Description
Product Overview for the Cisco ESW-520-48-K9 48 Ports Switch
The ESW-520-48-K9 is a Cisco Layer 2 Ethernet Switch that offers advanced networking capabilities with 48 ports. In this detailed overview, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and benefits of this switch, providing a comprehensive understanding of its functionality and how it can enhance network performance.
Understanding Cisco Layer 2 Switches
What is a Layer 2 Switch?
A Layer 2 switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is designed to switch frames based on the hardware address, also known as the MAC (Media Access Control) address. These switches are essential for creating efficient and secure local area networks (LANs).
Significance of Cisco Layer 2 Switches
Cisco is a renowned name in the networking industry, and its Layer 2 switches are known for their reliability, performance, and advanced features. The ESW-520-48-K9 is part of Cisco’s portfolio, catering to the needs of businesses and organizations seeking robust networking solutions.
Key Features of ESW-520-48-K9
- 48 Ports for Enhanced Connectivity: The ESW-520-48-K9 comes equipped with 48 Ethernet ports, providing extensive connectivity options for devices such as computers, printers, and other networked peripherals. This is particularly beneficial for medium to large-sized networks where numerous devices need to be connected.
- Layer 2 Switching Capabilities: As a Layer 2 switch, the ESW-520-48-K9 focuses on the efficient switching of data frames within the same network. This ensures that data is transmitted seamlessly, enhancing network performance and reducing latency.
- Cisco Quality of Service (QoS): Quality of Service is crucial for prioritizing network traffic and ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth. The ESW-520-48-K9 incorporates Cisco’s QoS features, allowing users to prioritize traffic based on specific criteria, resulting in a more efficient and responsive network.
- VLAN Support: Virtual LANs (VLANs) enable the segmentation of a network into smaller, isolated groups, improving network management and security. The ESW-520-48-K9 supports VLANs, providing administrators with the flexibility to design networks that suit their organizational structure and requirements.
- Security Features: Cisco places a strong emphasis on network security, and the ESW-520-48-K9 is no exception. It includes security features such as MAC address filtering and port security, helping to safeguard the network from unauthorized access and potential security threats.
- Ease of Management: Efficient network management is essential for optimal performance. The ESW-520-48-K9 offers user-friendly management interfaces, including a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI), making it easier for administrators to configure and monitor the switch.
Technical Specifications
- Switching Capacity: The switching capacity of a switch determines its ability to handle data traffic. The ESW-520-48-K9 boasts a significant switching capacity, ensuring that it can handle the demands of a busy network without compromising performance.
- Forwarding Rate: The forwarding rate, often measured in packets per second (PPS), indicates how quickly the switch can forward data frames. A high forwarding rate is crucial for minimizing latency and ensuring that data is transmitted swiftly across the network.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: Power over Ethernet is a convenient feature that allows the switch to deliver power to connected devices such as IP cameras, phones, and access points through the Ethernet cable. The ESW-520-48-K9’s PoE support simplifies the deployment of these devices, eliminating the need for separate power sources.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a growing concern in today’s technology landscape. The ESW-520-48-K9 incorporates energy-saving features, such as the ability to power down unused ports and adjust power consumption based on network traffic, contributing to a more environmentally friendly operation.
Benefits of ESW-520-48-K9
- Improved Network Performance: With its advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, the ESW-520-48-K9 enhances network performance by efficiently handling data traffic. This is especially beneficial in environments where a large number of devices are connected, as the switch ensures seamless data transmission.
- Scalability: The 48 ports on the ESW-520-48-K9 provide ample room for network expansion. As businesses grow and add more devices to their networks, this scalability ensures that the switch can accommodate increased demand without the need for a complete infrastructure overhaul.
- Enhanced Security: Security is a top priority in any network infrastructure. The ESW-520-48-K9’s security features, including MAC address filtering and port security, contribute to a secure network environment, protecting against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
- Simplified Network Management: The user-friendly management interfaces of the ESW-520-48-K9 make network configuration and monitoring straightforward. Administrators can easily navigate through the web-based GUI or use the CLI for more advanced configurations, contributing to efficient network management.
