C1000-24FP-4G-L Cisco Catalyst 1000-24FP 24-Ports Switch Managed Ethernet

Product Snapshot — Cisco Catalyst C1000-24FP-4G-L

The Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L (Catalyst 1000-24FP) is a compact, rack-mountable managed Ethernet switch designed for small-to-medium business networks that require reliable Gigabit connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support. Ideal for IP phones, wireless access points and surveillance cameras, this 24-port PoE+ switch delivers stable throughput with enterprise-grade manageability.

General Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model / Part number: C1000-24FP-4G-L
• Device category: Managed network switch / Gigabit Ethernet switch
• Enclosure: Rack-mountable

Technical Specifications

Ports & Interfaces

• 24 × 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 with PoE+ capability.
• 4 × 1000Base-X SFP slots for fiber uplinks or long-distance links.
• 1 × Management RJ-45 console port (out-of-band management).
• 1 × Mini-USB Type-B console and 1 × USB Type-A for configuration backups and upgrades.

PoE and Power

• PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) support — up to 15 W per powered port for cameras, phones, and APs.
• Centralized power management via the switch GUI/CLI for easier deployment of powered devices.

Key Advantages & Business Benefits

Performance and Reliability

• All 24 ports run at 10/100/1000 Mbps for full Gigabit performance.
• Four dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports for flexible fiber or long-reach links.
• ARM-based processor (800 MHz) for consistent packet handling and low latency.

Power and Flexibility

• PoE+ (up to 15 W per port) to power VoIP phones, APs, and cameras without separate power supplies.
• Rack-mountable enclosure for tidy wiring and data center / wiring closet installations.
• Compact managed switch that scales easily for branch offices and campus edge deployments.

Security & Protocols

Remote Management Options

• Web-based GUI (HTTP/HTTPS) for intuitive configuration and monitoring.
• Command-line access (CLI) via SSH, Telnet and console ports for advanced administration.
• SNMP v1/v2c/v3 and RMON (1 & 2) for network monitoring and telemetry integration.

Supported Networking Protocols

• IGMP and MLD/MLDv2 for multicast traffic handling and optimized streaming.
• STP, RSTP and MSTP for loop prevention and redundant link management.
• DHCP, NTP and ICMP for standard network services and diagnostics.
• Radius and TACACS+ for centralized authentication and role-based access control.

Security & Access Control

• Role-based authentication with Radius / TACACS+ integration.
• SSH and HTTPS for encrypted management sessions.
• Port-level control and ACL options to restrict traffic and protect critical assets.

Deployment Scenarios & Use Cases

• Small and medium business (SMB) office networks requiring PoE for IP devices.
• Branch offices or retail locations that need fiber uplinks and rack-mount form factor.
• Education and healthcare edge networks where managed features and multicast support matter.

Typical Applications

• Powering and connecting VoIP handsets and wireless access points.
• Feeding IP surveillance cameras with data and power over a single cable.
• Edge aggregation for campus wiring closets and small data rooms.

Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series Switches

The Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series represents a cornerstone of Cisco's access-layer switching portfolio, engineered to deliver robust, secure, and manageable connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices. Within this esteemed series, the Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L Catalyst 1000-24FP 24-Port Switch stands out as a particularly versatile model. It combines essential Layer 3 Lite features with the critical capability of PoE (Power over Ethernet) to create a unified platform for both data and device power. This switch is more than just a connectivity box; it's an intelligent network foundation designed to simplify operations, enhance security, and support the proliferating ecosystem of networked devices that define the modern workplace.

Deep Dive: The C1000-24FP-4G-L Model Specifications

Let's unpack the model number to understand its capabilities: C1000-24FP-4G-L. The "24" indicates 24 Ethernet ports. "FP" is key—it signifies that all 24 ports are Full PoE (PoE+) ports. The "4G" denotes four additional Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, providing flexible and high-bandwidth connections to your network core or WAN router. Finally, the "L" designates the LAN Base software image, which includes advanced Layer 3 Lite features. This configuration makes it an ideal all-in-one solution for powering and connecting critical infrastructure.

Port Configuration and Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The heart of this switch is its 24 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports. Each port supports IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) standards.

PoE Budget and Device Support

With a substantial total PoE power budget, this switch can simultaneously power a diverse array of devices. This includes ubiquitous business tools like IP phones and wireless access points, as well as advanced systems such as video surveillance cameras, building access control systems, and digital signage. The switch intelligently manages power allocation, ensuring connected devices receive the required wattage without manual intervention.

