Cisco Catalyst 9600 vs Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series Switches: Upgrade to a Smarter Network

Introduction

The new Cisco Catalyst switches are the next generation of networking switches in this evolving landscape of networking technology. The decision to shift from one series of network switches to another is not one to be taken lightly. However, the Cisco 6800 series switches have been delivering premium connectivity to large enterprises in the industry, but the emergence of Cisco 9600 has started a new era of networking.

Purpose of this Guide

This guide is intended to help networking businesses large and small who are familiar with the Cisco Catalyst 6800 series switches and must deploy Cisco Catalyst 9600 series switches in the networking environment.

Why Migrate?

The decision to migrate from the Cisco 6800 series to the brand new Cisco Catalyst 9600 series switches represents a strategic leap forward for businesses looking to stay competitive in the industry. Shifting allows organizations to accept enhanced speed, scalability, and efficiency in meeting the growing demands of modern networks. Moreover, in the comparison, the Catalyst 9600 offers cost-efficiency and has a future-ready design, but it also adapts to the evolving landscape of networking technologies.

The various factors to take into account when switching from the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series to the 9600 Series are listed in this guide.

What are Cisco 6800 switches?

Being a member of Cisco's Catalyst family, the 6800 series, with features that meet the demands of complex network structures, has been essential in supporting vital business operations. The Cisco 6800 Series Switches have gained a reputation as a dependable option for individuals looking for stability and performance in their network infrastructure, thanks to their sophisticated security protocols and effective traffic management. These switches have long served as the foundation of numerous businesses because they were made to satisfy the various demands of enterprise-level networks. Cisco 6800 switches, with their blend of top-tier features and functionalities, have established themselves as reliable workhorses, offering secure and dependable connectivity solutions.

Overview of Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches

A significant advancement in networking technology is the Cisco Catalyst 9600 series. These switches solve the shortcomings of their predecessors by providing improved performance, scalability, and cutting-edge features. A comparative cost analysis serves to emphasize the value proposition of the Catalyst 9600 series even more. There are a number of benefits to this migration, including improved performance, lower costs, and network infrastructure future-proofing. In today's dynamic business environment, flexibility and scalability are critical factors, and the Catalyst 9600 series shines in these areas.

Cisco 9600 Port Density

The chassis for the Cisco Catalyst 9600 has six slots. Supervisors only have access to two middle slots, and they operate in redundant mode. Line cards go in the top and bottom two slots. The chassis can provide up to 6.4 Tbps of bandwidth between each supervisor slot and each line card slot. This indicates that 32 100G ports will be available at line rate for each line card slot on the system.

• 32x 400G ports at line rate or

• 100G/40G ports with 128x line rate or

• 192 times the line rate Ports: 50G/25G/10G/5G/2.5G/1G.

Cisco IOS XE

The standardized solutions offered by Cisco are compatible with all network switch stages and are open source. Cisco IOS XE offers new capabilities for network segmentation, operation, and configuration through network automation. The following factors are responsible for the mechanism:

Automated Device Provisioning: As part of its turnkey solutions, Cisco offers a PXE (Plug and Play and Preboot Execution) environment for automatic upgrades and installs when the files are first made available on the network.

API-based Configuration: It can supply network resources and is compatible with the newest modular network switches.

Granular Visibility: This model makes it possible for data to stream regularly from the switch to the designated destination. The YANG data set subscription makes this data observable. 

Supervisor Hardware

Cisco's UADP 3.0 ASIC architecture and an x86 CPU architecture serve as the foundation for the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Supervisor Engine 1. Based on an x86 CPU architecture and the Cisco Silicon One ASIC architecture, the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Supervisor Engine 2 operates. In order to host containers and run third-party apps and scripts natively within the switch, both Supervisor Engines offer choices for extra external storage.

The Cisco 6800 and 9600 Series hardware are contrasted in Table 1.

Cisco SD-Access

Cisco Software Driven Access speeds up and streamlines network operations for businesses.  At its core, digital transformation is all about the dynamic functionality of the enterprise network—a secure, programmable, and integrated network that powers businesses by maximizing agility and scalability. As a part of the DNA (Digital Network Architecture) platform, Cisco SD-Access allows companies to expand by opening up avenues for new opportunities and empowering them to seize them. 

Boosts Visibility: Monitor hitherto unknown endpoints and make sure they abide by network security guidelines. Establish guidelines for network policies, and allow or prohibit interactions with the network.

Constant Monitoring: Keep tabs on every device linked to the network and use endpoints to neutralize any possible threats.

Zero-trust Security: Reduce the possibility of breaches by improving regulatory compliance and granting personnel only the access they need.

IoT Integration: Segmenting a network reduces the attack surface on the network and makes it easier to deploy IoT devices.

Troubleshooting: By employing analytical decision-making to identify and intercept threats early on, SD-Access shortens the time needed for troubleshooting.

Network segmentation: To enforce network security policies across all devices on the network edge, expect responsive network segmentation that works in concert with dynamic micro- and macro-segmentation.

Additionally, SD-Access uses the Cisco DNA Center Appliance to automate processes from the edge to the cloud. With Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), you can achieve predictable performance and scalability for your network.

System Default Behavior

The system default behaviors on the Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches are similar to those of the Cisco Catalyst 6800. However, IP routing is enabled, the management interface is in a dedicated Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), and so on. 

Table 2. Compares the system default behavior of the two switches, Cisco 6800 and Cisco 9600.

Power Redundancy

The power supply has four slots in the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series as opposed to two in the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series. There are two modes of operation for power supplies:

• Combination mode: This is the standard mode. The system's power supply modules are all operational and sharing power.

