Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches Reviews

The major use case that we have with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is that our current switches are old and getting into end of life from Cisco. This is the reason we started looking for the right set of switches to get them replaced, and we found Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is the right model.

There are locations where we have put Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches PoE switches, and we also have non-PoE switches deployed.

We do integrate Cisco ACI with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, but we have not yet gone into the ACI configurations. We are in the mode of exploring whether we can introduce NAC. A couple of legacy hardware and integrations are there, and the complex environment means we have not yet gone live with the NAC configurations.

However, configuring the NAC would help me deploy the roaming profile and all that would be much easier, which would help us achieve boundaryless behavior.

The biggest advantage with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is understanding the technical side. I found that the backplane and the way it processes is really great. The way it communicates and processes the traffic is excellent. We have multiple business processes for many delivery centers, and it is really very helpful. It can manage heavy, complex metrics or traffic very easily.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches backplane really helped us, and the connectivity to the endpoints or the other access switches is where Cisco platform is so stable. The backplane of Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is really great in how it is architected.

The most beneficial features in Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches include the complete firewall and dual power supply architecture. On the fly I can swap the power supply unit, which is what we are actually looking for.

Wherever it is in the core layer, we are putting those switches with dual power supply and two different sources of power supply to have redundancies in place. Even if it is a single core because of a smaller delivery center, it has power redundancies built into the switches.

Regarding QoS features for bandwidth management, it is definitely one of the areas to deploy or configure with QoS. Another advantage of Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is that it can have multiple channels. Since I have multiple business processes configured, I can set up the different metrics of my QoS on a VLAN-specific basis, depending upon the voice and data mix. That is another advantage what we have been using widely.

As for any negative points, I think there is nothing significant. The only thing that Cisco may focus on commercially is the SmartNet. From my experience, I have worked with many MNCs where SmartNet would not have been a challenge because that is the standard for my earlier organizations. However, in my current organization, if I go with SmartNet, it would require real justification that I have to build in.

When various customers go for enterprise and SMBs, Cisco needs to look at the balance between the commercials and the product. My expectation is that if Cisco can consider a more discounted price for SmartNet products, then we can really consider SmartNet to be inbuilt for any of our Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches to procure it.

That is the only thing I would say. Otherwise, there is no negative. As far as the technology is concerned, there is nothing there to shortfall. Performance-wise, Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is a great machine to work with.

Cisco support is definitely very great, and I like the follow-the-sun model which Cisco supports. We have not yet gotten into challenging space where we really have any issues cropped up with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches till now.

Regarding scalability, it is very much scalable.

I would like to give 10 out of 10 to Cisco support.

I do not want to compare Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches with all the names mentioned, but rather as I am more concerned about the backplane speed and the processing capability, Extreme Networks is another platform which really can be compared with what Cisco is today.

I have worked on the Nexus platform as well, and I think Cisco is really unparalleled. However, Extreme Networks is one of the platforms where I can really compare with Cisco in terms of backplane configurations and performance.

Extreme Networks would be more from an enterprise perspective, but it can also perform excellently on a pure telecom industries level. That is what I can tell you.

The installation of Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is very much easy. I have my in-house expertise and we are very confident with managing Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches platform.

Regarding value for money, I would definitely say it is very highly effective. In general, if you look at industry standard which is five to seven years, here with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, the architecture is as long as Cisco is not going to discontinue this platform.

I think it is very well fit into a 7 to 10 years ROI that we can work on, in comparison to the standard 5 to 7 years. I would like to look at always the 5 to 7 years compared against 7 to 10 years, and I would be happy to say that the platform is so robust that it can very well do the valuations or ROI to be calculated in the segment of 7 to 10 years.

We are not utilizing any Cisco tool as of the current date for real-time analytics, considering the cost is one of the major areas. However, we do have Zabbix as a platform for continuous monitoring and analytics, which to some extent has been giving good results. It is able to provide the monitoring we need, and we are also integrated with all the logs. For security purposes, all the logs are being monitored using CrowdStrike as well.

