I use Cisco Catalyst switches as part of the network infrastructure.
IT & Software Manager at a energy/utilities company with 51-200 employees
A stable part of our network infrastructure, with many resources available
Pros and Cons
- "These switches are stable."
- "In the future, I would like to see better security for this product."
What is our primary use case?
What needs improvement?
In the future, I would like to see better security for this product.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Cisco Catalyst Switches for more than three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
These switches are stable. I use both the switches and the access points.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switches
February 2025
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How are customer service and support?
I am satisfied with the Cisco support. There are a lot of resources out there.
How was the initial setup?
This product is complex to install and it takes time to configure it.
What about the implementation team?
I deployed it myself.
What other advice do I have?
This is a product that I can recommend to others.
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Presales Consultant at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Stable, flexible, easy to install, and the support is fair
Pros and Cons
- "I like the flexibility of this product."
- "Cisco is a bit complex."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution for our network.
I am a system engineer, and we sell the products to our customers.
What is most valuable?
I like the flexibility of this product.
What needs improvement?
There is a complexity with Cisco.
They should have unified software that includes all of the licenses. We should not have to pay for different software on the same platform. Each one has a specific use or a specific feature.
If you need dynamic routing then you have to purchase the software, if you need basic IP routing, you need different software. Why do you need this type of complexity?
They have their own propriety protocols while other competitors go with other standards and are easy. Cisco is a bit complex.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Catalyst Switches for 15 years.
We use several different versions, not just one. If they have different software for universal enterprise services, they will have specific features to use for the specific use case.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of this solution needs to be improved. It is not very scalable. For example, if you want to enable the features such as VSS, you have to add other modules and hardware.
Other competitors have this feature available from the beginning.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is fair.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. It is easy to install.
I was not involved in the installation but it is approximately five or ten minutes to deploy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is no licensing fee. All of the features are available on the switch from day one.
It's not a complicated license; you have to buy a license for different services or features. This is different.
Most of the features are available without additional hardware.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Cisco to other users, along with several other products.
I would rate Cisco Catalyst Switches a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switches
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Cisco Catalyst Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Chief Deputy Quality Audit
We use it for networking, it's very stable and has good scalability
Pros and Cons
- "The stability and Cisco's support are the most valuable features."
- "The prices are high. It's more expensive than other similar options."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case is for networking, both for the local network and our internet network.
What is most valuable?
The stability and Cisco's support are the most valuable features.
What needs improvement?
The prices are high. It's more expensive than other similar options.
I would like for them to include more cloud options in the next release and a smaller router.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a very stable product. It has become increasingly more stable since we started working with them in 1988.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We knew we needed to switch solutions because we have a client who told us what they need for their future projects. We strategized and went with this solution. We try to find them the best product.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We used a Cisco representative for the initial deployment. We didn't have any problems with them, it was a good experience.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We also looked at Huawei but we went with Cisco because we're more comfortable with them even though their prices are a little higher.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate it an eight out of ten. Not a ten because of the prices.
I would advise someone considering this solution to check out all of your options and go back to Cisco.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Networking Engineer at a non-tech company with 10,001+ employees
Stable reliable product
Pros and Cons
- "Scalable product."
- "Customer support answers on time and resolve any issues I have."
- "Price could be lower."
What is our primary use case?
I am a CMP and know the Cisco Catalyst Switches very well. We use them for connectivity.
What is most valuable?
The product is good, very stable.
What needs improvement?
Prices could always be lower.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Catalyst Switches for 12 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches is very scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The customer service and support is good, they answer on time and resolve any issues that I have
How was the initial setup?
Being a CMP, the initial setup is easy for me.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco is very reliable and I would recommend their products. I would rate the Catalyst Switches a 10 out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
DevOps System Engineer at Monash University
Good technical support, stable, and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very stable."
- "The solution could improve security."
What is our primary use case?
The solution can be used to connect the internet and servers, such as databases.
What needs improvement?
The solution could improve security.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for approximately 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
We are satisfied with the technical support from Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is easy and takes approximately 10 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
I did the implementation myself.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
I rate Cisco Catalyst Switches a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Electronic Engineer at eBTel Cia. Ltda.
Is stable, configurable, durable, and easy to manage
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco Catalyst Switches is very stable, configurable, and durable. It is also easy to manage."
- "It would be good if Cisco Catalyst Switches could align maintenance with one version."
What is our primary use case?
My customers are using Cisco Catalyst Switches for communication in different areas in the enterprise. My customers who use this solution are medium sized companies.
What is most valuable?
I think this solution is very good. I manage other solutions, and compared with those, Cisco Catalyst Switches is very stable, configurable, and durable. It is also easy to manage.
This solution is cheaper than other solutions.
What needs improvement?
It would be good if Cisco Catalyst Switches could align maintenance with one version.
Also, the protocols for management should be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have about five years of experience with this solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is good.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Compared to the price of other solutions such as Huawei and HP, Cisco Catalyst Switches is a cheaper solution.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
My customers have evaluated Huawei and HP.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Cisco Catalyst Switches and rate it at nine on a scale from one to ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
Firewall Engineer at a marketing services firm with 1-10 employees
Extremely stable, scalable, and excellent technical support
Pros and Cons
- "I have found this solution to be extremely stable."
What is our primary use case?
I am using this solution as a network switch for my clients.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for many years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have found this solution to be extremely stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable and there are approximately 700 people using the solution in one client's organization. I have plans to keep using the solution in some cases.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support of Cisco is very good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have previously used HP, Jupiter, and Fortinet solutions.
How was the initial setup?
The installation should be done by someone that knows Cisco solutions very well. I am certified in the solution so it was not difficult for me.
What about the implementation team?
I have done the implementation myself but in some circumstances, I need assistance from Cisco.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of this solution could be reduced, it is expensive and I am using an annual license.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others, it is very good.
I rate Cisco Catalyst Switches a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT PM at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
Suitable for handling extreme temperatures, but the price could be better
Pros and Cons
- "It's got one feature, and that's handling extreme temperatures."
- "They should be cheaper."
What is our primary use case?
We use these switches outdoors.
What is most valuable?
It's got one feature, and that's handling extreme temperatures. Everything else is alright, and we buy them because they're suitable for extreme temperatures.
What needs improvement?
They should be cheaper.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Catalyst Rugged Series Switches for 15 years.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is good.
How was the initial setup?
It's easy to install these switches. It takes about half an hour to implement one switch.
What about the implementation team?
We do it ourselves, and we use consultants and integrators.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's overpriced and should be cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
I wouldn't recommend this product because it's overpriced.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Cisco Catalyst Switches a four.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Updated: February 2025
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