SRW224G4-K9-NA Cisco Ethernet Switch (24 Ports)

Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA Managed Ethernet Switch Overview

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA is a professionally engineered managed Ethernet switch designed to support growing network infrastructures. Built within the Catalyst 300 Series, this switch delivers reliable connectivity, scalable port options, and advanced management features suitable for enterprise, SMB, and branch-office deployments.

Core Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: SRW224G4-K9-NA
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 24-Port Ethernet Platform

Network Interfaces and Port Architecture

Ethernet Connectivity Options

• 24 Fast Ethernet ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports for high-bandwidth backbone links
• 2 dedicated Gigabit Ethernet ports reserved for network management
• Total of 28 Ethernet interfaces for flexible network design

Expansion and Media Flexibility

• 2 integrated SFP expansion slots
• Shared SFP functionality for adaptable port usage
• Compatibility with both copper and fiber-optic cabling

Performance Metrics and Switching Capacity

High-Speed Data Handling

• Switching throughput up to 12.8 Gbps
• Packet forwarding rate of 9.52 million packets per second
• Optimized for 64-byte packet processing efficiency

Supported Ethernet Technologies

• Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet support
• Network standards including 10/100/1000Base-T
• Backward compatibility with 10/100Base-TX environments

Management Capabilities and Network Control

Advanced Manageability Features

• Fully manageable switch architecture
• Command-line and web-based configuration access
• Support for SNMP-based monitoring and control

Management and Monitoring Protocols

• SNMP versions 1, 2c, and 3
• RMON groups 1, 2, 3, and 9
• Secure and remote access via Telnet, SSH, HTTP, and HTTPS

Routing and Traffic Handling

• Static IPv4 routing support
• Optimized for segmented and VLAN-based networks

Memory Resources and Firmware Storage

Hardware Memory Configuration

• 128 MB of system RAM for efficient packet processing
• 16 MB of onboard flash memory for firmware and configuration storage

Power Input and Environmental Tolerance

Electrical Specifications

• Input voltage range from 110V to 220V AC
• Internal power supply for simplified installation

Operating and Storage Conditions

• Operational temperature range: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
• Storage temperature tolerance: -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
• Operating humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing
• Storage humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing

Security Framework and Compliance Standards

Built-In Network Security

• SSL encryption for secure management sessions
• Authentication via SSH, RADIUS, and TACACS+

Industry Standards and Protocol Support

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3ab Ethernet standards
• VLAN and traffic prioritization with 802.1Q and 802.1p
• Spanning Tree Protocol variants: 802.1D, 802.1w, and 802.1s
• Link aggregation support using 802.3ad (LACP)
• Flow control and access control via 802.3x and 802.1x

Managed Ethernet Switching for Small and Medium Business Networks

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA 24 Ports Ethernet Switch belongs to a category of managed Ethernet switches designed to deliver dependable Layer 2 networking for small and medium-sized business environments. This category focuses on providing a balance between enterprise-grade reliability and simplified management, allowing organizations to deploy stable network infrastructures without the complexity or cost associated with large-scale enterprise switching platforms. Managed Ethernet switches in this segment are widely adopted in office networks, branch locations, educational institutions, and retail environments where consistent connectivity, traffic control, and network visibility are essential.

This category emphasizes enhanced control over network traffic compared to unmanaged switches, enabling administrators to configure VLANs, monitor port activity, apply security policies, and optimize bandwidth usage. The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA model specifically represents a 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with additional uplink capabilities, making it a practical solution for growing networks that require both scalability and performance. Devices in this category are often deployed at the access layer, serving end-user devices such as workstations, IP phones, wireless access points, and printers.

24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Architecture

The 24-port Gigabit Ethernet architecture defines a core characteristic of this switch category, delivering high-speed connectivity across all standard network ports. Each port supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds, enabling fast data transfer for bandwidth-intensive applications such as file sharing, VoIP communications, and cloud-based services. This architecture ensures that multiple devices can operate simultaneously without congestion, supporting modern workloads that rely on consistent throughput.

Switches within this category are engineered to maintain non-blocking performance across all ports, allowing full-duplex communication and minimizing latency. The SRW224G4-K9-NA exemplifies this design by offering sufficient switching capacity to handle peak traffic loads, making it suitable for offices with dozens of connected endpoints. This architecture also supports auto-negotiation and backward compatibility with Fast Ethernet devices, ensuring seamless integration into mixed-speed environments.

Integrated Gigabit Uplink Capability

An important aspect of this category is the inclusion of dedicated uplink ports designed to connect the switch to upstream network devices such as routers, core switches, or servers. Gigabit uplinks provide higher bandwidth pathways for aggregated traffic, reducing bottlenecks when multiple access ports transmit data simultaneously. This design enables efficient traffic flow between network segments and external networks.

The presence of multiple uplink interfaces in the Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA supports flexible network topologies, allowing administrators to configure redundant connections or segmented uplinks for improved performance and resilience. This capability is particularly valuable in growing networks where future expansion is anticipated, as it simplifies scaling without requiring immediate hardware replacement.

Layer 2 Managed Switching Capabilities

This category of Ethernet switches is defined by comprehensive Layer 2 management features that enhance control, security, and performance. Managed switching capabilities allow administrators to define how traffic flows across the network, isolate sensitive data, and enforce organizational policies. The SRW224G4-K9-NA supports standard Layer 2 protocols that are widely used in professional networking environments.

Layer 2 management includes support for VLAN configuration, MAC address tables, port-based settings, and traffic monitoring. These features enable logical segmentation of the network, improving both security and efficiency. By separating departments or device types into distinct VLANs, organizations can reduce broadcast traffic and prevent unauthorized access between network segments.

Virtual LAN Configuration and Traffic Segmentation

Virtual LAN functionality is a cornerstone of managed Ethernet switch categories, allowing multiple logical networks to coexist on the same physical infrastructure. VLAN support enables administrators to group devices based on function, department, or security requirements, regardless of their physical location. This approach simplifies network design while improving control and scalability.

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA supports VLAN tagging and port-based VLAN assignments, making it suitable for environments that require segmented traffic flows. This capability is particularly beneficial in offices with shared infrastructure, where separating voice, data, and management traffic can enhance performance and security.

Spanning Tree and Loop Prevention

Network stability is a critical concern addressed by this switch category through support for Spanning Tree Protocol and related loop prevention mechanisms. These features protect the network from broadcast storms and unintended loops that can occur in environments with redundant links. Managed switches automatically detect and disable redundant paths while maintaining alternative routes for failover.

By supporting industry-standard loop prevention protocols, the SRW224G4-K9-NA ensures consistent uptime and predictable behavior in complex network topologies. This capability is especially valuable in growing networks where additional switches may be added over time, increasing the risk of accidental loops.

Quality of Service for Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service functionality is a defining attribute of managed Ethernet switch categories, enabling prioritization of critical network traffic. This ensures that time-sensitive applications such as voice over IP and video conferencing receive sufficient bandwidth and minimal latency. QoS mechanisms classify and queue traffic based on predefined rules, maintaining service quality even during periods of congestion.

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA supports QoS features that allow administrators to identify high-priority traffic and allocate resources accordingly. This capability is essential in modern business environments where unified communications and cloud services coexist with general data traffic.

Support for Voice and Multimedia Applications

Managed switches in this category are designed to accommodate converged networks where voice, video, and data share the same infrastructure. QoS settings enable the switch to recognize voice packets and ensure they are transmitted with minimal delay. This results in clearer calls and smoother multimedia experiences for end users.

The ability to support voice VLANs and prioritize multimedia traffic makes the SRW224G4-K9-NA suitable for offices deploying IP telephony systems. This integration reduces the need for separate voice networks, simplifying deployment and management.

Security Features and Access Control

Security is a central consideration in the design of managed Ethernet switch categories. These switches provide mechanisms to control access, monitor activity, and protect the network from unauthorized devices. The SRW224G4-K9-NA includes security features that help organizations maintain network integrity without requiring complex external appliances.

Managed switches support port-based access control, MAC address filtering, and network monitoring capabilities. These features allow administrators to restrict which devices can connect to the network and to detect unusual activity. Such controls are essential for protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Port Management and Monitoring

Port-level management enables granular control over each network connection. Administrators can enable or disable ports, set speed and duplex parameters, and monitor usage statistics. This visibility helps identify performance issues and unauthorized connections, improving overall network reliability.

The SRW224G4-K9-NA provides detailed port information through its management interface, allowing network staff to quickly diagnose issues and optimize configurations. This capability reduces downtime and supports proactive maintenance.

Physical Design and Deployment Flexibility

The physical design of switches in this category reflects the needs of business environments, offering compact form factors suitable for rack mounting or desktop placement. Durable construction ensures reliable operation in office settings, while efficient cooling designs maintain performance during continuous operation.

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA is engineered for straightforward installation, supporting standard rack-mount configurations. This flexibility allows deployment in network closets, server rooms, or branch offices without specialized infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency and Operational Reliability

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in network equipment categories. Managed Ethernet switches are designed to balance performance with power consumption, supporting sustainable IT practices. Efficient power usage reduces operational costs and minimizes heat output.

The SRW224G4-K9-NA incorporates energy-conscious design principles that help organizations maintain reliable network services while managing power consumption. This focus on efficiency supports long-term operational stability.

Use Cases and Application Scenarios

This category of 24-port managed Ethernet switches is well suited for a wide range of application scenarios. Small and medium-sized offices rely on these switches to connect workstations, servers, and network peripherals. Educational institutions deploy them in classrooms and administrative offices to support learning platforms and administrative systems.

Retail environments benefit from the reliability and segmentation capabilities of managed switches, enabling secure separation of point-of-sale systems and guest networks. The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA supports these diverse use cases by providing consistent performance and manageable complexity.

Scalability for Growing Networks

Scalability is a defining advantage of managed Ethernet switch categories. As organizations expand, these switches can be integrated into larger network architectures without significant reconfiguration. VLANs, uplinks, and management features support gradual growth while maintaining control.

The SRW224G4-K9-NA offers a foundation for scalable network design, allowing businesses to add devices and segments as needed. This adaptability protects the initial investment and supports evolving operational requirements.

Integration with Cisco Networking Ecosystems

Switches in this category are designed to integrate seamlessly with broader networking ecosystems, particularly those built around Cisco technologies. Compatibility with industry standards ensures interoperability with routers, firewalls, and wireless access points from various vendors.

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA benefits from Cisco’s extensive networking expertise, offering predictable behavior and robust feature support. This integration simplifies network design and promotes consistent performance across the infrastructure.

Standards Compliance and Interoperability

Adherence to Ethernet and networking standards is a critical attribute of managed switch categories. Standards compliance ensures that devices can communicate effectively and reliably, regardless of vendor. This interoperability reduces deployment risks and enhances long-term flexibility.

The SRW224G4-K9-NA conforms to widely adopted networking standards, making it a dependable choice for mixed-vendor environments. This compliance supports smooth integration and future upgrades.

Reliability and Long-Term Network Stability

Reliability is a core expectation for managed Ethernet switches used in business environments. This category emphasizes stable operation, consistent performance, and robust hardware design. Reliable switching infrastructure supports productivity and minimizes downtime.

The Cisco SRW224G4-K9-NA is built to deliver dependable service over extended periods, making it suitable for continuous operation. Its design supports predictable network behavior, which is essential for mission-critical applications.

Support for Continuous Business Operations

Continuous operation requires network components that can handle sustained traffic loads without degradation. Managed switches in this category are engineered to maintain performance under varying conditions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

By offering reliable hardware and comprehensive management features, the SRW224G4-K9-NA supports business continuity and helps organizations maintain efficient network operations.