Cisco Catalyst Switches Reviews

Name: Cisco Catalyst Switches
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.3 (176 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.3 out of 5

176 reviews
95% willing to recommend

1,730 followers

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What is Cisco Catalyst Switches?

Cisco Catalyst Switches are a reliable and scalable network switching and routing solution, focusing on VLANs and VLAN switching. They are used as access switches, distribution switches, and core switches in various environments, deployed on-premises, and used for long connections. The switches are easy to configure, install, and upgrade and offer good pricing.

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Cisco Catalyst Switches is the #1 ranked solution in top LAN Switching solutions, #1 ranked solution in top Data Center Networking solutions, #1 ranked solution in top AV Over IP Switching solutions, and #7 ranked solution in top Ethernet Switches. PeerSpot users give Cisco Catalyst Switches an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Cisco Catalyst Switches is most commonly compared to Aruba Switches: Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Aruba Switches. Cisco Catalyst Switches is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 47% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 41% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Catalyst Switches

June 2025

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Featured Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews

Joshua Odunsi

I.T INFRASTRUCTURE/SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR at Haggai Mortgage Bank Ltd

Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization. I experience optimal speed and effective configuration, making them stand out compared to other switches. The PoE switches offer more ports on SFP, and it is efficient in use. Overall, the switches provide me with the value I expect in terms of speed and efficiency.

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Premnath Jaganathan

Product Manager at Uop Ipl

I use Cisco Catalyst Switches to provide network services at the service provider level. They are used for network distribution and to maintain diversity in my network design, including OEM diversity Cisco Catalyst Switches are valuable for their reliability and performance. They offer MACsec and…

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Nassif Kaleny

IT Manager at Bavaria Egypt S.A.E.

I work with Cisco products since the tools are very stable. You can manage Cisco Catalyst Switches as it is flexible to do so with the help of CLI. Aruba is very poor when it comes to the area of management via CLI. Users can get backup and restore remotely from Cisco Catalyst Switches as it offers many connections and consoles, like an additional auxiliary port, which is not a feature that others can find in Aruba. Users can migrate switches and routers of Cisco by adding more firmware to add extra features, like voice, that can make the device of Cisco work as a VoIP service. All of the aforementioned stuff can make a very good combination for a company to get a very cheap service with the same device, which is possible because of Cisco, and if Aruba can do it, then it would be great.

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Cisco Catalyst Switches mindshare

Product category:

As of July 2025, the mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches in the Ethernet Switches category stands at 2.3%, down from 2.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Ethernet Switches	Jul 1, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jul 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches	Jul 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Aruba Switches	Jul 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Ubiquiti UniFi Switches	Jul 1, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Aruba Switches	4.2	10.0%	98%	85 interviews Add to research
NETGEAR Switches	4.1	8.6%	88%	56 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco Catalyst Switches are valued for their robust security features like VLANs and ACLs, PoE for easy device integration, and extensive reliability and stability. They offer exceptional performance and scalability with features such as stacking, virtual LANs, and QoS, ensuring efficient data transfer and network uptime. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and consistent support from Cisco, making these switches a preferred choice for business networks seeking high availability and dependable performance.

"Cisco support is very good and responsive."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches are valuable for their reliability and performance."
"Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Catalyst Switches face issues with high pricing and complex licensing. Users want better integration with non-Cisco products and more user-friendly interfaces. Performance in cloud environments and compatibility with multi-vendor setups require enhancements. Automation, programmability, and advanced security features could be improved. Users also desire simpler configuration processes, smarter power use, and quicker software updates. Delivery times are a concern, and the lack of a graphical user interface is noted.

"For zero-touch deployment, we have to work around a little bit initially because the switches are not exactly zero-touch provision ZTP. Currently, I don't see much AI integration with Cisco Catalyst Switches; though they've started, it still needs improvement."
"The configuration options on the Cisco Commerce website could be more efficient."
"There could be improvements in the repeat configuration with some file integration that is currently missing."

ROI

Users report Cisco Catalyst Switches provide a strong return over time, with returns seen after three years. They emphasize no downtime and consistent performance, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Durability and long lifecycle contribute to investment value, with some using switches up to ten years. However, some find it expensive, impacting potential for return. Cisco's integration and features are appreciated, yet price concerns persist for some users.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers report that Cisco Catalyst Switches are costly, with licensing and support incurring additional annual fees. Despite this high expense, these switches are considered reliable and robust, justifying their price for some companies. Price varies widely based on model and configuration, with discounts available for bulk purchases and longer subscription periods. While more expensive than some competitors, the investment in Cisco's quality and support services remains appealing to many.

"We must pay a high price for the product."
"The product is quite expensive."
"The new products from Cisco in the market are expensive. My company cannot import Cisco products, so they are mostly unavailable."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Catalyst Switches serve diverse roles in enterprise networking, including connecting corporate networks, enabling LAN and WAN links, and supporting various environments from data centers to campuses. They facilitate VLAN segmentation, routing, and provide user access within secure networks. Users deploy them across sectors like finance, education, government, and hospitality for robust network infrastructure, ensuring high performance and reliability. They are also utilized for network management, seamless connectivity, and powering PoE devices.

Service and Support

Feedback is varied. Many appreciate Cisco's customer service and technical support, highlighting responsiveness and expertise. However, some users find support slow or reliant on payment for access. Issues with ticket escalation and wait times are common concerns. Documentation and community forums are helpful, and forums are often used instead of direct support. There's mixed satisfaction with support quality, with some suggesting a decline in recent years. Customer service is considered efficient, resolving problems swiftly.

Deployment

Many users found Cisco Catalyst Switches setup straightforward, mainly due to existing knowledge or guidance from Cisco's documentation. Skilled users with prior experience completed installations quickly, while less-experienced individuals took longer. Complexity varied based on configuration requirements and enterprise scale, with some needing professional assistance. Typically taking 15 minutes to an hour, setup times stretched for larger projects. Some found the process challenging without proper expertise or when integrating advanced features.

Scalability

Cisco Catalyst Switches are scalable and suited for various organizational sizes, offering flexibility with stacking features. While scaling is generally straightforward, it requires careful planning to avoid complications. Users report varying scalability depending on models and requirements. Though some find the configuration complex, many appreciate its growth support for large enterprises. Most feedback indicates positive experiences with scalability, even at high capacities, although cost and technological updates are considerations.

Stability

Many users report Cisco Catalyst Switches as stable, reliable, and with few bugs or glitches. They appreciate the long-term performance and reliability, noting that the switches often run for years without issues. Some hardware-related concerns are noted, yet most users find them exceptional for maintaining network stability. Users value the consistent updates and support from Cisco, and many rate their stability high despite occasional upgrade-related issues. They are favored for network robustness.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Cisco Catalyst Switches Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

41%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

University

Construction Company

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Performing Arts

Media Company

Non Profit

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Hospitality Company

Transportation Company

Insurance Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Consumer Goods Company

Outsourcing Company

Compare Cisco Catalyst Switches with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Catalyst Switches

The most valuable features include warranty and firmware support, stability, security, good performance, flexibility, etc. The Cisco Catalyst Switches have provided a stable solution for the organizations and are widely used, trusted, and well-known in the networking industry.

Cisco Catalyst Switches was previously known as Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst.

Cisco Catalyst Switches customers

Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena