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Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches vs. HPE Aruba Networking Switches

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches

    Score8 out of 10
    N/ACisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches include capabilities and management options needed to support applications today and in the future, such as security, advanced QoS, comprehensive IPv6 support, and Layer 3 dynamic routing.N/A

    HPE Aruba Networking Switches

    Score8.7 out of 10
    N/AFor campus, branch, and data centers, HPE's Aruba CX switches are presented as a flexible, programmable, and cloud-native ASIC design solution, boasting the power, precision, and versatility of a microservices-based wired architecture.

    $503.63

    one-time fee

    Pricing
    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesHPE Aruba Networking Switches
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 6000 Switch Series
    Starting at $503.63
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 6100 Switch Series
    Starting at $935.20
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 6200 Switch Series
    Starting at $1,054.12
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 6300 Switch Series
    Starting at $4,483.55
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 5420 Switch Series
    Starting at $3,158.76
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking 2930F Switch Series
    Starting at $574.72
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 6400 Switch Series
    Starting at $7,394.82
    one-time fee
    HPE Aruba Networking CX 8100 Switch Series
    Starting at $19,102.26
    one-time fee
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesHPE Aruba Networking Switches
    Free Trial
    NoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsHPE Aruba Ethernet Switch prices vary significantly based on features, model, and quantity purchased.
    More Pricing Information
    Best Alternatives
    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesHPE Aruba Networking Switches
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    RUCKUS Ethernet Switches
    Score10 out of 10
    RUCKUS Ethernet Switches
    Score10 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Cisco Ethernet Switches
    Score9.1 out of 10
    Cisco Ethernet Switches
    Score9.1 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesHPE Aruba Networking Switches
    Likelihood to Recommend
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.0
    (13 ratings)
    Usability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.7
    (3 ratings)
    Support Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (6 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed SwitchesHPE Aruba Networking Switches
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Cisco
    It works very well as stack of core switches in small/medium company with 4x 10Gbit SFP+ interfaces. Native stacking is simple and in ring topology every switch has 2 redundant connections. They support maximum of 8 units per stack. You could use Cisco SG500X in hybrid stack with other series of switches, but make sure if other switch is compatible with hybrid mode stacking. Hybrid stack mode lower the number of units in stack. You should consider other model of switches if you need more then four SFP+ ports to connect more access switches using fiber cables.
    Incentivized
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    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    These devices are rock solid, you will se them up once and not have to mess with them for years. They are work horses that don't die. We use them in an office environment and have only ever had 1 fail due to a PSU issue, we got a replacement next day and it's been working great.
    Incentivized
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    Pros
    Cisco
    • Easy to create stacking
    • Easy to configure using web interface or command line
    • Similar command line to Cisco IOS
    Incentivized
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    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    • REST API capability
    • Wired & Wireless 802.1x configuration easiness
    • Wireless Access Points (APs) zero touch provisioning
    • Its high-end family (running the AOS-CX firmware) supports a virtualization technology called VSX (Virtual Switching Extension) which allows 2 switches to present itself as one virtualized switch under Layer 2, and as 2 separate routers under Layer 3; thereby providing high availability.
    Incentivized
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    Cons
    Cisco
    • Missing command line options like show running-config "| include, exlude"
    • Possibility to connect to switch using usb console cable or usb dongle
    • Missing vtp protocol support, only gvrp available
    Incentivized
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    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    • I have had issues finding monitoring software that natively supports Provision/Aruba OS. Most are designed primarily with Cisco in mind.
    • HPE/Aruba switches have historically had issues with corrupt flash. This seems to be less common in more recent models.
    • HPE/Aruba's switching portfolio can be confusing. Some models run on the Aruba OS while some others run on Comware. There is some overlap in these model lines so at times is can be tough to tell which switch is right.
    Incentivized
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    Usability
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    I have not had that many issues with these products. Aruba Central has been really helpful. The Integration Capabilities allows us to use Clearpass . For individuals new to enterprise-grade networking, there can still be a learning curve associated with understanding the concepts and the specifics of the Aruba configuration.
    Incentivized
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    Support Rating
    Cisco
    No answers on this topic
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    HPE Support is very easy to reach. A knowledgable rep can be reached in a few minutes. After some basic troubleshooting if the failure is due to hardware I can receive a replacement within a day or even in a few hours.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Cisco
    Cisco 550X switches stack using 10Gbit SFP+ ports on the front, while Dell N Series has dedicated ports (with cables) on the back of the unit. On the other hand dell N switches has number on small digital display showing stack member number, which is easier to identify. The cisco switches has dot beside the number of the switch member. I think Cisco devices are more reliable and stable than dell switches.
    Incentivized
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    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    We used to have a lot of Cisco switches which are great, but
    the support contracts and other expenses mount up quickly; one of the main
    reasons for switching to HP for networking was the cost, but the hardware and
    software have gotten so much better over the years.

    I can’t see us changing network hardware unless the price increases dramatically.
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Cisco
    • Money savings as they are cheaper than competative Cisco IOS switches
    • Cisco Business Switches has limited lifetime warranty
    • Good switching capacity, and reliability
    Incentivized
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    Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
    • I really like the idea of paying for the switches one time and just pay for support going forward. The prices are on the high end but I think it is worth it. I wish they would include all the features in one go so we would not have to pay for every new feature.
    Incentivized
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