Solved: (Updated) Which switch is the better option? Catalyst 6509e 4510e?

NInja Black · ‎10-08-2013

Hi,

My company is opening its sixth branch (HQ) with around 250 employee capacity. We are planning out the network and trying to decide which switch to get. The switch should support upto 350 PoE (considering space for growth). Which of the two is better, Catalyst 6509E, or 4510E? I was hoping 4510E would be best considering its features and pricing. Any better switch suggestions are highly appreciated.

Other equipment.

Cisco3925e router. ASA 5515. Dell M1000e blade servers.

Leo Laohoo · ‎10-08-2013

The switch should support upto 350 PoE (considering space for growth).

You've just completely eliminated the 6500E as a contender for an access switch as Cisco has started EoL all PoE-capable line card. I am suspecting Cisco is pushing the 6500E back as a core/distro switch function so the 4500R+E can be positioned as an access switch.

Will the site be planning to do wireless?

You've got several choices here:

1. 3650 -- This model will soon be replacing the 3560-series switches, built-in WLC and can support up to 25 APs, stacking support;

2. 3850 -- This model will soon be replacing the 3750-series switches, built-in WLC and can support up to 50 APs, stacking support;

3. 4500R+E with Sup7e -- Popular if you don't want any wireless;

4. 4500R+E with Sup8 -- Basically a Sup7 but with a WLC that can support 100 AP;

5. 6800X/3807X with 6800ia -- It's basically a new 6500 that has a Sup2T supervisor card. The 6800ia is a 48-port (no 24-port available) with PoE and is a DUMB switch. All configuration is done on the 6800X/6807X.

6. 2960X

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Brandon Svec · ‎10-08-2013

I don't know much about these size switches, but I think you have the model names mixed up. 6500 and 4500 are Catalyst series chassis switches. Nexus switches are like 3000, 5000, 6000 and 7000. They are considered data center switches to my knowledge and very expensive to use as branch access switches..

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps9441/Products_Sub_Category_Home.html

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NInja Black · ‎10-08-2013

Thanks Brandon. I seem to have got confused with the names. I was looking for 4500 and 6000 switches and for some reason thought they were Nexus.

Thnaks for clarifying.

Leo Laohoo · ‎10-08-2013

The switch should support upto 350 PoE (considering space for growth).

You've just completely eliminated the 6500E as a contender for an access switch as Cisco has started EoL all PoE-capable line card. I am suspecting Cisco is pushing the 6500E back as a core/distro switch function so the 4500R+E can be positioned as an access switch.

Will the site be planning to do wireless?

You've got several choices here:

1. 3650 -- This model will soon be replacing the 3560-series switches, built-in WLC and can support up to 25 APs, stacking support;

2. 3850 -- This model will soon be replacing the 3750-series switches, built-in WLC and can support up to 50 APs, stacking support;

3. 4500R+E with Sup7e -- Popular if you don't want any wireless;

4. 4500R+E with Sup8 -- Basically a Sup7 but with a WLC that can support 100 AP;

5. 6800X/3807X with 6800ia -- It's basically a new 6500 that has a Sup2T supervisor card. The 6800ia is a 48-port (no 24-port available) with PoE and is a DUMB switch. All configuration is done on the 6800X/6807X.

6. 2960X

NInja Black · ‎10-09-2013

Thanks Leo. Now I have a better picture.

Joseph W. Doherty · ‎10-09-2013

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Of the two, the 4510E would probably be your more cost effective choice.

For the number of ports needed, the 4510E might even be more cost effective than a stack of 3xxx switches.

PS:

As you mention having some blade servers, if using a 4510E, you might choose different line cards for user hosts vs. server hosts (saving a few dollars).