Regarding VXLAN support, we are not using Cisco SmartNet support as of the current date. We are in discussions with our partners to look at all the new switches which are about to come in our pipeline to replace the current ones. We are considering SmartNet to include in there. Otherwise, all the current switches are with partner's support coverage.

As for network programmability via APIs for operations, it is very well supported. I will not say that we have been using those very heavily, but as I mentioned that monitoring using Zabbix, the API integrations is very much required. We are currently in-house building a lot of automation scripts, and that is where the API integrations are really helping us out.

If Cisco may think of multi-layer with SD-WAN technologies and some sort of in-built security layer with integrations with SIEM, then it will be very futuristic with securing from the outside world, and that would really help. The network OS which is loaded onto the firmware must have that layered architecture so that if I need that module, I can add that on top of the Network Operating System.

I can just add that layer and it will automatically give me the additional features of securing as a core. I am looking at an all-in-one device which has SD-WAN technologies with the complete balance between external and internal traffic routing. I have given this product an overall review rating of 10 out of 10.

In our network architecture, we use Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches either as a Layer 2 switch or as a Layer 3 network switch. As a Layer 2 switch, they support access points, users, printers, and network devices but don't perform routing. However, as a Layer 3 switch, we connect them with the service provider to perform both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions, connecting to the internet or MPLS network.

A quick specific example of how I use Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches in a recent project is that we have 48-port models across multiple sites. For most sites with fewer users, we use them both as Layer 2 and Layer 3, where the device connects to end-user computers and network devices such as printers, televisions, or blood sampling machines. On the WAN side, it connects to the service provider's network or to our SD-WAN architecture. If it is completely Layer 2, we restrict it and do not perform any routing. In projects using them as Layer 3, we use them for routing, with two primary scenarios: Layer 2, supporting only end-user devices as a switch, and Layer 3, doing both routing and switching while connecting to our MPLS network or to the SD-WAN.

For SD-WAN, we employ Layer 2; for MPLS, we use Layer 3. For our own use case of Layer 2, we use them in combination with SD-WAN and Juniper SSR routers, which integrates into our SD-WAN network and has been very reliable, while on Layer 3, we implement them on our MPLS legacy network. That is our current use.

The best features that Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches offer, in my experience, include their durability and robust hardware performance. Sometimes, we place them in very hot or warm rooms, and they continue to function reliably. They send an alarm when there are issues, allowing for quick rectification without easily breaking down. Secondly, user authentication is fast and efficient, leading to smooth operation, and we can implement Quality of Service, functioning well whether we run it as Layer 3 or Layer 2 for a smooth-running network. I can confidently say this product is reliable, strong, and sturdy.

Compared to Juniper, I have not noticed significant differences in functionality, except Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches take approximately five to ten minutes to boot up, after which they run very smoothly without issues. We rarely experience the need to replace them, even with many in service for over two years without any breakdowns or urgent replacements needed. They are very reliable.

Since we have always had Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches since I joined the organization, I have not noticed any significant changes. However, they allow us to configure templates easily and provide reliable performance without problems for admins or users. The switches perform their functions seamlessly without needing restarts, even when users encounter network connection issues. Additionally, they can rapidly detect faulty cables, making it easy to diagnose network issues, which is a unique selling point for Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches.

By enabling remote testing of physical cable connectivity, Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches have significantly reduced troubleshooting time. If a site is approximately one hour away and we suspect a cable issue, instead of traveling to perform physical tests as in the old way, I can run a cable test remotely, saving approximately 90% of troubleshooting time. This ensures that when we do visit the site, we know we only need to bring a replacement cable, thus saving about one hour of time and simplifying knowledge transfer with junior engineers we train in networking.

In terms of improvement for Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, I think the GUI could enhance usability, as other vendors primarily utilize GUI, whereas Cisco predominantly relies on CLI. It appears other brands are transitioning to GUI, and Cisco's lack of this feature may lead to a decrease in market share. A shift towards a full GUI mode or an 80 to 90% GUI operating mode would be beneficial.

