Description
More Information for the Cisco MS210-24P-HW 24 Ports Switch
In the realm of networking, the Cisco MS210-24P-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch stands out as a robust and efficient solution for organizations seeking a reliable network infrastructure. This switch, equipped with 24 ports and designed for rack-mounting, offers a plethora of features that make it a preferred choice for businesses of varying sizes. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the Cisco MS210-24P-HW switch, exploring its key features, benefits, setup process, and practical applications.
Key Features of the Cisco MS210-24P-HW Meraki Switch
- Cloud Management: The standout feature of the Cisco MS210-24P-HW switch is its cloud management capability. Leveraging the power of the Meraki cloud, users can remotely monitor, manage, and configure the switch from anywhere with an internet connection. This cloud-based approach simplifies network management, making it an ideal choice for organizations with multiple locations or those embracing remote work environments.
- 24 Ports for Enhanced Connectivity: With 24 ports, the MS210-24P-HW provides ample connectivity options for devices such as computers, printers, IP cameras, and other networked equipment. This high port density makes it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with growing connectivity needs.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: The switch comes equipped with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities on all 24 ports. This feature allows the switch to deliver both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying the deployment of devices like IP phones, security cameras, and access points.
- Rack-Mountable Design: The MS210-24P-HW switch is designed for easy integration into standard network racks. Its rack-mountable form factor not only saves valuable floor space but also ensures a neat and organized networking setup.
- Layer 2 Switching: Operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model, this switch provides efficient data forwarding within the local network. It uses MAC addresses for packet switching, enabling quick and reliable communication between devices.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation: To prioritize critical network traffic, the switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings. This feature is especially important for applications that require low latency, such as voice and video communication.
- Security Measures: Cisco prioritizes security, and the MS210-24P-HW is no exception. The switch includes features like Access Control Lists (ACLs), which allow administrators to control traffic based on defined rules, enhancing network security.
Benefits of Choosing the Cisco MS210-24P-HW Switch
- Simplified Network Management: The cloud-based management of the MS210-24P-HW switch offers a user-friendly interface accessible through the Meraki dashboard. This simplifies network administration, reducing the need for on-site IT support and enabling efficient management even for geographically dispersed networks.
- Increased Scalability: As businesses grow, so do their networking needs. The 24 ports on the MS210-24P-HW switch provide scalability for connecting more devices without the hassle of additional infrastructure investments.
- Cost-Efficiency: The PoE support eliminates the need for separate power cables for devices like IP cameras and phones, reducing installation costs and simplifying cable management. The cloud-based management further contributes to cost savings by minimizing the need for on-site maintenance.
- Reliability and Redundancy: Cisco is renowned for producing reliable networking equipment, and the MS210-24P-HW switch is no exception. Its design includes features that enhance network reliability, and the cloud management platform allows for quick identification and resolution of issues, reducing downtime.
Practical Applications of the Cisco MS210-24P-HW Switch
- Office Environments: The MS210-24P-HW switch is well-suited for office environments where numerous devices, such as computers, printers, and IP phones, need to be connected. Its PoE capabilities simplify the deployment of IP phones without the need for additional power outlets.
- Retail Spaces: In retail settings, the switch can support a variety of devices, including point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and Wi-Fi access points. The cloud management feature allows for centralized monitoring and troubleshooting, ensuring a seamless retail operation.
- Education Institutions: Schools and universities can benefit from the scalability of the MS210-24P-HW switch as they expand their network to accommodate a growing number of devices. The cloud-based management is particularly advantageous for educational institutions with multiple campuses.
- Healthcare Facilities: In healthcare settings, where reliable and secure communication is paramount, the MS210-24P-HW switch can support a variety of medical devices, such as patient monitoring systems and IP cameras for security. The switch’s QoS capabilities ensure prioritized communication for critical applications.
Quality of Service (QoS) Configuration
Quality of Service (QoS) configuration on the Cisco Meraki MS210-24P-HW switch allows you to prioritize different types of network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
The Meraki MS210 switch allows you to configure QoS using a web-based interface or through the Meraki cloud management platform.
In the web-based interface, you can configure QoS by navigating to the “Quality of Service” section and configuring the following settings:
- Priority: you can assign different priorities to different types of traffic such as voice, video, and data.
- DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) values: DSCP values can be used to mark packets with a priority value, allowing them to be prioritized as they pass through the switch.
- Bandwidth limits: you can limit the amount of bandwidth that a specific type of traffic can use to ensure that other types of traffic are not impacted.
In the Meraki cloud management platform, you can configure QoS policies that can be applied to multiple switches in your network. You can also set up traffic shaping rules, which can be used to limit the amount of bandwidth that a specific type of traffic can use.
