Cisco 9200 VS 9300 series switches: Head-to-Head Comparison

Introduction

In the evolving world of networking, choosing the right switch for your business is an important decision. Cisco is a leading company that offers a range of Catalyst switches for those who want a stable and fast connection. Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9200 series switches are the most popular networking equipment in recent times. As businesses grow, the need for a robust network infrastructure is essential. This article will help you make sense of the comparisons between Cisco's Catalyst series 9200 and 9300, providing insights that can guide your decision making process.

Overview of Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switches

These Cisco Catalyst series 9200 switches offer better performance and ease-of-use compared to Catalyst switch 9300. The 9200 switches are equipped with powerful automation features, which make it easier to manage and deploy the hardware, while also achieving multi-gigabit individuality.

Cisco Catalyst series switches are stackable, easy to use and configured with Cisco proprietary software. The 9200 series offers the power of multigigabit stacked without the complexity that comes with complex hardware.

Specifications of Cisco Catalyst 9200 switches

Table 1. below enlists the specifications and features of Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switches.

Use Cases

Networking branch office devices are best suited for the Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switch. Stated differently, the 9200 series is an excellent choice for tying an office into a wide area network. Switches and routers from the Cisco Catalyst 9200 switch series provide wireless connectivity with more than enough bandwidth for an entire office.

That's actually the hardware's strongest point. Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switches are more than capable of providing adequate service to any small to medium-sized enterprise location. It's the ideal solution for connecting an office that can accommodate thousands of devices without experiencing any throughput issues, thanks to its strong design, simple administration, and fast speeds.

What are Cisco 9300 series switches?

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switch is designed to provide high-performance access and distribution for campus and branch networks. With top-notch bandwidth capabilities, a wide range of connection options, and extensive control features, 9300 hardware has everything network engineers need to build powerful and robust enterprise networking systems. Its advanced features and capabilities allow businesses to optimize network performance, improve security, and automate operations. 

Advanced Features

Taking a step further, the Catalyst 9300 series introduces advanced capabilities such as stacking, modular uplinks, and support for higher bandwidth. Designed for larger enterprises with complex networking needs, this series ensures scalability and future-readiness.

Table 2. below shows the key features and specifications of Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches.

Use Cases

Since the topic is about Cisco 9200 vs 9300 switches, they can manage cloud servers with thousands of users, they are built for all large jobs. Of course, switches with this much raw bandwidth can handle workloads typical of a data center. Because the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series stackable switches are scalable, the system's backbone can easily grow to accommodate the IoT network as it expands.

Comparative Analysis of Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9200 series switches

Switches from the Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9200 series provide reliable solutions for a range of networking requirements. A number of variables, including network size, scalability needs, and financial constraints, will determine which option is best. Below are tables that compare bot of these Catalyst switches:

Port Density:

Catalyst 9300: Offers 24 or 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing flexibility for various network sizes and requirements.

Catalyst 9200: Available with 8, 24, or 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, suitable for smaller to mid-sized networks.

Uplink Options:

Both series provide a variety of uplink options, including 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G, ensuring scalability and future-proofing for evolving network demands.

Power Supply Options:

Catalyst 9300: Supports both fixed and modular power supply options, allowing organizations to choose the best fit for their power redundancy and scalability needs.

Catalyst 9200: Offers fixed power supplies, suitable for environments where modular power is not a critical requirement.

Stacking Technology:

Catalyst 9300: Features StackWise-480 technology, providing a higher stacking bandwidth for improved performance in larger, more complex networks.

Catalyst 9200: Utilizes StackWise-160 technology, offering stacking capabilities suitable for smaller to medium-sized deployments.

Form Factor:

Both series share a 1RU form factor, ensuring efficient use of rack space in data center environments.

Power over Ethernet (PoE):

Both series support PoE+ and UPOE, facilitating the deployment of powered devices such as IP cameras, phones, and access points without the need for additional power sources.

Software Options:

Catalyst 9300 and 9200 series offer flexibility in software selection with options such as LAN Base, IP Base, and IP Services. The choice depends on the desired feature set and capabilities required for the network.

Comparison of Performance 

In the evolving world of technology and networking, it is crucial to find the right network switch that can make a difference with its performance and efficiency. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9200 switches are popular network models compared to their capabilities.

Table 3. shows the performance comparison between the Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9200 Series Switches below:

Management and Automation

Another crucial consideration is the management and automation capabilities. Both switches support SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow in terms of network management interfaces and protocols. REST APIs, YANG data models, and NETCONF are just a few of the additional management interface options available on the Catalyst 9300 series switches. This increases the flexibility and control that network administrators have over their systems.

Table 4. enlists the Management and Automation features of Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches.

Higher Accessibility and Redundancy

High accessibility and redundancy are the paramount features that ensures the reliability and continuous operation of network infrastructures in both Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9200 series switches. The Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch supports dual supervisors for added redundancy. In comparison, the Cisco 9200 supports redundant supervisors

Below are separate tables 5 and 6 for the Higher Accessibility and Redundancy features of the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series and Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches:

Table 5. High accessibility and redundancy features of Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches.

Table 6. High accessibility and redundancy features of Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switches.

Where to Buy?

Want to buy this series of products? please contact:

• (USA) +1 (281) 747-5957 / (UK) (+44) 800 3688 330 / (UAE) +971 4 323 8318
• Email: [email protected] (Sales Inquiries) Or visit: Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches and Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switch pages. 

Final Thoughts

The specific needs of your organization and the budget you have to work with will determine which switch series you choose. Catalyst's 9300 series switches are ideal for large organizations with complex networking needs. They offer scalability and advanced security, as well as intent-based networking. The Catalyst Series 9200 is a reliable solution for small businesses that offers simplified management and reliable performance.

In the end, your decision should be based on your organization's objectives, size, and complexity of your network infrastructure. Cisco's commitment towards innovation ensures both series will deliver robust, high-performance, secure networking solutions.

Related Topics:

Cisco Nexus Vs Catalyst Switches: what’s the difference?

Migration Guide: Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series to 9200 Series 

Why Upgrade to the Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Catalyst 9300 series be used in a smaller business setup, or is it more suitable for large enterprises?

The Catalyst 9300 series is versatile and can be adapted for smaller businesses. The decision depends on the specific requirements and growth plans of the organization.

Q: What are the power consumption differences between the 9200 and 9300 series?

Power consumption varies based on the specific models within each series. Refer to Cisco's documentation for detailed specifications on power requirements for individual switches.

Q: Are there any notable differences in the user interface and management capabilities between the two series?

While both series share Cisco's intuitive interface, there might be nuanced differences in management features. Explore the specifics in the documentation to determine which aligns better with your preferences.

Q: Can I mix Catalyst 9200 and 9300 switches in the same network seamlessly?

While Cisco aims for compatibility across its products, it's advisable to maintain uniformity within your network setup for optimal performance and ease of management.

Q: How frequently do firmware updates occur, and is there a significant difference in update frequency between the two series?

Firmware update schedules can vary, and it's essential to stay informed about the latest releases. Both series receive regular updates, but the frequency may differ based on the evolving technology and security needs.