Cisco Catalyst switches are best solution for LAN access
Updated July 25, 2023

Cisco Catalyst switches are best solution for LAN access

Dalibor Dravecky | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Modules Used

  • Cisco Catalyst 2960 - L
  • 9200 switches

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches

  • Catalyst 2960-L Series
  • Catalyst 3560 Series
  • Catalyst 9200 Series
Cisco Catalys Switches are used as access switches in our company, and we deploy this switches in LAN networks for our customers. We usually implement 802.1x security integrated with CIsco ISE and active directory. There are lot of users connected directly to Catalyst switches and users usually are satisfied with user experience.
  • 1x
  • user access
  • port-security
  • dont have FEX
  • dont have vPC
  • Thousandeyes integration
  • speed deployment
  • there are not so much bugs
  • higher price
Cisco Catalyst Switches provide really advanced customization -> we have some cisco catalyst switches with specific modlues for gigabit etheret or ten gigabit ethernet interface connections. There are also modules for for SFP. It is also superb that you can use 2 power supply modules, that can be connected to separated electrical parts.
Cisco Nexus Series Switches are best suitale for using in data centers or server rooms for connecting product servers. The problem in Cisco Catalyst Switches is that you cannont upgrade them without lost of service. For Cisco Nexus Series Switches it is also supportable to use vPC connections and they have centralized management.

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

Cisco catalyst switches are well suited for lan access for users. It is possible to use this switches for connecting servers, but I recommend impement use high availability scenarious when using with production severs ( for example connect switches witch stack cables to proide redundancy ). Also good scenario is for connecting Access Points with PoE support.

Cisco Hybrid Work

  • Webex Meetings
  • Webex App
  • ThousandEyes
  • Working from an office or other company space
  • Working from home
The first step in implementing a hybrid work solution is to assess the organization's needs and existing infrastructure. This involves understanding the workforce's requirements, evaluating the current collaboration tools and technologies, and identifying potential challenges. Once the assessment is complete, organizations need to choose the appropriate technologies and tools to support hybrid work. This may involve selecting video conferencing platforms, collaboration software, secure remote access solutions, and other relevant technologies.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection: With a distributed workforce, the risk of cybersecurity threats increased. Organizations needed to implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure that remote access to company resources was secure and compliant with industry standards. Performance Measurement and Accountability: Measuring employee performance and ensuring accountability can be challenging in hybrid work setups. Some organizations struggled to establish fair and objective performance evaluation methods that accounted for remote work dynamics.
Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-Being: Remote work can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to potential burnout and stress. Organizations needed to prioritize employee well-being and implement policies that encouraged a healthy work-life balance. Change Management and Employee Resistance: Transitioning to a hybrid work model often required a cultural shift within the organization. Employees might have been resistant to change, leading to the need for effective change management strategies and communication.
Coworkers (Colleagues):Increased Flexibility: Coworkers experienced greater flexibility in choosing where and when they work. This flexibility allowed them to better balance work and personal life commitments.Employees:Improved Work-Life Balance: Employees enjoyed the benefits of reduced commute times and the ability to work from the comfort of their homes or other preferred locations, leading to a better work-life balance.ustomers:More Efficient Customer Service: A well-implemented hybrid work model with improved collaboration tools could lead to more efficient customer service as employees can respond to customer inquiries and issues from different locations.
Cisco Webex for Hybrid Work: Video Conferencing and Meetings: Webex provides high-quality video conferencing capabilities, allowing teams to conduct virtual meetings and collaborate in real-time regardless of their location. This is particularly beneficial for hybrid teams where some members work in the office while others work remotely.Team Messaging and File Sharing: Webex includes team messaging features that enable instant messaging, file sharing, and collaboration on documents and projects. This fosters continuous communication and teamwork even when employees are not physically present in the same location.

Cisco Catalyst Addtional Questions

  • lan access
  • sda fabric
  • sdwan edge
  • Cloud Solutions
  • Scalability
  • Ease of Use
Most importat factor in my decision was sPerformance and Scalability. Organizations need switches that can handle the required network traffic efficiently without bottlenecks. Cisco Catalyst switches are known for their high-performance capabilities and the ability to scale to accommodate the growing needs of the network. Also Cloud Solutions for Management and Automation.Cisco Catalyst switches often come with robust management tools, such as Cisco DNA Center, that provide centralized network management, monitoring, and automation capabilities. This simplifies the management of complex networks and reduces the time required for configuration and troubleshooting.
Logging and Monitoring:Configure syslog to centralize logs for easier troubleshooting and monitoring.Implement SNMP for network monitoring and management.Software Updates:Regularly update the switch firmware to the latest stable release to access new features, bug fixes, and security patches.Documentation and Backups:Keep thorough documentation of the switch configurations, network topology, and any changes made.Regularly backup switch configurations to ensure easy recovery in case of configuration errors or hardware failures.
Customer Support and Engagement: Cisco is known for its strong customer support and engagement. During the sales process, Cisco representatives often work closely with customers to understand their networking requirements, offer tailored solutions, and address any concerns or questions.Extensive Product Knowledge: Cisco sales teams typically possess extensive knowledge about their products, including Cisco Catalyst switches. They can provide detailed information about the features, capabilities, and benefits of the switches, helping customers make informed decisions.