In the enterprise networking space, Juniper Networks has been outpacing Cisco Systems. How do the products and strategies of the two companies compare? And why are they the best option for your data center hardware? Before delving into the differences between Cisco and Juniper switches, it is essential to understand the importance of a switch.
What is a Switch?
Switches are the most essential components of any network. They connect several devices on the same network, such as PCs, wireless access points, printers, and servers, within a building or campus. A switch allows connected devices to share information and communicate with one another. C
The switch understands which network devices are connected to it and can move data packets directly between those devices. Arista vs Cisco vs juniper In other circumstances, data packets may be routed to distant destinations on different networks. In this case, a switch forwards the packets to a router, which then forwards them to their network destinations.
Cisco vs Juniper: Which Switch is Better?
After dominating the commercial networking market from the mid-1980s to the 2000s, Cisco began to lose market share due to the introduction of alternative network equipment brands. Cisco and Juniper Today, more and more organizations, particularly those on the smaller side, are looking at their networking options and questioning if Cisco is the only product worth investing in.
Juniper Networks has swiftly grown in recent years, challenging Cisco as the brand of choice for an increasing number of organizations. Cisco vs Juniper networks Coming from a time when Cisco had a monopoly, they have expanded to hold about 30% of the market in a little more than a decade.
So, why should your company consider investing in a Juniper switch rather than a Cisco one for its networks? Let’s have a look at some of the reasons why.
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Better Products for Small-to-Medium-Sized Businesses
Juniper was one of the first companies to notice that smaller companies were largely excluded from high-end networking due to Cisco’s monopolistic pricing. Cisco vs Juniper vs arista As the Internet evolved and spread, and global data-based telecommunications became the norm, smaller businesses required equipment to keep up.
For the major players in the business, Cisco equipment is probably still the best available even if it is at the highest price tiers and combines their proprietary hardware, software, and support features. Juniper, on the other hand, makes a lot more sense for everyone else.
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Established to Overcome Cisco
Juniper was a company with a mission. They were created as a combined company by unhappy venture capitalists and dissatisfied Cisco consumers. They viewed Cisco in the late 1990s as being sidetracked and not looking into the Internet’s possibilities for business networking. Juniper switches vs Cisco switches Given that Juniper was the first opponent to breach Cisco’s defenses, it seems that they did well.
Juniper provides greater flexibility to organizations by providing interfaces that do not require the usage of a Certified Expert. It’s all about the customer.
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Extensive Research Focus
Cisco paid a heavy price for its lack of vision. It stopped looking ahead to new technologies and became preoccupied with simply maintaining its large networking market share. Cisco vs Juniper market share Companies such as Juniper were pioneers in virtualization and remote office assistance. Since then, Cisco has been playing catch-up, and it shows in their everyday services. They lack the forward-thinking features that smaller enterprises require.
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A Commitment to Network
Unlike Cisco, Juniper did not become bogged down in the 2000s by a succession of questionable investments in non-networking sectors. While Cisco was investing in things like cable-top TV boxes – 20th-century technologies – their competition was primarily focused on improving business networking. It’s evident in their products.
A Juniper switch is specifically built for enterprises wishing to transition away from traditional copper wire solutions and into virtual and cloud environments.
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High Prices for Cisco Kit
Many of these issues would be more academic if Cisco products were not so expensive.
Many enterprises find Cisco products just out of reach due to their high price tags. Often, Cisco offers prices that are two to three times higher than Juniper’s for essentially the same features. Although Cisco’s name once justified these costs, it’s increasingly difficult to rationalize the high prices today.
JUNOS: A Key Advantage
The JUNOS operating system serves as a compelling reason to choose a Juniper switch. It offers two significant advantages over Cisco’s offerings:
- Modular Design: Each operation and component in a Juniper network setup operates independently. If one module fails, it does not affect the rest of the system.
- Single Train Compatibility: All Juniper switches, routers and other products utilize the same JUNOS operating system. This design ensures straightforward interoperability across the system.
Security Features
Juniper prides itself on its robust security measures. The company defines device security through three key components: physical hardware security, operating system security, and configuration-based security.
To meet these requirements, Juniper employs cutting-edge software that enhances the user experience. For instance, JUNOS supports Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus (TACACS+). This authentication technique allows for centralized management, enabling authenticated users to access any router, switch, or gateway on the network.
The latest Juniper switches provide cloud-grade, high-density Ethernet switching throughout your data center, campus, and branch.