Cisco 9200 vs 9300: Unveiling the Battle of Networking Powerhouses

When it comes to networking, one crucial decision that businesses have to make is which switch model to invest in. Cisco 9200 and 9300 series switches are the most popular networking equipment today. These switches are known for their powerful capabilities and can support a wide range of applications, making them an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

However, selecting the right switch for your networking needs ensures maximum efficiency and productivity. This blog will look closer at the battle between Cisco 9200 and 9300 series switches and help you choose the right one for your business. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding the Cisco 9200 Series

The Cisco 9200 Series is a versatile lineup of networking switches that caters to different needs. The Catalyst 9200 enhanced VN is designed with improved Cisco SD-Access deployments in mind, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their networking infrastructure. With options for 24 or 48 ports of 1G, 32 VNs, and 30W PoE+, it provides ample room for growth and expansion.

For those who need to optimize their Wi-Fi 6/6E wired and wireless access, the Catalyst 9200 multigigabit is the perfect fit. It is also ideal for higher-bandwidth branch deployments and comes in 24- and 48-port 1G models.

Finally, the Catalyst 9200CX compact switch is designed for use in limited spaces and smart buildings. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for organizations that need to deploy networking solutions in constrained areas.

Unveiling the Cisco 9300 Series

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series is designed to provide high-performance access and distribution for campus and branch networks. In addition, it delivers a high degree of security, reliability, and automation, making it an ideal solution for organizations of all sizes.

Key features of the Cisco 9300 series include advanced security, high availability, real-time streaming telemetry, and programmability. These features are critical in ensuring businesses have a secure and reliable network to support their operations.

One of the most significant advantages of the Cisco 9300 series is its ability to support a wide range of industries. Whether you’re in education, healthcare, finance, or retail, the Cisco 9300 series has something to offer. Its advanced features and capabilities allow businesses to optimize network performance, improve security, and automate operations.

Performance Comparison

In this age of technology and networking, the right switch can make all the difference in performance and efficiency. The Cisco 9200 and 9300 switches are popular models compared to their capabilities.

In terms of switching capacity and throughput, the Cisco 9200 can handle up to 176 Gbps and forward up to 131 Mpps, while the Cisco 9300 can handle up to 1.44 Tbps and forward up to 1080 Mpps. This means the 9300 is better suited for high-bandwidth demands, while the 9200 can handle smaller network environments. In addition, both switches support stacking, but the Cisco 9300 can handle more stack members, up to eight, compared to the 9200’s four. This makes the 9300 ideal for more extensive networks that require more flexibility and expansion.

Regarding power and energy efficiency, the Cisco 9300 is the more energy-efficient model, with a maximum power consumption of 470 watts compared to the 9200’s 740 watts. This makes the 9300 an attractive option for organizations looking to reduce their environmental impact and save on energy costs. In addition, the Cisco 9300 switch has lower latency and faster response times than the 9200, making it a better choice for real-time applications such as video conferencing and voice calls.

Both switches offer QoS features such as traffic shaping and classification, but the Cisco 9300 has more advanced QoS capabilities, including support for group-based policy and application visibility and control.

Security Features and Capabilities

Cisco 9200 and 9300 switches are packed with impressive security features and capabilities that keep your network safe. Access control and authentication are top of the list, ensuring only authorized users can access your network. But the Cisco 9300 takes it up a notch with its advanced threat detection and mitigation features that protect against potential cyber threats. In addition, network segmentation and isolation help divide your network into smaller zones, adding another layer of security.

Both switches offer encryption and data protection to keep your sensitive data safe. Lastly, both switches are built with regulatory compliance in mind, which is excellent news if you have strict data protection policies to adhere to. So, choose the switch that fits your business needs, as both are great options for keeping your network secure.

Management and Automation

Another key aspect to consider is the management and automation capabilities. When it comes to network management interfaces and protocols, both switches support SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow. However, the Catalyst 9300 offers more options for management interfaces, including REST APIs, YANG data models, and NETCONF. This gives network administrators more flexibility and control over their networks.

Regarding software-defined networking (SDN) integration, both switches support Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which enables software-defined networking. However, the Catalyst 9300 also supports Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA), a comprehensive architecture that enables end-to-end network visibility, automation, and assurance.

When it comes to network automation and orchestration, the Catalyst 9300 has the upper hand. It features Cisco’s Network Plug and Play (PnP) technology, which allows for zero-touch provisioning of new devices. Additionally, the Catalyst 9300 supports Cisco’s Network Data Platform (NDP), enabling network administrators to automate configuration and policy changes.

High Availability and Redundancy

Cisco 9200 and 9300 switches provide high availability and redundancy for network infrastructure. The Cisco 9200 supports redundant supervisors, while the Cisco 9300 supports dual supervisors for added redundancy. In terms of software, the Cisco 9300 also offers ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade) for seamless upgrades without network disruption.

Another vital aspect of redundancy is power supply options. Both the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 series switches provide two power supply options: internal and external. The internal power supply is integrated within the switch chassis and offers standard power provision. The external power supply option allows for additional power capacity or serves as a backup in case of a failure.

