IT Hardware Technical Resources
Layer23-Switch Blogs
Latest
Latest Hardware Guides
Cisco ISR vs ASR Routers: What is the Difference?
The primary difference between the two platforms lies in their architectural purpose and underlying packet-processing hardware. The Cisco ISR (Integrated...
Read More
Cisco vs Aruba Switches: Enterprise Campus Comparison, Licensing, and Buyer Guide
When comparing Cisco vs Aruba switches for enterprise networks, Cisco Catalyst leads in massive scalability, deep proprietary feature sets like...
Read More
Cisco C1300 Datasheet: Full Specifications, Quick Check & Ordering Guide
The Cisco Catalyst 1300 series includes Gigabit, PoE+, multi-gigabit (mGig), and 10G uplink models engineered specifically for small and medium-sized...
Read More
Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 Stacking: Supported StackWise Modes, Configuration, and Troubleshooting
Cisco StackWise is a premium hardware stacking technology that allows up to eight physical Cisco Catalyst 9200 or 9300 series...
Read More
Cisco Stacking vs Chassis Switch: Modular vs Fixed Switch Architecture
Cisco stacking switches combine multiple fixed-configuration switches (such as the Catalyst 9300) into one logical unit using StackWise technology, sharing...
Read More
Cisco Wireless License Explained: AP Licensing, DNA Subscription, and Smart Licensing Guide
Direct Answer Cisco wireless licensing is based on a subscription model tied directly to the number of access points deployed...
Read More
Spine-Leaf vs Traditional Architecture: Data Center Network Design
Direct Answer Spine-leaf architecture is a modern two-tier data center network design where every leaf switch connects to every spine...
Read More
What Is 10 Gigabit Ethernet? The Definitive Enterprise Architecture Guide
Direct Answer 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) is a high-speed telecommunications standard defined by IEEE 802.3ae that enables data transmission at...
Read More
Mbps vs Gbps: Internet Speeds, Conversions, and Which Is Better?
Gbps is bigger than Mbps. A gigabit per second (Gbps) equals 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps), so 1 Gbps is the faster,...
Read More
Access Port vs Trunk Port: The Ultimate Guide to VLAN Switchport Modes
An access port and a trunk port differ fundamentally in how they process Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) traffic. An...
Read More
Cisco 3850 to 9300 Migration Guide: Best Replacement Models, SKU Mapping, Licensing, and Upgrade Checklist
If you are planning a Cisco 3850 replacement, the short answer is simple: for most enterprise campus and branch refresh...
Read More
Cisco StackWise vs StackWise Virtual: Architecture, Differences & Deployment Guide
Direct Answer The main difference between Cisco StackWise and StackWise Virtual lies in their topology and deployment tier. StackWise is...
Read More
Router vs Switch vs Hub: OSI Layers, MAC vs IP Explained
A hub repeats incoming bits across one shared Ethernet segment at OSI Layer 1. A Layer 2 switch learns MAC...
Read More
Troubleshoot StackWise on Catalyst 9200/9300: Fix Half Ring, Stack Port Down, and Reload Loops
StackWise Not Working? Quick Answer If your Cisco Catalyst 9200 or 9300 StackWise ring is down or unstable, the fastest...
Read More
Cisco ASA vs FTD: Key Differences, NGFW Architecture, and How to Choose
Cisco ASA and Cisco FTD are two different software platforms that can run on much of the same Cisco firewall...
Read More