Fair Game
Updated January 21, 2019
Fair Game
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Modules Used
- Cisco Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches
- Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series
We are using Catalyst Switches exclusively at our access layer, feeding back into 4500 IDFs. Catalyst is a solid device that is pretty much hands off once configured, with the exception of the occasional IOS update. Updates are fast and versatile, from either USB, FTP, or Serial.
- port security
- IOS update
- SNMP / monitoring setup
- TACACS / RADIUS setup
- scalability
- chassis aggregation
- enable BPDU guard by default
- reassign logical interface numbers when renumbering switches in a stack
- reduce noise
- long life
- low cost
- many features
We have benefited from the automation feature, and certainly feel that the configuration is seamless. We have not taken advantage of any virtualization or analytic features at this time.
Manageability is very simple. I would like to see more versatility (dummy-proofing) in regards to consoling into a non-master and making changes to the member and not the entire stack. We have had technicians make this mistake in the past and it seems to cause problems down the road when changes are made directly to a non-master.
We are explicitly using Cisco Catalyst switches at our access layer and have not explored alternatives at this time.
Cisco Catalyst Addtional Questions
- data forwarding
- network expansion
- maintenance refresh
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Vendor Reputation
- Existing Relationship with the Vendor
- Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
Cisco leads the market in Layer 2 network equipment
for multiple unit deployment, create a template to deploy. Or load into Cisco Prime to deploy templates
not at this time, but have frequently brought in Sales Engineers for new deployments and technology
Using Cisco Catalyst Switches
1500 - manufacturing employees
2 - Network Engineer and IT Manager
- end-user deployment
- end-user management
- greater segmentation
- expansion
Evaluating Cisco Catalyst Switches and Competitors
would not change, we made the right choice
Cisco Catalyst Switches Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
- network downtime
- IOS matching
Cisco Catalyst Switches Training
- Self-taught
with some basic knowledge of how to use the help system, Cisco IOS is straightforward
Configuring Cisco Catalyst Switches
No - there is no facility to customize the interface
No - the product does not support adding custom code
We did not customize the interface
Cisco Catalyst Switches Support
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | Need to explain problems multiple times |
troubleshooting a link flap on a core, Tech team was extremely helpful
Using Cisco Catalyst Switches
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Convenient Feel confident using | Slow to learn |
- switchport configuration
- vlan configuration
- management configuration
- file copy
- stack ring configuration between dissimilar models
- matching IOS versions between dissimilar models
Cisco Catalyst Switches Reliability
Integrating Cisco Catalyst Switches
- PLC network
- camera network
simple and straightforward
non as of now
- Single Signon
deploy slowly and read all requirements
Relationship with Cisco
pricing and CLC offerings
be clear about potential volume for better pricing
Upgrading Cisco Catalyst Switches
Yes - very smoothly once the IOS versions and Stack Ring speed are matched
- Newer features
- Higher stack ring throughput
- Higher throughput uplinks
- Higher throughput
- improved user interface