9500

Cisco Catalyst 9500 License

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500 is a powerful and versatile switch designed for modern enterprise networks. It offers advanced security, automation, and analytics features, making it a top choice for organizations looking to improve their network performance and security.

Hardware and Design

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500 is a modular switch, meaning it allows users to swap out and add modules as needed. This makes it a scalable and customizable option for organizations of all sizes. The switch is available in two sizes, the 24-port and 48-port models, and it can support up to 4 terabits per second (Tbps) of switching capacity.

The switch is designed for high availability, with redundant power supplies and fans, hot-swappable components, and support for Virtual Switching System (VSS) technology. VSS allows two switches to be configured as a single virtual switch, increasing reliability and providing a seamless user experience.

Security Features

One of the most significant selling points of the Catalyst 9500 is its advanced security features. The switch supports Cisco’s TrustSec technology, which provides secure access control and segmentation for users and devices on the network. It also includes the licensed Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), which enables administrators to manage and enforce security policies across the network.

The Catalyst 9500 also features MACsec encryption, which provides secure communications between devices connected to the switch. This feature ensures that data transmitted over the network is protected from unauthorized access.

Automation Features

The Catalyst 9500 is designed for automation, with support for Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center. DNA Center is a central management platform that allows administrators to automate network configuration and monitor network performance.

The switch also supports Cisco’s Network Assurance Engine (NAE), which uses machine learning to detect and troubleshoot network issues. NAE can quickly identify problems and provide recommendations for remediation, reducing the time and effort required to manage network performance.

Analytics Features

In addition to automation, the Catalyst 9500 includes advanced analytics capabilities. It supports Cisco’s Application Visibility and Control (AVC) technology, which provides granular insights into network traffic and application usage. This information can help administrators identify bandwidth-intensive applications and optimize network performance.

The switch also includes support for Cisco’s Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), which uses machine learning to detect and analyze encrypted network traffic. ETA can identify potential security threats, even in encrypted traffic, helping administrators to stay ahead of potential threats.

Use cases of the licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500

In the following, we’ll explore some of the most common use cases for the licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500.

Campus Networks

One of the primary use cases for the licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500 is in campus networks. The switch’s high port density and modular design make it a scalable option for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large universities. Its support for Virtual Switching System (VSS) technology also ensures high availability and uninterrupted service.

Campus networks often have a diverse range of devices connected to them, including computers, phones, printers, and IoT devices. The Catalyst 9500’s support for Cisco’s TrustSec technology and Identity Services Engine (ISE) enables secure access control and segmentation for these devices. Its support for Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center also enables network automation, making it easier to manage a large number of devices and ensure optimal performance.

Data Centers

The licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500 is also a popular choice for data center networks. Its high switching capacity and support for advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) make it ideal for handling the high traffic volumes and complex network topologies of data centers.

In addition, the Catalyst 9500’s support for Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) enables policy-driven automation and provides granular visibility into network traffic. This makes it easier to manage large data center networks, reduce the risk of errors, and optimize network performance.

Cloud and Multi Cloud Environments

The increasing use of cloud and multi cloud environments has created new challenges for network administrators. The Cisco Catalyst 9500 is designed to meet these challenges, with features such as automation, analytics, and security that enable seamless connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments.

For example, the Catalyst 9500’s support for Cisco’s Cloud OnRamp technology enables secure and optimized connectivity to cloud applications and services. Its support for Cisco’s Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) also provides enhanced security for encrypted traffic, ensuring that organizations can detect and respond to potential threats in cloud environments.

Industrial IoT Networks

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, there is an increasing need for secure and reliable networks to support industrial IoT (IIoT) devices. The licensed Cisco Catalyst 9500 is designed to meet this need, with features such as ruggedized hardware, support for industrial protocols, and advanced security features.

For example, the Catalyst 9500’s support for the Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standard enables deterministic communication between IIoT devices, ensuring reliable and predictable performance. Its support for MACsec encryption also ensures that sensitive data transmitted between IIoT devices is protected from unauthorized access.