Heavy Cisco user
Updated March 12, 2025
Heavy Cisco user
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Modules Used
- Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches
- Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches
Cisco Catalyst Switches are primarily used at the access and core of our network. They provide an enterprise solution that is well supported in the industry.
Along with providing wired ports for end users, the switches are powering POE devices and securing the network edge using dot1x.
Along with providing wired ports for end users, the switches are powering POE devices and securing the network edge using dot1x.
Pros
- Scale to support hundreds of users
- Standalone switches can be deployed in core, distribution or access layer
- Can be used at a small site or a site with thousands of users
Cons
- More cheaper options
- Dedicated fibre line card/model without buying hundreds of SFP
- Cisco Catalyst Switches can be sent to a remote country and be deployed in a number of scenarios. A simple 9200L Catalyst Switch can be used in a number of roles.
- Cisco Meraki MX
- Cisco Meraki MR
- Cisco Catalyst Switches
Providing additional network gateways (firewalls) when tens of thousands of workers started to work from home.
Cisco Meraki MX in particular has been a great help in providing a rapid deployment solution. This has been used in multiple countries.
Hybrid work model allows for a flexible work model where users are not tied to the office 5 days a week.
Cisco Catalyst Switches integrate with our dot1x solution better and in general is the preferred permanent office solution.
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
Using Cisco Catalyst Switches
40000 - Catalyst switches serve as the access layer and in some cases also perform the core/distribution layer functions at remote offices. POE functionality provides power to Wireless Access Points, VoIP phones and video conferencing units. The ability to stack 8 48 port switches provides a cost effective bulk aggregation wiring closet solution.
20 - The support for Catalyst switching is part of a larger multi skilled team. Typical expectations for day to day management of Cisco Catalyst switches is a CCNA and/or equivalent experience. Advanced changes/functionality is provided by senior members of the team with many more years experience or training in advanced features (such as network access control, Quality of Service, risk free software upgrades etc)
- Whilst none are 'innovative' since it is a closed environment, the ability of the Catalyst switch to evolve over time has been of great assistance to our organisation. Switches 10+ years old can still maintain the security posture required of access layer switches in the organisation. Another service we do quite often is move kit around a country. What was an old access layer switch at a large office can still be used as a collapsed core/access switch at a small remote site. This is good for the environment (less e-waste) as well as saving the company money on capital equipment costs.
- Integrate the environment with terraform for next generation management.
- Purchase/Utilise DNA licensing for advanced monitoring rather than just basic up/down/CPU etc.
- Possibly integrate catalyst switches into the Meraki dashboard to allow dashboards for non network engineers (site support, managers etc)
Evaluating Cisco Catalyst Switches and Competitors
Yes - During some network consolidation work a number of location with existing Juniper floor switches came on board. While the global team had some basic knowledge, it was decided to replace these with Catalyst that fit with the global standard and could more easily be supported.
It would not change. Catalyst switches are the building blocks of our network.
The only consideration would be a variant with smaller port density or Meraki but it would always be Cisco products.
The only consideration would be a variant with smaller port density or Meraki but it would always be Cisco products.
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