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Selecting the right switch is one of the most critical decisions for any enterprise network.
As IT infrastructures evolve, businesses no longer prioritize brand alone — they value performance, compatibility, and return on investment (ROI).
In this guide, we compare Huawei switches with NS switches - ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) models based on Ruijie (RG) hardware and software architecture.
NS switches deliver identical performance and reliability to Ruijie devices but at a more competitive price, making them an excellent choice for cost-conscious enterprises seeking the best Ethernet switch for value and functionality.
From Brand Premiums to Performance Value
Enterprise networks are undergoing a transition from “brand loyalty” to “cost-efficiency and adaptability.”
While Huawei remains a global networking giant with comprehensive ICT solutions, NS switches - customized ODM models derived from Ruijie - offer the same performance and stability at a fraction of the price.
Both brands serve professional enterprise users, but their strategic focus differs:
- Huawei: Brand-driven, innovation-led, premium enterprise networking.
- NS (ODM of Ruijie): Feature parity with OEM models, tailored pricing, and flexible deployment.
This comparison explores performance, management, cost, and ROI to help you make an informed decision on the recommended network switch for your organization.
Brand Overview: Huawei vs NS (ODM of Ruijie)
| Brand | Technical Background | Market Focus | Core Advantage |
| Huawei | Global ICT leader with decades of enterprise networking experience | Government, education, large corporations | Advanced AI networking and security integration |
| NS (ODM of Ruijie) | ODM-built from Ruijie hardware, identical specs and OS | SMBs, integrators, project-based deployments | Lower cost with identical performance |
NS = ODM of Ruijie: Same Model, Different Label
For example:
- RG-S5750 → NS-S5750
- RG-S2928G-E → NS-S2928G-E
- RG-S2910-24GT4XS-E → NS-S2910-24GT4XS-E
The hardware platform, backplane bandwidth, PoE module, and firmware logic are identical, the only difference is the brand logo and the lower cost.
Core Performance Comparison
| Category | Huawei S Series | NS (ODM of Ruijie) |
| Hardware Architecture | ASIC chip + NP acceleration engine | Same ASIC + NP acceleration |
| Port Speeds | 1G / 10G / 40G / 100G | Identical |
| Throughput | Line-rate forwarding | Line-rate forwarding |
| Stacking Capability | iStack virtual stacking | X-Stack (fully compatible) |
| Operating System | Huawei VRP | Ruijie/NS OS (Cisco-style CLI) |
| Security | ACL / 802.1X / DHCP Snooping | ACL / 802.1X / DHCP Snooping |
| PoE Standards | PoE / PoE+ / PoE++ | PoE / PoE+ / PoE++ |
| MTBF (Reliability) | 500,000+ hours | 480,000+ hours |
| Energy Efficiency | Smart fans + low-power ASICs | Smart fans + same low-power design |
Verdict: Performance is nearly identical between Huawei and NS. Both use high-quality ASIC chipsets for stable throughput and 24/7 operation - but NS offers this at a lower cost due to ODM pricing.
Network Management and Compatibility
| Feature | Huawei Switches | NS Switches (ODM of Ruijie) |
| Management Platform | iMaster NCE Cloud / On-premise | Ruijie Cloud / NS Cloud (free) |
| Automation | AI policy push and SDN orchestration | Template-based, no license fees |
| CLI Commands | VRP-style syntax | Cisco-style syntax |
| Compatibility | IEEE standards (SNMP, LLDP, STP, OSPF) | Fully compatible (same standards) |
| API Support | RESTful APIs for integration | Same open API framework |
| PoE Management | Smart power allocation | Same PoE priority & monitoring logic |
Key Takeaway: Huawei provides enterprise-level cloud orchestration via iMaster NCE (subscription required), while NS offers free lifetime cloud management with similar automation features - ideal for SMBs and integrators.
Deployment Scenarios and Suitability
| Scenario | Recommended Brand / Model | Suggested Configuration | ROI Analysis |
| SMB / Office Network | NS-S2910-24GT4XS-E | 10G uplinks + VLAN segmentation | NS saves 30% vs Huawei |
| Large Campus / Hospital | Huawei S6730-H48X6C | Central AI control + QoS optimization | Huawei performs better in AI analytics |
| Data Center / Cloud | Huawei CloudEngine CE6855 | VXLAN / 400G fabric | Huawei stronger in virtualization |
Summary: Huawei leads in AI-driven large-scale management, while NS dominates in value-driven enterprise and SMB environments with comparable reliability.
