renovation/purchase cycle) with-holding the ability to comply with the emerging technologies. Also the company's support (manufacturer and supplier) will also be crucial...
Sr. Voice Engineer at a retailer with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Mar 16, 2015
PoE capacity to port ratio comes first. And of course the uplink bandwidth capacity. I don't look at anything other than Cisco. They are #1 for a reason, and it is my personal experience that I can place a Cisco switch, configure it, and forget it. They just work.
I look for proven reliability i.e., Cisco. There's a reason they are the go-to industry standard for switching. As far as features, I look for Gigabit Ethernet ports all around, PoE, and Stack-wise capability in order to future-proof my purchases for as long as possible.
Depending on what your requirements are my opinion is throughput and functionality. Management is another consideration as it won't do you any good if you can't manage the switches purchased. As far as POE is concerned look at the wattage and make sure your devices are going to have the power needed. The rest of the lights, bells and whistles are up to you.
Ethernet Switches are key components in networking, providing efficient data transfer and network reliability, accommodating different device connections, and enabling streamlined communication.Designed to support the seamless flow of data across networks, Ethernet Switches ensure optimal communication between devices. They distribute data packets to destination nodes efficiently, minimizing latency and enhancing network performance. With capabilities ranging from basic connectivity solutions...
When evaluating Ethernet Switches, consider aspects such as speed, scalability, and management capabilities.
Speed is vital to ensure efficient data transfer. Look for switches supporting gigabit or higher to future-proof the network. Scalability allows for growth, making it crucial to select switches that can join a larger network or add new devices without hassle.
Management capabilities provide control over network traffic. Managed switches enable monitoring and control for enhanced performance and troubleshooting. Port density should align with your connection needs, providing enough ports for current and future devices. Energy efficiency features, like auto-sensing ports, can reduce power consumption significantly. Lastly, consider switches offering robust security features such as access control lists and encryption to protect sensitive data from potential breaches.
Stability, performance, price.
I would say a mix between performance, stability, managebility, functionality, flexibility, compatibility and price.
I'm all into SDN, automation and integration.
We avoid proprietary protocols and try to achieve vendor independency.
Also: know the vendor's architecture & vision.
ARCHITECTURE AND PERFORMANCE
I really enjoy the Meraki's approach to switch administration and I think all future switches (managed locally on primes or via the cloud) should provide administrators more visibility and ease of administration.
For me there are several: Is the switch L3, does it have CLI or some management, and I think I would prefer a CISCO with gigabit connectivity.
There are several variables to verify, but one of them is that the switch have to be manageability and VLAN compatible.
Relatively new to Distributed systems but it has to be rock solid, easy to use and maintain.
There is no one uber criteria for all types of switches. It always depends..
Campus access switches require PoE and stack capabilities. DC access switches have to be superfast and reliable. Core/Disrribution/Spine and DCI role switches are to support extended L3 and MPLS functionalty and so on.
Nevertheless in a new era of SDN where automation and orchestration paradigms come to play all ongoing switches have to have some sort of open API. Besides that an interoperability is a key factor as well. So open standarts is my another main criteria.
I don't think there is only one important criteria, it should be a balance of price, performance, features, manageability and support.
My most important criteria in Ethernet Switches would be compatibility of needed functions (hardware and software used) and other products, throughput, reliability, and the accountability of the product to be functioning for 7-10 years (the next renovation/purchase cycle) with-holding the ability to comply with the emerging technologies. Also the company's support (manufacturer and supplier) will also be crucial...
PoE capacity to port ratio comes first. And of course the uplink bandwidth capacity. I don't look at anything other than Cisco. They are #1 for a reason, and it is my personal experience that I can place a Cisco switch, configure it, and forget it. They just work.
Number of ports, PoE, processing, and look for a product with good reviews and customer service~
I look for proven reliability i.e., Cisco. There's a reason they are the go-to industry standard for switching. As far as features, I look for Gigabit Ethernet ports all around, PoE, and Stack-wise capability in order to future-proof my purchases for as long as possible.
Depending on what your requirements are my opinion is throughput and functionality. Management is another consideration as it won't do you any good if you can't manage the switches purchased. As far as POE is concerned look at the wattage and make sure your devices are going to have the power needed. The rest of the lights, bells and whistles are up to you.