Additionally, the MS210 switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping based on both Layer 2 and Layer 3 information.
It’s important to note that QoS configuration should be done in consultation with your network administrator, and also test the configuration in a test environment before implementing it in production.
Security and Access Control of 24 Ports Managed Switch
The Cisco Meraki MS210-24P-HW switch includes a variety of security and access control features to help protect your network and ensure that only authorized users have access to network resources.
One key feature for securing the switch is the use of VLANs (Virtual LANs) which allows administrators to segment the network into different logical networks, each with its own set of security policies. This can be used to isolate sensitive data and to prevent unauthorized access to critical resources.
Another important feature is Access Control Lists (ACLs) which can be used to control access to the switch and to specific resources on the network. ACLs can be used to block or allow traffic based on various criteria such as IP address, port number, and protocol.
The switch also supports advanced security features such as:
- 802.1x: a network access control protocol that uses a central authentication server to ensure that only authorized users can access the network
- Port Security: a feature that allows administrators to limit the number of devices that can be connected to a switch port, and to control which MAC addresses are allowed to connect
- DHCP Snooping: a feature that helps to prevent DHCP spoofing attacks by only allowing DHCP replies from authorized DHCP servers
- ARP Inspection: a feature that helps to prevent ARP spoofing attacks by only allowing ARP replies from authorized devices
The switch can also be configured to automatically detect and respond to security threats using its built-in security features such as Auto-VPN, Advanced Security, and Security Appliance.
In addition, Cisco Meraki MS210-24P-HW is a cloud-managed switch and it can be configured, monitored, and managed from the Meraki Dashboard, which allows for centralized management, monitoring, and reporting of all Meraki devices in the network.
It’s recommended to regularly review and audit the security policies and access control lists to ensure that they are still relevant and effective. Also, keeping the device firmware updated and applying any security patches is crucial to prevent any known vulnerabilities.
Cloud Management
The Cisco Meraki MS210-24P-HW switch is a cloud-managed switch that allows for remote management and configuration of the switch via the Meraki cloud-based dashboard. This allows network administrators to manage and monitor the switch from anywhere with an internet connection.
The Meraki dashboard provides a comprehensive set of features for managing and monitoring the switch, including:
- Real-time monitoring of switch ports, power usage, and other key performance indicators.
- Configuration of switch settings such as VLANs, port settings, and security features.
- Automatic software and firmware updates.
- Network-wide visibility and control of all Meraki devices.
- Automated troubleshooting and diagnostics.
- User and device-based access control with Meraki’s integrated Security & SD-WAN features.
- Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
To set up the switch for cloud management, the switch must be connected to the internet and registered with the Meraki cloud. Once registered, the switch will automatically connect to the Meraki cloud and be fully manageable through the Meraki dashboard.
The Meraki Cloud Management also includes a mobile app, which allows network administrators to monitor and troubleshoot network issues from anywhere. This feature can be particularly useful for remote teams and locations.
Additionally, Meraki cloud management also includes a feature called “Auto VPN” which allows for easy VPN setup and management, providing a secure and reliable connection to remote networks.
General Information about this Cisco MS210-24P-HW
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# MS210-24P-HW
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
- Product Name: Cisco 24 Ports Ethernet Switch Networking
Technical Specifications
- Total Network Ports: 24
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Modular: Yes
- Stack Port: Yes
Port/Expansion Slot Details
- 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- 4 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
Performance of Ethernet Switch
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair, Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 1000Base-T, 1000Base-X
I/O Expansions for Managed Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 4
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Shared SFP Slot: No
- Number of SFP Slots: 4
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: No
- Power Consumption: 448 W
Features
- Flow control, auto-negotiation, ALERT notification, auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), Syslog support, Broadcast Storm Control, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) support, DHCP snooping, Access Control List (ACL) support, fanless, LLDP support, DHCP relay, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Port Security, DHCP client, static routing, 802.1x authentication, crossover detection, Bridge protocol data unit (BPDU), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Root Guard
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP), IEEE 802.3at
Outline, the Cisco MS210-24P-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch emerges as a powerful and versatile solution for organizations seeking a reliable and scalable network infrastructure. With its 24 ports, PoE support, and cloud-based management, this switch caters to the connectivity needs of diverse industries. From streamlined setup processes to practical applications in various environments, the MS210-24P-HW switch showcases Cisco’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge networking solutions. As technology continues to evolve, the MS210-24P-HW switch stands as a testament to Cisco’s dedication to providing efficient, secure, and user-friendly networking solutions for businesses of all sizes.
