https://network-switch.com/pages/about-us
Introduction
Many businesses today are still running on older Cisco switch models such as the Catalyst 2960X, 3650, and 3850. While these devices have served as workhorses for enterprise networks, Cisco has officially announced End-of-Life (EoL) and End-of-Support (EoS) timelines for these models.
As these switches age, they face significant limitations: insufficient PoE power, outdated uplink bandwidth, and lack of modern security features. Enterprises looking to maintain network efficiency and security must now consider an upgrade path. The most recommended replacement is the Cisco Catalyst 9300, which brings future-ready performance, advanced security, and long-term support.
When to Upgrade ?
Knowing when to replace your legacy Cisco switch is key to avoiding downtime or security risks. Here are the top three upgrade triggers:
-
PoE Insufficiency
Older models like the 2960X cannot provide the PoE+ power budget needed for modern devices such as Wi-Fi 6 access points, IP security cameras, and advanced VoIP phones. If your current switch fails to power devices adequately, it’s time to consider an upgrade. -
Uplink Bandwidth Limitations
Legacy switches often cap at 1GbE uplinks, which bottlenecks modern high-performance networks. With the rise of Wi-Fi 6/6E and cloud-driven applications, businesses need mGig and 10Gb uplinks that the Cisco 9300 supports. -
Security Gaps
End-of-life devices no longer receive critical security patches. In an era of rising cyber threats, relying on outdated infrastructure creates unnecessary risks. The Cisco 9300 integrates Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), TrustSec, and advanced segmentation to secure today’s dynamic networks.
Mapping Old Models to Cisco Catalyst 9300 Replacements
Below is a recommended mapping table to help organizations migrate from legacy Cisco switches to the appropriate Catalyst 9300 SKU.
| Legacy Model | Port Count | Recommended Catalyst 9300 SKU | Notes |
| Catalyst 2960X-24PS-L | 24 | C9300-24P-A (24-port PoE+, Network Advantage) | Entry-level 24-port PoE replacement |
| Catalyst 2960X-48TS-L | 48 | C9300-48T-A (48-port data only) | For non-PoE deployments |
| Catalyst 3650-24PD-S | 24 | C9300-24U-E (24-port UPOE+, DNA Essentials) | Supports higher PoE budget |
| Catalyst 3650-48TD-S | 48 | C9300-48S-A (48-port SFP, Network Advantage) | Ideal for fiber uplink-heavy sites |
| Catalyst 3850-24XS-S | 24 | C9300-24XS-A (24-port 10G SFP+) | High-performance aggregation layer |
| Catalyst 3850-48F-S | 48 | C9300-48U-E (48-port UPOE+) | Supports Wi-Fi 6 AP deployments |
This mapping ensures a feature-aligned migration, maintaining the same port density while unlocking advanced performance and management capabilities, more suggestion please find this guide of upgrades.
From Inventory to Zero-Downtime Deployment
Migrating from legacy Cisco switches to the 9300 requires careful planning. Below is a recommended step-by-step upgrade process:
Step 1: Network Inventory
- Document all existing switches, including model, software version, PoE consumption, VLANs, ACLs, and uplink configurations.
- Identify which switches are most critical and should be replaced first.
Step 2: Pre-Deployment Configuration
- Pre-configure Catalyst 9300 switches with the required VLANs, QoS policies, ACLs, and stacking configurations in a lab environment.
- Leverage Cisco’s DNA Center for template-driven configuration, ensuring consistent deployment across multiple devices.
Step 3: Migration Planning
- Schedule upgrades during maintenance windows to minimize disruption.
- Prepare a rollback plan in case issues occur.
Step 4: Zero-Downtime Replacement
- Use Cisco StackWise Virtual (SVL) for seamless migration in dual-active networks.
- Deploy new switches alongside old ones, migrate links one at a time, and cut over traffic gradually.
- Ensure critical services (voice, Wi-Fi) remain online during the transition.
Step 5: Post-Deployment Validation
- Verify configuration consistency and monitor switch performance.
- Enable Cisco DNA Assurance for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting.
Acceptance Checklist After Upgrade
To confirm a successful upgrade, use the following validation checklist:
- Stack Configuration: Verify that all Catalyst 9300 units are recognized in the stack.
- PoE Power: Confirm all powered devices (APs, IP phones, cameras) are receiving sufficient PoE/PoE+.
- VLAN Assignments: Ensure VLANs are functioning correctly across all ports.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): Validate that security policies are applied consistently.
- Uplink Performance: Confirm mGig and 10Gb uplinks are active and stable.
- High Availability: Test failover to ensure redundancy works as expected.
One-Click Replacement Plan
Ready to replace your legacy Cisco switches? Upload your current network configuration inventory to Network-Switch.com, and our experts will provide a one-click replacement plan. Get a tailored bill of materials (BOM), pricing, and migration roadmap to ensure a smooth transition to the Catalyst 9300 platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can the Cisco Catalyst 9300 replace the Catalyst 3850?
A1: Yes, the 9300 is the direct successor to the 3850, offering enhanced PoE budgets, mGig uplinks, and improved security features. It is a recommended upgrade path for enterprises.
Q2: Can I achieve zero-downtime migration when replacing old switches with the 9300?
A2: Yes, with proper planning. Techniques such as StackWise Virtual, phased link migration, and scheduled cutovers allow organizations to achieve near-zero downtime during replacement.
Q3: What happens if my PoE requirements exceed the 9300’s budget?
A3: The Catalyst 9300 supports modular power supplies that can be upgraded to increase total PoE power. If your deployment requires more power than a single switch can handle, you can add redundant power supplies or distribute devices across multiple switches.
Q4: Do I need to upgrade my licensing when moving from legacy models to the 9300?
A4: Yes. Legacy models often used perpetual licenses, while the 9300 requires Cisco DNA subscriptions. Businesses must budget for either DNA Essentials (basic) or DNA Advantage (advanced features).
Q5: How does the Catalyst 9300 improve network security compared to older models?
A5: The 9300 integrates modern security features like Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA), TrustSec segmentation, and advanced threat detection. These capabilities were not available in legacy models like the 2960X, making the 9300 significantly more secure.
Q6: Can I stack my old 3850 with a new 9300?
A6: No. Stacking is only supported within the same model family. However, 9300 switches can coexist in the same network as 3850s during phased migration, connected via uplinks.
Q7: What’s the expected lifecycle of the Catalyst 9300 compared to legacy models?
A7: While older models were supported for around 7–8 years, the 9300 is designed with future-ready hardware and is expected to remain a cornerstone of Cisco’s enterprise switching portfolio for the next decade.
Conclusion
Migrating from legacy Cisco switches like the 2960X, 3650, and 3850 to the Catalyst 9300 is not just a hardware refresh, it’s a strategic network upgrade. The 9300 delivers future-proof performance, enhanced PoE, and enterprise-grade security, ensuring your network is ready for modern workloads.
By carefully planning the migration, mapping old models to new SKUs, and validating post-deployment, organizations can achieve a smooth and secure transition with minimal disruption.
Did this article help you or not? Tell us on Facebook and LinkedIn . We’d love to hear from you!
