Which Cisco switch series is designed to handle the combined responsibilities of core and distribution...

TheCisco Catalyst 9000 Seriesis engineered to address the evolving needs of modern enterprise networks by integrating the functionalities of both the core and distribution layers into a unified, converged architecture. This series offers advanced capabilities such as high-speed data forwarding, enhanced security features, and support for automation and programmability, making it suitable for scalable and efficient network designs.​

The Catalyst 9000 Series includes models like the Catalyst 9500 and 9600, which are optimized for core and distribution roles, providing high throughput and reliability. These switches support advanced features like Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and are designed to meet the demands of cloud-scale and security-focused environments.​

In contrast, theMeraki MS400 Series(Option A) is tailored for cloud-managed aggregation and lacks the comprehensive feature set required for core functionalities. TheCatalyst 6500 E-Series(Option B), while historically significant, is considered a legacy platform and may not support the latest advancements in network convergence. TheCatalyst 1300 Series(Option C) is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and is not intended for core or distribution layer deployments.​