• N+1 redundant mode: When the output from the N power supply is adequate, the system switches to this mode.

Table 3. Summarizes the difference in power redundancy of the both, Cisco 6800 and Cisco 9600.

New vs Refurbished Cisco Routers

When looking to select Cisco routers, new or refurbished, several factors come into play. A new router, whether the 6800 or 9600 Series, typically guarantees the latest technology features and performance. Brand new routers comes with manufacturer warranties and support, providing peace of mind in terms of reliability and longevity. On the other hand, opting for a refurbished router can be a cost-effective alternative, offering potential savings with compromising functionality. These refurbished routers undergo thorough testing, repairs, and quality assurance processes to meet industry standards. The choice between new and refurbished routers ultimately depends on budget constraints, specific performance requirements, and the level of assurance and support desired by the user or organization.

Table 4. compares between new or refurbished Cisco 6800 vs 9600 series.

Software Features

Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for the System

A Layer 2 MTU is the system MTU. The global command "system mtu <1500-9216>" modifies the Layer 2 MTU on each interface in the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series. As of Cisco IOS XE Software Release 16.11.1, there is no support for an interface-level command to set the MTU for individual interfaces. The global command "system jumbo <1500-9216>" on the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series sets the global baby giant MTU for every interface. 9216 is the system jumbo MTU by default. A per-interface MTU is also supported by the Cisco 6800 Series. The MTU command specific to each interface has priority.

Table 5. Shows the comparison between System MTU of Cisco 6800 and 9600.

StackWise Virtual

A Virtual Switching System (VSS), which combines two physical switches into a single logical switch, is supported by the Cisco Catalyst 6500/6800 Series. Cisco StackWise Virtual on the 9600 Series offers comparable functionality. While they are implemented differently, StackWise Virtual and VSS share the same functionalities.

Port-channel load distribution

Additional combinations of various header fields are available as input for port-channel load balancing with the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series.

Table 6. Showcases the differences of port channel balancing between both series of Cisco routers.

Port Channel Services

The comparison of Cisco 6800 and 9600 port channel services are summarized in Table 7, below.

Host Tracking Feature

IP Device Tracking (IPDT) is a feature of the Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series that allows it to track connected hosts (MAC and IP address associations). First Hop Security (FHS)-enabled device-tracking and eavesdropping capabilities are made possible by the new Switch Integrated Security Features (SISF)-based IPDT feature in the Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series running the latest version of Cisco IOS XE. This feature operates as a container policy. This is accomplished through the use of IP-agnostic Command-Line Interface (CLI) instructions.

Where to buy?

Want to buy this series of products? please contact:

• Tel: +1 (281) 747-5957 (USA)/ (+44) 800 3688 330 (UK)/ +971 4 323 8318 (UAE)
• Email: [email protected] (Sales Inquiries) Or visit: Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series Switches

About Us

ORM Systems is a global IT hardware and software solution provider. Our core focus is providing authentic, reliable, and cost-effective IT hardware products along with enterprise software solutions. Our superior customer service team has built a strong correlation between our customers and suppliers. We have laid out our physical presence by having operational branches and warehouses in the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East. We stock huge inventory globally and provide fast delivery, an absolute supply chain and logistics for our consumers all around the world, with a guarantee of meeting your standard requirements. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, switching from Cisco 6800 series switches to Cisco Catalyst 9600 series switches is a wise strategic choice with many advantages. The networking industry's leading contender is the Catalyst 9600 series, which offers improved performance, cost effectiveness, and future-proofing. 

Related Topics:

Cisco ISR vs ASR: What's the Difference?

Managed vs Unmanaged Switches: How to Choose the Best Network Switch

Managed vs Unmanaged Switches: Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is the cost comparison between the Cisco Catalyst 9600 and the Cisco 6800 series?

A. The cost comparison depends on various factors, including the specific models and configurations. Generally, the Cisco Catalyst 9600 series offers competitive pricing with potential long-term savings.

Q. Can I buy refurbished Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches to reduce costs?

A. Absolutely! Opting for refurbished Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option without compromising on performance.

Q. How does the cost of new Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches compare to refurbished ones?

A. New Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches come with a higher upfront cost, while refurbished options provide a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality.

Q. Are there financing options available for purchasing Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches?

A. Many vendors offer financing options to ease the financial burden of purchasing new switches, making the migration to Cisco Catalyst 9600 more accessible for businesses.

Q. Can I upgrade my existing Cisco 6800 series switches or should I buy new ones?

A. Upgrading existing Cisco 6800 series switches may be feasible in some cases, but migrating to the Cisco Catalyst 9600 series ensures access to the latest technologies and advancements.

Q. What considerations should I keep in mind when evaluating the cost of migration?

A. Consider factors such as initial purchase cost, maintenance, energy consumption, and scalability. The total cost of ownership analysis should guide your decision-making process.

Q. How does the warranty and support for new Cisco Catalyst 9600 compare to refurbished ones?

A. Generally, new Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches come with a full warranty and support, while the warranty and support for refurbished ones may vary. It's crucial to check with the vendor for specific details.

Q. Is buying refurbished networking equipment a reliable option for businesses?

A. Yes, buying refurbished networking equipment, including Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches, is a reliable and cost-effective choice. Many reputable vendors ensure the quality and performance of refurbished devices.

Q. Where can I buy Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches, whether new or refurbished?

A. You can purchase Cisco Catalyst 9600 switches from authorized Cisco resellers, reputable online vendors, or directly from Cisco. Ensure to choose a trustworthy source to guarantee the authenticity of the products.