However, the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series offers an additional power supply option called Network StackPower. With Network StackPower, multiple switches can be stacked together, sharing their power resources. This feature enables increased power capacity and redundancy across the stack, simplifying power management and enhancing network resilience. By choosing the 9300 series with Network StackPower, customers can benefit from consolidated power distribution and improved reliability in their network infrastructure.

Pricing and Licensing Models

The 9200 series offers a variety of models with different port densities and feature sets to suit various network requirements. It typically follows a perpetual licensing model, where you purchase the hardware upfront and then separately acquire the necessary software licenses based on your specific needs. The software licenses can include features such as advanced security, advanced routing, and automation capabilities. The pricing for the Catalyst 9200 switches can vary based on the specific model and the chosen software licenses.

• Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switch (24-port, 1G) without licenses: Approximately $2,500 to $3,000.
• Additional software licenses can range from $500 to $1,000 per year, per switch, depending on the selected features and subscription term.

Catalyst 9300 series offers flexibility in terms of port densities and features. However, the Catalyst 9300 switches typically follow a subscription-based licensing model called Cisco DNA Essentials or Cisco DNA Advantage. With these subscriptions, you not only get access to the base switch hardware but also to a comprehensive set of software features, including advanced security, automation, and analytics capabilities. The pricing for the Catalyst 9300 switches is generally based on the hardware cost plus the subscription fee for the chosen software package.

• Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switch (24-port, 1G) with Cisco DNA Essentials subscription: Roughly $4,500 to $5,500.
• Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switch (24-port, 1G) with Cisco DNA Advantage subscription: Approximately $6,000 to $7,500.
• Subscription prices can vary depending on the term length (e.g., 1, 3, or 5 years) and any additional services or support included.

Deployment Considerations

When choosing between the Cisco 9200 and 9300 switches, there are several deployment considerations to remember. Firstly, physical installation requirements are an important factor, and businesses must ensure that they have the necessary space and infrastructure to accommodate the chosen switch.

Compatibility with existing network infrastructure is another key consideration, particularly for those looking to upgrade from an older Cisco switch. Scalability and future-proofing are also important factors, as businesses should ideally opt for a switch that can grow with their needs. Finally, flexibility for different deployment scenarios is crucial since it allows for greater versatility in the network infrastructure. 

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

If you’re considering investing in a Cisco switch, you should know the distinctions between the 9200 and 9300 series. The good news is that numerous user reviews can provide some helpful insights.

Feedback from Cisco 9200 series users:

• Users appreciate the easy setup process of the Cisco 9200 series.
• The switch provides reliable and fast connectivity, essential for their business operations.
• They also like the web-based user interface that allows them to manage their network easily.
• Some users have expressed concerns about the limited port density of the switch.

Feedback from Cisco 9300 series users:

• Users appreciate the advanced features of the Cisco 9300 series, such as support for software-defined networking (SDN) and programmability.
• The switch provides excellent performance and scalability, ideal for businesses expanding their network.
• Users like the intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes configuring and managing the switch easy.
• Some users have reported issues with the high cost of the switch.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

If you’re considering a switch upgrade, the Cisco 9200 and 9300 series are what you’re looking for. Here are some examples of how industries and organizations benefit from each series.

The Cisco 9200 series has proven its worth with many successful implementations. For example, a financial services company was able to unify multiple administrative sites, improving communication and strengthening security through the Cisco 9200. Meanwhile, an educational institution set up resilient infrastructures using the 9200 series, providing redundancy and enabling them to scale easily. These real-world examples demonstrate the versatility and reliability of the Cisco 9200 series switches.

Meanwhile, from large enterprises to small businesses, the Cisco 9300 series has been successfully deployed and has proven to be a valuable investment. For example, take the case of a global food manufacturer that experienced a 70% reduction in downtime after switching to the Cisco 9300 series. Or how about a leading healthcare provider in the United States who was able to prioritize critical applications, ensuring smooth operations and better patient care? The versatility of the 9300 series, coupled with its advanced features, has made it a popular choice for businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution. 

Future Roadmap and Updates

When it comes to networking equipment, Cisco is a top-of-the-line provider. Their vision for these series is to build powerful and efficient switches that can keep up with the growing demands of the digital world. In terms of upcoming features and enhancements, both series are set to receive several updates. What’s even more exciting is the long-term support and software updates that are promised for both series. This means that users can rely on their Cisco switches to continue performing at their best for years to come. Overall, it’s clear that Cisco’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction makes the 9200 and 9300 series worth considering for any networking needs.

Conclusion

When it comes to networking powerhouses, Cisco’s 9200 and 9300 series both pack a punch. However, knowing the differences between these two series is essential to help you make informed decisions regarding upgrading your IT equipment. Whether looking for enhanced security features or greater network scalability, the 9200 and 9300 have unique advantages.

And with technology continuously evolving, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest and greatest networking equipment available. However, don’t just toss your old Cisco gears aside once you’re ready for an upgrade. Instead, dispose of your equipment responsibly and earn extra cash by selling your old gear and IT equipment to Exit Technologies. It’s a smart move for both your wallet and the environment.

Have something to add? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!