Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches vs. NVIDIA Spectrum 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

Well suited: HCI Infrastructure as a high-performance platform for storage traffic TOR or Network Backbone Less appropriate: Client Access switches

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

• open platform for use with e.g. Cumulus OS
• cost effective
• excellent support

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

• Interoperability with other vendors
• Bugs

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

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

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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

Broadcom is quicker is rolling out newer chipset and hardware. But NVIDIA Mellanox has better system integration due to its purchase of Cumulus OS.

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

• Overall seamless integration into the datacenter
• Better cost per port so higher ROI

Incentivized