Uplink Flexibility

The four dedicated Gigabit SFP uplink ports offer significant design flexibility. Network administrators can use these fiber optic ports for long-distance, noise-immune connections to another switch or router. Alternatively, they can employ copper SFP modules for electrical uplinks. This flexibility allows for cost-effective network design and future-proofing.

Performance and Hardware Architecture

Built on Cisco's reliable switching ASIC technology, the C1000-24FP delivers wire-speed performance on all ports simultaneously. It features a high-performance switching fabric capable of handling the aggregated traffic of all 24 downlink and 4 uplink ports without congestion. The switch also includes energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) capabilities, reducing power consumption during periods of low data activity.

Advanced Management and Software Features (LAN Base Image)

The "L" in the model number unlocks a powerful set of management and routing features that go beyond basic Layer 2 switching.

Layer 3 Lite Functionality

This software image provides static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) capabilities. This means the switch can perform inter-VLAN routing, allowing different departmental networks (e.g., Finance, HR, Guest Wi-Fi) to communicate securely and efficiently without hair-pinning all traffic through a core router. This improves network performance and reduces latency for local traffic.

Key Routing Protocols Supported

While not a full dynamic routing platform, the support for static routing and RIP offers substantial flexibility for segmented network designs. Administrators can create precise routing paths and enable basic dynamic route learning between VLANs or small networks.

Comprehensive Security Suite

Security is integrated at multiple levels. The switch supports IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control (NAC), ensuring only authorized users and devices can connect. It also offers features like DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and IP Source Guard to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks and IP address spoofing.

Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Port Security

Granular security policies can be enforced using standard and extended ACLs, controlling traffic flow based on IP address, protocol, and port number. Port security allows administrators to limit the number of MAC addresses on a port or lock it to specific devices, preventing unauthorized network expansion.

Network Management Options

The Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L is designed for ease of management, catering to both CLI experts and GUI-oriented administrators.

Cisco DNA Center and Embedded Web UI

While it can be centrally managed by Cisco DNA Center for intent-based networking in larger deployments, it also includes a rich, intuitive embedded web interface (GUI). This allows for easy setup, configuration, and monitoring without requiring deep command-line knowledge. SNMPv3, Syslog, and NetFlow Lite support enable integration with existing network management systems.

SmartOperations for Simplified Deployment

Features under the SmartOperations umbrella, such as Auto Smartports and Auto Install, automate many configuration tasks. This drastically reduces setup time and potential for human error, getting the network operational faster.

Primary Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The versatility of the C1000-24FP-4G-L makes it suitable for a wide range of environments where reliable, powered connectivity is paramount.

Unified Business Office Deployment

In a typical office, this single switch can power all IP telephones and ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi access points, while also providing data connectivity to employee computers and shared printers. Its Layer 3 Lite capabilities allow for segmentation of voice, data, and guest traffic onto separate VLANs for improved performance and security.

Converged Network Benefits

By converging power and data on a single infrastructure, businesses eliminate the need for separate electrical outlets and adapters for PoE devices. This simplifies cable management, reduces clutter, and lowers overall installation costs.

Educational Institutions and Classrooms

Schools and universities benefit from its ability to power wireless access points in dense student environments, VoIP phones in classrooms and offices, and surveillance cameras for campus safety. The advanced security features help protect network resources and student data.

Integration and Compatibility

The Cisco C1000-24FP-4G-L is designed to seamlessly integrate into both greenfield and brownfield networks.

Interoperability with Existing Cisco Ecosystems

It operates flawlessly within a broader Cisco network, supporting Cisco EnergyWise for power management and compatible with Cisco FindIT for simplified discovery and management of small networks. Its CLI is consistent with other Cisco Catalyst switches, reducing training time for network staff.

Third-Party Device Compatibility

As a standards-based switch, it works perfectly with any IEEE 802.3af/at compliant PoE device, regardless of manufacturer. This ensures investment protection and flexibility in choosing endpoints like phones, cameras, and access points.

Scalability and Stacking Considerations

While the Catalyst 1000 series does not support traditional switch stacking, networks can be scaled by connecting multiple switches via their high-speed uplinks and managing them as a cluster through Cisco DNA Center or individually. For larger port-density needs, multiple units can be deployed in a daisy-chain or star topology.