They both the LAN (Local Area Network), which are part of the 9000 series of Cisco. They are known as hardware and software integrating innovations. They are switches, wireless controllers, and wireless access points.
They are required for communication purposes within enterprises. They ensure the safe transfer of data across a network. These Catalyst 9200 and 9300 come under a high-density Ethernet Switch.
Key Takeaways
- The Cisco Catalyst 9300 offers higher scalability, supporting more devices than the 9200.
- The 9300 series supports advanced features such as hot-swappable fans and power supplies, whereas the 9200 series does not.
- Cisco Catalyst 9200 switches are designed for smaller networks, making them more budget-friendly than the 9300 series.
Cisco Catalyst 9200 vs 9300
Catalyst 9200 is a fixed-access switch series, available in different models with varying numbers of ports and uplink options. The Catalyst 9300 is a modular switch series that offers more flexibility in terms of port density and expansion options, featuring power over Ethernet (PoE) support.
The 9200 switches are Campus LAN Switch that has been developed for small enterprises. The network modules option of the switch is for two frequencies (C9200-NM-4G & C9200-NM-4G ) with a bandwidth of 160Gbps.
They are perfect for enterprises having a capacity of around a thousand staff members.
The 9300 switches are Campus LAN Switch that has been developed for small enterprises. The network modules option of the switch supports around five frequencies (C9300-NM-4G, 8X, 2Q, 4M & 2Y) with a bandwidth of 480Gbps.
They are perfect for enterprises having a capacity of around five thousand staff members.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Cisco Catalyst 9200 | Cisco Catalyst 9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Designed to replace | 2960X and 2960XR. | Catalyst 3850. |
| Stack Technology | The 9200 supports a tech stack of 160. | The 9300 supports a tech stack of 480. |
| Stacking bandwidth | 160gbps. | 480gbps. |
| Total number of IPv4 routes (ARP plus learned routes) | 14000 | 32000 |
| IPv6 routing entries | 2,000 | 16,000 |
| Packet buffer per SKU | 6Mb about 24-48 Ethernet Ports. | 16Mb and 32Mb about 24-48 Ethernet Ports directly and indirectly respectively. |
| Flexible NetFlow (FNF) entries | 16,000 flows on 24- and 48-port Gigabit Ethernet models. | 64,000 flows on 24- and 48-port Gigabit Ethernet models and 128,000 flows on 24-port Multigigabit. |
| Switching capacity | 128 Gbps – 176 Gbps. | 208 Gbps – 640 Gbps. |
What is Cisco Catalyst 9200?
The Cisco Catalyst 9200 offers simplicity without compromising the safety and security of the network. It is also useful for optimizing IT and reducing operational costs.
The data transfer can that without affecting if it is internet-based networking. The 9200 series integrates hardware and software and the data that flows in the network.
If once you install the 9200 switches into your network, it will be easier to use. The switch allows you customizable switching, routing, and wireless solution. It offers the following features:
- It allows up to 48 ports of Power over Ethernet Plus capability.
- It shows flexibility in resiliency with Field-Replaceable Units(FRU).
- The switch is managed with Cisco Identity Services Engines(CISE). Therefore, only authorized persons can access your network.
- A new device can easily get integrated with plug and play option.
- The Cisco 9200 switch has a common licensing-based operating system(Cisco IOS XE).
- The network modules allow the non-disruptive transfer of data from 1G to 10G and beyond.
- The switch also allows dual field-replaceable power supplies. Therefore, if the primary source of energy gets affected, the switch replaces it with other energy sources.
- The switch also comes with dual fans and supports redundancy.
- The switch has an RFID tag that provides the feature of easy assets and inventory management.
- The switch also connects to the Bluetooth dongle therefore, it can use a wireless interface for IP management.
What is Cisco Catalyst 9300?
The Catalyst 9300 series was a new groundbreaking innovation by Cisco. The switch allows 5,000 connections in a network with a 1Tbps capacity of a stackable switching platform. It provides a power and scale loT network that’s safe and reliable.
The switch has smart, safe, simple, and secure access designed for Wifi with enhanced network management. Once the switch has been installed, it is easier to use. The feature of the 9300 series are:
- It is based on Cisco UADP 2.0 Application with micro engines capability.
- The switch has around 1Tbps of local stackable switching bandwidth.
- The addition of a new network is easy with plug and play function.
- The switch offers the feature of Encrypted Traffic Analytics. This allows for detecting and taking action against malware activities.
- The switch allows the mixed stacking between C9300X and C9300SKUs.
- The switch comes with three field-replaceable fans and supports redundancy.
- The switch also comes with transformation management that helps to reduce expenses and improves the business.
- The interface of the switch has a feature for third-party solutions.
- Cisco provides the Umbrella DNS Integration that allows the cloud security of the switch.
Main Differences Between Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300
- The 9200 series came in 2018, and the 9200 series was introduced in 2017.
- The 9300 series mainly supports large enterprise, whereas the 9200 series support small enterprises.
- The 9200 is simple to use as compared to the 9300 series.
- The stacking bandwidth of the 9200 series is 160gbps, whereas the 9300 series provide 480gbps bandwidth.
- The 9200 series provide a 6MB buffer speed on Ethernet ports, but the 9300 series provide a 16MB buffer speed.
- https://www.router-switch.com/media/upload/product-pdf/cisco-catalyst-9000-switches-comparison-9200-vs-9300-vs-9400-vs-9500.pdf
- https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9200-series-switches/nb-06-cat9200-ser-data-sheet-cte-en.html
- https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9300-series-switches/nb-06-cat9300-ser-data-sheet-cte-en.html
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The unique features and specifications of the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 provide valuable options for enterprises to address their networking needs effectively.
The switch models offer different capabilities, allowing enterprises to select the most appropriate solution based on their network requirements and scale.
Given the diverse range of features and capabilities offered by the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300, enterprises can make strategic decisions to optimize their network infrastructure investments.
The comparison table provides an insightful summary of the differences between the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 switches based on various important parameters.
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 offers higher scalability, supporting more devices than the 9200. The 9300 series supports advanced features such as hot-swappable fans and power supplies, whereas the 9200 series does not.
I agree, the Catalyst 9300 series indeed seems to be designed to support more advanced and demanding network environments.
The differences in features and capabilities between the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 are quite significant and can greatly impact the choice for enterprises.
The detailed descriptions of the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 switches offer valuable insights into their respective capabilities and target applications.
The innovation and advancements in the 9300 series reflect the evolving needs of modern enterprise networks.
The emphasis on scalability, security, and advanced features in the 9300 series highlights its suitability for larger, more complex network environments.
The detailed features and benefits of both the Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 are crucial for enterprises to make informed decisions when upgrading or expanding their network infrastructure.
The comprehensive comparison provided enables IT professionals to evaluate the suitability of these switches for their specific networking requirements.
The Catalyst 9300 series provides a higher stacking bandwidth and more advanced features compared to the 9200 series, making it suitable for larger enterprises and more demanding network environments.
The scalability and advanced capabilities offered by the 9300 series make it a compelling choice for enterprises seeking robust networking solutions.
The Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 series switches offer distinct advantages catering to different enterprise requirements.
Indeed, the choice between the two series depends on the specific needs and scale of the enterprise network.