I cannot think of much else as Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches have been performing exceptionally well. These devices are reliable, dependable, and run smoothly without frequent breakdowns. Their dual power supply ensures that if one power fails, the other takes over seamlessly, making them very dependable. I would highly recommend this product to any professional worldwide.

I have been using Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches for close to three years since I joined the organization.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches are very stable; the network side remains stable, and power and performance are consistently reliable. We do not encounter 100% CPU utilization issues that could malfunction the switch or disrupt the network. Therefore, these switches are quite stable in terms of CPU performance and during background operations such as authenticating new devices.

In my experience, Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches demonstrate excellent scalability. With switch stacking, we can easily expand operations at larger sites by simply adding new stacks, prompting automatic configuration. Using 48-port switches, we scale effortlessly by incorporating additional switches into our existing stack configuration.

We have had a positive experience with customer support for Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches; during deployment, we have not encountered any issues. They fulfill their intended purpose effectively, and in any case where personal research is needed, information is readily available online, so I have not had any need to contact Cisco about recurring problems since joining the organization.

I have not used a different solution prior to Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, as I joined the organization nearly three years ago and this is what we have utilized since my arrival.

Regarding pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, I find the prices are somewhat higher than for other vendors such as Juniper, potentially by approximately 30 to 40%. In terms of setup, they are not as automated as Juniper solutions, which streamline the process significantly. For Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, manual configuration is generally necessary, though upgrading iOS is made easier with the Catalyst Center.

As a public organization, we have indeed observed a favorable return on investment with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches given the time saved in troubleshooting and a reduction in the number of employees needed, as the switches' reliability means we do not need to frequently replace them. This all contributes to saving time, money, and the number of engineers required.

Regarding pricing, setup cost, and licensing for Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, I find the prices are somewhat higher than for other vendors such as Juniper, potentially by approximately 30 to 40%.

My organization has not evaluated other options before choosing Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches because we have been Cisco customers. When initiating a project, we consult Cisco, who recommends specific models. I believe they likely conducted evaluations before my arrival.

I found this interview to be well-structured with detailed questions, which I appreciate. It would be beneficial to include inquiries about the differences between GUI and CLI operation and their integration with Catalyst Center for software upgrades. I provided an overall rating of 10 for this review.

We are using Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches for connectivity.

I have been using QoS features for bandwidth management in the 9300s.

I am also using Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches sometimes.

The biggest advantage in Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches for me is that Cisco provides a lot of features, such as DNA or automation. It also includes some AI and automations, which is good. However, I probably do not use them that much.

I am still in IT. We have some Cisco devices but not so many. We do not use Nutanix anymore because we closed some data centers. We are a cloud-first company now.

Regarding Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches, I have ten switches and I have been using them for a long time.

The analytics part, such as real-time analytics, does help to monitor network performance because it is very good. When I check the analytics and when I get what someone is doing and when I create some threshold alerts. If someone creates a lot of traffic and it could affect the other's traffic, so when I see that highest traffic, I can easily cut down that traffic, and then the switch is going to be smooth.

When I use VXLAN, it can easily connect. I can easily create connectivity with other networks or separate networks. I can easily use VXLAN for the branch office or the other office. I can extend my networks with the other branch. I can easily manage all the networks or all the VLANs. For example, an HR department is on the fourth floor and third floor or second floor, it gets the same networks. When the HR person goes to the branch office, it gets the same VLAN ID and same VLAN IPs. That is very good.

API support is very important because I can get some information from the switch. Then I can easily observe the switch. When I get some threshold or something, I can easily create some code via APIs.

From the technical side, I do not see any disadvantages or potential improvements.

I have experience with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches for five years at least.

Cisco products are very strong and stable. I trust Cisco devices.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches are very good. They are highly scalable.

Technical support from Cisco is good. When I call and create a ticket, they return very fast. They understand what my problems are and then they can solve it by the end of the day.

I am not still working with Cisco products, especially Nutanix, because I have changed my job.

