---
title: Cisco Catalyst Switches Reviews
meta_title: 'Cisco Catalyst Switches Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features |
  G2'
meta_description: Filter 149 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry
  to find out how Cisco Catalyst Switches works for a business like yours.
aggregate_rating:
  rating_value: 4.6
  review_count: 149
  scale: '5'
date_modified: '2026-07-12'
parent_category:
  name: IT Hardware
  url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-hardware
---

# Cisco Catalyst Switches Reviews
**Vendor:** Cisco  
**Category:** [Networking Hardware](https://www.g2.com/categories/networking-hardware)  
**Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0  
**Total Reviews:** 149
## About Cisco Catalyst Switches
Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate, and collaborate. As an innovator in the communications and information technology industry, Cisco and our valued partners sell Cisco hardware, software, and services to businesses of all sizes, governments, service providers, and consumers.




## Cisco Catalyst Switches Reviews
  ### 1. Cisco Catalyst one of many solutions to Switch to

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Networking | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 25, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The Cisco Catalyst switches are great because of all of the 10 gig capability and Wireless controller management built in to one system. On top of that they are stackable and can be configured together as one management plane.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Soon after we received the 3850s it was time to move on to the 9300 series. Both products are great it was just the quick life cycle that created turn around for more work since we purchased the 3850s later and closer to its projected EOL date.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

In particular we tested and used a 3850 to migrate core routing via VRRP from one building to another because of the current fiber design. It was very helpful and kept up with the load surprisingly. 

  ### 2. It increase network stability and performance.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 30, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Cisco Catalyst 4500-X series switch is a fixed aggregation switch that gives excellent scalability and low latency.we are working in network industry and our company used this switches to improve our network performance.configuration of this switches is very easy.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

cost of this switches is high as compare to other switches.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

This kind of switches increases your network performance and security.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Using this switches it increase our network performance and this swithes gives low latency/delay.

  ### 3. Not the lowest price vendor, but you get what you pay for.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** William B. | Architect, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 04, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Catalyst switches have many features built in, many of which go unused by most users.  Those features are both layer 2 and 3.  Have a Catalyst switch in place and have a new requirement?  Chances are the switch may already support your new requirements.
TAC provides great support to resolve existing issues or provide config guidance.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Bugs and syntax changes.  Software updates sometimes change command syntax and finding the updated documentation can sometimes put your search skills to the test.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Do NOT use the software loaded on the chassis out of the box.  Check cisco.com for the latest stable software for the platform.  It is not unheard-of for a switch to come out of the box with software that has been deferred due to issues.  Invest in SmartNet - this will pay for itself in the event a device has a hardware issue or there is a production issue to be investigated and resolved.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Provide required connectivity and support of new technologies, often with no more than a software update.

  ### 4. Great products.. Phenomenal support. You get what you pay for!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Evan H.

**Reviewed Date:** October 22, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The consistency across the Cisco IOS platform makes configuration, troubleshooting, and learning much more efficient and beneficial when moving between different models/series. Additionally, the Cisco support structure sets a golden standard for the industry (and really any support model).

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Inconsistency between some of the nomenclature for commands (e.g. port channel vs ether channel). Additionally, some of the configuration guides can be cryptic at times, and really takes a bit of trial and error (or consulting with the community).

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

In short, Cisco equipment is generally more expensive than other gear out on the market, but ultimately you get what you pay for. Absolutely do your due diligence and thoroughly compare products and vendors, but be sure to include Cisco as one of those vendors in your vetting process. 

Aside from generally great products (note: not always perfect), their support structure is fantastic, both on the break/fix support side as well as the hardware replacement side. Cases are easy to open, engineers are (typically) very knowledgeable, and not once do you feel left in the dark; if something is urgent and severe enough, they'll stay on the phone with you until completion. 

It's not always the right decision if the budget isn't there, but it's definitely worth it if you're looking for effective products, and truly exemplary support.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Converged building networks. By leveraging various Cisco platforms, we've been able to bring together systems which have traditionally been isolated and run on their own networks and infrastructure.

