CBS220-24T-4G Cisco Business 220 Smart Switch, 24 Ports w/SFP Uplink

Cisco Smart Switching for Growing Networks

The Cisco CBS220-24T-4G Business 220 Series Smart Switch is designed to deliver reliable Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for small to mid-sized business environments. Built with Cisco’s proven switching architecture, this smart-managed network switch combines advanced traffic control, enhanced security, and simplified administration to support modern digital workloads.

Manufacturer and Model Identification

• Brand: Cisco
• Series: Cisco Business 220 Series
• Part Number: CBS220-24T-4G
• Device Classification: Smart Managed Ethernet Switch

Chassis and Form Factor Details

• Rack-mountable enclosure
• Fanless thermal design for quiet operation
• LED indicators for system and port status

Port

• 24 x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 Ethernet ports
• 4 x 1000Base-X SFP uplink slots
• Automatic MDIX support for simplified cabling

Traffic Handling Capabilities

• Switching capacity up to 56 Gbps
• Forwarding rate of 41.66 Mpps with 64-byte packets
• Support for jumbo frames up to 9216 bytes

VLAN and Spanning Tree Technologies

• Up to 256 supported VLANs
• Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) with 16 instances
• Rapid STP (RSTP) and classic STP support
• Guest VLAN and voice VLAN functionality

Multicast and Traffic Optimization

• IGMP v1, v2, and v3 snooping
• MLD and MLDv2 support for IPv6 multicast
• Broadcast and multicast storm control

Authentication and Encryption

• IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication
• RADIUS and TACACS+ support
• Secure Shell (SSH and SSH v2) for encrypted management
• SSL-based secure communications

Network Protection Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) with up to 512 rules
• DoS attack prevention mechanisms
• MAC address filtering and port security
• BPDU Guard and STP loop protection

QoS and Packet Handling

• DiffServ and DSCP support
• IEEE 802.1p traffic prioritization
• Weighted Round Robin (WRR) scheduling
• Head-of-line blocking prevention

Supported Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• HTTP and HTTPS web-based management
• CLI access via SSH, Telnet, and console
• RMON, Syslog, and MIB support

Operational Enhancements

• Dual firmware images for reliable upgrades
• Cable diagnostics and loopback detection
• LLDP and LLDP-MED for device discovery
• CDP support for Cisco-based environments

Supported IEEE Standards

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, and 802.3z
• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1Q, 802.1P
• IEEE 802.1W, 802.1S, and 802.1X
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) and 802.3az
• IEEE 802.1AB (LLDP)

• RAM: 256 MB
• Flash Memory: 64 MB
• MAC address table capacity: 8,192 entries
• Packet buffer capacity: 4.1 MB

Power Characteristics

• Internal power supply unit
• Input voltage: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Operational power consumption: approximately 18 watts
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) support

Cisco CBS220-24T-4G 220 Series Managed Switching 

The Cisco CBS220-24T-4G belongs to the Cisco Business 220 Series, a family of Layer 2 managed Gigabit Ethernet switches designed to deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient networking for small to medium-sized businesses. This category focuses on managed access-layer switching that balances enterprise-grade functionality with simplified deployment and administration. The CBS220-24T-4G is engineered to support modern digital workplaces where stable connectivity, predictable performance, and secure traffic handling are essential for daily operations.

Within this category, the emphasis is placed on Gigabit Ethernet switching with advanced Layer 2 management features, enabling organizations to maintain control over network traffic while avoiding the complexity and expense associated with full Layer 3 enterprise switches. The Cisco Business 220 Series is positioned as a bridge between unmanaged switches and fully enterprise-class platforms, offering enhanced visibility, traffic prioritization, and segmentation capabilities that are critical for growing networks.

24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switching Capabilities

The CBS220-24T-4G category is defined by its 24 fixed 1000Base-T Ethernet ports, delivering full Gigabit speeds to connected devices such as workstations, IP phones, wireless access points, printers, and network-attached storage. These ports are designed to provide consistent throughput and low latency, ensuring that bandwidth-intensive applications such as cloud services, video conferencing, and large file transfers perform smoothly across the network.

Gigabit Ethernet connectivity forms the foundation of this category, allowing businesses to upgrade legacy Fast Ethernet infrastructures without requiring a complete network redesign. The switch architecture supports wire-speed forwarding across all ports, ensuring that performance remains stable even during peak usage periods. This makes the Cisco CBS220-24T-4G suitable for environments where multiple users and devices are simultaneously accessing shared network resources.

Integrated SFP Uplink Connectivity

A defining characteristic of the CBS220-24T-4G category is the inclusion of four dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports. These uplinks enable flexible network expansion and high-speed connections to core switches, distribution switches, or remote network segments. Fiber-based uplinks are particularly valuable for extending connectivity across longer distances while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing electromagnetic interference.

The SFP uplinks support a variety of transceiver options, allowing network designers to select the appropriate fiber or copper modules based on deployment requirements. This flexibility ensures that the switch category can adapt to diverse network topologies, including multi-floor office buildings, campus-style layouts, and distributed branch office environments.

Layer 2 Managed Switching Features

The Cisco CBS220-24T-4G category emphasizes robust Layer 2 management, providing administrators with the tools needed to control traffic flow, improve network efficiency, and enforce organizational policies. Managed switching capabilities distinguish this category from unmanaged alternatives by enabling configuration, monitoring, and optimization of network behavior.

Layer 2 management ensures that broadcast traffic is contained, collisions are minimized, and overall network stability is improved. These features are particularly important for businesses that rely on real-time applications and cloud-based services, where even minor disruptions can impact productivity.

