Crescendo Communications
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer networking |
| Founder | Cisco Systems |
| Products | Network switches, wireless controllers, wireless access points |
| Owner | Cisco Systems |
Catalyst represents a line of network switches, wireless controllers, and wireless access points marketed by Cisco Systems. Although predominantly recognized for their Ethernet switching products, the Catalyst brand has encompassed various types of network interfaces throughout its history. Cisco broadened this portfolio through acquisitions, rebranding acquired technologies under the Catalyst name. The initial Catalyst 5000 and 6000 series originated from technology purchased from Crescendo Communications. The 1700, 1900, and 2800 series were derived from Grand Junction Networks, while the Catalyst 3000 series evolved from technology obtained from Kalpana in 1994.
The most recent addition to the Catalyst lineup is the Catalyst 9000 family, which integrates switches, wireless access points, and wireless controllers, aligning with Cisco’s vision of delivering a comprehensive networking solution.
Operating systems
Originally, Catalyst switches operated independently from Cisco’s router platforms, utilizing software known as CatOS rather than the widely adopted Cisco IOS found in routers. Over time, these two product lines merged. In modular chassis switches, a hybrid setup was introduced where layer 2 functionalities were handled by CatOS and layer 3 operations by IOS. Newer Catalyst models now exclusively run native IOS, even on hardware that previously required CatOS.
Recent Catalyst models running updated IOS versions offer web-based management via a graphical user interface (GUI) accessible through an internal HTTP server. The Catalyst 2960-L SM Series is an example showcasing this web GUI feature.
Cisco IOS
Cisco IOS, or Cisco Internetwork Operating System, is a suite of network operating systems deployed across many Cisco switches, routers, wireless controllers, and access points. Initially, Cisco’s switches used CatOS. IOS consolidates routing, switching, internetworking, and telecommunication functions into a multitasking operating system. Although its core uses cooperative multitasking, numerous IOS components have been adapted to other kernels such as QNX and Linux for various Cisco devices.
Catalyst products operate on IOS or its Linux-based derivative called Cisco IOS XE. The software initially named XDI by Crescendo Communications was rebranded as CatOS after Cisco’s acquisition of Crescendo and eventually evolved into IOS as the operating system expanded across Cisco hardware. The Catalyst 9000 series runs on Cisco IOS XE.
Interfaces
Catalyst devices primarily serve as Ethernet switches; contemporary models provide Ethernet interfaces ranging from 10 Mbit/s up to 100 Gbit/s depending on the specific unit. Older models supported interfaces such as Token Ring, FDDI, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, and 100BaseVG, but these are no longer available.
All Catalyst models support fundamental layer 2 Ethernet frame switching with standard features including VLANs, trunking, and QoS. Both IOS and IOS XE variants are fully manageable.
Many Catalyst switches running IOS or IOS XE also function as routers (layer 3 devices), offering TCP/UDP filtering alongside advanced routing protocols like OSPF and BGP, thus supporting large-scale enterprise routing requirements.
Modular chassis-based Catalyst models such as the 9400 and 9600 Series separate line cards, chassis components, and supervisor engines. This architecture provides several business benefits:
- Replacement at the component level (power supplies, fans, line cards, supervisors) minimizes downtime and reduces maintenance expenses.
- Redundancy capabilities allow swift recovery in case of hardware failures.
- Supervisor engines can be upgraded independently to boost performance and add new features without needing to replace the entire switch unit.
Management
Catalyst switches provide extensive options for customization and control. Configuration can be performed through serial console, telnet, or Secure Shell interfaces. Monitoring of device status and traffic is facilitated by Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), while many models also feature an integrated HTTP server.
Configurations are saved in plain text format, which simplifies auditing without requiring specialized software. In larger environments, a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server is often employed to store configuration files and IOS images for updates. Complex configurations are generally prepared using a text editor with standardized templates before being uploaded via TFTP. It is important to note that TFTP servers may introduce security vulnerabilities.
Stackwise
StackWise and StackWise Virtual (previously known as VSS) are Cisco technologies that allow multiple Catalyst switches to function as a single logical device. Within the stack, one switch assumes the role of primary, overseeing configuration and monitoring through a unified console interface. This approach simplifies management and usually provides greater inter-switch bandwidth compared to conventional uplink connections.
In the event of a switch failure, the stack automatically bypasses the affected unit to sustain operation. If the primary switch encounters an issue, another switch in the stack takes over control seamlessly, enhancing fault tolerance and reducing downtime.
Each member switch maintains a complete copy of the stack configuration, enabling straightforward replacement of malfunctioning switches—including the primary—without significant interruption.
