I'm looking to find out which manufacturers provide the best network solutions specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). What would be the ideal setup in terms of equipment and systems for an average SMB? I'm thinking about a complete solution that includes a server, switches with VLAN capabilities, a robust firewall, and access points—all while keeping cost-effectiveness in mind. I know Cisco might not be the best fit here, so I'm curious about how Fortinet, DELL, Sophos, and Barracuda stack up. Are MikroTik and Zyxel the go-to brands in this space?
4 Answers
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, I would suggest Fortinet firewalls paired with Aruba Instant On products. They are quite reliable and provide excellent management interfaces. Many SMBs like Dell for their server needs given the balance of performance and affordability. Plus, their support is pretty solid. It’s hard to go wrong with that combination!
In my experience, Zyxel switches and consoles are surprisingly stable for basic SMB needs. Their Nebula platform, although not always used, offers decent cloud management. I’ve had good luck integrating it with other vendors as well.
Same here! Zyxel equipment has been solid for us too, and the price point is hard to beat.
For those on a tight budget, consider a mix with MikroTik for routing and OPNsense for firewall solutions. Ubiquiti can cover your APs nicely. Just remember, going super cheap can lead to reliability issues down the line, so figure out what your business truly needs before skimping on critical equipment.
Totally agree! Sometimes it’s worth investing a little more upfront for the stability you want in your network.
For SMB solutions, I'd recommend starting with Meraki and Ubiquiti as they provide solid performance and management features. Meraki has great cloud management but comes with a higher price tag related to their licensing model. Ubiquiti has improved a lot in recent years, but I've seen mixed reviews about their support. I personally ran a network with Ubiquiti gear in multiple locations and it has performed admirably without many issues.
Ubiquiti’s range has been impressive, but it can depend heavily on what specific needs a business has, especially with integration.
I used to think Meraki was too expensive, but their simplicity and reliability can justify the costs, especially for someone who doesn’t want to manage everything manually.
Absolutely! Fortinet really does lead with their integrated management and ease of use. Plus, scalability makes it long-term friendly!