It is very easy to install Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches because the documentation is very nice. In the sector, a lot of people, engineers, know the Cisco CLI, Cisco iOS, and everything. So it is easy.

I am a customer of Cisco.

I see the return on investment. It has a return on investment because it makes my connectivity clear, and it is valuable. Some other switches or other vendors also do that. In the twentieth century or the 2020s, Cisco was a very big company and provided a lot of things, but nowadays, there are a lot of competitors in the sector. They also have the same features but at a lower price.

The price is something negative for Cisco that I see.

The competitors I talk about are HP and Forti. FortiSwitch also does that.

I like the most to manage Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches centrally with the DNA. I can also easily see all the traffic on Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches easily with the observations or something. I can easily manage the traffic.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches are very good. They are highly scalable.

The QoS features are effective because if someone creates a lot of traffic, it affects the others. We are using QoS.

I do not integrate Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches with Cisco ACI. Before that, I did it, but not now.

When I did it before, it was very helpful. It was very helpful because when I integrated the ICE with Cisco, I can easily see who is creating the traffic and who is going somewhere or where, I can easily see. I can easily give the access control with the Active Directory group, security group, or something. I can assign the VLANs with the Active Directory security groups. For example, if someone in Active Directory is in the HR group, I can easily assign the VLAN to them automatically. For example, when someone uses the network cable on the third floor, it gets the HR VLAN. When he or someone moves to the second floor and plugs in the cable, it automatically gives that VLAN. I do not need to configure VLANs per user. Every user contains their VLANs, and I can easily separate the departments' networks. It also works with the Wi-Fi.

Sometimes, I am using Cisco devices such as Cisco switches and the 9200 model.

It is Nexus.

I am not working with Meraki by chance or Enterprise Routers.

Regarding Catalyst, we do not have it. We use the access switch and some access points, which is the Aruba. All the servers are gone because we do not use them anymore. We are a cloud-first company.

My overall rating for this product is eight out of ten.

Nowadays, essentially no one uses routers. They are using firewalls instead of routers. Previously, routers were used and maybe due to VPN or specific work requirements, they could be used, but not for every case.

Whenever you use a firewall, security comes by default and you can configure it.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is a very good product. The control plane and data plane are completely different. You can configure VPC so that if one goes down, another one can take care.

Whenever data flow occurs and you have configured something, the configuration will not take any effect on data access. Data flow will work smoothly and CPU utilization is very low. VPC is the best feature of Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches because it was the first to introduce VPC before any other company. The control plane and data plane being different is why this works so well.

Whenever you have configured QoS, you have to prioritize. Priority is ordered as follows: video first, then voice, then SAP and other important applications, and finally the internet.

If you configure VXLAN, the multiple VLAN size will be increased. In general, you can configure 4094 VLANs in a normal switch, but it is more than a thousand for VXLAN.

I have worked in both pre-sales and post-sales capacities.

Cisco ACI is not integrated with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches. I have done the spine-leaf configuration, but ACI is not integrated. SDN was not there, but other features were. I have not configured the analytics part. For analytics, it is required for IoT, but if not for that purpose, then I think it is not required. I have not seen this configured on Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches.

I have been using this solution for 26 years.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is 99% stable.

There are no limitations with scalability.

The technical support is very good. Whenever you contact support, you can get a support level such as S1 or S2, and the Cisco team communicates immediately.

I worked with a partner and integrator.

The initial setup requires following specific steps for any devices. If you follow the steps, then it will work.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is expensive. Compared with Aruba and Dell, it is a little bit costly.

Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches is more advanced than competitors. The integration is very good and CPU utilization is very low so that multiple users can work without any problems. Other options like Aruba and Dell can configure VXLAN, but it is a lower model and their efficiency is a little bit lower.

I am currently at a customer's site. Previously, routers were used and maybe due to VPN or specific work requirements, they could be used, but not for every case. I am interested to become a reference for Cisco for this product so they could publicly refer to me as an expert with Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches if I wish. I gave this review a rating of 10.