Articles by tag "SMB Networking"

1. How to Upgrade Cisco 9300 Switches: A Complete Guide to IOS-XE Firmware Updates
   Selene Gong

   42
   For IT administrators and purchasing decision-makers in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), maintaining an up-to-date network infrastructure is essential for performance, security, and supportability. This guide explains how to upgrade Cisco 9300 Series switches, particularly their IOS-XE ...
2. Cisco Catalyst 9200 vs 9200L: Models, PoE & Stacking Guide
   Selene Gong

   21
   As enterprise networks evolve with Wi-Fi 6, hybrid work, and increased IoT devices, the access layer requires switches that are secure, flexible, and high-performing. The Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9200L Series provide a strong foundation for modern enterprise networks, combining reliability, ...
3. Cisco Catalyst C1200 vs C1300: Models, PoE, and Stacking Guide for SMB Networks
   Selene Gong

   20
   For IT administrators, network engineers, and procurement teams managing small-to-medium business (SMB) and branch office infrastructure, selecting the correct access switch is crucial for balancing performance, security, and affordability. Cisco's Catalyst 1000, 1200, and 1300 series switches ...
4. Cisco Meraki MS130 Series Overview & Datasheet: PoE, Stacking & Deployment Guide
   Selene Gong

   21
   Modern enterprise networks require access switches that deliver Gigabit performance, handle growing Power over Ethernet (PoE) demands from Wi-Fi 6/7 access points and IoT devices, and simplify management across distributed locations. The Cisco Meraki MS130 series is designed to meet these needs. ...
5. Cisco Catalyst 2960S EoL and Migration Options
   Selene Gong

   1
   The Cisco Catalyst 2960S has been a reliable Layer 2 access switch for more than a decade, but it is now End-of-Life (EoL) and fully End-of-Support. For many organizations, this raises practical questions about hardware refresh, replacement models, support coverage, and budget planning. This ...
6. How to Choose a 48-Port PoE Cisco Switch – Selection Guide for Enterprise & SMB
   Selene Gong

   18
   Selecting a 48-port PoE Cisco switch requires a careful balance between technical requirements, power needs, and deployment environment. Key factors include PoE standards, total power budget, stackability, Layer 2 vs Layer 3 capabilities, and lifecycle status. This guide provides practical, ...
7. Should Small Businesses Still Use Non-Meraki Cisco Switches?
   Selene Gong

   18
   For many small businesses, the choice between Cisco Meraki cloud-managed switches and traditional non-Meraki Cisco switches is both a technical and financial decision. While Meraki offers simplicity and centralized monitoring, non-Meraki switches—such as Catalyst 1000, 9200, or Cisco Business ...
8. What Happens If Cisco SmartNet Expires? Risks, Implications, and Mitigation
   Selene Gong

   18
   If your Cisco SmartNet contract expires, your switches and routers will generally continue to operate and pass traffic. However, you lose the essential support provided by Cisco, including technical assistance, hardware replacement, and software updates. Understanding the operational and ...