Description
Product Details for the Cisco SRW224G4-K9 24 Ports Switch
In the ever-evolving landscape of networking solutions, the Cisco SRW224G4-K9 24 Ports Switch stands out as a robust and efficient option for small businesses. This managed Gigabit Ethernet 24 Ports switch is designed to provide seamless connectivity, enhanced performance, and effective network management. In this detailed review, we will explore the key features, benefits, and considerations of the Cisco SRW224G4-K9, breaking down its capabilities in simple English for a better understanding.
Cisco SRW224G4-K9
Before diving into the specifics of the Cisco SRW224G4-K9, let’s briefly understand what a gigabit Ethernet switch is in the context of networking. A switch is a device that connects various devices within a local area network (LAN), allowing them to communicate with each other. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and efficiently manages data traffic.
Breaking down the product name, we find key information about the switch:
- Cisco: A renowned networking equipment manufacturer known for its high-quality products and innovative solutions.
- SRW224G4-K9: This alphanumeric string provides specific details about the model. In this case, ‘SRW’ indicates a Small Business Managed Switch, ‘224’ denotes the number of ports, ‘G4’ signifies Gigabit Ethernet, and ‘K9’ typically indicates the inclusion of encryption features.
Key Features
Now, let’s delve into the standout features of the Cisco SRW224G4-K9:
24 Ports for Enhanced Connectivity
One of the primary features of this switch is its 24 ports, offering ample connectivity for various devices such as computers, printers, and other networking equipment. This is especially beneficial for small businesses with growing network demands.
Gigabit Ethernet Speeds
The ‘G4’ in the model name indicates Gigabit Ethernet, implying that each port supports high-speed data transfer, crucial for applications requiring quick and reliable data exchange. Gigabit Ethernet provides speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), significantly faster than traditional Ethernet.
Managed Switch Capabilities
Being a managed switch means that administrators have greater control over the network. The SRW224G4-K9 allows for configuration, monitoring, and optimization of the network, offering a more tailored and efficient networking solution.
Quality of Service (QoS) Support
QoS is a crucial aspect of network management, ensuring that certain types of data receive priority over others. The Cisco SRW224G4-K9 includes QoS support, allowing administrators to prioritize critical applications and ensure a smooth user experience.
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) Support
VLANs enable the segmentation of a network into smaller, isolated networks, enhancing security and efficiency. The inclusion of VLAN support in this Cisco switch provides flexibility in network design and administration.
Security Features
Security is paramount in any network setup. The SRW224G4-K9 includes features such as MAC-based port security and Access Control Lists (ACLs), adding layers of protection to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity.
Web-Based Management Interface
The switch’s web-based management interface simplifies the configuration and monitoring processes. Even for users with limited technical expertise, the intuitive interface makes it easier to manage network settings and monitor performance.
Benefits of Using Cisco SRW224G4-K9
Now that we’ve explored the features, let’s discuss the tangible benefits that the Cisco SRW224G4-K9 brings to the table for small businesses:
Scalability
Small businesses often experience growth, and the SRW224G4-K9 is designed with scalability in mind. With 24 ports, it can accommodate a growing number of devices without compromising performance.
High Performance
Gigabit Ethernet speeds ensure that data transfer within the network occurs at a rapid pace. This is particularly advantageous for tasks that demand high bandwidth, such as large file transfers and media streaming.
Improved Network Management
As a managed switch, the SRW224G4-K9 empowers administrators with granular control over the network. This includes the ability to configure settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security is a top priority, especially for small businesses handling sensitive data. The switch’s security features, including MAC-based port security and ACLs, contribute to a more secure network environment.
Flexible Network Design
The inclusion of VLAN support allows businesses to design their networks in a way that suits their specific requirements. This flexibility enhances efficiency and can contribute to better overall network performance.
User-Friendly Interface
The web-based management interface makes it easier for users, even those without extensive technical expertise, to navigate and configure network settings. This user-friendly approach contributes to a smoother overall experience.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While the Cisco SRW224G4-K9 offers a range of features and benefits, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks and limitations:
Cost
Cisco networking equipment is often associated with a premium price tag. Small businesses with tight budgets may need to weigh the features of the SRW224G4-K9 against their financial constraints.
Learning Curve for Advanced Features
The switch’s advanced features, while beneficial, may require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with managed switches. Training or dedicated IT support may be necessary to leverage all the capabilities effectively.
Power Consumption
Gigabit Ethernet switches, in general, can consume more power compared to their Fast Ethernet counterparts. Businesses focused on energy efficiency should factor in the power consumption of the SRW224G4-K9.
Advanced Security Features and Services
The SRW224G4-K9 Cisco SRW224G4 Layer 3 Ethernet managed switch provides a range of advanced security features and services to help protect the network from unauthorized access and malicious traffic. Some of the advanced security features and services available on the SRW224G4-K9 include:
- Advanced Access Control Lists (ACLs): The SRW224G4-K9 supports both standard and extended IP ACLs, allowing for more granular control over network traffic. This includes the ability to filter traffic based on source and destination IP address, protocol, and port number.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): The SRW224G4-K9 supports various types of VPNs such as IPsec, L2TP over IPsec, and PPTP, allowing for secure remote access to the network.
- Firewall security: The SRW224G4-K9 supports stateful firewall security, which keeps track of all network connections and only allows legitimate traffic to pass through. This can help to protect the network from a variety of common attacks, including denial of service (DoS) attacks.
- Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): The SRW224G4-K9 supports the integration of an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to detect and prevent intrusions in real-time.
- Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Copy (SCP): The SRW224G4-K9 supports SSH and SCP, which provide secure, encrypted connections for remote management and file transfer, respectively.
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping: The SRW224G4-K9 supports DHCP snooping, which helps to prevent unauthorized DHCP servers from providing IP addresses to clients on the network.
- Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping: The SRW224G4-K9 supports IGMP snooping, which helps to prevent malicious multicast traffic from flooding the network.
- Network Admission Control (NAC): The SRW224G4-K9 supports Cisco NAC, which helps to ensure that only compliant and secure devices are allowed on the network.
These advanced security features and services provide a comprehensive security solution for the SRW224G4-K9 Cisco SRW224G4 Layer 3 Ethernet managed switch.
Layer 3 Routing Capabilities
The SRW224G4-K9 Cisco SRW224G4 Layer 3 Ethernet managed switch provides a range of Layer 3 routing capabilities, making it well-suited for use in small to medium-sized networks. Some of the key Layer 3 routing capabilities of the SRW224G4-K9 include:
- Static Routing: The SRW224G4-K9 supports static routing, which allows for the manual configuration of routes. This is useful in small networks where the topology is unlikely to change frequently.
- Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and Routing Information Protocol version 2 (RIPv2): The SRW224G4-K9 supports both RIP and RIPv2, which are distance-vector routing protocols that can be used to dynamically exchange routing information within a small network.
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and OSPFv3: The SRW224G4-K9 supports both OSPF and OSPFv3, which are link-state routing protocols that are more efficient and scalable than distance-vector protocols. OSPFv3 is an IPv6 version of OSPF that can be used to support IPv6 addressing in the network
- Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): The SRW224G4-K9 supports BGP, which is a routing protocol that is commonly used to connect multiple autonomous systems (AS) together. BGP is typically used in larger networks or in service provider environments.
- IPv4 and IPv6 Routing: The SRW224G4-K9 supports both IPv4 and IPv6 routing, allowing for the use of both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses in the network.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The SRW224G4-K9 also supports Quality of Service (QoS) which allows for the prioritization of different types of traffic, ensuring that critical applications have the bandwidth they need to function properly.
Power Options and Redundancy
The SRW224G4-K9 Cisco SRW224G4 Layer 3 Ethernet managed switch provides several options for power and redundancy to ensure that the network remains up and running in the event of a power failure or other issues.
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE): The SRW224G4-K9 supports Power Over Ethernet (PoE), which allows the switch to provide power to connected devices over the Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and can help to reduce costs and improve the overall efficiency of the network.
- Redundant Power Supply: The SRW224G4-K9 supports a redundant power supply, which ensures that the switch will continue to operate even if one of the power supplies fails. This helps to ensure that the network remains up and running in the event of a power failure.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): The SRW224G4-K9 supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) which allows bundling multiple physical links into one logical link, providing more bandwidth and redundancy.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): The SRW224G4-K9 supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which helps to prevent loops in the network by blocking redundant paths. This helps to ensure that the network remains stable and that traffic is delivered to its intended destination.
- Hot-swappable power supply: The SRW224G4-K9 also supports a hot-swappable power supply, which allows administrators to replace the power supply without shutting down the switch.
Main Specification about this Cisco SRW224G4-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU # SRW224G4-K9
- Product Line Catalyst
- Product Series 300
- Device Type: Ethernet Switch
Interface & Ports of Managed Switch
- Total Network Ports: 28
- 24 x Fast Ethernet Network Ports
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Network Management Ports
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots
- Performance for 28 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Switching Capacity: 12.8 GBPS
- Forwarding Performance (64-byte packet size): 9.52 Mpps
Technical Information
- Ethernet TechnologyFast Ethernet
- Gigabit EthernetNetwork Technology10/100/1000Base-T
- 10/100Base-TX
I/O Expansions
- Total Expansion Slots: 2Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Shared SFP Slot: Yes
- Number of SFP Slots: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Switching Protocol: Ethernet
- Routing Protocol: Static IPv4 routing
- Remote Management Protocol
- SNMP 1, RMON 1, RMON 2, RMON 3, RMON 9, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, CLI
Memory
- Standard Memory: 128 MB
- Flash Memory: 16 MB
Power Description
- Input Voltage:
- 110 V AC
- 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
Environmental Parameters
- Operating Temperature:Min: 32 °F
- Max: 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 10 – 90% (non-condensing)
- Storage Temperature:Min: -4 °F
- Max: 158 °F
- Humidity Range Storage: 10 – 90% (non-condensing)
Miscellaneous
- Encryption Algorithm: SSL
- Authentication Method: Secure Shell (SSH), RADIUS, TACACS+
- Compliant Standards:
- IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1s
In short, the Cisco SRW224G4-K9 24 Ports Ethernet Switch Small Business L3 Managed is a powerful networking solution tailored for the specific needs of small businesses. Its combination of Gigabit Ethernet speeds, Layer 3 capabilities, and advanced features such as VLAN support and Power over Ethernet make it a versatile choice for various applications.
Whether used in small office environments, remote offices, or for specific applications like IP surveillance and VoIP, this Cisco switch offers the reliability and performance that businesses demand. Its user-friendly web-based management interface, coupled with robust security configurations, ensures that businesses can easily manage and secure their network infrastructure.
