Catalyst: an oldie with an always young heart
January 18, 2019
Catalyst: an oldie with an always young heart
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Modules Used
- Cisco Catalyst 2960 - L
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches
- Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series
- Catalyst 2960-L Series
- Catalyst 3650 Series
We use it as an access layer, MAN network, and in our data center.
- Easy to configure and maintain. Once you have implemented a well-designed baseline your Catalyst Switch will perform with no problems even those related to STP that could worry you.
- Very long BMTF.
- I haven't had a failure with Catalyst Switches for so long that I change them because of the need for more capacity, but not for disaster failures.
- The last time a catalyst switch failed was in 2008 and it went to the secondary/standby supervisor so it was really short. Before that, I had a problem with a 4908 that currently doesn't exist.
- Very reliable.
- If you learn how to tune up the device and more importantly how to tune up the interconnection and interrelationships among all the devices in your network, you can sleep confident. And the next time you wake up it'll be because of your clock alarm and not because of a phone call from your boss.
- Excellent cost/performance relation.
- Even Cisco has so many great characteristics they have been able to keep all those features in the basic models so it is possible to make a deployment with not a big investment and still have a dependable network.
- We have been able to simplify our network so we can use 3K switches incorporated in a collapsed core network and have it producing money annually, more than 30 million a year.
- Good written support.
- When you look at Cisco web pages, since they have been investing in ML/DL, it is easy to find documentation pertinent to your specific problem and/or confirmation scenario.
- The legacy information is still there.
- Graphical interface
- Modularity
- Keep stacking capabilities
- As many options are available, it is easy to fit different budgets.
- Life cycle does not fit hardware life, so working devices have to be removed from the network. I think hardware has to be rethought so that with software updates we can be able to continue milking it.
- Increase interconnectivity with master-slave domain with OVT.
It allowed for rapid branch office opening.
Less personnel needed to keep the network running. High security configuration so point to point security can be deployed.
Cisco had know-how management, was easy to use, and has wide documentation.
Cisco Catalyst Addtional Questions
- Core
- Access
- Branch connection
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Vendor Reputation
- Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
Cisco was well known as a strong player in the market. When we bought they were the strongest.
Get the smart port for fast deployment and then customize it for your own type of business. Remember to apply security by port.
Using Cisco Catalyst Switches
20000 - Marketing, finance, operations, and IT. The whole organization uses Cisco switches as a user.
40 - CCNA or CCDP experienced people with more than 15 years of experience are required to support.
- A dark metropolitan area network in a ring topology.
- We have leased 120 kilometers of dark fiber and connect to those 19 branch offices and are using a well-tuned STP. We have 100% availability for the 14th year in a row.
- As a layer 3 for 3rd party interconnection in a DMZ.
- We could use is in any way. We have substituted routers where a layer 3 switch can be used. We've found them very flexible because of the virtual interfaces.
Evaluating Cisco Catalyst Switches and Competitors
Yes - It replaced 3com and another I really don't remember since it was many years ago.
Very likely I won't change my selection. I have been considering NSX since we have ESXi on our data center
Cisco Catalyst Switches Implementation
- Implemented in-house
- Third-party professional services
GBM Nicaragua & BPS Nicaragua
Change management was a small part of the implementation and was well-handled
- New learning ways
- Cisco documentation is crucial to obtain better results
Cisco Catalyst Switches Training
- Self-taught
Yes. Broadly recommended
Configuring Cisco Catalyst Switches
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
Not at all
Cisco Catalyst Switches Support
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
No
Really the equipment doesn't need it. Normally performs so well than it is better to have and additional one just to have your back cover than getting premium support
The very first time when I had to deal with high availability 4507 switches connection
I needed to understand clearly vbi and others
I needed to understand clearly vbi and others
Using Cisco Catalyst Switches
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | None |
- Smart ports
- Gui interface
- Stacking
- Cdp
- Till now nothing
Yes, but I don't use it
Cisco Catalyst Switches Reliability
Integrating Cisco Catalyst Switches
- Cisco firewalls
- Radware hardware
- Face recognition system
Not too deep. It was easy
- Not by now
Na
- Single Signon
- API (e.g. SOAP or REST)
No
Just take your time to learn some coding
Relationship with Cisco
Sow and financial conditions
No. They have a very good service oriented culture
Upgrading Cisco Catalyst Switches
No - Na
- Eliminate bugs
- No down time
- More programming choices
- Let me be so creative by coding details choices and making a very customized network
- Some graphical user interface with out of the box codes
No - We are budget tight by now
No - Na