When running an enterprise of any scale, switches are an integral part of networking that can streamline your operations and help you tackle complex workloads more easily.

Cisco Catalyst switches are – without a shadow of a doubt – some of the best out there for building a robust network.

In today’s article, we’ll be delving into switches from the Cisco catalyst series, from their entry-level to their high-end models, to explore their capabilities for SMEs everywhere.

Do note that refurbished tech is frequently worth the investment, especially for more expensive models, to save on the initial cost with minimal lifespan difference with a new model straight off the line.

In any case, let’s start by understanding;

What Is A Switch?

A switch is, in simple terms, a way for multiple workstations or servers to communicate via an internal network. They offer a range of benefits over devices like routers, with the main advantage being security.

For instance, a router connects all devices in a network to the internet, whereas a switch only connects the devices internally within a network. This works great for keeping internal communications safer than if connected via only a router.

A switch can also be called a bridging hub, switching hub, or sometimes a MAC bridge.

Cisco Catalyst Ws-C2960s-48lps-L Switch

For enterprise operations looking to invest in a switch for the first time and needing a low-cost solution, the WS-C2960S-48LPS-L switch is a great model from Cisco Catalyst.

A standard model will feature the following technical specifications:

• A switching capacity of 176 Gbps
• 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 ports
• 4x 1 Gbps SFP ports
• 48 + 4 licensed ports (active)
• A fixed power supply
• IOS operating system
• LAN Base licence (installed)
• PoE+
• 1U rackmount chassis type
• Port side intake for excellent airflow
• FlexStack module slot for expansion

Price Range: £100 – £120.

Cisco Catalyst WS-C3850-24T-L Switch

Still staying with entry-level switches for the moment, a switch that offers smaller-scale SMEs more functionality with a slightly higher price point to match is the WS-C3850-24T-L switch from Cisco.

This Catalyst switch offers the following:

• 24x 1 Gbps Rj-45 ports
• 92 Gbps switching capacity
• All ports active
• Port side airflow intake
• Supports StackWise-480 Technology
• X1 Uplink module expansion slot
• StackPower Technology support
• IP services licence (installed)
• IOS operating system
• 1x 350W Redundant PSU
• 1U rackmount chassis type

Price Range: £350 – £420.

Cisco Catalyst WS-C3650-48TD-L Switch

Moving into mid-range models from Cisco, we have the Catalyst WS-C3650-48TD-L – a fairly comprehensive and powerful option for those enterprises that require more versatility for handling demanding workloads.

This switch features the following specifications (as standard from most retailers):

• 176 Gbps switching capacity
• IOS operating system
• 48x 1 Gbps RJ-45 ports
• 2x 10Gbps SFP+ ports
• Port side airflow intake
• 48 + 2 active ports
• 2x 250W redundant PSUs
• StackWise-160 Adapter slots
• IP services licence (installed)
• 1U rackmount chassis type

Price Range: £550 – £660.

Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960X-48FPD-L Switch

A solid mid-range option to consider is the WS-C2960X-48FPD-L. With a bump in price comes more functionality that your SME can exploit to handle all kinds of work. If you need to handle intricate but complex tasks, this switch is ideal as it provides the following:

• 48x 1 Gbps RJ-45 ports
• 2x 10Gbps SFP+ ports
• 48 + 2 licensed ports (active)
• 1U rackmount chassis type
• 216 Gbps switching capacity
• IOS operating system
• LAN base licence (Installed)
• 1x fixed power supply
• FlexStack module expansion slot

Price Range: £800 – £960.

Cisco Catalyst C9200L-24P-4G-E Switch

For SMEs requiring a high-end solution, a fairly cost-effective option, compared to other high-end Cisco Catalyst switches, is the C9200L-24P-4G-E option. This model of switch offers impressive capabilities for enterprise operations that need a powerful and reliable switch.

This switch is capable of providing the following (with its standard setup):

• 24x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 ports
• 4 x 1 Gbps SFP ports
• 24+4 licenses ports (active)
• PoE capability
• 1x 600W redundant power supply
• IOS operating system
• 56 Gbps switching capacity
• Port side intake for airflow
• Smart Net eligible
• 1U rack mount chassis type
• Smart licence (installed)

Price Range: £1,500 – £1,800.

Cisco Catalyst C9500-40X-A Switch

In terms of high-end options for enterprise operations that require exceptional performance from their switch to handle dozens of high-powered devices with huge data transfer requirements, the C9500-40X-A switch is one of the best options around.

It provides:

• 40 x 1/10 Gb SFP+ ports
• All ports are licensed
• 1 x 950W redundant power supply
• 1x module expansion slot
• Smart license (installed)
• 960 Gbps switching capacity
• IOS operating system
• Port side airflow intake
• Smart net eligible
• 1U rackmount chassis type

Price Range: £7,500 – £9,000.

To Conclude

There’s an abundance of options to choose from the Cisco Catalyst switches alone when it comes to setting up a robust option for your SME needs.

As a last note of advice, always consult various experts about what would best serve your operation.

What switch will you choose?