As companies continue to grow, their switch configuration needs to be able to grow as well. Stackable switches have become an integral part of the network, allowing admins to stack fixed configuration switches on top of one another and interconnect them with high-speed links to form what acts as a single, larger switch. That configuration lets companies scale and boost performance as needed.

Cisco earned the gold in our Product Leadership Awards stackable switches category for its Catalyst 3000 series. The networking giant was rated highest by users in four of the six evaluation criteria. The switches are also the most widely used among readers who responded to our survey.

The Catalyst 3000 series of stackable switches ranked highest for its throughput capabilities, with more than 90% of users polled calling it good or excellent. The switches were also given top marks for reliability by 90% of users. When it came to network integration and interoperability, just under 89% of users ranked the Catalyst 3000 series as good or excellent, and more than 78% of users similarly praised Cisco's vendor service and support.

Cisco's 3000 series didn't get top honors for ease of installation, configuration and administration, or for ROI, but more than 80% of users still said it was good or excellent in both categories.

"Rock solid," was one user's response when asked to comment. Other users called the Catalyst 3000 series "excellent" and "sweet."

Users also praised the reliability and service. One user said, "I think we've only ever had one fail." Another described the switches as "the workhorses of our network. When one goes out, and they are still under warranty, Cisco sends a new one."

Andrew R. Hickey, Senior News Writer