The Edge

7 min read

Cloud-Managed Catalyst, Explained: Management Mode vs Configuration Source

Eric Sommers: 06.11.2026

Engineer's guide to what Cisco actually asks you when you onboard a Catalyst or Smart Switch to the Meraki dashboard, and what each choice does to...

20 min read

Cisco Catalyst Access-Layer Switches: 3650 to 9350 Compared

Eric Sommers: 06.09.2026

Direct answer: Strip the Catalyst 9350 down to what an access-layer switch actually does, and it's simply a new version of the 9300, which was itself...

8 min read

Why Smart IT Teams Use Both a VAR and Edgeium for Network Hardware

Eric Sommers: 05.28.2026

The short answer: Edgeium is not a VAR replacement. Every Edgeium customer still has a VAR. But for access-layer switches, EOL hardware, emergency...

6 min read

Cisco Networking Subscription: What Changes for Catalyst and Meraki Customers - and What It Means for Your Budget

Eric Sommers: 05.15.2026

19 min read

Is Secondary Market Network Hardware Less Reliable than New?

Eric Sommers: 05.06.2026

The short answer: No - properly tested secondary-market network hardware is not less reliable than new hardware. In most cases, it is more reliable...

5 min read

$679,699 saved. Zero Catalyst Center licensing fees. One hospital network refresh.

How one hospital network saved 57% on a Cisco switch and access point refresh — without sacrificing hardware quality or lead time. Most healthcare IT...

4 min read

Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7

Eric Sommers: 02.25.2026

4 min read

How to Handle Meraki End-of-Support Alerts Without Replacing Your Hardware

Eric Sommers: 02.19.2026

What does Meraki End-of-Support (EoST) actually mean? — and how to silence dashboard alerts without a forced hardware upgrade.

7 min read

Why Companies Should Think Twice Before Adopting Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches

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...

8 min read

AI in Networking

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...

6 min read

Cisco Smart Licensing: Disabling Smart Agents for Enhanced Control

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,...

5 min read

Understanding the Differences: DNA Essentials vs DNA Advantage

Eric Sommers: 09.09.2024

Welcome back, everyone! This blog will quickly outline the differences between DNA Essentials and DNA Advantage to help you choose the best option...

3 min read

Which Cisco Nexus Switch is Right For Me?

Eric Sommers: 05.24.2024

Among the wide range of modular and fixed-configuration switches Cisco offers, Catalyst and Nexus switches are the most popular. The main difference...