We work on level 2 and level 3 switches to connect many branches.
Sales project manager at Saraha
Works well, easy to use, and stable
Pros and Cons
- "These switches are stable. They work well and are easy to use."
- "Cisco switches are expensive."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
These switches are stable. They work well and are easy to use.
What needs improvement?
Cisco switches are expensive.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been selling this solution for about 10 years.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switches
May 2025

Learn what your peers think about Cisco Catalyst Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
851,823 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
They are stable.
How are customer service and support?
I have not contacted their support. Another engineer has contacted them. We have our own two people for support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also deal with the HP ProCurve switch, but it is not as good in Libya.
How was the initial setup?
It is not complex now because we have CCNA and CCNP engineers. We have two engineers who are certified with Cisco. Overall, we have three people who work with this solution.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented and finished a big project for a company. The company is still working with the same components that we installed. For deployment, I have two people with me, but in our company, we have a big team of 20 people.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
They are expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend these switches to others. Cisco is a good company.
I would rate Cisco Catalyst Switches a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Senior Supervisor at MEPEQ
Professional, quick, simple to work with and requires little to no maintenance
Pros and Cons
- "With Cisco Catalyst Switches, everything is working perfectly. We have not had issues with this solution."
- "For the time being, Cisco Catalyst Switches are working well, but they are not PoE switches, which is why we would consider replacing them."
What is our primary use case?
Cisco Catalyst Switches is used for large networks with 48 ports for example.
More than just a few switches on a small scale, they can be used on the main switch of a small or medium-sized business. It is determined by the size. It's heavy-duty, you only need to configure it once, and it'll keep running for several years. We have run it for ten years with no problems.
What is most valuable?
With Cisco Catalyst Switches, everything is working perfectly. We have not had issues with this solution.
Everything I need is available.
What needs improvement?
For the time being, Cisco Catalyst Switches are working well, but they are not PoE switches, which is why we would consider replacing them.
If I were to change later, I would go with the PoE version.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco Catalyst Switches in my company for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches are scalable.
With the exception of WiFi, we have 40 users connected. We have small switches in some offices, and some users are connected to these small switches via a single cable that leads to the Catalyst.
Currently, we have no plans to increase our usage.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is easygoing.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have experience with Cisco and TP-Link.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy to implement on the network, and easy to work with. It is not complicated.
There is little to no maintenance required.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There are no licensing fees required.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I was looking for the UniFi switch or access point because it was the first time I heard of it, so I was looking for feedback on it in comparison to TP-Link and Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
It's one of the best switches, professional and fast. I would recommend these switches to others who are considering using them.
I would rate Cisco Catalyst Switches an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switches
May 2025

