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Overview of Cisco Switches
Cisco switches are trusted by businesses worldwide for fast, stable, and secure connectivity. From small offices to large data centers, these switches help you build networks that grow with your needs. Each series—like Cisco Catalyst, Nexus, and Meraki—is designed to deliver performance, automation, and strong network protection.
Types of Cisco Switches
Campus LAN Access Switches
Campus LAN Access Switches are designed to connect users, devices, and wireless access points across your network with maximum speed and reliability. They make it easy to extend secure connectivity to every corner of your office, school, or enterprise environment. These switches provide intelligent management, Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, and strong network protection—ideal for growing digital workplaces.
Popular Models:
- Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series: Simplifies network management with advanced security and automation for SMBs.
- Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series: The industry’s most deployed stackable switch, built for Wi-Fi 6, IoT, and Software-Defined Access.
- Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series: Modular access switch with superior scalability and uptime for large campuses.
- Catalyst 2960-X/XR Series: Energy-efficient and reliable switches for basic enterprise connectivity needs.
- Catalyst 3850 Series: Combines wired and wireless access on a single platform for unified network performance.
These access switches form the backbone of campus networks—delivering high performance, simple scalability, and always-on security to support modern digital operations.
Compact and Branch Switches
Compact and Branch Switches are engineered for small offices, retail outlets, and branch locations where space and power efficiency matter. Despite their compact size, these switches deliver enterprise-grade performance, quiet operation, and intelligent security features. They’re ideal for extending your main network to remote sites or tight workspaces without compromising reliability.
Popular Models:
- Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Series: Fanless and energy-efficient switches offering silent operation and secure Gigabit connectivity for compact environments.
- Catalyst 2960-CX Series: Simplifies network extension with plug-and-play deployment, advanced PoE, and enhanced Layer 2 switching capabilities.
These compact switches provide powerful, space-saving performance for modern branch deployments, ensuring seamless integration and consistent uptime across distributed locations.
Core and Distribution Switches
Core and Distribution Switches form the foundation of high-performance enterprise and campus networks. Designed to handle heavy traffic loads, they deliver exceptional speed, scalability, and redundancy for mission-critical operations. These switches ensure reliable connectivity between access layers and data centers, supporting unified management and secure network segmentation.
Popular Models:
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series: Fixed-core enterprise switch with advanced automation, 100G uplinks, and enhanced security for SD-Access environments.
- Catalyst 9600 Series: Modular core switch built for scalability, high-density 40/100G performance, and long-term investment protection.
- Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series: Enterprise-grade switch delivering advanced services, deep security, and virtualization capabilities for large campuses.
- Catalyst 4500X Series: Compact aggregation switch offering wire-speed performance and simplified management for midsize core networks.
These switches deliver the performance backbone your network needs—combining high throughput, resilient architecture, and next-generation management for large-scale enterprises.
Data Center Switches
Data Center Switches are purpose-built for high-speed connectivity, automation, and network visibility across enterprise and cloud environments. They enable seamless integration with virtualization, storage, and application workloads—ensuring low latency and maximum uptime. Designed for scalability, these switches deliver efficient power usage, deep telemetry, and software-defined automation for modern data centers.
Popular Models:
- Cisco Nexus 9000 Series: Supports next-generation data centers with 400G capabilities, cloud-ready automation, and advanced analytics.
- Cisco Nexus 3000 Series: High-performance, low-latency switches ideal for high-frequency trading and mission-critical applications.
- Cisco Nexus 7000 Series: Modular platform delivering massive scalability, high port density, and robust virtualization for enterprise data centers.
These switches empower enterprises to run demanding workloads with agility, security, and intelligent automation—all optimized for digital transformation at scale.
Industrial and Aggregation Switches
Industrial and Aggregation Switches are designed to operate reliably in harsh conditions like factories, energy grids, and transportation systems. Built with ruggedized enclosures and extended temperature tolerance, they ensure continuous uptime where environmental resilience and safety are critical. These switches also support advanced aggregation and management features for large industrial or utility networks.
Popular Models:
- Cisco Catalyst IE3300 Series: Compact industrial switch offering Gigabit speeds, PoE support, and rugged durability for edge deployments.
- Cisco Catalyst IE3400 Series: Modular design with enhanced security, scalability, and high port flexibility for heavy industrial operations.
- Cisco Catalyst 4500E Series: High-performance aggregation switch providing advanced QoS, redundancy, and scalability for industrial and enterprise backbones.
These switches keep mission-critical systems running smoothly, combining industrial-grade toughness with Cisco’s proven network intelligence.
Browse Popular Cisco Network Switch Models
Discover the most in-demand Cisco switches available at ORM Systems. Each series is designed for performance, scalability, and reliability—supporting businesses of all sizes, from small offices to global enterprises.
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches are built for modern enterprise networks, offering secure connectivity, powerful automation, and Wi-Fi 6 support. They deliver stackable performance and simplified management with Cisco DNA capabilities.
Cisco Catalyst 9200 Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9200 switches provide affordable, secure, and easy-to-manage solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. They deliver enterprise-grade reliability, PoE+ support, and energy efficiency in a compact design.
Cisco Nexus 9000 Switches
Cisco Nexus 9000 switches combine high-speed performance with cloud-ready automation for next-generation data centers. With support for 400G Ethernet and advanced analytics, they enable faster, more scalable network infrastructure.
Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switches
Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches unify wired and wireless networks into one intelligent platform. Ideal for growing organizations, they support high-density access, advanced QoS, and seamless mobility integration.
Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series
Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series switches deliver dependable Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 access for everyday network operations. With energy-efficient design and simple deployment, they’re perfect for small offices and branch setups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Cisco switch used for?
A Cisco switch connects multiple devices on the same network, improving speed, security, and data flow management.
Which Cisco switch is best for small businesses?
The Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series offers affordable, secure, and easy-to-manage switching ideal for SMBs.
How long do Cisco switches last?
Most Cisco switches offer 7–10 years of lifespan with firmware updates and SmartNet support.
What’s the difference between Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches?
Catalyst switches are built for enterprise access and campus networks, while Nexus switches serve high-performance data centers.
Are Cisco switches Layer 2 or Layer 3?
Most Cisco switches are Layer 3 capable, meaning they can route traffic between VLANs and subnets.
