Cisco Switches

Cisco Catalyst family

Cisco Catalyst is one of Cisco's best-known switch families for enterprise networks. These products are used at different network layers and in Access, Distribution and Core scenarios.

Catalyst family series

Catalyst 1000 Series switches

Managed Gigabit switches for offices, branches and small to medium networks with simple, manageable requirements.

Catalyst 9200 Series switches

Managed access switches in PoE and non-PoE models, for connecting users, IP phones, access points and network equipment in organizations.

Catalyst 9300 Series switches

Advanced enterprise and access switches with PoE models, high-speed uplinks and extensive management and security features for enterprise networks.

Catalyst 9400 Series switches

Modular, expandable high-capacity switches for large enterprise networks at the distribution and access layers.

Catalyst 9500 Series switches

Fixed, high-capacity switches with high-speed uplinks for the core and distribution layers and enterprise infrastructure.

Which Cisco Catalyst series is right for you?

Choosing the right switch doesn't depend only on the brand or the price. The key is the real needs of your network and the role the switch plays in it.

The number of users and devices, the number and speed of ports, PoE requirements, uplink speed, management and security features, and future network growth are among the most important things to consider before buying a Catalyst switch.

As a simple guide, the Catalyst 9200 and Catalyst 9300 series are mostly chosen for the access layer and for connecting users and network devices, while the Catalyst 9400 and Catalyst 9500 series are used more in larger networks and in distribution and core roles.

Buying a Cisco Catalyst switch

If you plan to buy a Cisco Catalyst switch, first choose the series that fits your network architecture, then compare models by port count, speed, PoE, uplink type, management features and other specifications.