7 min read
Eric Sommers: 02.18.2026
Is Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches Worth It? The short answer: Access-layer switches don't benefit from Catalyst Center the way core and distribution hardware does. Access switches are deterministic devices performing basic Layer 2...
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12 min read
Eric Sommers: 01.15.2026
Are software updates required to maintain compliance with SOC 2, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS? The short answer: No, a properly hardened Cisco access-layer...
8 min read
Eric Sommers: 12.01.2025
What an explosion we’ve seen with Artificial Intelligence (AI)! My initial scope for this article was to explain how AI works for network management...
11 min read
Eric Sommers: 09.17.2025
The short answer: If you're powering access points, PoE+ (30W) is no longer sufficient for full operation of most Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 enterprise APs...
11 min read
Eric Sommers: 06.16.2025
Ever stood in front of a switch rack with a box of optics and thought, “Wait… is this the right one?” You’re not alone.
4 min read
Eric Sommers: 04.10.2025
Setup, Stacking, Passwords, and Troubleshooting When you’re rolling out a network built for speed, scale, and rock-solid reliability, Cisco’s...
2 min read
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support contracts—like Cisco SMARTnet—have long been the go-to for IT managers. But with rising costs and rigid...
3 min read
Eric Sommers: 02.10.2025
"Changes aren’t permanent, but change is." Rush fans will recognize this iconic lyric from Tom Sawyer. Could Geddy Lee have been unknowingly singing...
3 min read
Every IT manager faces the same dilemma at some point: Is it time to replace aging network hardware, or should you invest in keeping it running? It’s...
2 min read
Eric Sommers: 12.16.2024
When Old Habits Don’t Fit Modern Realities One of my favorite stories is the "ham story." It’s an allegory about why we cling to outdated practices...
6 min read
Eric Sommers: 11.19.2024
Cisco’s Smart Licensing has sparked ongoing debate—impacting how businesses manage hardware, software, and licensing policies. As Cisco shifts gears,...
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6 min read
Eric Sommers: 10.28.2024
Cisco has been making significant changes to its Digital Network Architecture (DNA) offerings, particularly with the rebranding of DNA Center to...
7 min read
Eric Sommers: 10.07.2024
DNA Center has been rebranded to Catalyst Center In today’s fast-paced networking world, managing complex systems is no longer just about using the...