What users are saying about
60 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.6 out of 100
Based on 60 reviews and ratings
9 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 9.1 out of 100
Based on 9 reviews and ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
They really are awesome switches. They are not the cheapest, so if your goal is bargain-basement switching, Ubiquiti or another inexpensive network gear manufacturer may be a better match for you. If you want consistent, reliable switching with a great feature set, they are tough to beat. We previously had HP ProLine switches in our old office, and the 9300's are an absolute DREAM compared to those.We run different VLAN's for each service, per floor (One for Voice, One for Video, One for Zero Clients, and one for Workstations), and it really is a snap getting all of those configured. If we need to push a VLAN down from one floor's switch stack to another, that too is quite simple.
Lead Desktop Analyst
Fidelity & Guaranty LifeInsurance, 201-500 employees
Dell PowerConnect Switches
I believe the PowerConnect Switch is recommended and fits best in access and distribution for its capacity and performance. For Core, I would recommend the Dell Force 10 line. The switches have power over ethernet and can power IP phones and access points at Vivo branches. The support on the Portuguese line and face-to-face service are some differentials that I found.
Especialista em TI
Vivo (Telefônica Brasil)Telecommunications, 5001-10,000 employees
Pros
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
- Using Power of Ethernet to deliver the network connection for IP Phones and Wireless Access Points.
- Catalyst Switch stacking capability makes it easy to use in networking management.
- Hardware ready for Software Defined Access technology will protect the investment while the business decides to migrate to the campus fabric solution in the near future.
Senior Network Architect
MacEwan UniversityEducation Management, 1001-5000 employees
Dell PowerConnect Switches
- Easy to configure
- Rock solid. Have only had 1 fail out of dozens in over 6 years.
- Great features and interface.
Vice President of Information Technology/Network Administrator
VFCUFinancial Services, 51-200 employees
Cons
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
- Ability to do routing network packets.
- Servers, printer and PCs have been able to connect to the each other via the Cisco Switch.
- The price a little bit high.
- Strong security, advanced QoS, comprehensive IPv6 support, Layer 3 static routing, and true stacking.

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Information Technology and Services Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
- I've had fans burn out after the warranty period. In a way that is a positive and tells you just how long the fans last. However, it would be nice if the fans lasted a bit longer.
- In a perfect world, it would be nice if the switches were not so loud.
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 employees
Likelihood to Renew
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 8.3
Based on 5 answers
Catalyst isn't even the family, it's bigger than that. The current "family" is the catalyst 9000 series. And Cisco keeps pushing the edge of the envelope with each new family.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Hospital & Health Care Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Usability
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 9.9
Based on 3 answers
I love them

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Retail Company, 1001-5000 employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 9.1
Based on 1 answer
If you install the C9300 as a switch stack, the availability is amazing. This can even be a power stack setup, where the chassis power supplies can provide power redundancy for the other member switch chassis.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Renewables & Environment Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Performance
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 9.1
Based on 1 answer
The C9300 is surfficiently spec'ed to support all the features it provides. We haven't yet experienced any hardware limitations, unless there's a loop in the network, which spanning-tree should take care of anyway

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Renewables & Environment Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 9.1
Based on 9 answers
Honestly it really depends on who is going to take your case. You may need to contact your Cisco account manager if you don't get good support from the TAC.
Lately the 3850 and 9300 switches are affected by several bugs and sometimes it is frustrating when it's faster if you research the problem by yourself instead of rely on Cisco support. On the other hand I found also some really talented people in the cisco support team.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Pharmaceuticals Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
Dell PowerConnect Switches 10.0
Based on 2 answers
Top-grade because it is a switch that never presented any major problems for us. It has always been easy to install, configure, customize. It is a device widely used in access to connect computers, phones, access points
Especialista em TI
Vivo (Telefônica Brasil)Telecommunications, 5001-10,000 employees
In-Person Training
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 7.3
Based on 1 answer
Cisco Networking Academy partners with many local Colleges and High Schools to provide great hands-on training. You do need to drive to learn the topic. The in-class session only go so far. You really need to apply this to the real world. Cisco makes it easy for business to connect via CLC or Cisco Learning Credits.
Information Security Architect
Wintrust Financial CorporationFinancial Services, 1001-5000 employees
Dell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Online Training
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 7.3
Based on 1 answer
Our training for Cisco switches came from a third party instructor, e.g. CBT Nuggets. This was general training on switches and not in particular only the C9300 series. Nevertheless any hands-on experience from any other Cisco switching platform, will make you feel very acquainted with the C9300. The new switch platform just enables more perfomance and features.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Renewables & Environment Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 8.2
Based on 1 answer
It's essential to spend a few weeks on a Proof of Concept/Value test, to ensure that the equipment is ready for production. It's extremely hard to revert back to older hardware later. This testing period will also be a great opportunity for hardware burn-in, which will reveal any potential hardware failure due to production defects, etc

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Renewables & Environment Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
We evaluated few other vendor switches such as Juniper, and also some of the 2900 Cisco switches.. As we are Cisco shop, the Juniper evaluation did not last long, and 2900 series switches altho could of worked in our application, we decided to use newer models with DNA claws just in case we might need it in the future.

Verified User
Director in Information Technology
Financial Services Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
They stack up very well against Cisco products. I feel you pay a lot for the Cisco name. Dell has most of the same functions for a lot less.
Vice President of Information Technology/Network Administrator
VFCUFinancial Services, 51-200 employees
Scalability
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches 7.3
Based on 1 answer
It seems like a very robust platform, which Cisco is constantly evolving with new features and possibilities. The standard network module gives the opportunity to customize the uplink interfaces, in both bandwidth and SFP type

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Renewables & Environment Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
- They've definitely been a positive for our bottom line. The reliability and great technical support substantially cuts down on the amount of attention these switches require. Often we find our selves forgetting the switches are even there because they "just work". Dependability like that is in my opinion priceless.
- The flexibility of modules that can be added to both the 9300, 9500 (line cards), and 3850 series Catalyst Switches is awesome. These switches are capable of 10/25/40/100 GB speeds this means that instead of replacing a switch you just upgrade the module. This has saved us tens of thousands over the last few years.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Government Administration Company, 10,001+ employeesDell PowerConnect Switches
- The ROI is great. Lost of ports and features for the money.
- The Dell PowerConnect has allowed us to interconnect our core networking devices for a reasonable price.
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 employees
Pricing Details
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Dell PowerConnect Switches
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No