Catalyst Switches

[jam26ica]

Guys can anyone recommend the best or latest cisco catalyst 8 port, 12 port Cisco switches. I was leaning towards purchasing the ones below however the End of Life is past for pretty much all of them.

WS-C3560CX-8PC-S,  C1000-8P-2G-L, C1000-8FP-2G-L

[Rob Ingram]

@jam26ica consider the new Catalyst 9200CX, this is the latest hardware, with 8 or 12 ports + uplinks.

https://blogs.cisco.com/networking/cisco-catalyst-9200cx-series-switches-now-in-compact-size

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9200-series-switches/catalyst-9200cx-architecture-wp.html

[jam26ica]

Thank you Rob, I appreciate it

[Leo Laohoo]

What is the network all about? 

If the network is nothing but a flat network, static VLAN assignments or, simply put, a plain-n-simple layer 2 network, then nothing can beat a Catalyst 1000.  

Unlike IOS-XE, the Catalyst 1000 platform is running on a tried-n-tested and stable classic IOS, is cheaper to run and has less "management overhead".  

[jam26ica]

Thank you Leo.

[Isabella54]

The network in question appears to be a straightforward and uncomplicated system, characterized by a flat structure with static VLAN assignments, essentially functioning as a basic layer 2 network. In this context, the text emphasizes the advantages of the Catalyst 1000 platform, which stands out for its stability due to its use of a tried-and-tested classic IOS, cost-efficiency, and reduced management complexity. The Catalyst 1000 is seen as an ideal choice for such networks, offering reliability, cost savings, and streamlined management compared to more complex alternatives like IOS-XE.