You've had an older Cisco switch working its magic in your data center for year. While it's still doing an admirable job, in order for your network to move forward, you know that you're going to have to upgrade sooner rather than later.

But where do you begin the upgrading process? With so many switch options, how does a clear path from what you have now to what you need manifest itself? There are a bonanza of Cisco switches to choose from, what makes sense for your organization?

You don't have to travel down this path blindly. Cisco has mapped out the options for upgrading your old equipment to new switches. And we're not going to give you just one choice, the new switches fall into two categories:

1. Lead Switch-is a best-in-class switch that has a high-end differentiated set of features in a given category. This switch has the most unique features compared to the competitors in its category.
2. Base Switch-is an entry-level switch in its category and is also known as foundation switch. It has a lower price and a limited feature set, but it's still a better option than our competitors.

Campus Access Switches Upgrade Path

When you're discussing a Campus Access Switch, what you're really talking about is a switch at the network edge that's directly connected to end devices such as PCs, printers and other devices.

Campus Backbone Switches Upgrade Path

A Campus Backbone switch refers to switches that reside in the middle of the network and normally connect aggregation switches.

No matter which path you choose to upgrade your switches, know that Cisco has your back. Download a copy of the Upgrade Path poster here, and start mapping out your plan today.