Item: Cisco Catalyst Switches
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We were searching for some robust switches that can be integrated into our network and are easy to use and maintain. We want reliable devices without an active cooling system so we can "install and forget" even in difficult spaces like ceiling or maintenance rooms.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Switching
Quiet
Fanless
Very robust
Reliable

Cons

Weight (13 pounds!)
No SFP port.
Only LAN Lite.
MTU 1500 max.

Return on Investment

Very simple to install.
IOS so same config as 2960/1000.
Reliable.
Strong warranty.

Cisco Catalyst Benefits

We didnt use any automation feature yet but it's DNA-Ready.

Cisco Catalyst Customization and Manageability

We integrated them into Prime to manage like all other switches and Network Assistant for some devices. WebUI (Cisco Configuration Professional for Catalyst) is very useful for quick operations, even if CLI remains the best way to configure them. Removable SD cards allow very fast firmware/configuration upgrades in worst scenarios.

Key Insights

Do you think Cisco Catalyst Switches delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Catalyst Switches's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Catalyst Switches live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Catalyst Switches go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Catalyst Switches again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Cisco Prime LAN Management Solution, Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Network Assistant

Likelihood to Recommend

They are perfect to be installed in hard access spaces and when reliable devices are needed. Of course, without SFP support, you need copper uplinks, but they provide up to 60W per port and support near all end devices protocols (LACP, VTP, RMON, CDP/LLDP, port-based ACL, PVLAN, ...). Power management is very efficient with 802.3az support and ultra-low power mode if no PoE usage.

Very good building-proof switches.

Modules Used