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Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches

Overview

What is Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches?

Cisco offers the Catalyst 9300 series of stackable LAN switches.

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Recent Reviews

Cisco is king!

8 out of 10
December 27, 2023
We utilize Cisco Catalyst throughout our network. This includes both access layer within our organization and to the core of the network. …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Video Reviews

6 videos

One users experience | Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switch Review
05:48
How SRC's Network Engineer Feels About Reliable Switches | Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switch Review
03:36
Cisco 9300 Series Switches | Powerful Office-Grade Solution
05:05
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Product Details

What is Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches?

The Catalyst 9300 Series is described by Cisco as the next generation of the industry's most widely deployed stackable switching platform, recognized as CRN's 2018 Overall Network Product of the Year. And for security, IoT, and the cloud, these switches form the foundation of Cisco Software-Defined Access, their enterprise architecture solution.

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches Competitors

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches Technical Details

Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Cisco offers the Catalyst 9300 series of stackable LAN switches.

HPE Networking Switches, Dell PowerConnect Switches, and Ruckus ICX Switches are common alternatives for Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches.

Reviewers rate Usability highest, with a score of 10.

The most common users of Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches are from Enterprises (1,001+ employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(133)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-4 of 4)
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Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series
  • Catalyst 3850 Series
  • Catalyst 9300 Series
We use Cisco Catalyst 3850/9300. It provides a stable fabric for our internal network infrastructure. We always install these devices as switch stacks to ensure full redundancy on both power and the dataplane. The switch stacks can always be expanded with more interfaces as the installation grows. This can even be achieved without service windows and zero network outage.
  • The device profile can be modified by installed a new license, e.g. introducing new routing protocols and advanced features.
  • Features such as stackwise and power stacking makes the devices very modular and customizable.
  • Hardware is very mature and provides years of stable operation.
  • Software is constantly updated and supported.
  • The hardware is reasonably priced, however the licenses can be a surprise on the initial investment budget.
  • Leadtimes are often quite long.
  • Global list prices seems inflated and unrealistic.

Cisco is very capable of long term stable enterprise operation. Combined with Cisco's Smart Net Total Care its a very capable setup, which can be back fully operational within hours, in case of a major breakdown.

Due to the price, most of the Cisco Catalyst Switches aren't relevant for consumer installations in private homes.

