Broadcom Ethernet Switches vs. Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches

It works very well in environments where you need to stack multiple switches together for additional ports, while providing a single management IP to configure vs configuring numerous switches independently. Their vast portfolio has products that would be well suited for access switches, core switches, and distribution switches. For core/distribution, I would not use their cloud management platform however due to its limitations in options.

Incentivized

• Uptime has been fantastic. We have had no issues with our switches shutting down or crashing
• Policy, We have the ability to enforce Policy at the port

Incentivized

• They are working on it, but a single console to manage the policies across all switches.
• For those with a Cisco background, the CLI commands are different with Extreme so you have to get used to that. Nothing necessarily wrong though.
• If you want a chassis core switch/router then those are becoming less available and won't find many options with Extreme.

Incentivized

Great product, great support and very happy with the reliability.

Incentivized

Very easy to use, the CLI is a little different than competing products, but the GUI is very intuitive.

Incentivized

There hasn't been a single problem with the code or hardware that hasn't been resolved in a timely fashion. You get technicians who know the product and who will work with you to get things fixed. That being said, I never ran into a problem with Cisco tech support either. I love that both groups were willing to teach me as they fixed things.

Incentivized

I found Aruba equipment to be more expensive than Extreme [Ethernet Switches] and I just was not sold that they would perform better. In my opinion, you are paying a premium for the HPE Aruba brand. We've been using Extreme back when they were called Enterasys. They were pushing network boundaries for years even before Extreme bought them. I think Extreme [Ethernet Switches] are a better quality switch.

Incentivized

• Extreme [Ethernet Switches] have a long-life. You can easily get 7 years in main production life depending on when you buy in the product life-cycle.
• Extreme [Ethernet Switches] are expensive, no doubt, but we also don't have "weird" network problems or other issues with the network randomly going down.
• If you use fabric connect switches then the ease of managing many switches is of no concern.

Incentivized