Issued in collaboration, a vital juncture for several organizations is procuring an answered network switch suitably operative between combinations 9200 and 9300 of Cisco Catalyst switches, offering a base of differences with which a prospective decision on the switch can be well argued. Described below are candidate comparisons of the attributes of Catalyst 9200 and Catalyst 9300 often offered to help you focus
Key Differences:
| Feature | Cisco Catalyst 9200 | Cisco Catalyst 9300 |
| Target Market | Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), branch offices | Enterprise campus networks, larger branch offices, data centers (smaller deployments) |
| Performance | Lower to mid-range performance | Mid to high-range performance |
| Port Density | Lower port density options available | Higher port density options available |
| Uplink Speeds | Typically up to 10G | Up to 100G |
| Stacking | Limited or no stacking capabilities | StackWise-40 (select models) |
| PoE | PoE+ (some models) | PoE+ and PoE++ |
| Software Features | Basic to advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features | Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, including SDN capabilities |
| Manageability | Traditional CLI and web interface | Cisco DNA Center support for advanced automation and management |
| Security | Essential security features | Advanced security features, including TrustSec and ETA |
| Price | Generally more budget-friendly | Generally more expensive Export to Sheets |
Major Models
Catalyst 9200 Series:
Catalyst 9200-24P: 24-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+
Catalyst 9200-48P: 48-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+
Catalyst 9200L-24P-4G: 24-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ with 4x 1G uplinks
Catalyst 9300 Series:
Catalyst 9300-24P: 24-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+
Catalyst 9300-48P: 48-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+
Catalyst 9300-48U: 48-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE++
Catalyst 9300-32P: 32-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Compact
Catalyst 9300-24T: 24-port Gigabit Ethernet (non-PoE)
Note: Consult Cisco’s official documentation earlier for current model specifications and configurations available.
Applications
Catalyst 9200:
Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs): Ideal for smaller offices needing basic network connectivity and PoE for devices like IP phones and access points.
Branch Offices: Suitable for branch office deployments utilizing more cost-effective deployments.
Simple Network Upgrades: A good option for upgrading older network infrastructure with basic Layer 2/3 switching capabilities.
Catalyst 9300:
Enterprise Campus Networks: Designed for high-performance, secure, and scalable campus networks supporting a large number of users and devices.
Larger Branch Offices: Suitable for larger branch offices requiring advanced features, higher bandwidth, and centralized management.
Small Data Center Deployments: Can be used in slightly smaller data center environments where performance and quality are of prime concern.
Organizations Migrating to Digital Workspaces: Supports wireless and collaboration technologies, making it suitable for organizations embracing digital workspaces.
Selecting the Right Switch
The best choice between the 9200 and 9300 depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the following factors:
Network Size and Complexity: How many users and devices will the switch support?
Performance Requirements: What bandwidth and throughput do your applications require?
Security Needs: What level of security is required for your network?
Budget: How much are you willing to invest in network infrastructure?
Management Requirements: Do you need advanced management capabilities like Cisco DNA Center?
Conclusion
Both C9200 series and C9300 series of Cisco Catalyst can showcase a level of performance, features, and scalability. The 9200 is most effective for smaller deployments whereas the 9300 will be more suited for those larger enterprise networks requiring more power and facility. Careful evaluation of your requirements and budget will help in pinpointing the right switch to operate your organization’s network infrastructure.
