C1000FE-24T-4G-L Cisco Ethernet Switch

Product Overview

The Cisco C1000FE-24T-4G-L is a high-performance Catalyst Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized networks. With advanced management features and reliable connectivity, this switch ensures seamless network operations.

Manufacturer and Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model: C1000FE-24T-4G-L
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 1000
• Device Type: Ethernet Switch
• Product Name: Catalyst 1000-24T-4X-L Switch

Key Switch Features

Switch Type

Fixed Managed Gigabit Ethernet Layer 2 switch ideal for reliable connectivity and network management.

Port Configuration

• 24 x 10/100 Ethernet ports for fast wired connections
• 2 x 1G SFP/RJ-45 combo uplink ports
• 2 x 1G SFP uplinks for high-speed network expansion

Management and Security

• Managed via Cisco IOS software, CLI, and on-box Web UI
• Enhanced security with advanced network protection features
• Improved reliability ensuring consistent network uptime
• Optimized operational efficiency for small businesses

Interface and Expansion Options

Total Network Ports

The switch includes a total of 24 network ports, providing ample connectivity for multiple devices.

Uplink and Modularity

• Supports uplink capability for network growth
• Modular design for flexible deployment
• Stackable for scalable network expansion
• 4 SFP expansion slots for fiber or copper modules

Media Support and Performance

Supported Media

• Compatible with optical fiber and twisted pair cabling
• Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet supported
• Network technologies: 10/100Base-T, 1000Base-X, 1000Base-T

Spotlight Model: Cisco C1000FE-24T-4G-L 24-Port Switch

As a quintessential model within the series, the Cisco C1000FE-24T-4G-L encapsulates the perfect balance of port density, uplink flexibility, and feature set for a typical workgroup or small office core. This model is a fully managed, Layer 3 Lite switch designed to provide reliable, high-performance connectivity with the capacity for future expansion.

Technical Specifications and Hardware Architecture

A deep dive into the hardware specifications of the C1000FE-24T-4G-L reveals its engineered reliability and purpose-driven design.

Port Configuration and Performance

The switch's port layout is its primary interface with the network ecosystem:

24 x Fast Ethernet (10/100BASE-T) Ports: These auto-sensing, auto-negotiating ports provide connectivity for a wide range of endpoints. They support features like auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables.
4 x Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T) Uplink Ports: These high-speed ports are critical for upstream connectivity. They can be used for link aggregation (EtherChannel) to provide up to 4 Gbps of resilient, high-bandwidth backhaul. They can also connect to servers, network-attached storage (NAS), or other critical infrastructure.

The clear separation between access and uplink ports ensures that bandwidth contention is minimized, guaranteeing smooth performance for both user traffic and backbone data flows.

Switching Capacity and Forwarding Rate

To handle simultaneous traffic across all ports without bottlenecks, the switch is built with sufficient internal bandwidth.

Switching Fabric: The C1000FE-24T-4G-L boasts a robust switching capacity that supports wire-speed performance on all ports simultaneously. This non-blocking architecture is essential for maintaining low latency and high throughput.
Forwarding Rate: Measured in packets per second (pps), the forwarding rate demonstrates the switch's ability to process and route data frames. This model is engineered to forward packets at wire speed, ensuring efficient handling of network traffic even during peak usage.

Power and Physical Design

The switch typically features a fanless design for silent operation, making it suitable for open offices or retail environments. It is rack-mountable in a standard 1RU form factor. As a non-PoE model, it does not provide power to connected devices, which contributes to its energy efficiency and simpler thermal design. Power consumption is minimal, aligning with Cisco's energy-efficient architectures.

Advanced Software Features and Management Capabilities

Beyond basic connectivity, the true value of the C1000FE-24T-4G-L lies in its comprehensive software suite, enabled by the Cisco IOS operating system.

