# Best Networking Hardware

  *By [Rachana Hasyagar](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/rachana-hasyagar)*

   Networking hardware refers to dedicated physical devices that enable, manage, and optimize communication across networks by directing, segmenting, and transmitting data between connected systems. It includes network components such as switches and routers. Networking hardware provides the foundational connectivity layer across environments.

Key benefits of networking hardware:

- Enables secure and reliable communication across local and wide area networks (WAN)
- Optimizes traffic flow through intelligent switching and routing
- Supports scalability to accommodate growing users and devices
- Provides visibility and control over network infrastructure
- Improved network performance with dedicated traffic management capabilities





## Category Overview

**Total Products under this Category:** 48


## Trust & Credibility Stats

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 500+ Authentic Reviews
- 48+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.


## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score)
  ### 1. [Cisco Catalyst Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-switches/reviews)
  Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate, and collaborate. As an innovator in the communications and information technology industry, Cisco and our valued partners sell Cisco hardware, software, and services to businesses of all sizes, governments, service providers, and consumers.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 148


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Network Engineer
  - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Telecommunications
  - **Company Size:** 3% Mid-Market, 1% Enterprise


  ### 2. [Cisco Routers](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-routers/reviews)
  Bring strong security and services to enterprise, service provider, and industrial networks.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 89


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Network Engineer
  - **Company Size:** 7% Enterprise, 1% Small-Business


  ### 3. [Huawei Routers](https://www.g2.com/products/huawei-routers/reviews)
  Routers with large-capacity, high-reliability, easy O&M, and low power consumption help enterprises in various industries to quickly achieve digital transformation.


  **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 31


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Huawei Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/huawei-technologies)
- **Year Founded:** 1987
- **HQ Location:** Shenzhen, China
- **Twitter:** @HuaweiEnt (412,969 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3014/ (135,837 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Network Engineer


  ### 4. [MikroTik](https://www.g2.com/products/mikrotik/reviews)
  MikroTik provides wireless ISP systems for Internet connectivity.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 30


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [MikroTik](https://www.g2.com/sellers/mikrotik)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** Rīga, Rīga
- **Twitter:** @mikrotik_com (42,022 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/603566/ (677 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Who Uses This:** Network Engineer


  ### 5. [Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-wireless-lan-controllers/reviews)
  Get your network digital-ready with our intelligent controllers. They'll help scale a small, midsize, or large enterprise network.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 23


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO



  ### 6. [Datto Networking](https://www.g2.com/products/kaseya-datto-networking/reviews)
  Remain connected with high-performance routing, including built-in firewall, intrusion detection, and fully-integrated 4G LTE failover.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 20


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Kaseya](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kaseya)
- **Year Founded:** 2000
- **HQ Location:** Miami, FL
- **Twitter:** @KaseyaCorp (17,431 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/kaseya/ (5,512 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services
  - **Company Size:** 76% Small-Business, 5% Mid-Market


  ### 7. [Netgear Orbi Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/netgear-orbi-pro/reviews)
  Orbi Pro covers your entire business with consistent WiFi so your customers and employees can have stable internet access without downtime. No more struggling with dead zones and spotty WiFi.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 18


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [NETGEAR](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netgear)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, US
- **Twitter:** @NETGEAR (80,709 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/7423/ (1,430 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:NTGR

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 53% Small-Business, 42% Mid-Market


#### Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- User-Friendly (2 reviews)
- Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Customization/Personalization (1 reviews)
- User Interface (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Connectivity Issues (2 reviews)
- Performance Issues (2 reviews)
- App Incompatibility (1 reviews)
- High Requirements (1 reviews)
- Security Issues (1 reviews)

  ### 8. [Huawei Ethernet Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/huawei-ethernet-switches/reviews)
  Welcome to the official Huawei Twitter account. Huawei is a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 16


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Huawei Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/huawei-technologies)
- **Year Founded:** 1987
- **HQ Location:** Shenzhen, China
- **Twitter:** @HuaweiEnt (412,969 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3014/ (135,837 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 6% Enterprise


  ### 9. [Juniper Networks Switching](https://www.g2.com/products/juniper-networks-switching/reviews)
  Improve the economics of networking with cloud-grade, high-density Ethernet switching across your data center, campus, and branch.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 16


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Juniper Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/juniper-networks)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** Sunnyvale, CA
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2240/ (9,799 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 6% Small-Business


  ### 10. [Huawei WLAN](https://www.g2.com/products/huawei-wlan/reviews)
  Huawei provides a full series of WLAN products compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards to establish high-speed, secure, and reliable wireless network connections for indoor and outdoor applications.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 15


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Huawei Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/huawei-technologies)
- **Year Founded:** 1987
- **HQ Location:** Shenzhen, China
- **Twitter:** @HuaweiEnt (412,969 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3014/ (135,837 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 33% Small-Business, 20% Enterprise


