CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA Cisco 350 10 Ports Manageable 2 Layer Switch.

Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA Ethernet Switch Overview

The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA is a high-performance, 8-port managed Ethernet switch designed to meet the demands of modern network infrastructures. Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, this switch delivers reliable connectivity, advanced features, and scalable performance for enterprise-grade networking.

Key Features of the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA
• Type: Managed Layer 2 Ethernet Switch
• Ports: 8 Gigabit Ethernet (PoE+) + 2 Combo SFP slots
• Power over Ethernet: Yes, with a 120W PoE budget
• Rack-mountable enclosure for efficient deployment

Technical Specifications

• Device Type: Stackable L3 Managed Switch
• Processor: ARM 800 MHz
• Memory: 512 MB RAM, 256 MB Flash
• Performance: Switching capacity of 20 Gbps; forwarding rate up to 14.88 Mpps (64-byte packets)
• MAC Address Table: Supports up to 16,000 entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 2 KB

Advanced Routing & Protocols

• IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
• IGMPv2/IGMPv3 multicast support
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR) and CIDR
• Spanning Tree Protocols: STP, RSTP, MSTP
• Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD & MLDv2)

Remote Management & Security

• SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, SNMPv3 for monitoring
• Secure management via SSH, HTTPS, and CLI
• Telnet, TFTP, SCP support
• Radius and TACACS+ authentication
• DHCP and ICMP management capabilities

Physical & Power Specifications

• AC Input: 120/230V, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions: 10.6" W x 7.3" D x 1.7" H
• Weight: 7.72 lbs
• Compact, rack-mountable design for flexible installation

Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA 8 Ports Managed Switch

The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA is part of the Cisco 350 Series Managed Switches, designed to deliver high-performance networking solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. This switch features 8 Ethernet ports with full Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support, along with two Gigabit SFP uplink ports, making it ideal for deployments requiring both flexibility and scalability. The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA is engineered to offer reliable Layer 2 switching, robust security, and simplified network management, providing businesses with a comprehensive solution for expanding network capacity while maintaining operational efficiency.

Advanced Layer 2 Switching Capabilities

Designed as a fully manageable Layer 2 switch, the Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA provides enhanced switching functionalities that enable efficient traffic management and improved network performance. Its Layer 2 features include VLAN segmentation, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms. VLAN support allows businesses to create isolated networks for different departments or applications, improving security and optimizing traffic flow. The LACP functionality facilitates the aggregation of multiple links for higher bandwidth and redundancy, ensuring network resilience and reliability.

VLAN Support and Network Segmentation

One of the core advantages of the Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA is its VLAN capabilities. Businesses can implement multiple VLANs to separate critical business applications from general office traffic, enhancing both performance and security. With VLAN tagging, traffic is logically isolated, which reduces congestion and ensures sensitive data remains within designated network segments. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations that require secure communication channels for finance, human resources, or customer data.

Link Aggregation and Redundancy

The switch supports multiple link aggregation groups, enabling administrators to combine several physical ports into a single logical link. This feature increases the overall network throughput and provides fault tolerance, ensuring minimal disruption in case of a link failure. Combined with spanning tree protocol support, Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA delivers a highly available network architecture that maintains uninterrupted connectivity across all connected devices.

Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Support

The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA comes equipped with 8 PoE+ enabled ports, capable of delivering up to 30W per port. This feature simplifies network deployment by allowing connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras to receive both data and power over a single Ethernet cable. By eliminating the need for separate power sources, PoE+ reduces installation complexity and lowers operational costs while supporting energy-efficient network operations.

Energy-Efficient PoE Management

The switch incorporates intelligent PoE management features, allowing administrators to monitor and control power allocation per port. Dynamic power allocation ensures that connected devices receive sufficient power without overloading the switch, optimizing overall energy consumption. Additionally, Cisco’s Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support reduces power usage during periods of low network activity, contributing to cost savings and greener IT operations.

Seamless Device Integration

With PoE+ support, the Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA enables seamless integration of a wide range of network devices. Wireless access points can be powered directly from the switch, extending Wi-Fi coverage without additional cabling infrastructure. Similarly, IP surveillance cameras can be deployed efficiently in offices, retail spaces, or industrial environments, enhancing security monitoring without increasing deployment complexity.

Scalability and Network Expansion

Small and medium-sized enterprises often require network solutions that can grow alongside their business. The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA provides two dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports that allow flexible connectivity to higher-tier switches or core networks. These uplinks support fiber connectivity, which is ideal for extending network reach over long distances while maintaining high-speed data transfer. The modular uplink design ensures that businesses can scale their networks efficiently as their connectivity demands increase.

Flexible Uplink Options

The dual SFP ports offer flexibility in network architecture, enabling administrators to choose between copper or fiber connections based on deployment requirements. Fiber uplinks are particularly useful in campus environments or multi-building setups, where high-speed and long-distance connectivity is crucial. By leveraging these uplinks, businesses can design robust networks that accommodate future growth without replacing existing infrastructure.