  ### 5. Why Cisco Catalyst

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Sebastián S. | Infrastructure Services Manager

**Reviewed Date:** June 12, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

For us, a logistic company, the quality and the scalability are the keys.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Sometimes in Latin America Cisco product are a bit expensive 

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Go ahead, it’s an extremely secure way

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Network service break, and the possibility to add new services and devices fast

  ### 6. Catalyst Review

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Alexandre F. | Alexandre Feliano, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** April 26, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Inexpensive and easy to use, still supported until 2019 if you have a contract or warranty.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

No longer fully supported for vulnerabilities.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

This is a truly simple to install and a great product that will serve basic minimum functionality especially in a small environment.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The small branch-office networks were simplified, the migration from non-intelligent hubs and unmanaged switches to a fully scalable managed network was easy.

  ### 7. Cisco Catalyst must not be missing in your company

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Jose L. | Jose Luis Martin, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 10, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Cisco Catalyst switches are among the best on the market and therefore the best you can install in your company. They offer a wide range of configuration options and adapt to any type of needs. You have a multitude of models for different company sizes, from small switches with few ports to large chassis with many cards and ports. Cisco is continuously updating the IOS of these devices and the support they have is unbeatable. There is also a large community behind them, so when questions arise, it's easy to find someone who has experienced the same issue.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

It's complicated to find negative things about these switches, perhaps to mention a downside, they release some IOS with a bug but they take very little time to fix it and release another that solves the problem. As soon as you have a problem, you can call CISCO and they quickly resolve the issue for you.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

If you want to design a network environment with proper performance and good quality, do not hesitate to use Cisco Catalyst.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

In my company, all we have is Cisco Catalyst, because for performance, security, and reliability, there is nothing better. Additionally, we are integrating all the switches with CISCO ISE, which gives us infinite power to do things. Also, the switches we have provide POE, allowing us to power all the phones via RJ45 cable, avoiding the need for power adapters at user stations.

  ### 8. Quality and support

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Marcos R. | Project leader, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** September 29, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Cisco catalyst switches are the best network device that you can use in your company. There are a lot of Cisco catalyst switches for all kind of requirements you have, since small business switches with 8 ports to a big deployment switches as Cisco 4510+R where you can install 8 x 48 ports line cards. The support is the best because you can search in Internet and you have a lot of support information, including the official free support community’s. You can ask to Cisco TAC team too, of course 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Nothing, when I was some problem, I contact with Cisco TAC support group and they help me very fast, and it’s very estrange that device fails, always should be caused for external factors.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

If you want to deploy an environment with guaranties of a correct performance and a good quality without headaches, select Cisco switches 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

All my services including Cisco switches, in the past we have other switches as 3Com, HP or similar, but the performance, compatibility and the support is very different of Cisco 

  ### 9. Gigabit Switches with enterprise management feature at a affordable price

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Wouter H. | Network Administrator, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 17, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Gigabit speed, SFP+ ports and the automated deployment, configuration and software deployment via the free APIC software. We have well over 200 locations and have never hand any issue with these switches. The hardware has been completely trouble free, easy to install and virtually silent (only the 48 port models have active cooling, which only ramps up when the temperature rises. The 8 and 24 port models are completely passive cooled and therefore 0dB noise.)

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

As long as you don't need very advanced features these switches are fine, setting up the APIC software was a bit cumbersome.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Use the product guides to determine the correct model for your business.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Easy to deploy and manage, fast gigabit speed, enough SFP+ options to connect to fibre and other media.
All models we use have support PoE+ for Wireless Access Points and IP phones.

  ### 10. Experts

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Shashiteja C. | Tarakrr

**Reviewed Date:** April 26, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The Cisco Professional are the experts having a detailed understanding of various technologies in the field of modern telecommunications.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

leading the networking industry in in-depth technical networking knowledge

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The Cisco professionals are focused on designing, building, implementing, maintaining or troubleshooting complex organizational networking infrastructures.

