Top Cisco Catalyst Switches brand for a variety of network switches, wireless controllers, and wireless access points designed for enterprise networking environments. Catalyst switches offer reliable, adaptable network designs by providing both wired and wireless connections.
These switches run on Cisco’s operating systems, specifically Cisco IOS (Internetworking Operating System). Cisco offers an extensive range of campus network switches, including the Catalyst 9000 Series, Catalyst 3800 Series, Catalyst 3500 Series, and Catalyst 9300 Series, among others. Importantly, these switches come with integrated network security features to protect your network before, during, and after an attack.
Additionally, they simplify the management of wired and wireless networks while enhancing security across your campus LAN. In today’s blog, we will compare a few of these Cisco Catalyst switches, specifically focusing on the Cisco 3560, 3850, and 9300 models.
Overview of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switch
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series is the leading stacked access switch and represents the next generation of the industry’s most widely deployed stackable switching platform. Specifically designed for security, IoT, mobility, and cloud applications, these network switches serve as the foundation for Cisco’s Software-Defined Access, our premier enterprise architecture.
Moreover, this series offers unparalleled IoT convergence at a scale unmatched in the market. You benefit from up to 384 continuous 60W Cisco UPOE, PoE+, and PoE ports, ensuring reliable security and robust performance. Additionally, the switches support audio-visual bridging (AVB) and the IEEE 1588 standard, along with features such as service discovery and IoT classification.
Prepared for the Cloud
Simplify, secure, and transform your cloud infrastructure with Cisco’s digital-ready solution. This solution starts at the edge and extends to application locations.
Mobility-Optimized
The Catalyst 9300 Series access switches deliver unified access that is smart, simple, and highly secure.
Proactive Network Management Services
Take proactive steps to solve problems, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the risk of downtime.
Overall, the Catalyst 9300 Series stands out as our most powerful fixed-access enterprise network switch series, capable of stacking up to 480 Gbps.
Overview of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch
The stackable Catalyst 3850 Series multigigabit and 10Gb switches support Cisco StackWise-480 Technology, enabling them to stack with up to nine switches and deliver 480 Gbps of stackable bandwidth.
The Cisco 3850 Switch includes several key features:
- Integrated wireless controller
- Wireless capacity of up to 40 GB per switch
- Support for up to 100 access points and 2,000 wireless clients
- Compatibility with 802.11ac Wave 2, Cisco StackWise-480, and Stack Power technology
- Two redundant modular power supplies and three modular fans
Notably, the 3850 competes with the 9300, which also offers 480 Gbps bandwidth and features like Multigigabit technology, Native Flexible Net Flow, and an integrated wireless LAN controller. Additionally, the 3850 provides optional SD-Access programmability through a subscription. For small to medium-sized firms, the 3850 could be an ideal choice to meet your networking needs.
Overview of the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Switch
The Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series comprises enterprise-class switches that feature IEEE 802.3af and Cisco pre-standard Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality in both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet configurations.
This access layer switch is ideal for small enterprise LAN access or branch-office environments. It combines 10/100/1000 and PoE configurations, maximizing productivity and investment protection while enabling the deployment of applications such as IP telephony, wireless access, video surveillance, building management systems, and remote video kiosks.
Customers can implement network-wide intelligent services, including advanced QoS, rate limiting, access control lists (ACLs), multicast management, and high-performance IP routing, all while enjoying the simplicity of traditional LAN switching.
Additionally, the Cisco Network Assistant is a free centralized management tool that simplifies administration tasks for Cisco switches, routers, and wireless access points.
The Network’s Intelligence
Today’s networks are adapting to four key developments at the network edge:
- Improvements in desktop computing power
- Implementation of high-bandwidth applications
- Expansion of sensitive data across the network
- The presence of various device types, such as IP phones, WLAN access points, and IP video cameras
Energy Wise Technology from Cisco
Cisco Energy Wise is an innovative architecture integrated into the Catalyst 3560 switches, promoting sustainability by reducing energy consumption throughout the corporate infrastructure.
Increased Security
The extensive security capabilities of the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series allow businesses to protect vital information, keep unauthorized users off the network, ensure privacy, and maintain uninterrupted operations.