MS120-8LP-HW Cisco Managed Switch Meraki Cloud MS120-8x GigE 64W PoE 2 X Gigabit Sfp

Cisco MS120-8LP-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch Overview

Manufacturer Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Part Number: MS120-8LP-HW
• Product Type: Managed Switch

Key Features of the Cisco MS120-8LP-HW Switch

• Ports: 8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (PoE+), 2 Gigabit SFP Ports
• Power Over Ethernet: 64W PoE+
• Device Type: 8-Port Managed Switch
• Enclosure Type: 1U Rackmount
• Advanced Cloud Management: Fully managed via Meraki Cloud for easy configuration and monitoring
• Seamless Integration: Integrates seamlessly into Meraki's ecosystem for simplified networking

Technical Specifications

• Device Type: 8-Port Managed Switch
• Port Configuration: 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps (PoE+), 2 x Gigabit SFP Ports
• Power Over Ethernet (PoE+): Supports up to 64W PoE for powering devices like IP cameras, phones, and access points
• Interface Details: 8 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 PoE+, 2 x 1000Base-T SFP Ports for fiber connections

Performance and Reliability

• Gigabit Speed: Supports high-speed Gigabit Ethernet for fast and reliable data transfer
• Managed Switch: Provides advanced management features such as VLANs, QoS, and monitoring through Meraki Cloud
• PoE+ Support: Enables easy deployment of PoE+ devices without the need for additional power supplies
• 1U Rackmount: Space-efficient, 1U form factor for easy installation in standard server racks

Product Benefits

• Efficient Power Distribution: With 64W PoE+, this device powers multiple devices over a single cable
• Scalable Networking: Perfect for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an expandable networking solution
• Easy Cloud Management: Simple setup and management via Meraki Cloud interface, no need for on-site controllers
• Cost-Effective: Offers excellent performance at an affordable price, reducing total cost of ownership

Cisco MS120-8LP-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch

The Cisco MS120-8LP-HW is part of the Meraki MS120 series, designed to bring cloud-managed networking to small and medium-sized businesses with unmatched simplicity and reliability. This switch offers eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, each capable of delivering Power over Ethernet (PoE) with a total budget of 64 watts, alongside two Gigabit SFP uplinks for flexible network expansion. By integrating the Meraki cloud platform, the MS120-8LP-HW provides IT teams with centralized visibility, streamlined management, and robust security without the need for on-site controllers.

Performance and Connectivity Features

The MS120-8LP-HW ensures consistent network performance by offering full line-rate switching across all eight ports. Each port supports auto-sensing, which allows the switch to adapt dynamically to connected devices, optimizing data throughput and network efficiency. The two dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports facilitate seamless fiber connectivity, enabling high-speed connections to aggregation switches, servers, or data centers. This flexibility makes it suitable for diverse network environments, including office floors, classrooms, retail locations, and branch offices.

Power over Ethernet Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Cisco MS120-8LP-HW is its PoE capability, delivering a total of 64 watts across its eight ports. This allows network administrators to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices directly from the switch, eliminating the need for separate power adapters and reducing cable clutter. The intelligent PoE management ensures that power allocation is optimized, preventing network overload while maintaining device reliability and performance.

Cloud Management with Meraki Dashboard

Central to the MS120-8LP-HW’s functionality is the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, a cloud-based management platform that enables administrators to monitor and configure network devices from any location. The dashboard provides real-time insights into traffic patterns, device health, and network usage, allowing proactive troubleshooting and optimization. Automated firmware updates ensure the switch remains secure and up-to-date without manual intervention, while zero-touch provisioning simplifies deployment in distributed environments, reducing setup time and IT overhead.

Security and Reliability

Cisco has integrated advanced security features into the MS120-8LP-HW to protect sensitive data and maintain network integrity. The switch supports 802.1X authentication, role-based access control, and automatic threat detection, helping to mitigate unauthorized access and network vulnerabilities. High availability is achieved through redundant uplinks and link aggregation, ensuring minimal downtime and uninterrupted connectivity even in critical enterprise deployments. These features make the MS120-8LP-HW suitable for environments where both performance and security are paramount.

Scalability and Network Flexibility

The Cisco MS120-8LP-HW is designed with scalability in mind. As businesses grow, additional MS120 switches can be easily integrated into the existing Meraki-managed network without complex configurations. The combination of cloud-managed switching, PoE support, and uplink flexibility allows IT teams to expand their networks gradually, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to adapt to evolving requirements. Network segmentation and VLAN support ensure that different departments or applications can operate securely and independently while remaining under centralized management.

Application in Various Network Environments

This switch is highly versatile and well-suited for multiple deployment scenarios. In small offices, the eight Gigabit ports can connect desktop devices, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, creating a fully integrated network. In retail environments, PoE-enabled security cameras and access points can be powered directly by the switch, reducing infrastructure complexity. Educational institutions benefit from simplified management and monitoring of classroom and campus networks, while branch offices can leverage the cloud dashboard for consistent visibility and control without dedicated on-site IT personnel.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Cisco has implemented energy-efficient design principles in the MS120-8LP-HW, ensuring reduced power consumption without compromising performance. Intelligent PoE allocation, low-power idle modes, and efficient cooling mechanisms contribute to lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. The switch complies with the latest energy standards, making it a sustainable choice for organizations aiming to minimize energy consumption and reduce operational expenses over time.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The MS120-8LP-HW integrates seamlessly with other Cisco Meraki products, including wireless access points, security appliances, and cloud-managed routers. This interoperability ensures a unified management experience, allowing administrators to oversee wired and wireless networks from a single dashboard. Advanced features such as traffic shaping, quality of service (QoS), and analytics are readily available, providing comprehensive control over network performance and user experience. By leveraging the full Cisco ecosystem, organizations can achieve high levels of operational efficiency and network reliability.

Firmware Updates and Technical Support

Cisco provides robust technical support and regular firmware updates for the MS120-8LP-HW, ensuring that the switch remains secure and feature-rich throughout its lifecycle. The Meraki cloud architecture allows administrators to schedule automatic updates, minimizing disruption while keeping the network current with the latest security patches and enhancements. Cisco’s support network offers troubleshooting assistance, best practice guidance, and access to comprehensive documentation, helping IT teams optimize switch performance and resolve issues swiftly.

Advanced Networking Features

The MS120-8LP-HW is equipped with a wide array of advanced networking features that extend beyond basic switching. These include VLAN segmentation, multicast routing, link aggregation, and support for spanning tree protocols. The switch can prioritize critical traffic, such as voice or video, through advanced QoS mechanisms, ensuring smooth performance even under heavy load conditions. Real-time network analytics provide insights into bandwidth usage, device connectivity, and potential bottlenecks, empowering IT administrators to make data-driven decisions for network optimization.

Cost Efficiency and Total Ownership

While the initial investment in a Cisco MS120-8LP-HW may appear higher than unmanaged alternatives, the long-term benefits in terms of management efficiency, energy savings, and reduced downtime make it a cost-effective solution. Centralized cloud management reduces the need for on-site technical staff, PoE capabilities eliminate extra power infrastructure costs, and the durability of Cisco hardware ensures a long operational life. Collectively, these factors contribute to a lower total cost of ownership and higher return on investment for businesses of all sizes.

Future-Proof Network Deployment

Investing in the MS120-8LP-HW ensures that organizations are well-prepared for future networking demands. With support for emerging PoE standards, scalable architecture, and seamless integration with Cisco’s cloud ecosystem, the switch can accommodate new devices and applications as requirements evolve. This forward-looking design helps businesses maintain network agility, reduce upgrade complexity, and protect their infrastructure investment against obsolescence.