Price of Catalyst 9000 Switches

As you’re considering Catalyst 9000 Switches for your networks, you likely have some version of the following questions:

  • “The network could use new switches, but does this fit in the budget?
  • “I’d like the ability to swap out uplink modules, but what’s the price increase?”
  • “Sure, the DNA Center integration sounds useful, but how much will it cost me?”

Even if the new family of switches sounds like all pros and no cons, you still have to weigh the price of new devices before officially implementing them into your IT environment. 

So, how much does a Catalyst 9000 switch cost? 

The answer depends on which model you want and what features you want with it. 

As a starting point, you can expect to spend a minimum of $3,000 for a Catalyst 9200-L switch, with four 1 gigabit uplink ports, one year of support, and a DNA Center subscription.

However, this might not be the right device for you, and you may need to consider the following options, which will affect your price: 

  1. Modular vs. fixed configurations
  2. Number of ports (24 vs. 48)
  3. Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  4. Stacking capability
  5. DNA Center integration

When you account for all of the customizable options for the devices in the Catalyst 9000 switch family, it adds up to dozens of available configurations. 

To make this information as straightforward as possible, we’re going to focus on the Catalyst 9200 switch variations. 

Remember that this information isn’t to tell you exactly how much a specific switch costs. Instead, you should have the knowledge to make a better decision on which switch features you need and how that would fit into your budget.

Modular vs. Fixed-Configuration Switches

You’ll also need to decide if you need a modular or fixed-configuration switch

Download_1635443369157The first option allows you to add modules to your switch to adjust the device as your networking needs evolve. On the other hand, a fixed configuration comes as it is. 

In the Catalyst switches, fixed-configuration models are denoted by the letter “L” in the name. For example, a Catalyst 9200-L would have a fixed configuration, but a Catalyst 9200 would be modular.f

The 9200-L switch comes with four 1 gigabit ports or four 10 gigabit ports, but with a modular 9200 switch, you’ll need to pick (and purchase) a module for your ports. 

The Catalyst 9200-L (without PoE) costs $3,100 for the hardware plus $800 for 3 years of Cisco SmartNet next business day support. 

However, its modular alternative, the 9200, costs around $3,100 and another $1,000 for Cisco SmartNet support. And, you still need to buy the uplink port module for another $500.

Number of Switch Ports

On every Catalyst 9000 switch, you’ll find 24 or 48 ports. These are Layer 2 interfaces that carry layer 2 traffic.

Switch ports can be an access port, a trunk port, or a tunnel port, and each type carries different types of traffic. 

As you may have guessed, a 48-port switch is more expensive than one with 24 ports. 

How much more expensive? You’re looking at around a $1,000 increase.  

For example, the 9200-L with 48 ports and no PoE costs $3,100 for just the hardware, but the 24-port device is $2,100.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Short for Power over Ethernet, PoE does exactly what its name says — passes electric power over an ethernet cable to a device. 

Not only can this eliminate the need for an additional cable to run power, but it reduces the number of opportunities for equipment failure.

However, the most significant advantage is how a PoE switch can plug into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to guarantee constant power delivery for mission-critical PoE edge devices. 

Catalyst 9000 switches with PoE cost at least $900 more than their traditionally powered counterparts. For example, the Catalyst 920- L 48 port switch without PoE costs $1,900, but when you add PoE the price jumps to $2,800.

Stacking Capabilities

If you are anticipating a future need for more switches but don’t have the budget or require the additional capacity at this time, you’ll want the ability to stack

Essentially, stacking allows you to configure multiple switches to appear and operate as a single switch. 

Several switches in the Catalyst 9000 family can stack. (However, they can only stack with models of themselves.) 

In the Catalyst 9200 series, there isn’t any additional fee to purchase a stackable device. However, you’ll have to buy a $1,400 module to add this capability. 

DNA Center Integration

Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the Catalyst 9000 family of switches is the native integration of DNA Center. 

By providing insights on performance, interference, and application experience, the solution can automate and streamline your organization’s network. As a result, you should notice you’re spending less time managing your network.

However, there’s a cost associated with this technology.

When you order a switch, Cisco requires you purchase a minimum 3-year license for DNA Center. Unfortunately, you can’t get around this purchase if you’re committed to buying from the Catalyst 9000 family. (Remember, if you don’t want to continue using DNA Center, renewing your licenses is optional.)

The price varies based on how many ports your switch has, not if it is fixed or modular.

Regardless if you buy the 9200-L or 9200 with 24 ports, you’ll pay $700 for DNA licensing. On a device with 48 ports, however, the DNA licensing cost increases to $1,400.

And, if you want to use DNA Center for its insight and management features, you’ll also need to buy the appliance. This one-time cost falls between $40,000 and $50,000.

What Switch Is Right for You? 

One of the advantages of the Catalyst 9000 switches is how many options you have to find the best match for your network and budget. 

If you’re looking for the most basic option, the Catalyst 9200-L has only four ports with a max capability of 1 gigabit each. 

You can opt-out of PoE and stacking while buying the essential licenses for the device and DNA Center. 

While this option may be appropriate for small or medium businesses, it’s likely inadequate for enterprises with large data centers. 

As you need more ports, PoE, or stacking capabilities, your price for a switch will increase.

Still not sure what features you need for your network? Download our comparison chart to learn more about the differences between Catalyst 9200 and 9300 switching options.

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