Cisco Unveils Digital Building Switch to Streamline Smart Building Convergence

Building owners are increasingly turning to technology convergence to deliver richer occupant experiences and greater operational efficiency.

Yet, as the number of networks and connections inside buildings expands, the resulting complexity can hinder performance. Interconnecting and interoperating isolated systems—lighting, HVAC, access control, security, CCTV, sensors and audio‑visual equipment—into a single converged network is essential to the digital transformation of modern buildings.

See also: What are the 4 layers of data architecture needed for smart cities?

To meet this need, Cisco has launched the Catalyst Digital Building Series switch, the industry’s first purpose‑built switch optimized for low‑voltage PoE, IoT connectivity and building automation.

I spoke with Sachin Gupta, VP Product Management, and Pankaj Gupta, Senior Director Marketing, to learn more.

Sachin explained that the switch powers and connects building systems onto a single, low‑voltage IP network by supporting the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)—an industry first. He noted:

"Digital Building Series switches will greatly simplify deployment with integrated security and lower total cost of ownership. Two notable deployments are the Sinclair Hotel and Alpiq InTec."

The Sinclair Hotel

The Sinclair Hotel is a 1930s Art Deco landmark being transformed into a 165‑room four‑star hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. The retrofit uses Cisco switches to elevate the guest experience: a mobile app allows guests to control LED lighting—intensity, color, mood—, adjust HVAC settings, and operate smart blinds, all from their phone. Guest preferences are saved for future stays, providing a truly personalized stay.

The switches’ Perpetual Universal Power Over Ethernet guarantees uninterrupted power to endpoints during upgrades, reboots or outages. Fast UPOE technology enables lights to power on within five seconds of restoration—an industry first. Occupancy sensors automatically turn off room utilities when a room is empty. The hotel reports a 50% reduction in energy costs and is slated for completion this summer.

Alpiq InTec

Alpiq InTec, Switzerland’s leading building‑technology and renewable‑energy company, deployed Cisco’s Digital Building Solution to create a platform featuring smart lighting, edge sensors, energy management and intelligent collaboration. In partnership with Philips, they installed Connected Lighting—LED fixtures with integrated sensors that analyze environmental data, traffic patterns and occupancy to optimize lighting and connected devices, lowering energy consumption and boosting employee satisfaction.

Coupled with Cisco Spark, tenants can interact with the building, book open rooms, and collaborate in smart spaces. The Digital “meeting room” experience enables interaction via iPads, wireless file sharing, and voice/video across locations.

Notably, the switches can be installed and configured via Bluetooth and a mobile app, making the technology accessible to non‑technical staff. They are fanless, operating quietly unlike many existing models. Pankaj added that interest in these digital switches spans hospitality, healthcare, schools, and even Florida, where customers seek centralized lighting control to reduce costs.