Price and ROI Analysis
| Cost Factor | Huawei Switch | NS Switch (ODM of Ruijie) |
| Initial Purchase | Full market price | 20–35% lower |
| License Fees | iMaster Cloud subscription required | Free NS Cloud platform |
| Maintenance / Parts | Brand-specific and premium cost | Interchangeable modules, lower cost |
| Energy Efficiency | Smart energy control | Same energy-saving hardware |
| 5-Year TCO | High | ~30% lower |
Conclusion: Enterprises can expect identical network performance while saving up to 30% on total ownership costs with NS switches - making them the best Ethernet switch for businesses prioritizing ROI.
Technical and Service Comparison Summary
| Category | Huawei | NS (ODM of Ruijie) |
| Technology Source | Proprietary Huawei chipset | ODM identical to Ruijie architecture |
| Performance | Excellent | Same performance |
| Cost | Premium pricing | High-value alternative |
| Cloud Management | Licensed (iMaster NCE) | Free (NS Cloud) |
| Maintenance | Global enterprise service | Direct via Network-Switch.com |
| Best For | Governments, large enterprises | SMBs, integrators, project deployments |
Verdict: Huawei offers robust ecosystem integration, while NS brings enterprise-class reliability and scalability at unmatched value.
Real-World Enterprise Deployments
| Customer Type | Network Scenario | Solution | Results |
| Manufacturing Enterprise | Factory + Office hybrid network | NS-S5731-H24P4XC + NS Cloud | Installation cost ↓ 30 %, network uptime 99.99 % |
| University Campus | Dormitory + classroom Wi-Fi network | NS-S5735-L24P4X + AirEngine APs | Centralized power control, latency ↓ 40 % |
| Retail Chain | 200+ branches | NS-S2910-24GT4XS-E + VPN Router | Rollout time ↓ 60 %, maintenance workload ↓ 50 % |
FAQs
Q1: Are NS switches compatible with Huawei or Cisco devices?
A: Yes. NS switches follow standard IEEE protocols (STP, SNMP, LLDP, OSPF) ensuring full interoperability.
Q2: Are NS and Ruijie models identical?
A: Yes. NS switches are ODM-manufactured from Ruijie’s hardware and firmware base — only the branding differs.
Q3: Is firmware stability equivalent?
A: Absolutely. NS firmware is tested to the same standards and QA processes as Ruijie devices.
Q4: Are there subscription fees for management?
A: No. NS Cloud is free for all customers, with lifetime access and updates.
Q5: Why are NS switches cheaper?
A: They eliminate brand marketing and channel markup, providing direct-factory pricing with the same performance.
Q6: Do NS switches support PoE?
A: Yes, PoE / PoE+ / PoE++ supported up to 90 W per port.
Q7: Can NS switches integrate into existing Huawei networks?
A: Yes — fully interoperable via standard Ethernet protocols.
Q8: What industries benefit most from NS switches?
A: Education, retail, manufacturing, SMB, and cost-optimized IT projects.
Q9: Is warranty support available?
A: Yes - Network-Switch.com provides direct ODM warranty and global partner support.
Q10: What makes NS a recommended network switch?
A: Identical performance to leading OEMs, lower TCO, and simpler licensing make it the recommended network switch for budget-sensitive enterprises.
Conclusion
Both Huawei and NS switches represent exceptional engineering — but their value propositions differ.
Huawei caters to organizations prioritizing brand, AI-driven cloud management, and full-stack integration.
NS switches, as ODM models of Ruijie, provide the same architecture, firmware, and reliability at a significantly reduced cost, offering unbeatable ROI.
If your business seeks enterprise-grade reliability without the enterprise price tag, NS is the best Ethernet switch choice - delivering Huawei-level performance at 30% less investment.
Contact us today to receive a detailed Huawei vs NS switch comparison and a customized quotation for your enterprise network.
Our specialists will help you find the perfect balance between performance and cost for your deployment.
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