C1000-24FP-4G-L Cisco Catalyst Managed Ethernet Switch

Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L — Product Summary

Discover the Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L, part of the Catalyst 1000 family — a compact, rack-ready managed Ethernet switch engineered for small to medium-sized businesses. This 24-port Gigabit switch with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) and four SFP uplinks delivers reliable connectivity, simplified administration, and enterprise-grade features in a budget-friendly package.

General Information about this Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L

Product Identity

• Brand: Cisco
• Part Number: C1000-24FP-4G-L
• Device Category: Managed 24-port Ethernet switch

Hardware & Performance

• Processor: ARM 800 MHz
• Switching Capacity: Gigabit throughput on all access ports
• PoE Type: IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) with per-port 15 W capability

Management & Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, v3; RMON 1 & 2; CLI; Web UI
• Security: SSH, HTTPS, TACACS+, RADIUS
• Routing/Multicast Support: IGMP, MLD, MSTP, RSTP, STP

Key Specifications

Essential technical details at a glance.

• Ports: 24 × 10/100/1000Base-T (PoE+) plus 4 × Gigabit SFP
• PoE Power: PoE+ (up to 15 W per port)
• Management: Fully managed Ethernet switch with CLI and web management
• Enclosure: Rack-mountable chassis
• CPU: ARM processor, 800 MHz
• Interfaces: Management RJ-45, mini-USB Type B, USB Type A

Advanced Networking & Protocol

Comprehensive protocol support ensures interoperability and resiliency in mixed networks.

• Layer 2 bridging and VLAN segmentation
• Spanning Tree variants: STP, RSTP, MSTP for loop prevention
• Multicast: IGMP and MLD (including MLDv2) for efficient streaming
• Network Time Protocol (NTP), DHCP, and ICMP support

Security & Remote Administration

Built-in features help safeguard the network and simplify remote operations.

• Authentication and accounting: RADIUS, TACACS+
• Secure management: SSH (v1 & v2), HTTPS, SNMP v3
• Legacy support: SNMP v1/v2c, Telnet (for compatibility)
• File transfer and backup: TFTP and HTTP

Advantages of the Catalyst 1000-24FP

The Catalyst 1000-24FP combines performance and manageability. Ideal for access-layer deployments, it provides robust power delivery to IP devices and flexible uplink options for aggregation and fiber connections.

• 24 PoE+ Gigabit ports for IP phones, wireless access points and cameras
• 4 SFP fiber uplinks for extended reach and backbone links
• Rack-mountable form factor for neat cabinet installations
• Simple yet secure remote management and monitoring

Physical & Interface Details

Ports and connectors designed for flexible deployments.

• 24 × RJ-45 1000Base-T PoE+ ports (auto-negotiation for 10/100/1000 Mbps)
• 4 × 1000Base-X SFP slots for fiber uplinks
• 1 × Management RJ-45 port, 1 × mini-USB Type-B console, 1 × USB Type-A

Use Cases & Deployment Scenarios

Where this switch fits best:

• Small office and branch office (SOHO) access layer
• PoE deployments: VoIP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras
• Edge aggregation with fiber uplinks to core switches
• Simple campus or retail networks that need managed features without complexity

Benefits & Business Advantages

How the C1000 series drives value for IT teams and organisations.

• Lower total cost of ownership with energy-efficient PoE+ delivery
• Ease of management via web UI, CLI, SNMP and automation-ready interfaces
• Reliable uptime with proven Cisco hardware and protocol support
• Scalable uplink options for future network growth

Compatibility & Interoperability

Works seamlessly with typical enterprise equipment and standards.

• Interoperable with other Cisco Catalyst and third-party switches
• Standards-compliant Gigabit Ethernet, PoE+ and SFP transceiver support
• Integrates with RADIUS/TACACS+ authentication systems

Introducing the Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L: A Power-Over-Ethernet Powerhouse

At the heart of this series lies the specific model Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L Catalyst 1000-24FP 24-Ports Switch. This model is a fully managed, Layer 3 Lite Ethernet switch that stands out for its integrated Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. It is engineered to be a versatile network workhorse, simplifying infrastructure by delivering both data and electrical power over standard Ethernet cabling to a wide array of devices. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and outlets at the point of installation for powered devices (PDs), leading to cleaner deployments, reduced cabling complexity, and significant cost savings.

Core Model Specifications and Hardware Architecture

The "C1000-24FP-4G-L" nomenclature details its exact capabilities: C1000 denotes the series; 24 indicates the total number of RJ-45 Ethernet ports; FP signifies that all 24 ports support PoE/PoE+; 4G refers to the four dedicated 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) uplink ports for fiber or copper connectivity; and L designates the LAN Base feature set, which includes advanced Layer 3 routing functionalities. This hardware configuration is built on a reliable, fixed-form-factor chassis with a robust power supply engineered to handle the combined data and power load of connected devices.

Decoding the Port Configuration: Data and Uplinks

The switch features 24 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDIX, ensuring easy connectivity for everything from high-performance workstations and servers to VoIP phones and wireless access points. The four fixed SFP uplink ports provide crucial flexibility for connecting to network cores, aggregation switches, or service provider equipment over longer distances using fiber optic cables (e.g., 1G SFP modules) or for copper connections where needed. This uplink capacity ensures ample bandwidth for aggregated traffic from the 24 downstream ports, preventing bottlenecks.

Power Subsystem and Cooling Design

Engineered for continuous operation, the switch incorporates an internal, redundant power supply (for certain models) and an efficient, low-noise fan design. The thermal management system ensures optimal operating temperatures even under high PoE loads, directly contributing to the switch's longevity and reliability. The focus on passive cooling in many operating scenarios also makes it suitable for office environments where noise is a consideration.

