Cisco Catalyst Switches Reviews

Name: Cisco Catalyst Switches
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.3 (173 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.3 out of 5

173 reviews
95% willing to recommend

1,945 followers

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What is Cisco Catalyst Switches?

Cisco Catalyst Switches are a reliable and scalable network switching and routing solution, focusing on VLANs and VLAN switching. They are used as access switches, distribution switches, and core switches in various environments, deployed on-premises, and used for long connections. The switches are easy to configure, install, and upgrade and offer good pricing.

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Cisco Catalyst Switches is the #1 ranked solution in top LAN Switching solutions, #1 ranked solution in top Data Center Networking solutions, #1 ranked solution in top AV Over IP Switching solutions, and #7 ranked solution in top Ethernet Switches. PeerSpot users give Cisco Catalyst Switches an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 173 most recent Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.3. Cisco Catalyst Switches is most commonly compared to NETGEAR Switches: Cisco Catalyst Switches vs NETGEAR Switches. Cisco Catalyst Switches is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 66% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 62% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Catalyst Switches

December 2024

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Helped 823,875 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

SameerBali

Network Architect at Syriatel Mobile Telecom

I like Cisco Catalyst Switches because most of the time, we can do what we want with the product. Cisco has good guidelines that enable us to implement anything, so we can have a multiple ability product on most of the network equipment worldwide. Cisco has communities or forums that help us implement more complicated areas in terms of network, so in addition, Cisco is not just a network equipment company, because they provide us most of the solutions, development, protocols, and new technologies, more than any other company in the world. I also like the availability of Cisco Catalyst Switches, including scalability and reliability. You can find all these in this product.

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Karthikeyan Ravi

Vice President of Technology at Netcon Technologies India Private Limited

Network segmentation and security groups are valuable features. We use features like network analytics, network flow, and other network solutions across our large network. The solution is highly reliable. It has a self-healing infrastructure. We do not have even a single point of failure in the core and distribution architecture. Inside the hardware, we have route processors, power supplies, line cords, and multiple lines. It is a highly available network between core and distribution. We can design the network with a 25 GB platform. It supports wireless infrastructure like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. The tool provides mobility. It helps us achieve a connected experience across multiple devices. We get the same performance, reliability, and portability, whether it is wired or wireless.

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SunilNair1

AGM - Infrastructure & Information Security at Aster DM Healthcare Limited

We use access, edge, and core switches from Cisco. Since it's not cloud-controlled, we need a specialist or network engineer to configure the solution. As far as reliability and stability are concerned, I would recommend Cisco Catalyst Switches to other users. Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

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PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Ethernet Switches	Dec 18, 2024	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Dec 18, 2024	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches	Dec 18, 2024	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Aruba Switches	Dec 18, 2024	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Ubiquiti UniFi Switches	Dec 18, 2024	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
NETGEAR Switches	4.1	9.7%	88%	56 interviews Add to research
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access	4.1	6.1%	88%	46 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco Catalyst Switches offer valuable features like robust security, PoE, VLAN flexibility, high reliability, and scalability. Organizations appreciate stackable capabilities for increased availability, ease of configuration, and strong performance even in harsh conditions. They provide stability, seamless deployment, and network segmentation. The hardware is durable and supports a wide range of features, including routing and load balancing. Cisco Catalyst stands out for its ease of use, technical support, and excellent documentation.

"The most beneficial features for our network management are their stability and good customer support."
"It's easy to configure."
"We are a vendor for the healthcare sector, especially hospitals, and normally, we use a full Cisco solution for stability, especially for the stability of the Access Points and the security of switches."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Catalyst Switches have several areas for improvement including high pricing and complex licensing. Users find the interface difficult to manage and seek better integration with third-party products. There's a demand for more security features and improved compatibility with other vendors' equipment. Implementation and configuration challenges are common. Calls for improved documentation, training, and support response times are frequent. Users desire more affordable models and expanded cloud capabilities. Some also request enhanced programmability and automation features.

"Cisco Catalyst Switches could be a little bit cheaper as they are very costly."
"There is no GUI."
"The biggest barrier to buying Cisco or using Cisco is the price and also the competition with competitors and with Cisco partners."

ROI

Users typically see positive ROI from Cisco Catalyst Switches within three to five years. Many report excellent returns due to stability and minimal downtime, enhancing operational efficiency. Some users observe performance lasting up to ten years, while others note substantial investment returns over an extended period, citing efficient operations. However, a few find the costs outweigh potential gains. Overall, prolonged usage tends to yield beneficial financial outcomes and long-term value retention.

Pricing

Cisco Catalyst Switches are generally considered expensive, with pricing often cited as a major concern for enterprise buyers. Licensing can be complex, with additional costs for support and subscriptions. Despite the high prices, users frequently acknowledge the reliability and quality provided by Cisco, justifying the cost. However, comparisons with competitors like Juniper, HP, and Dell highlight Cisco as the pricier option. Many users suggest that pricing and licensing improvements could make Cisco Catalyst Switches more attractive.

"We must pay a high price for the product."
"The product is quite expensive."
"The new products from Cisco in the market are expensive. My company cannot import Cisco products, so they are mostly unavailable."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Catalyst Switches are primarily used for enterprise networks, connecting LAN and WAN links, providing core and access switching, and supporting VLAN segmentation and inter-VLAN routing. They excel in high-quality Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, campus networking, and access layer deployment, facilitating connections for IP phones, video conferencing, and branch connectivity. They are also implemented in data centers and support environments like airports and smart cities. Various industries utilize them for reliable network infrastructure.

Service and Support

Users report mixed experiences with customer service and technical support. Some find support responsive and knowledgeable, rating it highly. Others note delays and difficulties at initial support levels, impacting effectiveness. Paid support often yields better results, with advanced levels providing successful resolutions. Self-reliance and community resources are frequently used due to varied support quality. While some express satisfaction, suggesting improvements, others appreciate the comprehensive support and documentation provided by Cisco.

Deployment

Cisco Catalyst Switches' initial setup is generally straightforward and easy, particularly for those with experience. Basic tasks can be completed quickly, often in minutes to a few hours. For more complex configurations or larger networks, the time and complexity increase, especially if additional features are involved. Familiarity with Cisco CLI or having trained personnel facilitates the process significantly. Many users appreciate the documentation and support available, which aids in simplifying configurations.

Scalability

Cisco Catalyst Switches exhibit strong scalability, praised for their capability to expand network size with ease. Users across industries experience successful scaling through stacking features and adaptable configurations. Though some find limitations in specific models or complex setups, Cisco's guidelines support seamless expansion. These switches cater to both small and large enterprises, accommodating thousands of users, ensuring high performance and adaptability for changing network demands.

Stability

Cisco Catalyst Switches are widely praised for their reliability and stability. Despite occasional bugs, they offer exceptional performance, mostly running without issues for extended periods. Users highlight its resilience, even under heavy use, with only minimal faults. Some report hardware failures like port and power issues, yet these are uncommon. Stability ratings often range from eight to ten out of ten. Cisco's robust support and updates contribute to maintaining its steady and dependable reputation.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Cisco Catalyst Switches Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

62%

Computer Software Company

Government

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

University

Healthcare Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

Construction Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Media Company

Legal Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Compare Cisco Catalyst Switches with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Catalyst Switches

The most valuable features include warranty and firmware support, stability, security, good performance, flexibility, etc. The Cisco Catalyst Switches have provided a stable solution for the organizations and are widely used, trusted, and well-known in the networking industry.

Cisco Catalyst Switches was previously known as Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst.

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Cisco Catalyst Switches customers

Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena