MS355-24X-HW Cisco Meraki Layer 3 Ethernet Switch, 24 Ports

Cisco MS355-24X-HW Meraki Layer 3 Managed Switch Overview

Discover the powerful Cisco MS355-24X-HW, a Layer 3 managed switch designed for modern enterprise networks. With 24 ports and advanced features, this switch delivers high performance, scalability, and seamless connectivity for demanding environments.

Key Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: MS355-24X-HW
• Product Category: Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 24 Ports

Technical Specifications

Device Features

• Device Type: Layer 3 Managed Stackable Switch
• Ethernet Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet
• Stackable Units: Up to 8 devices
• Rack Installation: 1U mountable enclosure
• Switching Capacity: 352 Gbps

Port Configuration

• 8 × 1/2.5/5/10GBase-T RJ-45 ports
• 16 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 ports
• 4 × 10G SFP+ uplinks
• 2 × QSFP+ stacking ports

Compliance & Standards

• IEEE 802.1d (STP)
• IEEE 802.1q (VLAN)
• IEEE 802.1p (QoS)
• IEEE 802.3af & 802.3at (PoE)
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1w (RSTP) & 802.1x (Port Security)
• IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP)

Advanced Features & Functionality

• Flow control and auto-negotiation for optimal performance
• Dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) and VLAN support
• Port mirroring and Syslog support for enhanced monitoring
• Email and SMS alert notifications for critical events
• Broadcast storm control and spanning tree protocols (STP & RSTP)
• DHCP server and relay support with static routing capabilities
• Uni-directional link detection (UDLD) and root/loop guard for network protection
• Role-based access control (RBAC) and push notifications for network management

Cisco MS355-24X-HW Meraki 24 Ports Managed Switch

The Cisco MS355-24X-HW Meraki Layer 3 Managed Switch 24 Ports is an advanced networking device engineered to deliver high-performance, reliable connectivity for medium to large enterprise networks. Designed as part of the Cisco Meraki portfolio, this switch integrates seamless cloud management, Layer 3 routing capabilities, and robust security features to ensure efficient network operations. With its 24 high-speed ports, the MS355-24X-HW supports a wide range of networking demands, from high-bandwidth applications to data-intensive workloads, providing businesses with a scalable and future-proof solution.

Advanced Layer 3 Features for Optimized Networking

The Cisco MS355-24X-HW is a Layer 3 managed switch, offering extensive routing capabilities that allow network administrators to segment traffic and optimize data flow. Its support for static routing, dynamic routing protocols, and advanced routing features ensures that network traffic is managed efficiently, reducing latency and preventing bottlenecks. This switch also facilitates inter-VLAN routing, enabling seamless communication between different network segments without requiring an external router, simplifying the network architecture and improving overall performance.

Static and Dynamic Routing Capabilities

Static routing in the MS355-24X-HW allows network engineers to define specific paths for data traffic, offering precise control over the network flow. Dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF and RIP, enable automatic route discovery and adjustment based on real-time network conditions. These features provide resilience and adaptability, allowing the switch to respond to network changes and maintain optimal connectivity for all connected devices.

Inter-VLAN Routing and Network Segmentation

Inter-VLAN routing is critical for enterprises that require multiple network segments to isolate departments, applications, or security zones. The MS355-24X-HW facilitates inter-VLAN communication, ensuring that traffic between different VLANs is efficiently routed without additional hardware. This capability enhances network performance, improves security, and simplifies the management of complex network infrastructures, making it ideal for enterprises with diverse networking requirements.

High-Performance Hardware Design

The hardware architecture of the Cisco MS355-24X-HW is optimized for high throughput and low latency. Equipped with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch supports high-speed data transfer and accommodates heavy network traffic without performance degradation. The device includes redundant power options and efficient cooling mechanisms, ensuring continuous operation even in demanding network environments. Its compact and robust form factor allows deployment in standard racks, optimizing space utilization in data centers and server rooms.

