1. Positioning and Target Scenarios:
◦ Access Layer: Primarily used to connect end-user devices (computers, IP phones, printers), wireless access points (APs), and surveillance cameras.
◦ Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Branch: Ideally suited as a core or aggregation switch for small branch offices.
◦ Campus Network Edge: Deployed in building wiring closets or floor wiring closets in large campus networks.
2. Core Advantages:
◦ High Performance and Scalability:
■ Offers a variety of port densities (24-port, 48-port) and speed combinations (10/100/1000 Mbps, 1/2.5/5/10 Gbps uplink).
■ Supports flexible stacking technology (StackWise-80G), allowing up to eight physical switches to be virtualized into a single logical unit, providing high bandwidth (80 Gbps ring stacking bus) and simplified management.
◦ Strong Security:
■ Built-in Trust Technology: Supports MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) encryption, providing hop-by-hop link-layer security and protecting the confidentiality and integrity of data as it travels between switches.
■ Enhanced Network Access Control: Tightly integrated with the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), it supports comprehensive identity-based policy enforcement (e.g., 802.1X, MAB, WebAuth).
■ Threat Prevention: Supports Control Plane Policy (CoPP) to protect the CPU and basic access control lists (ACLs). ◦ Intent-Based Networking (IBN) Ready:
■ Pre-installed or upgradeable to the Cisco DNA Center-powered IOS XE operating system.
■ Centralized management, automated configuration, policy enforcement, and network status monitoring through Cisco DNA Center enable intent-based operations.
■ Supports Network Plug and Play (PnP) to simplify large-scale deployments.
◦ Flexible Power Options: ■ Available in non-PoE, PoE+ (802.3at), and Enhanced PoE (such as UPoE/UPoE+/Cisco UPOE) models.
■ Enhanced PoE models can provide up to 90W of power per port for high-power devices such as the latest Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 access points, PTZ cameras, digital signage, and small cells.
3. Modular Design and Redundancy:
■ Most models (except some compact models) support pluggable power supplies (AC or DC) and pluggable fans, providing redundancy and flexibility.
◦ Modern Operating System:
■ Runs Cisco IOS XE, a modular, Linux-based operating system that offers increased stability, scalability, security, and feature richness compared to traditional IOS. Support for modern APIs such as RESTCONF/NETCONF facilitates automated integration.
◦ Software subscription model:
■ Cisco introduced software subscription licenses (such as Cisco DNA Essentials or Advantage) to enable advanced features (such as SD-Access, advanced analytics, guaranteed software upgrades, etc.). Basic network functions (such as L2/L3 routing) are typically included in the hardware (Network Essentials or Network Advantage perpetual licenses).
