Cisco Catalyst Center Legacy Device Compatibility Matrix: Supported and Unsupported Devices Overview
Selene Gong
The Cisco Catalyst Center Legacy Device Compatibility Matrix is an essential guide for network engineers and IT administrators to understand which older Cisco devices are supported by Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly Cisco DNA Center), their functional limitations, and compatibility status. This helps organizations manage mixed networks that include modern Catalyst 9000 series devices alongside legacy hardware.
What is the Cisco Catalyst Center Legacy Device Compatibility Matrix?
TheCisco Catalyst Center Legacy Device Compatibility Matrix is an official Cisco document detailing the compatibility of older, often End-of-Life (EOL), Cisco devices with the Catalyst Center platform. It specifies which device functionalities are supported, partially supported, or unsupported, helping IT teams plan their network management strategies effectively.
The compatibility status uses codes:
Y (Supported): Full support available.
L (Limited Support): Partial feature or basic management support.
NA (Not Applicable): Feature not applicable or unsupported, often due to missing images or EOL status.
N (Not Supported): No support from Catalyst Center.
Devices without recommended releases are typically EOL, meaning functions like Software Image Management (SWIM) might be unavailable.
Why Is Legacy Device Compatibility Important?
Understanding legacy device compatibility ensures effective management of networks containing older Cisco hardware alongside new Catalyst 9000 series devices. Attempting to manage unsupported devices may lead to:
No official Cisco support for issues related to "L" or "NA" functionalities.
Limited access to advanced automation and assurance features offered by Catalyst Center.
Still, registering legacy devices can provide benefits such as inventory visibility, topology mapping, and configuration backup without requiring DNA licenses.
How to Interpret the Legacy Device Compatibility Matrix?
The matrix lists device series and models alongside supported Catalyst Center releases and compatibility for key functions:
Inventory: Device discovery and basic info collection.
Topology: Network connection mapping.
SWIM (Software Image Management): IOS image management and upgrades.
Template Provisioning: Pushing configurations via templates.
For example, the Catalyst 3560CG is EOL with "NA" support for SWIM, although some manual image upgrades have been tested successfully using .bin files.
Example Compatibility Overview for Legacy Devices
Considerations for Managing Legacy Devices with Catalyst Center
Accept Risks: No Cisco support for "L" or "NA" functions; your team handles troubleshooting.
Define Purpose: Legacy support useful for inventory, topology, and backups but limited for advanced features.
Plan Upgrade: Migrate to fully supported Catalyst 9000 series for complete management and security features.
Set Expectations: GUI may show options for legacy devices but underlying support differs significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does "Legacy Device" mean in Cisco Catalyst Center?
A: Legacy Devices are older Cisco hardware, often EOL, with limited or no official Catalyst Center support, predating full Cisco DNA adoption.
Q2: Can Catalyst Center manage all older Cisco devices?
A: No. Management capability depends on device model and functionality. The compatibility matrix details supported and unsupported legacy devices.
Q3: Is SWIM supported for all legacy devices?
A: No. Many EOL devices show SWIM as "NA" because images may be unavailable or unsupported. Some manual upgrades may still work but at your own risk.
Q4: Do legacy support devices require DNA licenses?
A: No. Legacy devices managed under DNAC legacy support do not need DNA licenses, which are for fully supported newer devices.
Q5: Where can I find the official compatibility matrix?
A: The latest Cisco Catalyst Center Legacy Device Compatibility Matrix is available on Cisco’s official documentation website under Catalyst Center product resources.
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