C1000-24FP-4X-L Cisco Catalyst 24 Ports Managed Switch

Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst C1000-24FP-4X-L is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized business networks. Built under the trusted Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series, this switch delivers reliable connectivity, advanced Layer 2 features, and efficient Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support for modern networking environments.

General Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1000-24FP-4X-L
• Product Family: Catalyst
• Series: 1000 Series
• Device Type: Managed Ethernet Switch

Ports and Connectivity

This Cisco managed switch is engineered to provide flexible and scalable network connectivity, making it ideal for enterprise-grade access networks.

Network Interfaces

• 24 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ ports
• 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports
• Supports modular uplink configuration
• Uplink port support for high-speed data transfer

Port and Slot Details

• Total network ports: 24
• Total expansion slots: 4
• Expansion slot type: SFP+
• Number of SFP+ slots: 4

Management and Layer Support

• Fully manageable switch
• Supports Layer 2 switching capabilities
• Ideal for VLANs, access control, and traffic optimization

Performance and Networking Standards

The Catalyst C1000-24FP-4X-L ensures high-speed data handling with support for both copper and fiber media types.

Supported Media Types

• Twisted Pair cabling
• Optical Fiber connectivity

Ethernet and Network Technologies

• Gigabit Ethernet
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• 10/100/1000Base-T
• 10GBase-X

Power and Reliability

Power Configuration

• Integrated power supply
• Supports PoE+ for powering network devices

Hardware Architecture and Physical Port Configuration

The physical design of the C1000-24FP-4X-L is optimized for density, power efficiency, and flexible deployment in wiring closets or desktop settings.

Front-Panel Port Matrix and Uplink Strategy

The switch presents a clean, organized front panel. The 24 RJ-45 Fast Ethernet PoE ports are grouped, with each port capable of delivering up to 15.4W of power per the IEEE 802.3af standard. This allows for the simultaneous operation of a diverse ecosystem of powered devices. The four SFP uplink ports are a standout feature, offering a significant bandwidth advantage over traditional copper Gigabit uplinks. They provide the flexibility to use either short-range or long-range SFP modules (sold separately) to connect over multi-mode or single-mode fiber, enabling connectivity over distances from 100 meters to tens of kilometers, or via 1G copper SFPs for short-haul connections.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The integrated PoE is a major driver for this switch category. It simplifies network architecture by eliminating the need for separate power injectors and local power outlets for endpoint devices.

PoE Budget and Management

The switch includes an internal power supply with a specific total PoE power budget (e.g., 370W, model dependent). This budget must be managed across all 24 ports. The switch intelligently allocates power based on the connected device's negotiated requirement and can prioritize power delivery to critical devices, like phones or security cameras, in the event of a power budget shortfall. This is managed via Cisco's Universal PoE technology.

Chassis Design and Deployment Considerations

Built with a sturdy, fan-less or quiet-fan (depending on model variant) design, the switch is suitable for office environments where noise is a concern. Its standard 1U rack-mountable form factor ensures it fits seamlessly into existing network racks. Robust LED indicators provide clear visibility into port status, link activity, PoE status, and system health.

Software Features and Intelligent Management

Beyond hardware, the value of the C1000-24FP-4X-L is unlocked through its comprehensive software suite, dictated by the included Network Essentials license.

Layer 2 Switching and VLAN Architecture

The switch provides full Layer 2 switching capabilities with a high-performance switching fabric. It supports IEEE 802.1Q VLANs for logical network segmentation, enhancing security and broadcast domain control. Features like VLAN Trunking, Private VLANs (PVLANs), and Dynamic VLAN Assignment are supported, allowing for sophisticated network designs that isolate traffic between departments, guests, and devices.

Spanning Tree Protocol Robustness

To ensure a loop-free and resilient network topology, the switch supports multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) variants: Rapid PVST+ (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus) and MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol). This allows for fast convergence and load balancing across multiple VLANs, minimizing network downtime in the event of a link failure.

Layer 3 Lite Routing with Network Essentials

The "L" (Network Essentials) license enables what Cisco terms "Layer 3 Lite" functionality. This includes static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) for basic inter-VLAN routing. Instead of requiring a dedicated router to pass traffic between VLANs, this switch can perform that function internally, improving performance and reducing network complexity and cost. For example, traffic from the "Guest" VLAN to the "Corporate" VLAN can be controlled via a static route and accompanying Access Control Lists (ACLs).

Comprehensive Security Posture

Security is integrated at multiple levels within the switch's operating system, Cisco IOS XE.

Access Control and Authentication

The switch supports IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control (NAC), ensuring only authorized users and devices can connect to the network. It can act as both an authenticator and, in conjunction with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), as part of a larger policy ecosystem. Features like MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) cater to devices that cannot support 802.1X, such as printers or legacy IP phones.

ACLs and Storm Control

Standard and Extended IPv4 Access Control Lists (ACLs) allow administrators to filter traffic with granular precision, permitting or denying traffic based on source/destination IP, protocol, and port. Broadcast, multicast, and unicast storm control features prevent traffic storms from degrading switch performance, often caused by malfunctioning network interface cards (NICs) or malicious attacks.

Device Hardening and Management Security

The switch offers SSHv2, SNMPv3, and HTTPS/SSL for encrypted management access, protecting credentials and configuration data in transit. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) limits administrative functions based on user roles. Features like DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) work in concert to mitigate common LAN attacks like ARP spoofing and IP address theft.

Use Cases and Ideal Deployment Scenarios

The specific blend of Fast Ethernet PoE and Gigabit fiber uplinks makes the C1000-24FP-4X-L ideal for several common scenarios.

Modern VoIP Telephony Deployment

In an office deploying Cisco or other standard-based IP phones, this switch provides both data connectivity and power to each desktop phone. The phone, in turn, often has a built-in switch port to daisy-chain a computer. The four SFP uplinks provide ample, high-speed backhaul for the aggregated voice and data traffic to the network core.

Distributed Wireless Access Point Deployment

For businesses using enterprise-grade wireless access points (like Cisco Catalyst or Meraki APs), this switch is a perfect power source and aggregation point. It can power multiple APs simultaneously while using its Layer 3 Lite features to segment wireless traffic (e.g., employee vs. guest Wi-Fi) and route it appropriately.

Lightweight Surveillance Networks

A small to medium-sized IP surveillance system, comprising several PoE-powered security cameras, can be centrally powered and connected by this switch. The fiber uplinks are particularly advantageous here, as they allow the switch (and cameras) to be located far from the main network room, immune to electrical interference that can affect copper cables.