Standardization: Extreme vs Cisco

[MasterRacker]

I've inherited a distributed network that is using a number of different brands of routers, switches, etc. I have LANs in a number of buildings interconnected by either fiber or managed T1s. Given some budget over the next couple of years, I want to try and homogenize the network.

If you were building a network from the ground up would you prefer to use Extreme or Cisco equipment and why?

_____
Jeff
[small][purple]It's never too early to begin preparing for [/purple]International Talk Like a Pirate Day
"The software I buy sucks, The software I write sucks. It's time to give up and have a beer..." - Me[/small]

 

[dearingkr]

I've used Cisco for many years, but right now I'm using Extreme.
The answer to your question is "it depends".
They are both very reliable, robust, and expensive.

Cisco has a much wider variety of products to choose from.

The reason I'm using Extreme is for the QoS, it far outperforms all the others in independent testing. I run IPTV and VoIP over my network so QoS is critical.


MCSE CCNA CCDA

 

[cajuntank]

I'll put it like this; The not so old adage of "You never heard of a an IT person being fired for buying Cisco" is crap. Sure someone has been fired over buying Cisco, because there was no money left for the company to pay the IT person's salary after spending so much on Cisco.

Cisco's got great hardware, but I can get great if not greater hardware for less money.

I personally use HP Procurve for 99% of my switching infrastructure. They outperform their Catalyst couterparts, are cheaper up front, and far far cheaper over their lifetime (no Smarnet's to buy to get NBD warranty replacement and technical support). Now on the higher end for example, HP does not have anything that directly competes with Cisco's 6500 series switches, they make an attempt with their new 8212 series, but doesn't have the backplane speed or module options like the 6500's from Cisco. If I needed that level of a switch, I'd have no problem going with Cisco for that switch and that switch only if need be.

All this being said, I know several businesses that use Extreme product and are very happy with their choice. Easy to configure and always have positive things to say them.

I chose HP because of the performace for my scale, warranty (one of the best in the business), the phone system (I'm evolving to Mitel), and price; but I know Extreme has some of these same benefits.

Hope I added a little insight as well and not "muddied the waters" for you.

 

[tdd97]

cajuntank - I completely agree with you in your comparision. We also have a lot of extreme switches (BD6808, 5i, 7i) in our networks, as well as cisco 7609 and 6509. The HP switches are very cheap and reliable. Extreme is ok in price and their switches are very good for any video traffic, like multicast. Cisco is the BMW in the switch world because it's reliable, expensive, and everyone respects the class of the product. It all comes down to what's your budget and the amount of performance/options you need?