In large branches and organizations with on-site data centers, enterprise switches play an essential role in transferring data quickly, monitoring Cisco internet traffic, and supporting cloud growth. Enterprise switches are ideal for software-defined networking (SDN) environments and can be purchased online. They allow remote monitoring and configuration, where policies set by network administrators ensure secure and efficient operations. Enterprise switches provide robust support for:
- Security
- Automation
- Analytics
- Network performance enhancement
Together, these capabilities protect an organization’s data and applications while delivering insights into network traffic, crucial for optimizing network performance.
Advantages of Enterprise Network Switches
Enterprise switches offer a wide array of benefits, making them highly preferred over other types of switches. Key advantages include:
- A primary benefit of enterprise switches is their ability to systematically connect the entire network.
- They simplify device management for network operators and administrators, ensuring that all connected devices remain easily manageable.
- Additionally, enterprise switches come equipped with feature-rich consoles, consolidating the effort involved in managing connected switches, securing access points, and maintaining network integrity.
- Traffic management becomes more efficient, especially for remote offices and edge devices, with many platforms capable of scaling to data center technology.
- Finally, they facilitate the implementation of security policies at the switch level. Any traffic policy set by network administrators is automatically enforced on software-defined networks, enhancing overall security and compliance.
Top Features of High-Quality Enterprise Switches
Though you will find a wide range of enterprise switches in the market, you can segregate the high-quality enterprise switches by keeping in mind the following features:
- Analytics: Network administrators can access detailed system information, including system errors and security vulnerabilities, while analyzing switch performance.
- Management Console: This feature allows administrators to configure and update switches efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate network adjustments.
- Monitoring: Enterprise switches not only transfer data but also scan and record data packets, detecting known threats to improve security.
- Automation: Administrators can set policies for security and traffic rules. Software-defined switches then automatically enforce these policies, responding intelligently to network behavior.
- Network Segmentation: In addition to automation, segmentation within the network provides an essential layer of defense. By preventing lateral movement of potential attackers, segmentation policies improve access control across the organization.
If your chosen Cisco Internet Enterprise Switch includes these features, it’s likely an excellent fit for your organization. To find the best options available, consider researching more about the top enterprise switches in 2022.
Best Enterprise Switches of 2022
Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series
Designed for hybrid network environments, the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series offers flexible options for enterprises of all sizes. Running on the Cisco IOS XE Software operating system, this series supports Cisco DNA Center, a comprehensive network controller for administrators. Its 3D wireless maps provide topographical views for enhanced network visualization.
Administrators can also implement network segmentation and leverage group-based and AI policy analytics for better network insights. Additionally, businesses can test for compatibility with the latest Wi-Fi standards.
For branch locations, the 9200 series is an ideal fit, while the 9600 and 9600X series are optimized for larger enterprise premises.
Why Buy the Cisco 9000 Series?
• Enables businesses to implement zero-trust network policies
DNA Center’s management console provides comprehensive oversight of all network assets. With 3D wireless maps, users can view heat map KPI metrics. The Catalyst 9600 series also includes embedded threat intelligence and encryption, enhancing security at every level.
Juniper Network EX Series
Juniper’s EX Series of Ethernet switches delivers high performance for branches, campuses, and data centers. This versatile series includes both access and distribution switches, meeting various needs from small networks to low-density data center environments. For enterprises with frequent video streaming, the EX3400 series offers optimal support, specifically designed for data, voice, and video enterprise networks. It integrates seamlessly with Juniper’s Wi-Fi solutions, enabling both wired and wireless connections. In addition, it connects with the Mist platform, including Juniper Mist Cloud, allowing businesses to deploy and manage network fabrics efficiently.
Why Buy Juniper EX Series Switches?
Integration with Mist Cloud enables SD-WAN technology and provides real-time threat intelligence, delivering high performance for critical workloads. This setup can connect wired and wireless devices through Juniper’s WiFi solution.
HPE Aruba CX
Aruba, owned by HPE, offers a range of enterprise switches for access, integration, data center, and campus core operations. These switches run on the AOS-CX operating system, which provides switch management insights. The Cisco Internet Network Analytics Engine (NAE) actively monitors network performance, notifying administrators about configuration changes. Through Python, CLI, and REST APIs, NAE streamlines network troubleshooting.
Aruba’s Fabric Composer, a software-defined orchestration tool, facilitates leaf-spine networking provisioning and rack-scale infrastructure management. This tool integrates smoothly with other HPE products, offering network operators a holistic view of device health and inventory.
Why Choose HPE Aruba CX?
- Fabric Composer provides valuable insights into switches’ health and inventory.
- Supports efficient orchestration of data center network operations.
- Offers API-level integration.
- Includes Virtual Switching Extension.
- NetEdit simplifies switch configuration and troubleshooting.
Still unsure which switches are best for your business network? Get expert guidance to find the ideal cisco internet enterprise solution.