- Versatility with VLAN Support: The support for VLANs adds a layer of versatility to the ESW-520-48-K9. Network administrators can create segmented networks based on their organizational structure or specific project requirements, enhancing overall network efficiency and management.
- PoE for Convenient Device Deployment: The Power over Ethernet support eliminates the need for separate power sources for connected devices, simplifying the deployment of devices such as IP cameras, phones, and access points. This not only reduces cable clutter but also adds flexibility in device placement.
- Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Operations: Incorporating energy-efficient features, the ESW-520-48-K9 contributes to sustainable operations. The ability to power down unused ports and adjust power consumption based on network traffic not only reduces energy costs but also aligns with environmentally conscious business practices.
Exceptional Performance
The ESW-520-48-K9 Cisco Small Business 48 Ports Managed Switch is designed for high performance and reliability. It offers wire-speed switching, which means that it can process packets at the same speed as the network’s data rate. This ensures that the switch can handle large amounts of traffic without any bottlenecks.
The switch also features non-blocking architecture, which means that all ports can operate at their full bandwidth simultaneously. This ensures that all connected devices have enough bandwidth to operate at their full potential.
The switch also offers advanced features that improve network reliability and availability. The Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to provide higher bandwidth and redundancy. This means that if one link fails, traffic can be redirected to the remaining links, ensuring that the network remains up and running.
The Quality of Service (QoS) feature allows you to prioritize different types of traffic, ensuring that critical traffic such as voice and video is given priority over less important traffic. This improves the performance of real-time applications and reduces the impact of network congestion.
Compliant Standards
The ESW-520-48-K9 Cisco Small Business 48 Ports Managed Switch is compliant with a variety of industry standards that ensure interoperability and compatibility with other networking equipment. Some of the compliant standards of this switch are:
- IEEE 802.3: This is the standard for Ethernet, the most widely used LAN technology. The switch is compliant with this standard, which means that it can connect to other Ethernet devices such as computers, servers, and printers.
- IEEE 802.3u: This is the standard for Fast Ethernet, which provides a data rate of 100 Mbps. The switch is compliant with this standard, which means that it can connect to Fast Ethernet devices.
- IEEE 802.3af: This is the standard for Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows devices to receive power through the Ethernet cable. The switch is compliant with this standard, which means that it can provide power to PoE-enabled devices such as IP phones and wireless access points.
- IEEE 802.3x: This is the standard for flow control, which ensures that data is transmitted at a steady pace without overloading the network. The switch is compliant with this standard, which means that it can prevent network congestion and improve network performance.
- IEEE 802.1Q: This is the standard for VLANs, which allow you to segment a network into different subnets. The switch is compliant with this standard, which means that it can create and manage VLANs, which can be useful for separating different departments or types of traffic.
General Information about this Cisco ESW-520-48-K9
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# ESW-520-48-K9
- Product Series: ESW 500
- Product Model: ESW-520-48
- Product Name: Small Business Pro ESW-520-48 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Technical Specifications for Cisco ESW-520-48 Ethernet Switch
- Number of Ports: 48
- Total Number of Network Ports: 50
- Management Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 50
Port/Expansion Slot Details
- 48 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance for Cisco ESW-520-48 Model Ethernet Switch
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T, 10/100Base-TX
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Shared SFP Slot: Yes
- Number of SFP Slots: 2
Network and Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management and Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management:
- Web Based Management
- SNMP v1/2c/3
- IEEE 802.1q VLAN
- IEEE 802.1p QoS
- RMON 1/2/3/9
- Cisco Configuration Assistant 2.0
- Cisco ESW 500 Configuration Utility Device Manager
Finally, the ESW-520-48-K9 Cisco Layer 2 48 Ports Ethernet Switch stands out as a robust and feature-rich networking solution suitable for a wide range of applications. With its 48 ports, Layer 2 switching capabilities, and advanced features such as QoS, VLAN support, and security features, this switch addresses the connectivity, performance, and security needs of modern networks.
Whether you are managing a growing business network or seeking to upgrade your existing infrastructure, the ESW-520-48-K9 offers a compelling combination of scalability, security, and ease of management. Its energy-efficient design further emphasizes Cisco’s commitment to providing not only powerful but also environmentally responsible networking solutions.
