Fair Game
Updated January 21, 2019

Fair Game

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Modules Used

  • Cisco Catalyst 2960 X/XR Series

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst Switches

We are using Catalyst Switches exclusively at our access layer, feeding back into 4500 IDFs. Catalyst is a solid device that is pretty much hands off once configured, with the exception of the occasional IOS update. Updates are fast and versatile, from either USB, FTP, or Serial.

Pros

  • port security
  • IOS update
  • SNMP / monitoring setup
  • TACACS / RADIUS setup
  • scalability
  • chassis aggregation

Cons

  • enable BPDU guard by default
  • reassign logical interface numbers when renumbering switches in a stack
  • reduce noise
  • long life
  • low cost
  • many features
We are explicitly using Cisco Catalyst switches at our access layer and have not explored alternatives at this time.
Catalyst Switches are perfect for access layer deployment where 1GB throughput per interface is adequate. Would not use outside of this scenario as there are other product lines with redundant power supplies and a larger backplane. Excellent when used in an environment that may need to scale quickly, as chassis aggregation is quick and painless in most cases as long as the IOS image versions are compatible. Would be nice to see the status of version mismatches though, such as when a switch tries to join a stack that is not compatible with the other members. There should be some feedback regarding auto image deployment from the master to the newly added member.

Cisco Catalyst Addtional Questions

  • data forwarding
  • network expansion
  • maintenance refresh
  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
  • Product Reputation
  • Vendor Reputation
  • Existing Relationship with the Vendor
  • Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
Cisco leads the market in Layer 2 network equipment
for multiple unit deployment, create a template to deploy. Or load into Cisco Prime to deploy templates
product selection made easy with Sales Engineering, just have your requirements understood
always available for follow up consultations

Using Cisco Catalyst Switches

1500 - manufacturing employees
2 - Network Engineer and IT Manager
  • end-user deployment
  • end-user management
  • greater segmentation
  • expansion
Cisco has great products, easy to deploy, configure, and manage

Evaluating Cisco Catalyst Switches and Competitors

would not change, we made the right choice

Cisco Catalyst Switches Implementation

usually pretty seamless into existing deployments
  • Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
  • network downtime
  • IOS matching

Cisco Catalyst Switches Training

  • Self-taught
with some basic knowledge of how to use the help system, Cisco IOS is straightforward

Configuring Cisco Catalyst Switches

Just right for the device classification
No - there is no facility to customize the interface
No - the product does not support adding custom code
We did not customize the interface

Cisco Catalyst Switches Support

ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Kept well informed
No escalation required
Immediate help available
Support cares about my success
Quick Initial Response
Need to explain problems multiple times
troubleshooting a link flap on a core, Tech team was extremely helpful
Good response time and knowledgeable staff

Using Cisco Catalyst Switches

ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Convenient
Feel confident using
Slow to learn
  • switchport configuration
  • vlan configuration
  • management configuration
  • file copy
  • stack ring configuration between dissimilar models
  • matching IOS versions between dissimilar models
very easy to navigate the CLI

Cisco Catalyst Switches Reliability

Switch stacking feature is flawless
Always in stock
uptime meets expectations

Integrating Cisco Catalyst Switches

easily integrate with current environment
  • PLC network
  • camera network
simple and straightforward
non as of now
  • Single Signon
deploy slowly and read all requirements

Relationship with Cisco

pricing and CLC offerings
be clear about potential volume for better pricing

Upgrading Cisco Catalyst Switches

Yes - very smoothly once the IOS versions and Stack Ring speed are matched
  • Newer features
  • Higher stack ring throughput
  • Higher throughput uplinks
  • Higher throughput
  • improved user interface

Comments

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