There has been quite a significant increase in the use of Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches, especially since they provide digital transformation to enterprises by supporting various business needs such as security and scalability. They are capable switches which are designed based on the demands of present day enterprises, allowing the users to access the full benefits of Performance, Security and Automation. This article looks closely at what makes the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series so attractive, the benefits one can derive from it, its popular models and who it best serves.
Key Features:
High Performance: The 9300 series gives port densities and speeds varying in configuration options which include GigEthernet, Multigig, 10/40/100 GigEthernet, and uplinks. This also allows enough headroom in relation to the anticipated network expansion with high usage applications.
Comprehensive Security: In this regard, it seeks to provide built-in features like the use of Cisco Trust Sec to segment the network or incorporate Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) to detect threats in the network and stringent access control lists (ACLs) to prevent any kind of intrusion.
Software Design Network (SDN) Compatibility: The 9300 series is intended for the Cisco DNA Center which allows the networks to be provisioned, monitored, and assured in an autonomous manner. It makes the management of networks much easier and allows the users to be more flexible.
Ethernet Power (PoE+ and PoE++): The switches provide power over Ethernet since they have PoE+ and PoE++ capabilities. This means that IP phones, wireless APs and Security Cameras among other devices can be powered using these switches, thereby easing deployments as well as cost impendent deployments.
High availability and redundancy: Use minimization of interruptions of work in the network provided by features such as StackWise-40 (in some models) and power supply redundancy.
Network Availability Content: Cisco DNA Assurance provides network visibility in the form of health and performance symptoms enabling you to take measures to prevent potential problems.
Benefits:
Increased productivity: With the availability of high-performing and reliable 9300 series switch, users cannot complain of the adverse effects of critical applications. This makes performance enhanced and the productivity of the users boosted.
Better security: Tough security measures also ensure the network is well shielded from modern threats and thus minimizing the likelihood of getting into trouble due to compromised data and downtime.
Easier Network Administration: With the introduction of Cisco DNA Center, network operations became easier due to the reduction of IT workload and shifted the energies into more important activities.
Cost effectiveness: PoE features help in avoiding the use of extra power cables, installation and maintenance costs, and energy wise as well.
Scalable and Flexible: The 9300 series provides the necessary scale and flexibility of the network as this series supports evolving user’s requirements making it future proof.
Popular Catalyst 9300 series Models:
There are several models in the 9300 series that are intended to meet different demands. These include:
Catalyst 9300-24P: Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE+ capability and 24 ports. Used in access layers most of the time.
Catalyst 9300-48P: Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE+ capability and 48 ports. Used in medium to high density access layer given the number of ports available.
Catalyst 9300-48U: 48-port PoE++ enabled GigE switch. Provides advanced PoE features for more power-hungry devices.
Catalyst 9300-24T: Gigabit Ethernet switch, 24 ports. A non-PoE version is used in such deployments where no power requirement is necessary.
Catalyst 9300-32P: 32-port PoE+ enabled compact switch.
(Note: It is always advisable to reference Cisco’s official website for new specifications in the models and the available configurations provided in them)
Optimal Utilization:
Corporate Campus Networks: Catalyst 9300 series fits perfectly well in providing high performance, scalable and secure campus networks that cater for a large number of users and devices.
Remote Sites: Given its advanced features and the ability to manage it effectively, it can be deployed in branch offices providing streamlined network access and security.
Server Farms (For Small Deployments): With its high clock speeds and low delays it can be successfully used for small server farm deployment.
IoT Applications: It addresses the logical placement of PoE+ and PoE++ in the 9300 series enabling connection and powering of different IoT devices, smart buildings and even industrial automation.
Companies Going into Digital Workspaces: Catalyst 9300 series also has enhancements to its wireless implementations as well as compatibility with collaboration tools making it a promising choice for such enterprises.
Conclusion
Essentials of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series could be broadened to include uninterrupted study periods or access to the appropriate IT networks for educational activities. Further, the availability of SDN concepts with the Cisco DNA Center integration adds to its additional attractive feature of being a future proof device to consider when creating secure and agile networks. Building a school campus network, expanding a work space, introducing a branch version or working with IoT technologies is all available with 9300 Catalyst series.
