United States
Q
What is a Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
A Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch is a fixed-configuration Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized networks, offering enterprise-grade performance, security, and simplified management in a compact form factor.
Q
What are the key features of the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Key features include up to 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, optional PoE/PoE+, 1G/10G uplinks, advanced security (802.1X, ACLs), QoS, and integrated management via Cisco DNA Center or web/CLI interfaces.
Q
What use cases is the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch designed for?
A
It is ideal for branch offices, retail outlets, school campuses, and IoT deployments where enterprise-level switching, security, and scalability are required in a cost-effective, compact solution.
Q
How many ports does the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch support?
A
Depending on the model, you can choose configurations with 8, 16, or 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and up to two 1G/10G uplink ports to accommodate diverse network topologies.
Q
Does the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch support PoE and PoE+?
A
Yes, select models deliver PoE and PoE+ up to a total of 370W, enabling you to power IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras directly from the switch.
Q
What is the switching capacity and forwarding rate of the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Depending on the configuration, the switch offers up to 176 Gbps switching capacity and a forwarding rate of up to 130 Mpps to handle high-bandwidth applications.
Q
How do I configure the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Configuration can be done using the intuitive web-based GUI, Cisco IOS CLI, or centrally via Cisco DNA Center, enabling quick setup with Smartports and zero-touch provisioning.
Q
What security features are available on the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
It includes 802.1X network access control, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, port-based MAC security, and Secure Boot to protect against unauthorized access and threats.
Q
Does the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch support QoS?
A
Yes, it provides advanced QoS capabilities such as traffic classification, marking, policing, and priority queuing to ensure reliable performance for voice, video, and data.
Q
What management options are available for the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Management options include Cisco DNA Center for policy-based automation, command-line interface, web GUI, SNMP, NetFlow, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure for visibility and control.
Q
Can I stack Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch units?
A
Certain models support Cisco StackWise technology, allowing you to stack up to 8 switches with a single management IP and 160 Gbps of stack bandwidth for simplified scaling.
Q
What power redundancy options does the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch offer?
A
Select models support an optional external Redundant Power System (RPS) and hot-swappable power supplies to ensure continuous operation in case of a failure.
Q
How energy-efficient is the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
It features Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az), variable-speed fans, and power-down idle ports to reduce power consumption and operational costs.
Q
What software license levels are available for the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Available licenses include LAN Lite and LAN Base on IOS XE, and DNA Essentials or DNA Advantage for advanced automation, analytics, and security features.
Q
How do I update the firmware on the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Firmware can be upgraded via Cisco IOS XE images using USB, TFTP/FTP, or directly through Cisco DNA Center to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Cisco offers a limited lifetime hardware warranty, one-year limited software updates, and optional Cisco SMARTnet service for 24/7 technical support and hardware replacement.
Q
How do I troubleshoot common issues on the Cisco Catalyst Compact Switch?
A
Use built-in diagnostic tools such as ‘show’ commands, embedded event manager (EEM), syslog, SPAN, and packet buffering, or engage Cisco TAC for advanced analysis and resolution.