  • The Clock Signal Component Issue had a negative impact on our ROI. However this was mainly an issue with our Cisco routers and firewalls.
  • The Catalyst 3850 had some issues with keeping persistent OID values. E.g. we were monitoring the power supply status on a 3850 stack, but the targeted OID values kept changing every time the stack was reloaded. There was no fix addressing this issue.
  • We had a container on a remote site where the AC had failed. The temperature went above 70 degrees Celsius and the equipment managed to still switch packages. Which was quite impressive, although the expected lifespand of the switches may have been reduced due to internal components overheating.
In our organization we're utilizing virtualization on Cisco's ENCS platform and the hypervisor platform is always accompanied by a Catalyst Switch stack, due to the limited number of physical interfaces on the ENCS hardware. We did however upgrade to the Catalyst 9300 due to its DNA center support, which we will implement next year.
We expect to take full advantage of the manageability of the Catalyst 9300 switches, during 2019 when we implement our DNA center. This will greatly improve our central management and orchestration capabilities. Until then we're still managing our infrastructure the good old way, which can be quite tedious and time consuming.
We have a few HP Procurve switches which have a very similar CLI interface. They are ok and still in production, but in our experience it’s much easier to find support online due to the volume of Catalyst switches utilized in the green energy business
  • Providing high density interface fabric for end devices
  • Redundant switch stacks
  • Reliable switch platform
  • Product Features
  • Prior Experience with the Product
  • Existing Relationship with the Vendor
Certified staff
Configure them according to best practice utilizing the CLI.
We’re very happy with both the vendor and our regional partner re-seller.
We have access to an online portal where we can RMA devices, etc.
We use the NBD support level. It’s expensive but necessary.
20
They provide our end users with a reliable switch fabric. If properly cooled and powered it’ll easily run for a decade without any reloads.
6
A Cisco certification mandatory and lots of hands on experience is also prefered.
  • N/A
  • We plan on utilizing the industrial versions under harsh conditions in offshore windfarms.
Because they have a great record of running stable in our production.
No
We always conduct a Proof of Concept project, so that we establish trust in new products or models. But as long as the required features, price and support is good enough, we would always consider the hardware.
  • Implemented in-house
Yes
We did an installation in our test-lab, where we conducted a number of scenarious to evaluate network convergence times, and general failover capabilities. This involved complete failure of a physical members of the switch stack, power supplies, as well as failures on a physical link level. We were not disappointed and could easily move forward from our Proof of Concept analysis.
Change management was a small part of the implementation and was well-handled
The Cisco Catalyst series are well known, and were easily implemented into our existing portfolio of networking equipment. We did however make sure to include a support contract with Cisco, so we don't have to keep spareparts on the shelfs ourselves. They usually deliver a replacement the next business day on the level we signed up for. This is plenty enough, since the installation is redundant enough to keep going even with 24 hours of failed equipment as part of the infrastructure.
  • Finding the correct software, suitable for our specific feature requirements, without being too new- or too old.
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.
  • Online training
  • Self-taught
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.
As long as you have general network switch experience, configuring and working with the C9300 platform will be pretty straight forward.
The C9300 is a very capable switching platform, which we utilize extensively. We did however find that the software lagged one particular feature; Layer 3 subinterfaces. The good news is that Cisco just recently released a newer software version Gibraltar 16.12.01 ED, which is the initial software release with this feature. Layer 3 subinterfaces are usually only available on more expensive and beefier hardware. So this is great news and a perfect example on Cisco's continuously developement of their products.
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
We plan to migrate the C9300 we already own and have deployed over to our Cisco DNA Center.
Yes
We run critical energy/SCADA networks. Access to support/hardware is very time critical as any downtime is not acceptable.
Yes
Issues with spanning tree were quickly resolved in corporation with the Cisco TAC team
At one point we experienced redundancy/failover problems with an older 720 supervisor board installed in a set of Catalyst switches. TAC weren’t able to solve the issue within reasonable time, so they simple offered us a trade-in to the upgraded and newer version of the supervisor board, Sup 2T. Which solved the issues. Excellent service!
Cisco TAC are usually very skilled and interested in solving issues, fast. Just remember to subscribe for support and use original Cisco parts.
  • Stackwise expand as you grow. Even without reloading the switch
  • Stackpower, ising power modulets across switch chassis for redundancy.
  • Modular design for easy uplink boost, if interface density becomes too high.
  • Most Catalyst seitches are noisy and uses alot of power, so when testing or using them in an office environment, they should be installed remotely to where people are located and accessed via remote.
Yes, but I don't use it
They are easily installed and will operate for many years.
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.
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.
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.
  • Cisco DNA Center
  • Cisco Enterprise Network Compute System
It was smoothly as Cisco C9300 performs and integrate like any other of their enterprise switches. We previously utilized their Catalyst 3750-X and Catalyst 3850-X switches.
  • Cisco CNA Center
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch comes default with an included license specifically for DNA Center integration. Hence it's fully supported. The only thing to be aware of is that it's difficult to migrate the switch into DNA center later. It should initially be rolled out as a template from DNA Center.
  • File import/export
Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE)
Very easy.
Comes very feature packed in a 1U chassis for seemless fresh 19" installation or upgrade from an older hardware platform with same physical footprint.
Just get people on the integration team with experience from earlier Catalyst platforms.
We were able to get a decent discount, compared to their Global Price List. There's also the possibility to arrange Cisco's so-called Learning Credits, which is a kind of kick-back, which can be used for attending training or Cisco Live.
It's always a good thing to spend some time with your key account manager, to establish a professional relation. This might help you to get a better discount and access to their ressources in the long run.
No
  • The DNA Center integration
  • DNA Center Integration which will enable us to install the hardware and roll-out configurations based on existing templates.
  • Patch management from DNA Center
No
No
January 08, 2019