Layer 3 Lite Functionality: Intelligent Routing at the Edge

The "-L" license unlocks static routing capabilities. This allows the switch to perform inter-VLAN routing, meaning devices on different IP subnets (e.g., Finance VLAN 10 and Engineering VLAN 20) can communicate with each other directly through the switch, without all traffic having to traverse an external router. This:

Reduces latency for internal communications.Offloads traffic from the core router, improving overall network efficiency.
Simplifies network design by consolidating functions at the access layer.

Enhanced Security Suite

Network security is multi-layered. Key features include:

High Availability and Network Resilience

To ensure business continuity, the switch supports several resilience technologies:

Flexible Management Options

Administrators can manage the switch through multiple avenues to suit their expertise and needs:

Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI): The powerful, industry-standard interface for granular configuration and scripting.
Web-based Graphical Interface: An intuitive, browser-based GUI for visual management and monitoring.
Cisco Network Assistant: A free desktop tool for centralized management of up to 40 devices, offering topology views and simplified configuration wizards.
SNMP (v1, v2c, v3): Enables integration with enterprise network management systems (NMS) like Cisco Prime or other third-party platforms for monitoring and reporting.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The C1000FE-24T-4G-L is uniquely suited for specific networking environments where its blend of Fast Ethernet access and Gigabit uplinks provides optimal value.

Small to Medium Business (SMB) Core or Workgroup Switching

As the primary switch for a small office or a department within a larger organization, it connects a mix of legacy and modern devices. The 24 ports handle desktop PCs, printers, and VoIP phones, while the 4 Gigabit uplinks provide ample bandwidth to connect to the server room, internet router, or a network storage device. Layer 3 Lite routing allows for simple segmentation of guest and corporate networks.

Classroom or Computer Lab Networks

In educational settings, reliability and simplicity are key. The fanless design ensures quiet operation. The switch can handle a lab full of desktop computers, with uplinks connecting to the school's data center. Features like port security prevent students from tampering with the network topology, and ACLs can control access to specific resources.

Retail and Point-of-Sale (POS) Environments

Retail stores often utilize legacy POS terminals, barcode scanners, and receipt printers that operate on Fast Ethernet. The C1000FE-24T-4G-L provides perfect connectivity for these devices. The Gigabit uplinks aggregate all transaction and inventory data to a central server or cloud gateway. Its robust security features help maintain PCI DSS compliance by isolating POS traffic from public Wi-Fi.

Legacy Device Aggregation and IoT Segments

In modern networks undergoing transition, this switch acts as an ideal aggregation point for legacy equipment and IoT sensors (security cameras, environmental sensors) that do not require Gigabit speeds. Placing these devices on a dedicated VLAN managed by this switch isolates their traffic, enhancing security and preserving bandwidth on the main network for high-performance applications.

Comparison Within the Catalyst 1000 Family

Understanding where the C1000FE-24T-4G-L fits among its siblings is crucial for making an informed selection.

C1000FE-24T-4G-L vs. Gigabit Access Models (e.g., C1000-24T-4G-L)

The key difference is the speed of the access ports. The C1000-24T-4G-L offers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it suitable for environments with newer, bandwidth-intensive devices. The FE model is a cost-effective solution where Gigabit to the desktop is not a current requirement, but future-proof Gigabit uplinks are still essential.

C1000FE-24T-4G-L vs. PoE Models (e.g., C1000P-24T-4G-L)

The "P" designation indicates PoE capability. The C1000P-24T-4G-L can deliver power to devices like VoIP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras. The non-PoE FE model is chosen when connected devices have their own power supplies, prioritizing a lower initial cost and reduced power consumption.

Considering the Layer 2 Only Variants

Models without the "-L" suffix (e.g., C1000FE-24T-4G) operate solely at Layer 2 (switching and VLANs). They cannot perform inter-VLAN routing. The "-L" model is selected when network segmentation with internal routing is required at the access layer, providing a more flexible and efficient network design.