Learn what your peers think about Cisco Catalyst Switches. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2025.
851,823 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network Support Engineer at Nigeria LNG Limited
Easy to set up with good support and excellent stability
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is easy to use."
- "The price of the product is very expensive."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for ethernet WAN connectivity, LAN connectivity, wireless, then integration with other third-party solutions. That's all we use it for, for the most part.
What is most valuable?
The solution is easy to use.
It is very stable and the performance has been very reliable.
The installation process is fairly straightforward.
Technical support has been helpful.
What needs improvement?
The solution should work to become more scalable.
The price of the product is very expensive.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution for a long time. It's likely been 15 years or more. It's well over a decade at this point.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very good. The performance is great. It doesn't crash or freeze and there are no bugs or glitches.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable enough. It could be better.
We have around 2,000 users on the switches currently.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support has been good overall. We've been in touch in the past. They were helpful and responsive and we've been satisfied with them in general.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not previously use a different solution. We've been using Cisco switches for a very long time.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward. If I need to do a new deployment, for example, we just go to the store, get a new one, and install it. We have 40 right now. The installation is very easy.
Due to the fact that we have another of the Cisco products in our environment, Cisco Prime, it helps to deploy switches faster. It's very easy. It doesn't take much time to deploy.
We have five engineers that are able to handle any deployment or maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
I was able to handle the implementation process myself. I did not need the assistance of an integrator or consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We do find the cost to be quite high. They should work to lower it if possible.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the product itself at a nine out of ten. It's been very good so far and we are satisfied with its capabilities. The cost is quite high, however.
I would recommend the solution to other users and organizations.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Operations Section Head at Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation
Enterprise-grade networking switches that are stable and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "I like everything about Cisco Catalyst Switches. It's both stable and scalable."
- "The price could be better. For Cisco, there is no need for improvement except for the price. It's expensive."
What is our primary use case?
We use Cisco Catalyst Switches for the local area network.
What is most valuable?
I like everything about Cisco Catalyst Switches. It's both stable and scalable.
What needs improvement?
The price could be better. For Cisco, there is no need for improvement except for the price. It's expensive.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco Catalyst Switches for about ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches are scalable. We have about 1,300 users.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support was okay.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup and installation were straightforward. For configuration, it took around ten minutes. For the maintenance, we have two network administrators—just two personnel.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to new users.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Cisco Catalyst Switches a ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
CEO at a construction company with 11-50 employees
Flexible, user-friendly, stable, and easily set up with the proper training
Pros and Cons
- "These switches are flexible and user-friendly."
- "Installing and configuring these switches requires the proper training."
What is our primary use case?
We are a solution provider and Cisco switches are one of the products that we provide to our customers. It is primarily used for datacenter networking.
What is most valuable?
These switches are flexible and user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
Installing and configuring these switches requires the proper training.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been selling Cisco Catalyst Switches for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This product has very good stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability depends on the design, not the product.
Based on our demand, we will continue supplying these switches to both new and existing clients.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also work with Cisco Nexus switches.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is straightforward for somebody who has been trained. Somebody has to have the training to properly configure and work with it. It cannot be used out of the box by somebody who is unfamiliar with the technology.
The length of time required for deployment depends on the size of the environment and the number of switches.
What about the implementation team?
We deploy and maintain this solution for our clients. We have a team of between 12 and 15 engineers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
This is an expensive product.
There are different versions of these switches, where some of them have licenses and some do not. The subscription is often renewed every three years.
What other advice do I have?
In summary, this is a good product and I recommend it.
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Technical Specialist at Wipro Technologies
A robust solution and it enables us to bring the network up in a very short time
Pros and Cons
- "The most important features are that Cisco is one of the most robust switches, it is easy to configure, and the documentation is pretty good."
- "One feature that I would like to add is for the following: At times, when I add an access-list for a hostname, it doesn't actually add the hostname, it adds the IP address. So in the back-end, if my server changes the IP address I have to go in manually and change the IP address. If the capability was there in Cisco to add a hostname instead of the IP address that would be really good."
What is our primary use case?
We use it for connecting the users on the network. The performance has been good.
How has it helped my organization?
I've used other switches as well but, when configuring Catalyst, we are able to bring the network up in a very short time. If the company wants to extend the network or wants to get some new users on board, the usage is pretty fast and, in no time, it gets moving. For other switches, it might take some time for us to do research and get the system online. So it provides business benefits. The users don't have to wait to get on the network.
What is most valuable?
Cisco is one of the most robust switches, it is easy to configure, and the documentation is pretty good. Once you install it, you never face an issue with that switch.
What needs improvement?
One feature that I would like to add is for the following: At times, when I add an access list for a hostname, it doesn't actually add the hostname, it adds the IP address. So in the back-end, if my server changes the IP address, I have to go in manually and change the IP address. If the capability was there in Cisco to add a hostname instead of the IP address that would be really good.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a pretty stable product. Once you install it in the network, it keeps running without any issues. You just install it and forget it.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. If you want to install more switches it's pretty easy to pull up a wire, configure the new switch, and connect it to the network. It starts and you won't have to worry if the other switches will be compatible with it or not. In a multi-vendor environment as well, if you want to more switches, it works pretty well.
How is customer service and technical support?
Tech support is good. The response has been good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward. There is a guide, as well as support, on the internet. We just follow it. A person who is doing it for the first time can just follow it and get it installed.
What other advice do I have?
I would definitely have colleagues go for Cisco Catalyst. It's a pretty good product, stable, and reliable.
Most important when selecting a vendor are that the connection should be stable, it should have good support, and it should not be really complex to configure.
I would rate Cisco Catalyst at nine out of 10. The one point I'm leaving is for the improvement I spoke about. There is always room for improvement. Cisco Catalyst is pretty good. I have never faced any issues or challenges with it.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Service integrator.
IT Consultant & Administrator at ETCOM
High performance, helpful support, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Cisco Catalyst Switches are that they are very common. If you talk to someone most likely they will have a Cisco Catalyst Switch, they will not mention other names, such as Juniper, ProCurve, Dell, or anything else. The most common product in networking in my country is Cisco. Everywhere you go they talk about Cisco."
- "The management of Cisco Catalyst Switches could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
I am using Cisco Catalyst Switches for my network.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Cisco Catalyst Switches are that they are very common. If you talk to someone most likely they will have a Cisco Catalyst Switch, they will not mention other names, such as Juniper, ProCurve, Dell, or anything else. The most common product in networking in my country is Cisco. Everywhere you go they talk about Cisco.
The overall performance of Cisco Catalyst Switches is very good.
What needs improvement?
The management of Cisco Catalyst Switches could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Catalyst Switches for approximately seven years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco Catalyst Switches is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Cisco has superior technical support, but it has to be paid for.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used other solutions in the past similar to Cisco Catalyst Switches, such as Dell Switches.
Cisco Catalyst uses the standard CLI and you get used to it if you take some courses, such as CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. They are all the same, but for Dell, they have their own commands. They differ a bit from Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
You have to have someone with extensive knowledge to do the implementation of the Cisco Catalyst Switches. You have to read a lot of manuals and the manuals, are segregated. It's not only one small manual that you need to read and you have all the information you need.
What about the implementation team?
You need someone with experience to implement this solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
If you compare Cisco to other products, Cisco is more expensive. If you choose a 7000 series switch it will be a very pricy system. The support from Cisco is an additional service.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco Catalyst Switches uses jargon that is very much different from other vendors. If use a ProCurve solution or others, it seems every vendor has its own dialect of the command. There is no common ground, there are some similarities between each other, but in real management, they differ from each other.
Those wanting to implement Cisco Catalyst Switches should read a lot about them.
I rate Cisco Catalyst Switches a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
Network Administrator at Letshego
Scalable solution used for long connections
Pros and Cons
- "We haven't needed to contact technical support because we haven't had any issues so far."
- "Stability could be better."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for long connections. It is deployed on-prem.
We're using seven Cisco devices in the head office.
What needs improvement?
The stability could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for about three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's stable, but it could be better.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't needed to contact technical support because we haven't had any issues so far.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, we used Fortinet.
What about the implementation team?
We integrated the solution ourselves.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 8 out of 10.
I would recommend these switches for those who want to start using them.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

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Updated: May 2025
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