The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Basics of Cisco Switches Series

Procuring Cisco switches from IT Networks Technologies, a trusted Cisco product supplier in the UAE, is straightforward. However, understanding the basics of Cisco switches can be challenging, especially for beginners.

What is a network switch?

A network switch is a fundamental component that connects different network segments, facilitating full-duplex communication, high-performance data transfer, and efficient network bandwidth utilization.

Which Switches Does Cisco Offer?

Cisco offers Catalyst and Nexus switch. The Catalyst series is designed for campus networks, while the Nexus series caters to data centers. This post will focus mainly on Catalyst switches.

Catalyst Switches

The Catalyst 6500, launched in 1999, was one of Cisco’s earliest switches. However, it was later replaced by the catalyst 6800. Over the years, Cisco has introduced newer switch to replace older models. For example, the popular Catalyst 2960 series from a decade ago is now replaced by the Catalyst 9000 series.

What Are the Latest Cisco Switches?

Currently, businesses upgrading their network infrastructure are replacing the C2960X-XR, C3650, and C3850 switches with the new C9000 series. The C2960L is now being replaced by the C1000.

The Cisco Catalyst 9000 series includes the 9100, 9200, 9300, 9400, 9500, 9600, and 9800 switches, all designed to optimize the new era of intent-based networking. Meanwhile, the Cisco Catalyst 1000 series targets small businesses, providing enterprise-grade network access.

For next-gen automated data centers, Cisco launched the Nexus 9000 series, including the Nexus 9500 modular switches and Nexus 9300 fixed switches.

Modern Networking

Thanks to advancements in networking technology, modern networks are intuitive and capable of learning, adapting, and evolving. These networks can identify intent, mitigate threats via segmentation and encryption, and continually evolve to meet new demands.

Types of Cisco Switches

Cisco designs two main types of network switch: fixed-configuration and modular switches. In fixed-configuration switches, you cannot add or swap modules, unlike modular switches, which allow for this flexibility.

Where Are Cisco Switches Installed?

In the enterprise access layer, you will typically find fixed-configuration switches like the Cisco Catalyst 2960X series (for traditional infrastructures) or the Catalyst 9000 series (for upgraded networks).

In the enterprise distribution layer, both fixed-configuration and modular switches are used, depending on the network’s needs. For instance, the Cisco Catalyst 3850-X series often serves in the distribution layer, offering different network modules (ethernet or fiber optic) and redundant power supply options.

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In smaller business network infrastructures that lack a distribution layer, the C3850-X may be deployed in the core layer. In large enterprise networks, the Cisco 3850-X is commonly used in the access layer, particularly where high redundancy and full Layer 3 functionality are critical.

Even today, you may find many businesses that are still using older versions of Cisco switches.

In their enterprise core layer, most organizations install a Cisco Catalyst 6500 or Catalyst 6800 series switch. When traffic volume increases, they often use C4500-X switches in the distribution layer, as these switches support 10 Gigabit Ethernet for efficient traffic handling.

Cisco’s 2960-X, 3850-X, 4500-X, and 6800-X series switches are managed, allowing users to easily configure an IP address on each device.

For an upgraded network infrastructure, consider the latest Cisco Catalyst or Nexus 9000 series switch.

Author: TechBlonHub

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