IOS Core SWs replacement

[Florin Barhala]

 Hello,

We have to replace current 4500 IOS core SWs with new stuff.

Things we need:

 - redundancy

 - up to 8 10G/40G ports for interconnecting with storage

 - better L2 throughput than what we have now

 - topology wise current core SWs aggregate all SVIs traffic and run HSRP

  + below these SWs there're like 40-50 L2 access layer SWs

  + above them there're two firewalls for outbound access and two PE routers (MPLS access)

Budget is close to 30k so our Cisco partner gave us two quotes:

1. N3K-C3548P-10GX (Throughput 960 Gbps Nexus 3548x Switch, 48 SFP+)

2. N9K-C9372PX-E (Throughput 960 Gbps 48 x 1/10-Gbps SFP+ and 6 x 40-Gbps fixed QSFP+ ports)

Which of the two should I go for?

Stability is a major requirement concern so that's why your input experience with any of these two models would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Florin.

[Leo Laohoo]

Nice timing, Florin. 

Cisco has announced the direct replacement of the 4500 to be the Catalyst 9400. 

[Florin Barhala]

Hey,

Thanks for the update! I was not aware of that. I still have to look over 9400 series, still some other locations use NX-OS and truth be told I also like it despite it's drawbacks: e.g. IP SLA.

So back to my question: anyone using any of these two models? Some pros and cons for any of these two?