Fair and honest

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Catalyst 3650 Series
  • Catalyst 3850 Series
  • Catalyst 9300 Series
They are our primary access layer switch. We use them in our distribution centers and our office buildings. We have anywhere from a single switch in some locations to stacks of up to 6 in a single node. They very effectively give us the ports needed to get our users on the network and operating.
  • They are port dense enough to allow us to deploy an easy to manage number of devices while still meeting the needs of the building.
  • Easy to manage. The Catalyst switch and the IOS software inside have been great. We have hit a few small bugs and issues in the software but a quick update later they are running strong.
  • The hardware is very stable. I have only had one or two switches that had hardware issues in the 17+ years of using all kinds of different models. I cannot say that about all networking gear.
  • Power supplies, I have had many power supplies go bad over the years. They are hot swap-able (if you have the redundant power or power stack) and easily replaced but there have been a lot of bad ones.
  • Power over ethernet has been an issue a couple of times. Since I use these as access layer I have lots of utilization via phones, laptops, cameras, other devices. I have ran into power issues where I was consuming more POE than the switch could handle several times.
If you are a Cisco shop and have the full stack of Cisco gear then Catalyst makes sense. Even if you're a multi-vendor shop these could still be the right choice depending on your specific need. I would say that if all you need is ports and nothing else then I would actually start looking at Meraki switches. They are more cost-effective for just a port but you lose many additional features that may be needed.
  • They have provided a very stable platform for the users and the decreased outage time has paid dividends over the years.
  • We are approaching a time where Catalyst may not be the right choice any longer as Meraki switches and Cisco are further integrated.
I have not been able to utilize the automation features yet. We are still maturing that direction but I have not been able to partake just yet. Its on the road map for the next year or two.
Like the automation features I have not been able to utilize this yet.
I would call this a tie. If you only need a port for a user to plug in and nothing else on the switch then I think Meraki wins. If you need a port for a user but run a few other things on the switch like maybe EIGRP, or you want automation in the background, then Catalyst wins. On a purely cost basis Meraki wins as the cheaper option although the new 9300's are going to be a lot more comparable and may take this out of the concerns.
  • I like these for port density
  • I like these for simplicity while still being feature rich
  • The price point on the 9300's has made these an easy choice and are now our standard platform.
  • Price
  • Product Usability
  • Prior Experience with the Product
  • Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
I don't thin there a single most important item. It's the collection of all of them to make the most effective choice possible.
I'm a CLI junkie and actually enjoy hand jamming configurations. If you do not like that look into the automation tools in conjunction with the switches to automate and streamline these. They integrate very well.
I use the same vendor for almost everything network related and they have treated me very well over the years.
I always get response from emails and always get an answer to my questions.
I did not.
1500
They are our access layer switches so every desk plugs into one.
2
Beginners to advanced network engineers, they are very user friendly.
  • We are boring. They are just access switches
  • Probably just keep them as access layer switches.
I have no intention or reason to change from this standard platform.
Not Sure
They were in the enterprise when I started here and it's only expanded since.
I wouldn't, I would test features again and come out to the same decision.
Yes
I am a team of one sometimes two. I don't have time to dig and search for possible answers. The support is very good for the price and I'll happily pay it.
Yes
Yes, an update was pushed a few days later.
I cannot think of any exceptional interactions but they are generally very easy to work with.
The only negative I ever have with Cisco tac is regional accents can be difficult at times.
  • I like how easy software updates and upgrade are to execute.
  • The job is a learning curve. I have not found anything that I would call cumbersome.
I love them
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series
  • Catalyst 3560-CX Series
  • Catalyst 3650 Series
  • Catalyst 3850 Series
  • Catalyst 6800 Series
  • Catalyst 9300 Series
  • Catalyst 9400 Series
  • Catalyst 9500 Series
  • Other
We utilize Cisco exclusively for our routing, switching, and WiFi. We have limited use of 2960-series, but have a large deployment of 3560, 3650, 3750, 3850, 4500/E, 6500/E - and are now installing the 9300, 9400, and 9500 series switches. The 9000-series come in so many different varieties they can fill any need for access, distribution, core; from small sites to large hospitals. In addition, the mGig switches provide the 5Gig connection to the Cisco 3800 APs for increased throughput. These 9000-series are so physically advanced, the software is still catching up to what all they do!
  • Access
  • Distribution
  • Core
  • High throughout, low latency
  • N/A
They are excellent for our smaller doctor offices with just a single 48-port switch, though larger chassis access and distributions in a 12+ story hospital or office building. While overkill for a single person working from home, the smaller 8- and 12-port 3560cx are great for "temporary" installations.
  • They're necessary!
  • Long-life: we removed the last ancient 5500 about 4 years ago...and it had been running (without reboot) for 12+ years!
The 9000-series integrates with DNA-C. We are just delving into this now and it looks AMAZING!
As these scale from small deployment to large enterprise, it is very beneficial in having the same base platform and provider when it comes to central management and monitoring.
They just don't compare to anyone else. I don't think it's right to compare amateurs to professionals.
  • Small-to-Medium access switches (using the 1U size switches)
  • Medium-to-Large access switches (using the chassis size switches)
  • Distribution (or even Core) switches with some of the higher-end catalyst with 10G (or higher) connections
70000
These are the access switches for all users from small deployments to large. Catalyst is usually the distribution as well. This ranges from small business "pizza box" style switches to the full 10+ slot modular chassis for larger offices and hospitals.
15
A minorly skilled help desk tech can check port statuses, change VLANs, etc. Some entry level (associate) would likely be needed for adding new subnets or features (unless you had automation/DNA), while a more intermediate level would be required for initial configuration of the larger chassis (routed).
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.
Not Sure
Some hardware we pay for the Smart Licensing, for others (like APs and the smaller 1U access switches) we just accept Limited Lifetime Warranty as we deploy so many it is actually cheaper to buy extra break/fix stock than to purchase contracts on each item.
Yes
Yes. We have had to patch a few things over the years because of bugs we've been the first to find.
We had a remote data center (hospital) that was performing corrupted backups to the main data center. EVERYTHING checked out. We worked with Cisco and other vendors for nearly a month with no resolution. Eventually, we found that if we performed backups over one circuit va the original primary, the backups were good. Cisco high-level experts worked magic on the specific module that one circuit was coming into and found that - for unknown reasons - that module was corrupting random packet payloads WITHOUT corrupting the checksums. We don't know how it did it or how Cisco discovered it, but they sent us a replacement and everything started working again. Magic!
Cisco is very prompt and their personnel are very knowledgeable.
June 14, 2018