Stacking and Network Topology

Although the Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA does not support physical stacking, its integration into Cisco’s network management ecosystem allows virtual stacking and coordinated configuration across multiple devices. Administrators can centrally manage multiple switches, apply consistent policies, and monitor performance from a single interface. This approach simplifies network administration and reduces operational overhead in growing IT environments.

Security and Access Control Features

Security is a critical concern for modern businesses, and the Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA provides comprehensive Layer 2 security mechanisms. Features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and DHCP snooping prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential threats. ACLs allow precise control over which devices can communicate on the network, while port security ensures that only recognized devices are permitted to connect. Additionally, DHCP snooping prevents malicious or rogue DHCP servers from disrupting network operations, enhancing overall reliability and data protection.

Advanced Threat Protection

Administrators can implement advanced threat protection by combining Cisco’s security features with VLAN segmentation and QoS policies. Suspicious traffic can be identified and restricted to designated network segments, reducing the risk of network breaches. This approach ensures that business-critical applications operate without interference while providing a secure environment for sensitive data.

Network Monitoring and Management

The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA is compatible with Cisco Network Assistant and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), enabling administrators to monitor switch performance, track device status, and troubleshoot connectivity issues proactively. Real-time monitoring provides insights into network traffic patterns, port utilization, and power consumption, allowing informed decisions for optimization and future planning.

Performance and Reliability

Performance is a key factor in small and medium-sized network deployments. The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA offers wire-speed switching, low latency, and high throughput to handle demanding applications, including VoIP, video conferencing, and data-intensive workloads. With support for jumbo frames and advanced QoS policies, this switch ensures smooth traffic flow and minimal packet loss, enhancing user experience and application performance.

Low Latency Switching

Low latency is critical for real-time applications such as IP telephony and video streaming. The CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA provides predictable latency across all ports, ensuring high-quality voice and video communication without interruptions. QoS prioritization allows administrators to allocate bandwidth to critical applications, minimizing network congestion and improving overall performance.

Reliable Hardware Design

The switch is built with robust hardware components to ensure long-term reliability and continuous operation. With fanless designs in some models and energy-efficient power supplies, the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA delivers silent operation suitable for office environments while maintaining high uptime. Cisco’s rigorous quality standards and warranty support provide businesses with confidence in their network infrastructure.

Applications and Use Cases

The Cisco CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA is ideal for a wide range of deployment scenarios. Small offices, branch offices, retail stores, and hospitality environments benefit from its compact form factor, PoE+ support, and managed Layer 2 features. The switch is particularly effective in environments that require secure and reliable connectivity for IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras. By providing both flexibility and centralized management, the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA supports a variety of network topologies and business requirements.

Small and Medium Business Networks

For small and medium-sized businesses, the switch offers an affordable yet feature-rich networking solution. Its manageability ensures that IT teams can configure and monitor the network efficiently without requiring extensive technical expertise. The combination of PoE+ support and Layer 2 management capabilities provides a scalable solution that can accommodate future growth and new technology deployments.

Retail and Hospitality Deployments

In retail environments, the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA facilitates secure and reliable connectivity for point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and Wi-Fi networks. Hospitality businesses such as hotels and restaurants can leverage PoE+ capabilities to power access points and surveillance equipment without additional wiring, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing installation costs.

Branch Offices and Remote Locations

Branch offices and remote locations benefit from the switch’s uplink flexibility and Layer 2 management features. With fiber connectivity options, organizations can maintain high-speed links to the main office or data center, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. Centralized management through Cisco tools allows IT administrators to maintain consistent configurations across multiple locations, reducing administrative effort and maintaining network consistency.

Comparison with Similar Cisco 350 Series Models

The CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA stands out in the Cisco 350 Series for its compact 8-port configuration with PoE+ support and dual SFP uplinks. Compared to larger models such as the 24-port or 48-port switches, this model is optimized for smaller deployments where space, cost, and power efficiency are critical considerations. While larger switches offer higher port density and additional features, the 8-port CBS350 model provides a balance of performance, manageability, and affordability for small-scale networks.

Port Density and Power Budget

With 8 PoE+ ports and a total power budget sufficient for typical small office setups, the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA meets the demands of modern network devices without over-provisioning. Larger models may offer higher PoE budgets and additional ports but may also increase costs and physical footprint, making the 8-port model a practical choice for many SMB scenarios.

Management and Feature Set

While the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-NA shares the comprehensive management and security features of the 350 Series, its smaller size makes it ideal for environments with limited space or fewer connected devices. Features like VLANs, QoS, ACLs, and link aggregation are consistent across the series, ensuring that even small deployments benefit from enterprise-grade capabilities.