  ### 11. Cisco switches are world market.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 12, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Easy to configure user friendly good tech support. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Nothing as such just bug fixing takes time and release dates. 

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Next generation software based switching. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

If there is no power redundancy got struck Or flash dusting issues. 

  ### 12. I am a network administrator and these switch catalyst seem to me to be the most complete Switch 

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Miguel G. | Administrador de redes, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** January 28, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I am a network administrator and these switch catalyst seem to me to be the most complete switch on the market, since it allows me to manage my network optimally and efficiently.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

One of the few things that I dislike about the switch is its limitations in RAM

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

good value for money

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I'm solving problems at layer 2 level, thanks to its portsecurity option I solve the problem of broadcast storms and connection without authorization

  ### 13. Top notch enterprise level switches

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** May 30, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The Catalyst series switches are stable, inexpensive and reliable. They are our go-to switches for the enterprise. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I dislike very little with switches.  They are excellent

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Well worth the investment.  

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We use for all our LAN and WAN switching roles.  They are stable and reliable.  

  ### 14. Solid Performer for Corporate IDF's

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** May 08, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

port density, cost, options all help make this switch a must have for your IDF closet

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

do not really have any dislikes with this switch

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

put them in your IDF's and just patch them yearly.  

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

no problems being solved, just needed a lot of ports and power for VOIP phones and desktops

  ### 15. Cisco Catalyst - general

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 11, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

In the Cisco switch line it is very reliable and extensible.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The overall cost is high and difficult to justify and get approved. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Reliable transport and connectivity to systems

  ### 16. Reliable, yes. The very definition of reliability.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 06, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

They are extremely reliable, even in certain circumstances (Site/Datacenter remodelation), once finished with the starting configuration everything becomes easy using the GUI, and you can even keep a tag for each and every port.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The end of life and support period is relatively short on the catalyst series, the GUI is extremely basic and feels forced.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Consider your buy as something that will be helpful to your network infrastructure for years to come, with their exceptional performance and reliability.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

In our company the resources we have for infrastructure budget is not too big. The CISCO Catalyst series have helped us by keeping an exceptional performance after years of 24/7 usage.

  ### 17. Best switching products of all time

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Daniele D. | Mr

**Reviewed Date:** January 28, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Performance, reliability and flexibility

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I can’t find a real dislike but if I have to say one is the limitation of only two switch in Virtual Stacking

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

I evolved a lot of Campus architecture with this hardware and I’m still surprised by total reliability 

  ### 18. Easy to use Powerful

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Networking | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 12, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The cisco cli is legendary for being easy to use and powerful. The ability to upgrade sups and not switches.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

When running SUP 8's losing the 16 10gb ports I physically have, kind of frustrating to have 16 10gb ports between SUP8's and only be able to use 8

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

I'm not sure, follow what your knowledge base is. if someone in your shop is not familiar with Cisco products there are a lot of resources at your disposal online to learn. Also with the upcoming DNA product.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Distribution and core collapsed. I've noticed the stability and reliability of this particular line. We've had multiple models in the 4500 line up and all of them have been work horses. Hot swap able blades are a plus as well. in service upgrades

  ### 19. Review for Cat5760

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Shubham G. | student

**Reviewed Date:** January 29, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

It is pretty easy to use and it can also become a wireless lan controller if needed Otto support wireless networks

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The GUI of wireless lan controller is not that user friendly and easy to use.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Wireless

  ### 20. Stable as Rock

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Adam B. | Adam Bojarski, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 17, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Incredible stable and robust. Good performance for reasonable price.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Sometimes new features do not work as they should. If you dont use latest features it is stable as rock. If you need newest features - think twice before upgrade and test it thoroughly before installing on production

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Good solution for spread environments where you can install device and forget about it. Dont need constant maintenance. With very few skilled engineers You can achieve reliable and stable network on L2. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Less effort on servicing devices.

