Item: Cisco Catalyst Switches
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches

Cisco Catalyst Product Series

Catalyst 9300 Series

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We typically utilize the Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches for the access layer. These devices have modular uplinks so we can choose between a variety of SFP+ to connect redundant into the core network. The switches support stacking and also have power over Ethernet so we can connect wireless access points or other devices requiring power

Pros and Cons

Pros

Modular uplinks
Redundant psu
Poe

Cons

Easy upgrades
GUI access
Monitoring

Return on Investment

Uptime
Poe for a variety of devices
Reduced cabling

Cisco Catalyst Customization and Manageability

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches that we deploy are normally provisioned via the command line. We generally still manage these devices via the command line but will then monitor the devices with a variety of monitoring tools such as PRTG. These switches support Flexible Netflow so we’ll also export this information to other products.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco Meraki MS

The Cisco 9300 can be managed in a number of different ways compared to the Meraki portfolio which is Cloud Management only. I think that for many customers that the Cisco Meraki offering stack up really well unless of course there are features that are only included within the Cisco Catalyst range. At that point, you’d opt for Cisco Catalyst!

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

PRTG Network Monitor, ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer

Likelihood to Recommend

The Cisco 9300 catalyst switches are particularly suited for deployment at the access layer of the network. If deployed in a stack then high-density ports are available for client devices. We would also consider deploying these devices for standalone DMZ deployment. Due to limitations, I would not consider these devices to be deployed as core devices.

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