Description
Product Overview for the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Catalyst Express 500 24LC Switch
Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Catalyst Express 500 24LC Switch is a network device designed to facilitate efficient connectivity and management of computer networks. It is a managed desktop switch that offers 24 ports, including 20 10/100 ports, 4 Power over Ethernet (PoE) 10/100 ports, and 2 1000/SFP ports. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, benefits, and functionality of the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC switch.
Understanding the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Switch
The Cisco WS-CE500-24LC switch is part of the Catalyst Express series, which is known for its ease of use and reliability. It is designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses that require a cost-effective solution for their networking requirements.
Key Features of Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Switch
- 24 Ports: The switch offers a total of 24 ports, providing ample connectivity options for devices within the network.
- Managed Desktop Switch: As a managed switch, the WS-CE500-24LC offers administrators greater control and flexibility in managing network traffic and configurations.
- 10/100 Ports: The switch includes 20 10/100 ports, allowing for fast Ethernet connectivity to devices such as computers, printers, and IP phones.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): With 4 PoE ports, the switch can deliver power to compatible devices over the Ethernet connection, eliminating the need for separate power sources.
- 1000/SFP Ports: The switch features 2 1000/SFP ports, which support Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and can be used for uplink connections to other switches or network devices.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Switch
- Simplified Network Management: The switch’s management features make it easier for administrators to monitor and configure the network, leading to improved efficiency and reliability.
- Cost-Effective Solution: For small to medium-sized businesses, the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC switch offers a cost-effective networking solution without compromising on performance or functionality.
- Enhanced Connectivity: With a total of 24 ports, including PoE and Gigabit Ethernet ports, the switch provides enhanced connectivity options for various devices within the network.
- Reliable Performance: Cisco switches are known for their reliability and performance, ensuring that the network operates smoothly without interruptions or downtime.
- Scalability: As business needs grow, the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC switch can easily scale to accommodate additional devices and expand network requirements.
Applications of Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Switch
- Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Environments: The switch is well-suited for small office or home office environments where a reliable and cost-effective networking solution is needed.
- Retail and Hospitality: In retail and hospitality settings, the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC switch can support various devices such as point-of-sale terminals, printers, and wireless access points.
- Education Sector: Schools and educational institutions can benefit from the switch’s features to create a secure and efficient network environment for students and faculty.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and healthcare facilities can use the switch to connect medical devices, computers, and communication systems while ensuring reliability and security.
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: The switch is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish a reliable and scalable network infrastructure without incurring high costs.
Stackable design and scalability options
The WS-CE500-24LC Cisco Catalyst Express 24 Ports Managed Desktop Switch has stackable design and scalability options to allow for easy expansion and management of your network.
Stackable design:
- The switch is designed to be stacked with other WS-CE500 switches to provide increased performance and scalability.
- StackWise technology allows up to nine switches to be stacked together, providing a single logical switch and a single management interface.
- StackWise also allows for automatic failover, providing high availability and redundancy in case of a switch failure.
Scalability options:
- The switch supports up to 24 ports of 10/100/1000 Ethernet and two Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports, providing flexibility for connecting devices.
- The switch also supports VLANs, allowing for increased security and network segmentation.
- The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, allowing for improved network performance and prioritization of critical traffic.
The WS-CE500-24LC also supports Cisco Network Assistant, a web-based management tool that simplifies the configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco switches and routers. It allows administrators to monitor and manage their network from a central location, reducing the need for on-site visits.
Advanced security features
The WS-CE500-24LC Cisco Catalyst Express 24 Ports Managed Switch has advanced security features to protect your network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Some of the advanced security features include:
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): Allows administrators to control access to the network by defining policies that determine which users and devices are allowed to access specific network resources.
- Port Security: Allows administrators to limit the number of MAC addresses that can be learned on a specific switch port, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.
- IEEE 802.1X: Allows administrators to authenticate users and devices before granting access to the network, providing an additional layer of security.
- Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI): Monitors ARP traffic on the network and prevents ARP spoofing attacks by validating the authenticity of ARP packets.
- Cisco TrustSec: Allows administrators to create security policies that control access to network resources based on the identity of users and devices, providing an additional layer of security.
- DHCP snooping: Monitors DHCP traffic on the network and prevents DHCP spoofing attacks by validating the authenticity of DHCP packets.
- IP Source Guard: Allows administrators to limit IP traffic on a specific switch port to only traffic that has a valid IP source address, preventing IP spoofing attacks.
- Cisco FlexVPN: allows an administrator to create virtual private networks (VPNs) to securely connect remote offices, mobile users, and business partners to the network.
General Information about this Cisco WS-CE500-24LC
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-CE500-24LC
- Product Type: Managed Switch
- Product Name: Catalyst Express 500 24LC Managed Switch
Technical Specifications
- Quantity of Network Ports: 24
- Quantity of Expansion Slots: 2
- Quantity of Fixed Ports/Expansion Slots: 2
- Fixed Ports/Expansion Slot Details:
- 4 x Fast Ethernet PoE+
- 20 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Media & Performance
- Media Standard: Optical Fiber, Twisted Pair
- Technology Standard: 10/100Base-T, 1000Base-X
- Ethernet Standard: Fast Ethernet
- Shared Status SFP/SFP+ Slots: Yes
- Supported Layer Standard: 2
- Manageable: Yes
Miscellaneous
- Source of Power: Power Supply, PoE
In summary, the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC Catalyst Express 500 24LC Switch emerges as a powerful and versatile networking solution, catering to the diverse needs of modern businesses. With its 24 ports, POE capabilities, and a mix of 10/100 and 1000/SFP connectivity, this managed desktop switch offers a comprehensive package for efficient and secure network operations.
From efficient traffic management with VLAN support to prioritizing critical traffic through Quality of Service (QoS), the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC provides advanced functionalities that enhance overall network performance. Its user-friendly web-based interface, coupled with scalability and robust security measures, makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a reliable and future-proof networking solution.
By choosing the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC, businesses can not only elevate their network performance but also benefit from enhanced productivity, cost-efficient power delivery, and the assurance of secure operations. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, investing in a networking solution that combines advanced features with ease of use is a strategic decision, and the Cisco WS-CE500-24LC proves to be a worthy contender in this regard.