  ### 21. "Bulletproof Switch"

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Hawkinson, J. | Senior Network Engineer, Information Technology and Services, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 14, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The Catalyst 3850 Series switch has given us a flexible, reliable and secure access layer that is able to provide us the ability to be proactive and prepared for what the business units can throw at us. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The Catalyst 3850 creates a lot more Sound than the previous series of switches. Luckily we have network closets that aren't close to office areas. You might have to invest in sound reducing rack enclosures if you plan to install them close to users.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

I you are thinking about 802.11ac V2 the Catalyst 3850 line has a model that has 10G ethernet ports on the last 12 ports of the switch to connect you AP's.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 is our current standard Access Layer switch. With it's implementation we are now moving into deploying VOIP  across our Enterprise along with an Enterprise managed wireless solution. 

  ### 22. Mostly solid product with a couple of problems

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Karsten I. | Security-Engineer

**Reviewed Date:** January 29, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Features available for implementing secure and scalable networks

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Running into strange behavior of the switch when doing stuff that is  not very common.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Implementing security through the whole nfrastructure

  ### 23. Catalyst switches

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Callan J. | Network Engineer, Computer Networking

**Reviewed Date:** December 07, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Ease of configuration and understanding
stacking capability
security features


**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

nothing switches have all the feature i require

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Great switches can't go wrong with these. tons of features and security and upgrades for new features always available

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

good end-user connectivity
stacking capability allows for easy port upgrades/downgrades

  ### 24. These Series Of Switches Give You Almost All Requirements Whatever You Need

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** sonmez g. | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 31, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

High availability; open to developments, upgrades and updates.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I do not have any dislike situation for these series of switches. Price could be little bit lower

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

I don't have any hesitation for these series of switches. If you have budget enough, you can purchase the product without pay attention too much for examination. Only be clear about your business needs and check features of these series. Probably it supports all your needs for many years.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We solved product capabilities problems by using this product and will continue meet your needs a few years more. Also it helped us about creating internal/operational efficiencies and improving business process agility.

  ### 25. Catalys

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Thomas K. | Netadmin

**Reviewed Date:** January 30, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Cli interface and remote manegement and prime

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Price is to high compared to other vendors

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Management 

  ### 26. Catalyst at heart

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Pharmaceuticals | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 19, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

IOS feature set, especially IOS-XE currently allows me to be flexible enough to accommodate business requirements quickly enough, with the adequate security levels.
Stable, felxible and extensive, I have yet to come across a worthy adversary (exaggeration for effect) :-)

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Currently, seems like Cisco is struggling to deliver the code base quality I was used to in IOS(-XE). Might be because they have to rush features out into the field before their competitors.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Secure segmentation - added security measures and control points
Network availability - VSS, StackWise (and virtual), ISSU and dynamic routing get us as close as possible to a zer-downtime environment. 

  ### 27. Excellent team

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Israel D. | ICT Coordinator, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** December 06, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The best thing about Cisco 2960 switches is their ability to be managed so easily.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The inability to exchange SFP slots in the administration.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

In a 24/7 environment, what you need is a cookie and the 2960 switches give it to you.

  ### 28. Cisco switch

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services

**Reviewed Date:** January 29, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Ease of use just like all Cisco products I have used (ASA, IDS, routers). I have a bias that favors Cisco solutions.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Cisco is so expensive. That is not specific too switches, but all solutions.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

N/A

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Solved segmentation issues with VLANs.

  ### 29. Awesome features

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 25, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Everything is pretty straightforward like etherchannel or enable a port span compared to other vendors

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Making a MLAG is not possible with campus switches and of course is not cheap but name some excellent vendor that is free?

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

It is easy to understand and configure but with a support contract i can guarantee that you will never ever suffer 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

With the 6500 and VSS we have really great solutions related to high availability and with campus switches we have an awesome behavior with multicast and definitely with etherchannel

  ### 30. Catalyst Switch review

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 16, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Work horses. Never have problems. Ease of use with CLI. The support team enjoys working with them and TAC support is always good.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Price. I don't enjoy the cost but we've had them working for years. I wouldn't say that balances out because they are still expensive.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Medium size business or higher. You can get these for small business but their are other options. These scale well in the large enterprise environment.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Powering our VoIP network. Stable switch that we rely on compared to other vendors.

