Cisco offers a wide range of network switches, from access-layer to core/distribution and data center switches. These switches are known for their reliability, advanced security features, and comprehensive management capabilities. Cisco's switches often run on the Cisco IOS operating system and support features like VLANs, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and StackWise technology, which allows multiple switches to be managed as a single logical unit. They are highly scalable and suitable for enterprises of all sizes.
Netgear provides network switches for home and business use, categorized by management style: Unmanaged, Easy Smart Managed, Smart, and Fully Managed. Their switches come in various port counts (5, 8, 16, 24, 48) and often support PoE and Multi-Gigabit speeds. Netgear's switches are designed to be user-friendly, with many models offering plug-and-play functionality or easy configuration via a web interface or the NETGEAR Insight app for cloud management. They cater to a broad range of applications, from small office setups to professional AV-over-IP deployments.
Sophos switches are designed to provide secure, scalable Ethernet access and are deeply integrated with the Sophos Central security management platform. This integration allows for a single-vendor solution and zero-touch deployment, simplifying network administration. Sophos switches support network segmentation through VLANs to reduce the attack surface and can automatically isolate potentially compromised devices using an API-triggered threat feed. They are ideal for small to midsize businesses and branch offices, with models available in 8, 24, and 48-port configurations, and with various PoE and Multi-Gigabit options.