Cisco Catalyst Switches - A quality product that is tough to beat!
December 05, 2018

Cisco Catalyst Switches - A quality product that is tough to beat!

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Modules Used

  • Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches

  • Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series
  • Catalyst 2960-L Series
  • Catalyst 3560-CX Series
  • Catalyst 3650 Series
  • Catalyst 3850 Series
  • Other
We have used Cisco Catalyst switches since 2001. Catalyst Switches are being used for a site core stacked switching solution and for an access solution. I chose the 3750 and 3850 models to be our core switches. Their stacking capability allows additional switches to be added to the stack to expand the core as needs increase. In locations where only a single access switch is needed we chose the 3560 series, as it is a lower cost device and still provides all the capabilities of the 3750 except stacking. Both of these models accept SFP modules which we fill with fiber uplinks to interconnect.
  • We chose Cisco Catalyst because it was the industry standard when we first entered the switched network arena back on 2001. Many network admins had a good working knowledge of this product, so finding programming and installation experience was easy.
  • Cisco Catalysts are extremely dependable. I still have some original C3548XL’s from 2001 that are still functioning. Most times we have only replaced them because needs changed and we needed more ports or needed the ability to have layer 3 capability.
  • Catalysts offer a good level of security and are easy to customize ports for specific needs.
  • I still like the CLI interface as I have used it for years, but the browser based interface makes it easy for the network techs to do basic checks, etc. when they need to enable ports, look into a port lockout, etc.
  • Price point has always been higher and a concern as compared to other products.
  • Ongoing support costs are also pricey, but if you have a large enough quantity installed, you can purchase a couple of spares and self-insure at a lower cost.
  • As I stated above, the Cisco Catalyst products are extremely reliable. They are as close to “set it and forget it” as it comes. Support from Cisco is exceptional if you ever need it.
We have come up with standard configs and naming conventions for our switches. This makes it easy to set up/program a new switch or replace one if one should ever fail, which does not happen all that often if at all.
Although there is a cost savings using Extreme Network Switches, I prefer the Cisco Catalyst switches. I know the programming and setup much better and feel that the Cisco product is more reliable.
I like to use Catalyst Switches for a site core stacked 3750/3850 switching solution. I use edge switching using 3560s for access and to interconnect with fiber via SFPs. This provides the lowest cost solution that can handle most traffic/environments as compared to a modular solution.