  ### 11. [Dell Ethernet Networking Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/dell-ethernet-networking-switches/reviews)
  High-performance, resilient architectures and versatile platforms for next-generation mid-size data centers and enterprise campus networks.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 14


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Dell Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dell-technologies-decced23-0884-427d-88d4-718c9d1d4ea6)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** Round Rock, TX
- **Twitter:** @Dell (795,585 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/delltechnologies/ (123,563 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NYSE: DELL



  ### 12. [HPE Networking Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-networking-switches/reviews)
  Planning networking infrastructure around your business' potential future needs can be challenging, even for someone with experience in the field. Businesses evolve in sometimes unexpected ways and this can mean your network is bogged down sooner than you thought.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 13


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [HP Development Company](https://www.g2.com/sellers/hp-development-company)
- **Year Founded:** 1939
- **HQ Location:** Palo Alto, CA
- **Twitter:** @HPE (91,620 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1025/ (85,438 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NYSE: HPQ

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 8% Mid-Market


  ### 13. [Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Router](https://www.g2.com/products/netgear-nighthawk-m1-mobile-router/reviews)
  Advance the way you WiFi on-the-go — the Nighthawk M1 Mobile Router by NETGEAR is the world's first commercial Gigabit LTE device to achieve maximum download speeds of 1 Gbps, bringing our mobile broadband experience to unparalleled new heights.


  **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 13


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [NETGEAR](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netgear)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, US
- **Twitter:** @NETGEAR (80,709 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/7423/ (1,430 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:NTGR

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 92% Small-Business, 8% Mid-Market


  ### 14. [Netgear Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/netgear-switches/reviews)
  NETGEAR high-end Fully Managed Switches offer a secure, future-proof networking infrastructure‚√Ñ√¨with integrated security, high availability, delivery optimization and enhanced manageability, designed for enterprise and campus networks.


  **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 6


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [NETGEAR](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netgear)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, US
- **Twitter:** @NETGEAR (80,709 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/7423/ (1,430 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:NTGR



  ### 15. [Aruba Instant On Access Points](https://www.g2.com/products/aruba-instant-on-access-points/reviews)
  Aruba, a Hewlett Packard company offers a family of wireless access points (AP) designed to give SMBs the performance and security features traditionally limited to large enterprises. With models designed for indoor, outdoor, hospitality and SOHO environments, there’s an option that meets any need, all at an attractive price point. Instant On APs use an Auto Mesh technology that allows you to extend Wi-Fi coverage with the same strong signal strength into every corner of your business. you can deploy and manage your Wi-Fi network via Instant On mobile app or cloud-based web portal. AP Product Suite: Aruba Instant On AP11 Aruba Instant On AP12 Aruba Instant On AP11D Aruba Instant On AP15 Aruba Instant On AP17 Aruba Instant On AP22


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 5


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company](https://www.g2.com/sellers/aruba-a-hewlett-packard-enterprise-company)
- **HQ Location:** Santa Clara, California
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/aruba-a-hewlett-packard-enterprise-company/ (5,118 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 40% Mid-Market


  ### 16. [Netgear Insight Managed Access Points](https://www.g2.com/products/netgear-insight-managed-access-points/reviews)
  One-touch wireless connectivity & visibility with Insight Managed Access Points


  **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 5


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [NETGEAR](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netgear)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, US
- **Twitter:** @NETGEAR (80,709 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/7423/ (1,430 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:NTGR

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 60% Small-Business, 40% Mid-Market


  ### 17. [Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch](https://www.g2.com/products/alcatel-lucent-omniswitch/reviews)
  Switches keep the office, campus & data center networks connected with high-performance Ethernet switch that delivers uninterrupted network.


  **Average Rating:** 3.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 4


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/sellers/alcatel-lucent-enterprise)
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** France
- **Twitter:** @AlcatelLucent (5,650 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcatellucententerprise/ (3,995 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 25% Mid-Market


  ### 18. [Cisco Industrial Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-industrial-switches/reviews)
  Meet your IoT networking needs without sacrificing the availability of existing infrastructure. Our high-availability technology facilitates network-wide resilience as you scale your network endpoints and applications, as well as the geographically-dispersed networking devices required to support them.


