A Comparison of Cisco Switches for Enterprise Networks

June 20, 2023

Cisco is a leading provider of network switches for enterprise networks, offering a range of models that meet different needs and budgets. In this article, we will compare some of the popular Cisco switches that are designed for access-layer deployment: ISR4331-SEC/K9, C9200L-24T-4G-E, Cisco C9200-48T-E, WS-C3650-24TD-L, WS-C3850-12XS-S, and C3850-NM-8-10G.

ISR4331-SEC/K9

The ISR4331-SEC/K9 is a router with integrated security features that can also function as a switch. It has three Gigabit Ethernet ports, two SFP ports, and one enhanced service module (SM-X) slot. It supports up to 300 Mbps of throughput and can handle up to 100 VPN tunnels. The ISR4331-SEC/K9 comes with the Security license, which enables advanced security features such as firewall, VPN, IPS, and content filtering. The ISR4331-SEC/K9 is ideal for branch offices that need secure connectivity and routing capabilities.

C9200L-24T-4G-E

The C9200L-24T-4G-E is a switch from the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series, which extends the power of intent-based networking and Catalyst 9000 hardware and software innovation to a broader set of deployments. It has 24 10/100/1000 data ports and four 1-Gigabit SFP uplink ports. It supports up to 56 Gbps of switching capacity and 41.66 Mpps of forwarding rate. The C9200L-24T-4G-E comes with the Network Essentials software, which provides basic Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, such as VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol, static routing, and access control lists. The C9200L-24T-4G-E also requires a Cisco DNA term license, which enables additional features such as automation, assurance, security, and analytics.

Cisco C9200-48T-E

The Cisco C9200-48T-E is another switch from the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series, but with more ports and higher performance. It has 48 10/100/1000 data ports and four 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports. It supports up to 176 Gbps of switching capacity and 130.95 Mpps of forwarding rate. The Cisco C9200-48T-E comes with the Network Essentials software as well, but it can be upgraded to the Network Advantage software, which provides more advanced Layer 3 features, such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and multicast routing. The Cisco C9200-48T-E also requires a Cisco DNA term license for additional features.

WS-C3650-24TD-L

The WS-C3650-24TD-L is a switch from the Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series, which is the next generation of enterprise-class standalone and stackable access-layer switches that provide the foundation for full convergence between wired and wireless on a single platform. It has 24 10/100/1000 Ethernet downlink ports and two 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ and two 1-Gigabit Ethernet SFP uplink ports. It supports up to 88 Gbps of switching capacity and 65.47 Mpps of forwarding rate. The WS-C3650-24TD-L comes with the LAN Base software, which provides basic Layer 2 and Layer 3 features as well as integrated wireless controller capability for up to 25 access points and 1000 wireless clients. The WS-C3650-24TD-L also supports optional Cisco StackWise-160 technology that provides scalability and resiliency with 160 Gbps of stack throughput.

WS-C3850-12XS-S

The WS-C3850-12XS-S is a switch from the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series, which is the first stackable access-layer switch that provides both wired and wireless services on a single Cisco IOS XE Software-based platform. It has 12 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports and one network module slot that can accommodate four additional SFP+ ports or two QSFP+ ports. It supports up to 68 Gbps of switching capacity and 50 Mpps of forwarding rate. The WS-C3850-12XS-S comes with the IP Base software, which provides advanced Layer 3 features as well as integrated wireless controller capability for up to 50 access points and 2000 wireless clients. The WS-C3850-12XS-S also supports optional Cisco StackWise-480 technology that provides scalability and resiliency with 480 Gbps of stack throughput.

C3850-NM-8-10G

The C3850-NM-8-10G is a network module that can be installed in the WS-C3850-12XS-S switch to provide additional uplink ports. It has eight 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports that can also operate at 1-Gigabit speed. The C3850-NM-8-10G increases the switching capacity and forwarding rate of the WS-C3850-12XS-S switch by adding 80 Gbps and 59 Mpps, respectively.

Conclusion

Cisco switches offer a variety of features and performance levels for enterprise networks. Depending on the network size, requirements, and budget, customers can choose from different models and software options to meet their needs. The ISR4331-SEC/K9, C9200L-24T-4G-E, Cisco C9200-48T-E, WS-C3650-24TD-L, WS-C3850-12XS-S, and C3850-NM-8-10G are some of the popular Cisco switches that can provide reliable and secure access-layer connectivity for wired and wireless devices. For more information about these switches, please visit the Cisco website or contact a Cisco partner.

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