  ### 31. The best!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** December 10, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

A stable solution, easy to configure and implement, the workhorses of Cisco, 100% reliable and stable equipment, I have very rarely seen this series of equipment fail.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The price is a bit high compared to the competition.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

recommended for everyone

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Stability in the network and increase in bandwidth!

  ### 32. Quality 

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** January 30, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Excellent switch in small racks. Useful with 10G uplink ports

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Actually I don’t dislike anything about this switch :-)

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Access switch in kindergartens and other small places

  ### 33. Used for FTTH, to serve residential customers with fiber, internet, voip, IPTV with multicast

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Mats O.

**Reviewed Date:** June 19, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

With the new sup and the "organa" 80ports dualfiber linecard, it´s a super plattform for FTTH. not to big, and quite good scale on the customers it can support. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

the plattform is old. It should come out with a new chassis that can serve much more traffic. A new sup that can have several 10/40 and 100G interfaces. New 80 ports linecards that support 1/10Gbit on each port. It could also support 2.5 or 5Gbit if that gets standardized. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

FTTH to residential customers. Been using the plattform for almost 15 years. But it haven´t improved much over that time. 

  ### 34. Cat 9k

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** January 28, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Virtual stacking  is a great feature , price is very attractive

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Licensing is hard to understand but that is a minor issue 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Next gen campus networks

  ### 35. The go-to enterprise switch

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** January 31, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Everyone knows how to run them and they’re stable.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I don’t think I’ve had any problems with them in recent years.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Reliable LAN switching

  ### 36. A lot of features 

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Simon C.

**Reviewed Date:** October 17, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I like the different options with/without  PoE+, 1G or 10G uplinks, 8, 24 or 48 ports models and the stacking options. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Very slow boot time. And slow firmware upgrades. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We needed PoE on all ports and 10G uplinks. 

  ### 37. Catalyzing Business Cisco Catalyst

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** George V. | Director, Global Network Operations, MSS Services, Telecommunications, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 17, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Uniformity in IOS commands along with wirespeed performance incorporating latest features create a robust and reliable infrastructure

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Web config lack of features not helpful to newcomers

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Compatibility across standards and clarity of operations

  ### 38. Best switches for the internal  network.

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** German T.

**Reviewed Date:** October 18, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

They are easy to configure,  and have a lot of features that help to improve the network performance. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The GUI interface is not so good, I rather use the CLI.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Microsegmentation and Inter VLAN routing.

  ### 39. Great switches!

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Telecommunications | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 28, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The amount of features available on these switches is great. We are able to provide all the functionality that our end users need to keep the business going. These switches are also very reliable, and have yet to show any major issues. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I would have a hard time finding things about these switches that we dislike. Maybe that they don't brew coffee for us? In all honesty, we have not run into any situation that has shown any negative light on this product. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We are using these switches as our standard access layer, and it is solving the issue of providing the port capacity needed for access on a dependable platform. We have seen benefits when incorporating these switches into other platforms such as Cisco ISE. 

  ### 40. Does what it says on the tin

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Networking

**Reviewed Date:** January 31, 2019

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

So easy to configure it’s Restconf and netconf

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Still a little pricey for smaller installs

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The allow Sektor connectivity

  ### 41. stable switches since years and a standard for enterprises

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services

**Reviewed Date:** October 20, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

features for a secure access and transport, QoS, NBAR, stacking of the switches with high bandwidth, management of the switches, stable hardware,

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

sometimes you have to discuss the price with the customer, because there are other solutions on the market, which are cheaper, but not with feature parity

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

stable hardware which can stay long in production
many features for secure access

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

building global managed LANs for our customers

  ### 42. 3560s mae great access and L3 switches

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Kris B. | Network Engineer, Information Technology and Services, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 20, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Easy to configure. 
Supports wide range of features like tacacs, firewall rules, dhcp server, routing both static and routing protocols, PoE or not. Makes excellent switches. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

If stacking with stack cables getting the correct server set to master can sometimes be troublesome. 

