Cisco networking equipment runs a large share of campus, branch and data center networks. Still, the range is wide, and the part numbers can look confusing at first.
This guide explains the main Cisco lines that Silverback supplies and how to choose between them. In addition, it covers license suffixes, end of sale dates, used hardware and what to do with retired gear.
The main Cisco networking equipment lines
Cisco sorts its hardware into families, and each family has a clear job. For example, Catalyst switches serve offices and campuses, while Nexus switches serve data centers. Routers then connect sites, and Meraki gear runs from the cloud.
Catalyst 9000 campus switches
The Catalyst 9200 family covers access switching in wiring closets. For instance, the C9200L-48P-4X-E gives you 48 PoE+ ports and four fixed 10G uplinks. Meanwhile, the Catalyst 9300 adds modular uplinks and StackWise-480 stacking, so it suits busier closets. Finally, the Catalyst 9500 works as a fixed core switch.
Our guides to the Catalyst 9200 family and the Catalyst 9300 and 9500 go deeper on each model.
Nexus 9000 and UCS for the data center
Nexus 9300 switches handle leaf and spine roles in the data center. For example, the N9K-C93180YC-FX3 offers 48 ports at up to 25G plus six 100G uplinks. In contrast, the N9K-C9364C is a 2RU spine with 64 ports at 100G. Cisco UCS parts, such as the UCS-IOM-2408 IO module, then link blade chassis to the fabric.
See our Nexus 9000 and UCS guide for leaf and spine details.
Catalyst 8000, ISR and ASR 920 routers
Catalyst 8200 and 8300 edge platforms are SD-WAN capable branch routers with NIM and PIM slots. Smaller sites, however, often use ISR 1000 models such as the C1111-8P. Meanwhile, the ASR-920-4SZ-A serves metro Ethernet access and mobile backhaul. Our router buying guide compares them side by side.
Meraki, wireless and optics
Meraki MR access points and MX security appliances run from the Meraki cloud dashboard. For example, the MR46-HW and MR44-HW are Wi-Fi 6 models with 2.5G uplinks. Optics then tie everything together, from the GLC-TE copper SFP to 25G and 100G modules.
Read our Meraki and wireless guide and our optics guide for the details.
How to choose Cisco networking equipment
Start with the job, not the part number. So ask where the device sits, how many users it serves and what speeds it must carry. Then match the family to that role before you compare models.
Match the role to the family
- Access closets: Catalyst 9200 or 9300, depending on uplinks and stacking.
- Campus core: Catalyst 9500, such as the C9500-48Y4C-A with 48 ports at 25G.
- Data center: Nexus 9300 leaf and spine switches.
- Branch WAN: Catalyst 8200, 8300 or ISR 1000 routers.
- Cloud managed sites: Meraki MR and MX.
Check power, ports and uplinks
PoE budget matters as much as port count. For example, a 48-port Catalyst 9200L gives 740W of PoE with one power supply, or 1440W with a second one. Also check uplink speeds, because a 1G uplink can choke a busy closet. Finally, confirm which optics your fiber plant needs before you order.
What the license suffix means
Many Catalyst part numbers end in -E or -A. On the Catalyst 9300, -E means the switch ships with Network Essentials, while -A means Network Advantage. For instance, the C9300-48P-E and C9300-48P-A use the same hardware, so the license tier is the only difference.
Network Advantage adds more advanced features than Essentials. Because of that, check what your design needs before you pay for the higher tier. Also keep license levels matched, since stacked Catalyst 9200L switches must run the same license level.
End of sale and end of support dates
Cisco retires product lines on a published schedule. For example, the Catalyst 2960-X reached end of sale on October 31, 2022, and support ends on October 31, 2027. Cisco names the Catalyst 9200 series as its replacement.
So if you still run 2960-X switches such as the WS-C2960X-24PS-L, plan the move now. In the meantime, used spares can keep a stable network running until the cutover. When the time comes, the 9200 family is the natural next step.
New vs used Cisco networking equipment
New hardware makes sense when you need the longest support runway or a fresh design. However, used Cisco networking equipment can cut costs for spares, labs and expansions of an existing network. In many cases, it is the same hardware that ran in another rack last year.
Silverback tests used gear before it ships, so you know it powers up and passes traffic. Still, check your software support needs before you buy. If you want a Cisco support contract on used hardware, review Cisco's rules first.
Common mistakes when buying Cisco networking equipment
Most ordering problems come from small details in the part number. So watch for these before you send a purchase order.
- Ordering a C9200L when you need modular uplinks, since only the C9200 takes network modules.
- Forgetting the second power supply when you need the full PoE budget.
- Mixing license levels in a Catalyst 9200L stack.
- Buying S-Class optics such as the SFP-10G-SR-S for an FCoE link, because S-Class does not support FCoE.
- Skipping the license check on used Meraki gear, since each device needs an active Meraki license.
Buyback and ITAD for retired Cisco networking equipment
Upgrades leave old switches and routers behind, and that gear still has value. Silverback buys back retired Cisco hardware, so the resale value can offset part of your upgrade. In addition, our certified ITAD service handles data destruction for devices that held data.
Our ITAD work holds R2v3, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. As a result, you get a clear record of what left your site and what happened to it. Learn how resale value works in IT buyback value explained.
Why buy Cisco networking equipment from Silverback
Silverback supplies new and used Cisco hardware, tested before it ships. We focus on the right part, honest condition and fast quotes. Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day.
You can browse our inventory or send a parts list for a quote. Also ask for new or used condition on any line item. For full product specs, visit the official Cisco website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the -E or -A suffix mean on Catalyst switches?
On Catalyst 9300 part numbers, -E means Network Essentials and -A means Network Advantage. The hardware is the same, so only the license tier changes.
What replaces the Catalyst 2960-X?
Cisco recommends the Catalyst 9200 series. The 2960-X reached end of sale on October 31, 2022, and support ends on October 31, 2027.
Do you buy back used Cisco networking equipment?
Yes. Silverback buys back retired Cisco switches, routers and optics, and our certified ITAD team handles data destruction. Send us your list for an offer.
How fast can I get pricing?
Send the part numbers and quantities. You get pricing and lead time within one business day.
Get a quote for Cisco networking equipment
Send us your part list, whether it is one optic or a full refresh. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day, and you can ask for new or used condition.
Call (888) 391-5211 or request a quote online. Then we confirm the details and get your order moving.