Physically, StackWise links up to eight switches using dedicated stack interconnect cables. Conversely, StackWise Virtual and VSS technologies allow two chassis to be logically combined into a single entity without requiring physical stacking cables.
Primary election
The selection process for the primary switch adheres to this order of precedence:
- Priority explicitly set by the user in the configuration
- Switch with the most advanced IOS feature set activated
- Switch with customized configuration rather than factory defaults
- Device with the longest continuous uptime
- Switch with the lowest MAC address
Models
Catalyst switches are categorized into two principal groups: fixed-configuration models, which generally occupy one or two rack units and offer between 12 and 80 ports; and modular switches, where components such as CPU modules, power supplies, and switch cards are installed separately within a chassis.
Model numbers typically begin with WS-C or C, followed by the model series (for example, C9600). A suffix letter denotes special capabilities, followed by port quantities—commonly 24 or 48—and additional designators like UPOE (e.g., C9300-48U). The Catalyst 9000 series also includes indicators for software subscription licenses (such as C9200-48T-P with E for Essentials, A for Advantage, or P for Premier).
Fixed-configuration switches
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series
- Core switches supporting Layer 2 and Layer 3 stacking.
- Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series
- Stackable access and distribution switches operating at Layer 2 and Layer 3.
- Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series
- Stackable access switches with Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities.
- Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series
- Layer 2 stackable access switches.
- Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series
- Access and distribution stackable switches supporting Layer 2 and Layer 3.
- Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches with optional stacking features.
- Cisco Catalyst 2960-X/XR Series
- Stackable access switches supporting Layer 2 and Layer 3.
- Cisco Catalyst 2960-L Series
- Access switches operating at Layer 2 and Layer 3.
- Cisco Catalyst 3560CX/2960CX Series
- Compact, fanless switches offering Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality.
- Cisco Catalyst Digital Building Series
- Small form-factor, fanless switches supporting Layer 2 and Layer 3.
Modular switches
Cisco's modular switch lineup features customizable chassis, power units, line cards, and supervisor modules. Prominent series include:
- Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series: High-performance modular core switches delivering up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, equipped with redundant supervisors, power supplies, and cooling fans.
- Cisco Catalyst 9400 Series: Chassis-based access and distribution switches offering up to 40 Gigabit Ethernet speeds with redundant hardware components.
- Cisco Catalyst 6800 Series: Modular chassis switches supporting up to 40 Gigabit Ethernet with backup supervisor modules.
- Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series: Chassis switches capable of up to 40 Gigabit Ethernet throughput featuring redundant supervisors.
- Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series: Mid-tier modular chassis switches available in various sizes, including E-Series and Classic chassis options, comprising power supplies, supervisors, line cards, and service modules.
End-of-life switches
| Base Model | Form Factor | Variants | Ports/Modules Available | Power Supplies | Supervisor Modules | Expansion Capability | Stacking | End-of-life Announcements | Remarks | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 2940 | Fixed | 2940 | 8 8P8C/1 8P8C 8 8P8C/1 8P8C or 1 SFP |
1 (fixed) | None | None | None | Announced 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst 2900 | Fixed | 2918 2926 2948 2980 |
24 8P8C 48 8P8C |
None | None | None | Announced 2007 (except 2918), Announced 2015 (2918 only) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst 2950 | Fixed | 2950 2950SX |
12 8P8C 24 8P8C 24 8P8C/2 GBIC or 1000SX 48 8P8C/2 GBIC or 1000SX |
1 (fixed) | None | None | None | Announced 2007 | Optional Gigastack modules | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst 2960 | Fixed | 2960 2960S 2960CX 2960-X 2960-XR |
8 8P8C/2 SFP 24 8P8C/2 SFP 48 8P8C/4 SFP 24 8P8C/2 SFP+ 48 8P8C/2 SFP+ |
1 (fixed) (*cannot stack power, only backplane) | None | None | Stack (up to four on 2960-S; up to eight on 2960-X/XR) | Announced 2013 (2960 only) Announced 2020 (remaining models including X and XR) |
PoE available only on P-designated models; the 2960C is a compact variant | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst 3550 | Fixed | 3550 | 24 8P8C/2 GBIC 48 8P8C/2 GBIC |