Comprehensive Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The integrated PoE functionality is a cornerstone feature of the 24FP model. It supports the IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) standards. This allows the switch to automatically detect and supply power to compliant PDs, simplifying network expansion and device deployment.

PoE Budget and Device Support

The switch is equipped with a substantial power budget, typically 370W or more, which is allocated across all 24 ports. This enables it to simultaneously power a diverse mix of devices, such as multiple Cisco Aironet wireless access points (supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards), IP phones, IP surveillance cameras with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) functions, video displays, and even certain types of access control systems. Administrators can monitor and manage the per-port and total power consumption directly through the management interface.

Advanced PoE Management Features

Beyond simple power delivery, the C1000-24FP offers intelligent PoE controls. Features like PoE scheduling allow IT staff to define specific times when power is supplied to ports (e.g., turning off non-essential cameras after business hours). Per-port power priority settings ensure that critical devices like phones or security systems maintain power during a power budget overallocation scenario. The switch also supports Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE) discovery for enhanced power device identification.

Advanced Management and Software Features

As a fully managed switch with the LAN Base software image, the C1000-24FP-4G-L provides a rich set of features for network control, optimization, and security. It can be managed through multiple intuitive interfaces, catering to different skill levels and operational preferences.

Management Interface Options

Network administrators can configure and monitor the switch via a familiar Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI) for granular control, a secure web-based graphical interface (GUI) for ease of use, and through centralized management platforms like Cisco DNA Center or Cisco Prime Infrastructure. Support for SNMP (v1, v2c, and v3) enables integration with existing network monitoring systems like SolarWinds or Nagios.

Cisco DNA Center and Smart Operations

While offering robust standalone management, the Catalyst 1000 Series is also designed for integration into software-defined access (SDA) architectures through Cisco DNA Center. This allows for automated provisioning, policy-based application, and assurance across the entire network fabric, dramatically simplifying lifecycle management for distributed deployments.

Layer 3 Lite Routing Functionality

The LAN Base feature set elevates this switch beyond simple Layer 2 forwarding. It includes essential Layer 3 "Lite" routing capabilities, such as static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP). This allows the switch to perform inter-VLAN routing internally, eliminating the need for an external router for communication between different IP subnets or VLANs within the network. This enhances performance by keeping local traffic local and reduces both cost and network complexity.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Optimized Performance

To ensure voice and video traffic receives the priority it requires, the switch implements sophisticated QoS mechanisms. It supports classification and marking based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), and Layer 4 (TCP/UDP ports) information. Features like weighted tail drop (WTD) and shaped round robin (SRR) scheduling guarantee bandwidth and minimize jitter and latency for real-time applications, making it ideal for converged networks carrying data, voice, and video.

Robust Security and Network Resilience

Security is built into the foundation of the Catalyst 1000 Series. The switch offers a multi-layered security approach to protect the network infrastructure, connected devices, and the data flowing across it.

Access Control and Threat Mitigation

The switch supports IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control (NAC), allowing authentication of users and devices before granting network access. It can function as both an authenticator and a RADIUS client. Additional features include MACsec (Media Access Control Security) 128-bit encryption for securing data on the wire, DHCP snooping to prevent rogue DHCP server attacks, IP Source Guard to prevent IP address spoofing, and dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) to thwart ARP poisoning attacks.

Network Segmentation with VLANs

Support for IEEE 802.1Q VLANs and VLAN trunking allows logical segmentation of the network. This isolates traffic for different departments (e.g., finance, HR, guests), device types (e.g., cameras, IoT sensors), or applications, enhancing both security and performance by containing broadcast domains.

High Availability Features

To maximize network uptime, the C1000-24FP includes features like IEEE 802.1s/w (MSTP/RSTP) for rapid Spanning Tree Protocol convergence, ensuring a loop-free topology and providing sub-second failover for redundant links. It also supports EtherChannel (Link Aggregation Control Protocol - LACP) for bundling multiple physical links into a single logical channel, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy for uplinks or connections to critical servers.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, serving as an intelligent access layer or compact aggregation switch.

Ideal for Small to Midsize Business (SMB) Offices

In a typical SMB office, this switch can serve as the core networking device, connecting employee workstations, network printers, and a file server via its Gigabit Ethernet ports. Its PoE capability powers the office's VoIP phone system and ceiling-mounted wireless access points, providing unified data, voice, and mobility services from a single, easy-to-manage appliance.

Supporting Modern Collaboration Tools

With the rise of video conferencing systems like Cisco Webex Rooms, which often utilize PoE for power, the switch's QoS and sufficient PoE budget ensure high-quality, glitch-free video meetings by prioritizing that traffic and providing reliable power to the room kits.

Branch Office and Retail Connectivity

For retail stores or remote branch offices, the switch provides reliable connectivity for point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital signage, inventory management devices, and security cameras. The Layer 3 Lite functionality allows the local branch network to be segmented (e.g., POS VLAN, Camera VLAN, Corporate VLAN) with local routing, while the SFP uplinks securely connect back to the corporate data center or headquarters over a WAN link.

Educational Institutions and Classroom Deployments

In schools and universities, the switch can be deployed in wiring closets to support digital learning. It can power and connect teacher computers, student laptop charging carts (via PoE), interactive whiteboards, and wireless access points blanketing classrooms and common areas. The robust security features help protect student data and manage access for different user groups (faculty, students, guests).