Switches

1. Can the Cisco Switch Catalyst 9200 series be used as a core switch?
   Selene Gong

   55
   TL;DR: Cisco Catalyst 9200 can serve as a core switch only in small, low-traffic networks. For scalability and future-proofing, consider Catalyst 9300 for collapsed core and Catalyst 9500/9600 for true core switching. The Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switches are primarily designed for access ...
2. Should I add a license to the BGP protocol of C9300L?
   Selene Gong

   80
   For those deploying Cisco Catalyst 9300L switches, a common query arises regarding Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) functionality and its licensing requirements. Yes, to fully utilize BGP on a Cisco Catalyst 9300L switch, you need the Network Advantage license. This license is crucial for enabling ...
3. Are the C9300 stack kit and the C9300L stack kit compatible?
   Selene Gong

   41
   No, Cisco Catalyst 9300 stack kits and Cisco Catalyst 9300L stack kits are generally not directly compatible for mixed stacking, nor can their respective switch models be stacked together. While both series offer stacking capabilities, they use different technologies and physical connectors that ...
4. Does Huawei switch support the CLI function when upgraded to web/SNMP-managed model?
   Selene Gong

   50
   Yes, Huawei switches retain full CLI (Command Line Interface) functionality even when upgraded to web or SNMP-managed models. CLI is a fundamental and powerful management method for Huawei network devices, offering deep-level control and configuration capabilities that complement graphical (Web) ...
5. How to default a Cisco 9300 switch and load a new configuration (Step-by-Step Guide)
   Selene Gong

   49
   Whether you are deploying a new switch, repurposing an existing device, or troubleshooting network issues, resetting a Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch and loading a new configuration is a fundamental skill for network professionals. Step 1: Connect to the Switch Console Use an ...
6. Why Did My Cisco IoT VLAN Stop Working After Upgrading to IOS XE 17.9.6?
   Selene Gong

   61
   Did you just upgrade a Cisco Catalyst 9300/9400 switch to IOS XE 17.9.6 (sometimes searched for as 17.09.06), only to find your IoT devices can't get an IP address or connect to the network? You're not alone, and it's not your configuration—it's a known software bug. This guide will walk you ...
7. Why Is My Cisco 9300 Switch Not Passing Jumbo Frames Here’s How to Fix It
   Selene Gong

   53
   A common challenge for network administrators is dealing with dropped packets or storage timeouts after enabling jumbo frames. This guide explains how jumbo frames work, why they fail, and exactly how to configure and verify MTU settings on your Cisco 9300 switch. What Are Jumbo Frames and Why ...
8. How to Fix Cisco 9300 All PoE Ports Go Out for 1 Second?
   Selene Gong

   50
   Are you facing a frustrating issue where all PoE ports on your Cisco 9300 go down for 1 second? Devices like IP phones, wireless access points, or security cameras may suddenly lose power—only to restore themselves moments later. This short but system-wide power outage is not a single-port ...
9. What is the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches?
   Selene Gong

   53
   The foundation of a fast, stable, and scalable network lies in choosing the correct switch type. A pivotal decision for network engineers often involves the choice between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches. Both are integral to data transmission, but their specific roles vary significantly based on ...
10. What Is an Access Layer Switch? A Practical Guide for SMB Networks
    Selene Gong

    47
    What Is the Access Layer Switch? In a typical enterprise network architecture, the access layer switch is the first point of contact between end-user devices and the rest of the network. These switches connect endpoints such as PCs, printers, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, enabling ...