  **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 4


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO



  ### 19. [Cisco Meraki Outdoor Wifi](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-meraki-outdoor-wifi/reviews)
  The Cisco Meraki MR70 is a cloud-managed, dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 access point designed for outdoor and rugged environments. Housed in an IP67-rated enclosure, it ensures durability against dust and water, making it ideal for locations such as rural areas, garages, municipal athletic fields, and rapid-response emergency kits. With integrated omni-directional antennas and a compact design, the MR70 offers seamless deployment and reliable wireless coverage in challenging conditions. Key Features and Functionality: - High-Performance Wireless: Supports 2x2 MU-MIMO with two spatial streams, delivering an aggregate data rate of up to 1.3 Gbps. - Cloud Management: Provides network-wide visibility and control, with integrated analytics, reporting, and anomaly detection. - Enterprise Security: Features 802.1X authentication, Layer 3-7 firewall, identity-based group policies, and built-in antivirus scanning. - Guest Access: Offers one-click secure guest access with customizable splash pages and integration with Facebook and Google login. - Traffic Shaping: Includes Layer 7 application traffic shaping to prioritize productivity apps and restrict recreational traffic. - Device Management: Allows for device-specific firewall rules, monitoring, application deployment, and security enforcement. Primary Value and User Solutions: The MR70 addresses the need for reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity in outdoor and rugged environments. Its cloud-managed architecture simplifies deployment and ongoing management, reducing operational overhead. The integrated security features ensure a safe network for both employees and guests, while advanced analytics provide insights into network usage and visitor behavior. By offering robust performance in challenging conditions, the MR70 enables organizations to extend their wireless networks to areas previously difficult to cover, ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse locations.


  **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 4


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 25% Small-Business


  ### 20. [Juniper Networks Routers](https://www.g2.com/products/juniper-networks-routers/reviews)
  A comprehensive, scalable, and secure portfolio of routers for enterprise and service provider networks.


  **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 4


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Juniper Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/juniper-networks)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** Sunnyvale, CA
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2240/ (9,799 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 20% Mid-Market, 20% Small-Business


  ### 21. [Cisco Fabric Interconnects](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-fabric-interconnects/reviews)
  Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects are integral components of the Cisco Unified Computing System , providing both network connectivity and centralized management for UCS servers. They unify computing, networking, storage access, and virtualization resources into a cohesive system designed to reduce Total Cost of Ownership and increase business agility. Key Features and Functionality: - Unified Fabric Support: Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects offer line-rate, low-latency, lossless Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet functions, supporting various speeds including 10/25/40/50/100 Gigabit Ethernet and 16/32/64G Fibre Channel. - Centralized Management: They provide a single management domain for all connected UCS servers, enabling streamlined operations and simplified management. - High Performance: With switching capacities up to 11.6 Tbps, they ensure efficient data flow and support for high-bandwidth applications. - Scalability: Designed to support both blade and rack servers, they facilitate seamless scalability within the data center. Primary Value and User Solutions: Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects simplify data center operations by consolidating LAN and SAN connectivity into a unified fabric. This integration reduces the complexity of managing separate networks, lowers operational costs, and enhances scalability. By providing a single point of management for all connected servers, they enable faster deployment of applications and services, improving overall business agility.


  **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 3


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO



  ### 22. [HPE Access Points](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-access-points/reviews)
  Deliver fast, reliable Wi-Fi performance, boost network efficiency, and support the growing mobile and IoT density demands on your network.


  **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 3


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [HP Development Company](https://www.g2.com/sellers/hp-development-company)
- **Year Founded:** 1939
- **HQ Location:** Palo Alto, CA
- **Twitter:** @HPE (91,620 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1025/ (85,438 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NYSE: HPQ

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 33% Mid-Market


  ### 23. [Cisco Small Business Wireless Access Points](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-small-business-wireless-access-points/reviews)
  Find the right wireless networking solution for your business, and gain access to your network resources from any location. Get easy setup, robust security, convenience, cost savings, and no stress.


  **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 2


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco)
- **Year Founded:** 1984
- **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA
- **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO



  ### 24. [ExtremeSwitching](https://www.g2.com/products/extremeswitching/reviews)
  Better Switching. Better-Performing Networking. Successful Digital Transformation.


  **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 2


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Extreme Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/extreme-networks)
- **Year Founded:** 1996
- **HQ Location:** Morrisville, US
- **Twitter:** @ExtremeNetworks (29,489 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4761/ (4,013 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NASDAQ: EXTR

**Reviewer Demographics:**
  - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market


  ### 25. [Arista Switches](https://www.g2.com/products/arista-switches/reviews)
  Purpose-built hardware, and Arista EOS, the world's most advanced network operating system, provide single-binary system images across all platforms, maximum system uptime, stateful fault repair, Zero Touch Provisioning, Latency Analysis and a fully accessible Linux Shell. Arista Ethernet switches are the perfect network solution for your most demanding workloads.With native support for VMware Virtualization and hundreds of Linux applications integrated into hardware platforms designed to meet the stringent power and cooling requirements of today's most demanding datacenters, Arista delivers the most efficient and best performing 10Gb Ethernet platforms.


  **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 1


**Seller Details:**

- **Seller:** [Arista Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/arista-networks-39d4d864-54b5-4f9b-bebc-dc5cf72757ca)
- **Year Founded:** 2004
- **HQ Location:** Santa Clara, US
- **Twitter:** @arista_channels (2,447 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/80069/ (5,422 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NYSE:ANET





## Parent Category

[Switches Hardware](https://www.g2.com/categories/switches)