Seeking Expert Opinions: Feedback for Our Network Upgrade

[techkings003]

We have this network upgrade plan and would greatly appreciate your valuable input.

Our current network setup consists of the following switches, all connected via 1GB Fiber links:
- Cisco C3560G as the Core Switch
- 10 Cisco C2960X Access Switches

We've outlined our upgrade plan in two phases:

Phase 1:
Our initial step involves upgrading the core switch, where we'll be replacing the Cisco C3560G with a Cisco C9500-24X-A. During this phase, we'll still be using the existing 1GB fiber connections to link up with our Access Switches.

Phase 2:
In the future, we're planning to replace the 10 Cisco C2960X Access Switches with Cisco 9300 models and, simultaneously, upgrade our 1GB links to faster 10GB connections.

We're reaching out to seek your insights and feedback. Specifically, we'd like to know if our proposed plan will function smoothly. Can the Cisco C9500-24X-A seamlessly work with our existing 1GB connections during Phase 1 and then support the 10GB connections in Phase 2?

Your suggestions and recommendations are highly valued, and we look forward to your input with gratitude.

[Leo Laohoo]

What type of fibre are the links? 

If they are multi-mode, are they OM3, OM4 or OM5? 

If the links are single-mode, are they OS2?

[techkings003]

Hi Leo, 

Thank you for asking about it. It is multi-mode OM3

[Torbjørn · Accepted solution]

The 9500 will work just fine during the upgrade. Just make sure your optics are supported before doing the swap. If you are using OEM optics you can check the compatibility on Cisco Optics compatability matrix, and if you are running third party optics you can ask your supplier or do a test.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

As others have already replied, your proposed plan should be fine.

BTW, there are many ways to migrate your network but unlikely any would vastly better to what you plan.

Also BTW, after either of your phase upgrades, do NOT be surprised (nor disappointed) if you don't "see" much, or/if any, network performance improvement.

[techkings003]

Our financial resources are constrained within a specific range, and we are unable to exceed this budget. Following consultations with vendors and their technical experts, as well as our discussions with them, this option aligns most closely with our budgetary constraints.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

Hmm, perhaps you misunderstood my prior reply.  Your proposed replacement devices offer much improved capacity but unlikely your current network is much throttling performance.  If true, you will not see much if any network performance improvement.

Or, if you thought I was implying you're not spending enough, the opposite might be true, i.e. you might be over spending.

"Following consultations with vendors and their technical experts, as well as our discussions with them, this option aligns most closely with our budgetary constraints."

I've always found it interesting how a vendor's technical experts can find a solution that's able to meet ones needs within budget, but amazingly right to budget limit.  Caveat emptor.

[Paul Chapman]

Hi -

The responses from our peers here are accurate. I'd like to add...

Considering the size of the network and the fact that you are unlikely to deploy SD-Access, the proposed BOM seems like overkill. You would likely get equivalent performance and functionality using C9300X for the core and C9200L for access. The biggest caveats on the access layer would be power budget for PoE devices and whether or not 2.5Gbps+ is needed for wireless access points.

[Leo Laohoo]

Even the choice of a 9200L is an overkill. 

If the access switches do nothing but static VLAN assignments and no SD-Access, then what is wrong with a Catalyst 1000?  

Catalyst 1000 would cost less than a 9200L and management overhead/management "cost" for operating a Catalyst 1000 is >50% cheaper to run for the life of the Catalyst 1000.

[Paul Chapman]

I can't 100% disagree. Looking at endpoint requirements and comparing to HW capabilities is of course key to making a decision.

[techkings003]

Thank you for your valuable contributions. Your insights have expanded my understanding. I have a follow-up question seeking your expertise. Currently, our rack switches on each floor are connected through fiber using SFP 1gb transceivers. If we have a C9300 as the access switch, I'm unsure about which network module to choose that supports both 1gb and backward-compatible 10gb over fiber. Our supplier suggests the C9300-NM-4M, stating it's fiber and copper compatible, but my searches haven't confirmed this. Should I opt for the C9300-NM-8X instead of their proposal for the C9300-NM-4M?

[Leo Laohoo]

https://community.cisco.com/t5/other-network-architecture-subjects/we-re-upgrading-our-network-and-would-appreciate-your-input/m-p/4958751