Virtual LAN Configuration and Network Segmentation

Virtual LAN functionality is a core element of the Cisco Business 220 Series category. VLAN support allows logical segmentation of the network into multiple isolated domains, even when devices are connected to the same physical switch. This segmentation improves both performance and security by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic and limiting access between different user groups.

By deploying VLANs, organizations can separate departments, guest networks, voice traffic, and management traffic without additional hardware. This capability is essential for businesses that require structured network design and controlled access to sensitive resources. The CBS220-24T-4G supports standards-based VLAN tagging, ensuring interoperability with other Cisco and third-party networking equipment.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service mechanisms are integral to the CBS220-24T-4G category, enabling prioritization of critical network traffic. QoS ensures that latency-sensitive applications such as Voice over IP and video collaboration receive preferential treatment over less time-critical data transfers. This results in clearer calls, smoother video streams, and an improved user experience across the network.

The switch category supports multiple QoS classification and scheduling methods, allowing administrators to define traffic priorities based on application type, port, or VLAN. By implementing QoS policies, businesses can ensure consistent service levels even during periods of heavy network utilization.

Security-Oriented Switching Design

Security is a central consideration within the Cisco CBS220-24T-4G category. As networks become more interconnected and exposed to external threats, access-layer switches play a vital role in enforcing security policies and protecting connected devices. The Cisco Business 220 Series integrates multiple security features designed to safeguard network integrity.

These switches are designed to prevent unauthorized access, mitigate common Layer 2 attacks, and provide administrators with visibility into network activity. By incorporating security at the switching level, organizations can establish a strong first line of defense within their infrastructure.

Port-Based Access Control Mechanisms

Port security features are fundamental to the CBS220-24T-4G category, enabling control over which devices are permitted to connect to the network. Administrators can restrict access based on MAC addresses, ensuring that only authorized devices can use specific switch ports. This reduces the risk of unauthorized connections and potential data breaches.

Port-level controls also support network accountability by allowing administrators to track device connections and quickly identify unusual or unauthorized activity. This level of control is particularly valuable in office environments with shared spaces or frequently changing device inventories.

Traffic Monitoring and Protection Features

The Cisco Business 220 Series category includes features that help protect the network from broadcast storms and malicious traffic patterns. Storm control capabilities limit excessive broadcast, multicast, or unknown unicast traffic, preventing network degradation caused by misconfigured devices or malicious behavior.

These protections contribute to overall network stability and ensure that critical business applications remain accessible even in the presence of abnormal traffic conditions. By monitoring and regulating traffic at the switch level, the CBS220-24T-4G supports proactive network management.

Administrative Simplicity and Management Interfaces

The CBS220-24T-4G category is designed with usability in mind, offering management interfaces that simplify configuration and monitoring tasks. Cisco Business switches prioritize ease of use without sacrificing advanced capabilities, making them accessible to IT teams with varying levels of expertise.

Management options are tailored to reduce deployment time and ongoing maintenance effort, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations rather than complex network administration.

Web-Based Graphical Management Experience

A browser-based graphical user interface is a defining feature of the Cisco Business 220 Series category. This interface provides intuitive access to configuration settings, status information, and diagnostic tools. Visual dashboards and logical menu structures allow administrators to quickly understand network conditions and make necessary adjustments.

The web interface eliminates the need for specialized management software, making it easier to manage the switch from standard workstations. This approach supports faster troubleshooting and more efficient day-to-day network operations.

Standards-Based Command-Line Access

For administrators who prefer or require more granular control, the CBS220-24T-4G category also supports command-line management through industry-standard protocols. CLI access enables precise configuration and scripting capabilities, facilitating integration with existing network management workflows.

This dual-management approach ensures that the switch category can accommodate both novice users and experienced network professionals, providing flexibility across different operational environments.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Network Design

Energy efficiency is an important consideration in the Cisco CBS220-24T-4G category, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable IT infrastructure. The switch is designed to optimize power consumption without compromising performance, contributing to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact.

Efficient power usage is particularly relevant in access-layer deployments where multiple switches may be installed across offices or campuses. By minimizing energy consumption, the Cisco Business 220 Series supports long-term sustainability goals.

Deployment Scenarios and Business Applications

The Cisco CBS220-24T-4G category is well-suited for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including small offices, retail environments, educational facilities, and branch locations. Its balance of performance, manageability, and affordability makes it a versatile solution for diverse networking needs.

In office environments, the switch provides reliable connectivity for employees and shared resources. In retail or hospitality settings, it supports point-of-sale systems, guest networks, and back-office operations. Educational institutions benefit from VLAN segmentation and traffic prioritization to support administrative systems and learning platforms.

Scalability for Growing Networks

Scalability is a key attribute of the Cisco Business 220 Series category. The CBS220-24T-4G is designed to grow alongside the organization, supporting additional devices and increased traffic demands without requiring immediate replacement. SFP uplinks and standards-based protocols ensure seamless integration with existing and future network components.

This scalability protects investment and provides businesses with a flexible foundation for long-term network expansion.

Reliability and Cisco Engineering Standards

Reliability is a hallmark of the Cisco CBS220-24T-4G category, reflecting Cisco’s longstanding reputation for high-quality networking solutions. The switch is built with robust hardware components and thoroughly tested software, ensuring consistent operation in demanding environments.

High availability at the access layer is critical for maintaining business continuity. By delivering stable performance and predictable behavior, the Cisco Business 220 Series supports uninterrupted access to essential applications and services.

Interoperability Within Cisco Business Ecosystems

The CBS220-24T-4G category is designed for seamless interoperability with other Cisco Business networking products, including routers, wireless access points, and security appliances. This ecosystem approach simplifies network design and enhances overall system performance.

Standards compliance ensures compatibility with third-party devices as well, allowing organizations to build heterogeneous networks without sacrificing functionality or manageability.