While both the Cisco Catalyst 3650 and catalyst 9200 series switches offer advanced features suitable for modern networks, there are several reasons why the Catalyst 3650 might be a more suitable choice for certain environments. Here’s an exploration of why and when to choose the Catalyst 3650 over the 9200 for your networking needs.
1. Integrated Wireless Controller
The Catalyst 3650 includes an integrated wireless controller that can manage up to 25 access points and 1000 wireless clients per switch or stack. This integration is crucial for environments where wireless networking is heavily utilized, as it simplifies the management and deployment of wireless services by eliminating the need for separate wireless controllers. This can be particularly beneficial in medium-sized enterprises and educational institutions where seamless wireless connectivity is a priority.
2. Cost-Effectiveness for Moderate-Sized Networks
For businesses that do not anticipate massive scale growth in the short term, the Catalyst 3650 offers a more cost-effective solution. It provides sufficient capabilities for moderate-sized networks without the potentially unused additional scalability that comes with the Catalyst 9200. This makes the Catalyst 3650 an ideal choice for organizations with stable infrastructure needs looking to optimize their investment.
3. Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
The Catalyst 3650 supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az), which reduces power consumption during periods of low data activity. This not only helps in lowering operating costs but also aligns with the environmental policies of companies looking to minimize their carbon footprint. For organizations committed to green IT initiatives, the energy-saving features of the Catalyst 3650 make it an attractive option.
4. StackWise-160 Technology
Cisco’s StackWise-160 technology allows up to nine Cisco Catalyst 3650 switches to be stacked together, managing them as a single entity. This technology offers a simple yet effective solution for increasing network capacity without the complexity of managing multiple configurations and links. For networks where geographical concentration and physical stacking are practical, the Catalyst 3650 provides an efficient way to scale capacity and resilience.
5. Simplified Network Operations
The management capabilities of the Catalyst 3650, using tools such as Cisco Prime Infrastructure, are designed for straightforward and effective network administration. For organizations that may not require the advanced features of Cisco DNA Center, which is used with the Catalyst 9200, the 3650 offers a simpler, user-friendly approach that can be more than sufficient.
6. Robust Security Features
Although the Catalyst 9200 offers some newer security enhancements, the Catalyst 3650 still provides comprehensive security features, including threat defense, TrustSec, and robust control over network access with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integration. These features are adequate for most moderate-sized enterprises and provide a strong security posture against common threats.
Conclusion
Choosing the Cisco Catalyst 3650 over the 9200 can be driven by specific business needs, including cost considerations, the scale of network operations, energy efficiency goals, and the complexity of network management. The Catalyst 3650 excels in environments that require a robust, integrated wired and wireless network solution with manageable scalability and straightforward administration. For many organizations, these features make the Catalyst 3650 a compelling choice, providing everything needed for modern networking without overextending on capabilities that might not be utilized.
At ORMSystems, we are committed to providing top-tier networking hardware and solutions that power the world's most advanced IT infrastructures. With years of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for businesses across the globe. Our extensive product portfolio includes cutting-edge Cisco Catalyst switches such as the Cisco Catalyst 3650, Cisco Catalyst 9200, Cisco C9200L-24P-4G-A, and C9200L-24P-4G-E, ensuring that our clients have access to the most reliable and innovative technologies available.
