Cisco Refresh Certified Network Switch Program - 2173 switches available starting at £35

How fast is 100Mbit?

100Mbit (100 Mbps) provides data transfer speeds of up to 100 megabits per second. This is suitable for basic office networks, small file transfers, and standard internet browsing. It's approximately 12.5 MB/s in real-world usage.

What is Gigabit Ethernet?

Gigabit Ethernet (1G) offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), which is 10 times faster than 100Mbit. This is ideal for modern office environments, video streaming, and larger file transfers. Real-world speeds are around 125 MB/s.

What is 10G Ethernet?

10G Ethernet provides speeds up to 10,000 Mbps (10 Gbps), making it perfect for data centers, high-performance computing, and environments requiring massive bandwidth. Real-world speeds reach approximately 1.25 GB/s.

What is Multi-Gig Ethernet?

Multi-Gig Ethernet includes speeds like 2.5G and 5G, bridging the gap between 1G and 10G. It's perfect for modern Wi-Fi 6 access points and high-speed storage applications that need more than 1G but less than 10G.

Which speed should I choose?

100Mbit: Basic office networks, small businesses
1G: Most modern offices, home networks
Multi-Gig: High-performance Wi-Fi, storage networks
10G: Data centers, high-performance computing

What are the differences between switch series?

2960 Series: Entry-level managed switches, great for small to medium businesses
3750X/3850 Series: Mid-range stackable switches with advanced features
9200/9300 Series: Modern access switches with advanced security
4500X/6500 Series: High-performance distribution/core switches

Which series is best for my business?

Small Office (1-50 users): 2960 series or Cisco Business (CBS) range
Medium Business (50-200 users): 3750X/3850 series
Large Enterprise (200+ users): 9200/9300 series
Data Center: 4500X/6500 series

What does the "X" mean in series names?

The "X" designation typically indicates enhanced features such as modular power supplies, advanced stacking capabilities, and improved performance compared to the base series models.

Are newer series always better?

Not necessarily. While newer series often have improved features and security, older series like 2960 and 3750X are still excellent choices for many applications and may offer better value for specific use cases.

What is the Cisco Business (CBS) range?

The Cisco Business range (CBS) is specifically designed for small businesses and includes models like the CBS110 series. These switches offer enterprise-grade features at an affordable price point, making them perfect for small offices, retail locations, and growing businesses that need reliable networking without the complexity of enterprise switches.

What is an Unmanaged Switch?

Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play devices with no configuration options. They automatically learn device locations and forward traffic. Perfect for simple networks where you just need basic connectivity.

What is a Managed Switch?

Managed switches offer full control over network traffic, including VLANs, QoS, security features, and monitoring capabilities. They're essential for businesses requiring network segmentation and advanced features.

What is a Smart Switch?

Smart switches (also called web-managed switches) offer a middle ground with basic management features through a web interface. They're easier to configure than fully managed switches but offer more control than unmanaged ones.

Which management type do I need?

Unmanaged: Simple home or small office networks
Smart: Small to medium businesses needing basic management
Managed: Businesses requiring advanced networking features

What is PoE and PoE+?

PoE (Power over Ethernet): Provides up to 15.4W of power per port, perfect for IP phones and basic wireless access points.
PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus): Delivers up to 30W per port, supporting high-power devices like PTZ cameras and advanced wireless access points.

What is Layer 2 vs Layer 3?

Layer 2: Basic switching that forwards traffic based on MAC addresses. Good for simple networks.
Layer 3: Advanced switching with routing capabilities, supporting IP-based routing between VLANs and subnets.

What are SFP ports?

SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports allow you to add different types of network connections (fiber, copper, different speeds) to your switch. They're modular and can be upgraded as your needs change.

What is Stackable?

Stackable switches can be connected together to operate as a single logical switch. This provides increased port density, simplified management, and improved redundancy. Perfect for growing businesses.

What does Refurbished mean?

Refurbished switches are previously used equipment that has been thoroughly tested, cleaned, and restored to like-new condition. They undergo comprehensive testing to ensure they meet original manufacturer specifications.

What does Remanufactured mean?

Remanufactured switches are taken apart, rebuilt with new components where necessary, and thoroughly tested. They often come with extended warranties and are essentially "as good as new" at a fraction of the cost.

Are refurbished switches reliable?

Yes! Our refurbished switches undergo rigorous testing and come with warranties. They're often more reliable than new equipment because they've been stress-tested in real-world environments.

What warranty do refurbished switches have?

Our refurbished switches come with standard Cisco warranty coverage and are eligible for extended support through Cisco Smart Net Total Care, ensuring your network infrastructure remains protected.