Port Configuration and Scalability

The 24 ports on the MS355-24X-HW support both copper and fiber connections, providing flexibility in network design. Each port delivers high bandwidth to accommodate modern applications such as cloud computing, video conferencing, and large file transfers. The switch also supports link aggregation, enabling multiple ports to function as a single high-speed link, enhancing network throughput and redundancy. Scalability is further improved by Meraki’s cloud-managed approach, allowing multiple switches to be monitored and configured centrally, simplifying network expansion and management.

Redundant Power and Cooling

Reliability is a cornerstone of the MS355-24X-HW design. Dual power supply support ensures uninterrupted operation in case of a power failure, while advanced thermal management prevents overheating. The efficient cooling system maintains optimal operating temperatures, prolonging hardware lifespan and ensuring consistent performance under heavy network loads. These features make the MS355-24X-HW suitable for mission-critical enterprise applications where downtime is not acceptable.

Cloud-Managed Networking with Cisco Meraki

The Cisco MS355-24X-HW is fully integrated with the Meraki cloud management platform, providing centralized control over the entire network infrastructure. Network administrators can monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the switch from anywhere through an intuitive web dashboard or mobile application. Real-time analytics and reporting features allow IT teams to gain actionable insights into network performance, detect potential issues, and implement proactive measures to maintain optimal network health.

Centralized Configuration and Monitoring

Through the Meraki cloud dashboard, administrators can configure multiple switches simultaneously, apply security policies, and monitor network performance in real-time. The intuitive interface simplifies complex networking tasks, reducing the need for on-site management. Administrators can also set up alerts and notifications to be immediately informed of any network anomalies, enabling fast response times and minimizing downtime.

Security and Compliance Features

Security is a critical consideration in modern networks, and the MS355-24X-HW provides comprehensive features to protect sensitive data. Integrated access control, firewall capabilities, and port-level security ensure that unauthorized access is prevented. The switch also supports advanced security protocols and can enforce network segmentation policies, safeguarding the network from internal and external threats. Compliance with industry standards ensures that enterprises can meet regulatory requirements while maintaining a secure and reliable network environment.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The Cisco MS355-24X-HW is designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping organizations reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The switch incorporates Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology, which reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity. Efficient cooling mechanisms and low-power components further enhance energy savings, making this switch an environmentally responsible choice for modern data centers and enterprise networks.

Intelligent Power Management

The MS355-24X-HW provides intelligent power allocation to connected devices, optimizing power usage based on actual demand. This feature ensures that critical devices receive sufficient power while minimizing wastage, improving overall energy efficiency. Network administrators can monitor power consumption through the Meraki cloud dashboard, allowing for better planning and management of network resources.

Sustainable Design Considerations

Cisco emphasizes sustainability in the design of the MS355-24X-HW, using recyclable materials and reducing the environmental footprint of its manufacturing processes. The combination of energy-efficient components, smart power management, and a focus on recyclability makes this switch an ideal solution for organizations looking to implement green IT practices without compromising on performance or reliability.

Ideal Applications for Cisco MS355-24X-HW

The Cisco MS355-24X-HW is suitable for a wide range of enterprise networking environments. Its high performance, Layer 3 capabilities, and cloud-managed features make it ideal for medium to large-scale offices, data centers, and campus networks. Organizations that require reliable inter-VLAN routing, high-speed connectivity, and simplified network management will benefit significantly from deploying this switch. Its advanced security and monitoring capabilities also make it suitable for industries with strict compliance and data protection requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and education.

Enterprise Offices and Campus Networks

For enterprise offices, the MS355-24X-HW provides the necessary bandwidth and reliability to support employee productivity, collaborative applications, and cloud services. Campus networks benefit from the switch’s scalability, inter-VLAN routing, and centralized management, enabling seamless communication across multiple buildings and departments while maintaining strict security controls.

Data Centers and High-Bandwidth Environments

In data center environments, the MS355-24X-HW ensures high throughput and low latency for critical applications and large-scale data transfers. Its redundancy, energy efficiency, and cloud-managed capabilities enable efficient operations and minimize downtime, making it a dependable choice for demanding IT infrastructures that require continuous availability and optimal performance.