Catalyst-astic

Brandon Hudson | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Catalyst 3650 Series
  • Catalyst 3850 Series
  • Catalyst 9300 Series
We use Cisco Catalyst Switches for multiple applications within multiple layers. They provide us dependable port connectivity as well as additional functionality such as 802.1x.
  • LAN switching
  • Voice segmentation
  • Routing and MPLS tagging
  • Port aggregation
  • Per port costs are higher than other vendors, even though those vendors do not provide as much out of their switches, the number is a selling obstacle
I cannot think of any area where Cisco Catalyst is not well suited.
  • Reliability has limited outage costs
  • Ease of deployment has prevented large acquisition costs
  • Ability to stack has reduced the demand for larger modular switches
Combined with ISE we have been able to implement secure connectivity throughout our network.
Not that I am aware of.
The Dell switches try to come in on price point saying that they do everything the Cisco switches do, which is just not the case.
  • Network connectivity
  • Security
  • Voice segmentation
  • Inline power
  • Product Features
  • Prior Experience with the Product
Capability and ability to scale as needed
10000
Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity throughout the city
3
CCNA networking knowledge
  • Data connectivity
  • Voice connectivity
  • Identity services
  • Spine leaf deployment
  • SDN using ACI
Have never had issues with Cisco Catalyst Switches that would make me anything less than happy, in 20 years.
No
Would emphasize ROI rather than cost.
Yes
the support is exceptional and the cost of training additional headcount is offset.
No
It is always exceptional.
It's that good.
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