1 (fixed) | None | None | None | Announced2005 | PoE optional; Gigastack modules supported | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst 3560 | Fixed | 3560 3560V2 3560E 3560C |
Various combinations of ports including 8/12/24/48 with SFP, X2 modules, or both | 1 (up to two on the3560E) | None | None (10 Gbit/s available on E models only) | Stack capable (V2 and E versions) | Announced2012 (excluding C) | PoE optional; C model is compact version | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst3750 | Fixed | 3750 3750V2 3750G 3750E 3750-X |
12 SFP ports 24/48 ports with multiple SFP or X2 uplink options |
1 (up to two on V2 models) | None | None | Stack capable across all variants | Announced between2010 and2013 | PoE optional | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst3750X | Fixed | 3750X | 12 SFP ports 24/48 ports with SFP uplinks |
2 power supplies | None | Uplink module supports both1- and10-Gbit/s speeds | Stack capable in all units | Announced2015 | PoE optional | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst4900M | Fixed | 4900M | 48 ports with SFP or X2 modules; includes28 SFP and2 X2 slots | max. two power supplies | null supervisors | null expansion options except X2 modules | null stacking support | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features | null synchronization features
>null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >null >| Announced2013 |
Current switches
| Base Model | Form Factor | Variants | Available ports/Modules | Number of power supplies | Number/Type of supervisors | Expansion type | Sync | End-of-life (only major notices listed) | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 3650 | Fixed | 3650 | 24 8P8C/4 SFP 48 8P8C/4 SFP 24 8P8C/2 SFP+ 48 8P8C/2 SFP+ |
None | None | Stackwise-160 (optional module) | PoE available as an option | |||
| Catalyst 3850 | Fixed | 3850 | 12 SFP 24 8P8C 48 8P8C 12 SFP+ 16 SFP+ 24 SFP+ 32 SFP+ 48 SFP+ |
Up to two, with most supporting stack power | None | Offers 1 Gbit/s, 10 Gbit/s, and 40 Gbit/s across all models | Stackwise-480 | Announced in 2019 | PoE available optionally | |
| Catalyst 4500 | Chassis | Multiple models ranging from 4503 to 4510R variants | Modules include 24 SFP, 48 SFP, and 48 8P8C options | Up to two power supplies | Supervisor types vary by model; options from Sup II+ through Sup 8-E | Line cards used for expansion | VSS supported with Sup7 supervisor | Various components announced between 2010 and 2014 | PoE support varies by module | |
| Catalyst 4500-X | Fixed | 4500-X | Ports available as either 16 SFP+ or 32 SFP+ | Up to two power supplies available | No supervisor modules | Expansion through an 8 SFP+ module | No synchronization feature | Released in 2019 | Airflow can be configured front-to-back or back-to-front | |
| Catalyst 6500-E | Chassis | Models include several variants from 6503-E to 6513-E | Modules range from four to forty-eight ports, supporting speeds up to 40G across multiple media types | Supports up to two power supplies | Supervisor options from Sup 2T up to Sup 32 (EoSale) depending on the model | Supports line cards, firewall, wireless, NAM, VPN, application control engine, ASA service modules | VSS available with Sup720-10G or Sup2T supervisors | Some components reached end-of-life status in 2012 | PoE optional on a per-module basis | |
| Catalyst 6800 | Available as both chassis and fixed form factors (including models like the 6840-X and fixed 6800ia) | Includes models such as the 6880-X, 6840-X, 6800-XL, and the fixed configuration 6800-ia | Compatible with selected Cisco 6500 modules including ASA, NAM, and WiSM | Announced in 2019 | Supports certain legacy modules for compatibility | |||||
| Catalyst 9200 | Fixed | 9200, 9200L | Offers either 24 or 48 ports plus one network module slot for modular uplinks; the L variant lacks modular uplinks | Up to two power supplies depending on the model | No supervisor modules included | Network module supports four additional SFP/SFP+ or two ports of either 25G or 40G SFP | Stackwise-160/80 available as optional stacking modules | Various models support PoE and MGig capabilities | ||
| Catalyst 9300 | Fixed | 9300, 9300L | Provides either a configuration of 24 or 48 ports plus one network module slot; the L model is fixed without uplink modules | Up to two power supplies depending on model variation | Supervisor modules are not present | Network module allows up to eight extra SFP ports for expansion |
Supports PoE and MGig on select models | |||
| Catalyst 9400 | Chassis | (Models:9404R, 9407R, and 9410R) | (Modules offer configurations of either twenty-four or forty-eight ports in copper or fiber variants including both SFP and SFP+ options) | (The 9404R supports up to four power supplies; other models can have up to eight) | (Two dedicated slots for supervisor engines with multiple supervisor options available) | (Expansion via line cards) | (StackWise Virtual technology supported) | (PoE availability depends on the specific module) | ||
| Catalyst 9500 | Fixed |