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Great choice. But if unsure Cisco is often willing to provide demo equipment to test. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Layer 3 switches for smaller offices where 4500 or 6500 series are overkill. Also they are great access switches with poe for phones, access points, and pc’s

  ### 43. Catalyst a long history of success and continuous innovation

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Telecommunications | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 18, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

New Cat9k introduces some fancy features for security purposes like ETA (Encrypted Traffic Analytics)

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

There are some interoperability issues but i think is normal due Cisco usually releases features after a long quality development check.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Network Automation, Security Automation. I like the ability to enforce security across campus (Access Control, Isolation, Detection) not only on the perimeter with traditional network security products.


  ### 44. Cisco provides a great catalyst for success

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** David E. | Director - IT Security, Retail, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 16, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Catalyst switches just work.  We only use Cisco catalyst switches because we can set and forget them until new needs require changes in their configuration.  

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

We have had some issues with fans going bad soon after deployment.  Cisco replaced them immediately.  

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

All stores use catalyst switches for regular connectivity as well as switching between primary and secondary WAN connections.  We also use VLANs to segregate our store networks into general and high Security networks.  Lastly, we use them as edge switches for our corporate networks.  

  ### 45. The switches are high performance and simple to install and manage.

**Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services

**Reviewed Date:** November 20, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The stacking features as well as the option to add a 10GbE module for uplink connectivity. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

The port numbers can be difficult to distinguish.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

They reliable and perfect for any enterprise environment.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Access layer network connectivity, network segmentation for VoIP, Wireless, Guest Wireless etc.

  ### 46. Great

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** December 06, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

We dontá have any problem with this switches

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Maybe the space that we need to install, 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

We use it in our Datacenter, the benefict is all user can connect at all aplications

  ### 47. I have used se2960x equipment

**Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User

**Reviewed Date:** December 06, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

They are quite manageable teams and being layer 2 or 3, the functions are great.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

I have no negative comments about the Cisco teams.

**Recommendations to others considering Cisco Catalyst Switches:**

Yes

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Cisco phone power supply

  ### 48. Network architect

**Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Nishith B. | Network Architect & Automation Tools - Development & Operationalisation, Telecommunications, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** October 18, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Easy to use, future ready and intutive commands to manage

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

Scalabiltty, Security and code managment

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Growth

  ### 49. Mobile

**Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Mark E. | Mr, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** July 30, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

This product is very nice because it is very mobile, you can have it on all the time.

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

It might bug and there is a delay in the mobility mode.

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

The best thing is mentioned above, it is mobile, I can get stuff while on the go and not have to be at one place.

  ### 50. Double dose of cats

**Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars

**Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

**Reviewed Date:** June 15, 2018

**What do you like best about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

High throughput on these switches is great, all the best features from previous generation products. The quality of the c3850 is above par for cisco quality products i forsee these switches running for a long time with excellent support. 

**What do you dislike about Cisco Catalyst Switches?**

It always comes down to something little and or petty, such as price. I dont have much room to complain though as the ROI for most cisco products, this one included is well worth it. 

**What problems is Cisco Catalyst Switches solving and how is that benefiting you?**

Mainly having throughput availability for demanding power end users, making sure they are able to get what is needed when its needed without any bottlenecks. These switches do that and way more, an incredibly valuable product to have. 


## Cisco Catalyst Switches Discussions
  - [What is Cisco Catalyst Switches used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-cisco-catalyst-switches-used-for) - 1 comment

- [View Cisco Catalyst Switches pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-switches/reviews?page=2&section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-08-04+18%3A09%3A36+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=c5ec0db0-6baa-46eb-8f54-38eb101bd7a2&secure%5Btoken%5D=85a0d19a9e8957d136b257275478fc09e2c87fadc32c82c8c49da70e23a1febe&format=llm_user)
## Cisco Catalyst Switches Integrations
  - [Cisco Meraki](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-meraki/reviews)


## Top Cisco Catalyst Switches Alternatives
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