C1000-8FP-2G-L Cisco Catalyst C1000 SFP 8-Port Managed Switch

Product Overview: Cisco C1000-8FP-2G-L Managed Switch

The Cisco C1000-8FP-2G-L Catalyst C1000 is a versatile rack-mountable switch designed for small to medium businesses. This fully managed networking device ensures high performance and reliability for enterprise-grade network environments.

Manufacturer and Model Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1000-8FP-2G-L
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable
• Network Type: Gigabit Ethernet

Key Specifications

Port Configuration

• 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports
• 2 x Combo Gigabit SFP uplinks

Interfaces and Connectivity Options

• 8 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 ports
• 2 x 1000Base-T/1000Base-X RJ-45/SFP uplink ports
• 1 x RJ-45 management port
• 1 x Mini-USB Type B port
• 1 x USB Type A port

Processor and Performance

• ARM-based processor with 800 MHz speed

Supported Routing and Network Protocols

• IGMP, MLDv2, MLD
• MSTP, RSTP, STP for spanning tree management

Remote Management and Monitoring

• SNMP v1, v2c, v3
• RMON 1 & RMON 2 monitoring
• Telnet and CLI access
• HTTP/HTTPS, TFTP, SSH, SSH-2 for secure management
• NTP, ICMP, DHCP support
• RADIUS and TACACS+ authentication

Advantages of the Cisco C1000-8FP-2G-L Switch

• Reliable performance for business networks
• Flexible uplink options for future scalability
• Comprehensive protocol support for seamless integration
• Advanced management features for easy network monitoring
• Compact rack-mountable design suitable for server rooms

Ideal Applications

• Small to medium enterprise networks
• Branch office networking solutions
• High-speed data transfer environments
• VoIP and video conferencing systems

Understanding the C1000-8FP-2G-L Model Designation

Decoding the model number provides immediate insight into the switch's capabilities: C1000 denotes the series; 8FP confirms eight (8) Fixed SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) fiber optic ports; 2G indicates two (2) additional 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet copper ports; and the suffix L specifies the LAN Base feature set. This configuration makes it an ideal uplink and aggregation switch, perfect for connecting to other switches, servers, or network core devices over longer distances using fiber cabling, while providing copper ports for local management or connecting key devices.

Technical Specifications and Hardware Architecture

At its core, the C1000-8FP-2G-L is engineered for performance and durability in commercial and light industrial settings. Its hardware is optimized for low latency, high-throughput switching.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

The port array is the defining characteristic of this model. The eight SFP ports support a wide range of Cisco SFP modules (both Gigabit and Fast Ethernet), enabling flexible fiber connections using multimode (MMF) or single-mode (SMF) fiber for distances ranging from 550 meters to over 80 kilometers. The two built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports provide copper connectivity for network management, connecting a wireless controller, or linking to a critical server. All ports offer auto-negotiation and auto-MDIX for simplified cabling.

SFP Transceiver Compatibility and Selection

Common SFP Module Options

To activate the fiber ports, appropriate SFP transceivers must be selected. Common choices include the GLC-SX-MMD (1000BASE-SX for MMF up to 550m), GLC-LH-SMD (1000BASE-LX/LH for SMF up to 10km), and GLC-ZX-SMD (1000BASE-ZX for SMF up to 80km). The switch supports both Cisco-branded and third-party compatible SFPs that meet the MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standard.

Link Distance and Cable Considerations

Successful deployment requires matching the SFP module to the correct fiber type and core diameter. Using a multimode SFP with single-mode fiber, or vice versa, will not work and may damage equipment. Proper calculation of link loss budget is essential for reliable operation over long distances.

Performance and Switching Capacity

The switch delivers non-blocking, wire-speed switching across all ports. With a forwarding rate of up to 14.9 Mpps (million packets per second) and a switching bandwidth of 20 Gbps, it ensures that latency-sensitive applications like voice and video experience minimal delay, even when all ports are operating at full capacity.

Form Factor and Physical Design

Housed in a sleek, fanless, and rugged metal enclosure, the C1000-8FP-2G-L is designed for silent operation, making it suitable for offices, classrooms, or retail environments. Its compact, 1RU rack-mountable design allows for efficient use of space in standard 19-inch equipment racks. The fanless architecture enhances reliability by eliminating a common point of mechanical failure.

Software Features and Management Capabilities

The "L" (LAN Base) software image provides a comprehensive set of Layer 2 and limited Layer 3 features, offering advanced management, security, and QoS controls beyond those of unmanaged or smart switches.

Layer 2 Switching and VLAN Support

The switch supports full IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, allowing for the creation of up to 255 VLANs to logically segment network traffic for security and performance. Features like Voice VLAN streamline the deployment of IP telephony by automatically prioritizing voice traffic. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP, MSTP) ensures loop-free redundant network topologies.

Advanced Switching Protocols

For enhanced resiliency and simplified management, the switch supports Cisco StackWise-160, allowing up to eight C1000 switches to be stacked as a single logical unit. It also features Flexible NetFlow for network traffic monitoring and analysis.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Traffic Prioritization

Sophisticated QoS mechanisms are critical for converged networks carrying data, voice, and video. The C1000-8FP-2G-L supports classification based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), and ACLs. It offers four hardware queues per port and supports weighted tail drop (WTD) and strict priority queuing, ensuring that real-time traffic like VoIP or video conferencing receives the necessary bandwidth and low latency.

Network Security Features

Security is built-in, not bolted-on. The switch offers a suite of features to protect the network infrastructure and data.

Access Control and Authentication

It supports IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, using a RADIUS server to validate users and devices before granting network access. MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) and web authentication provide flexibility for devices that don't support 802.1X. ACLs (Standard, Extended, and VLAN-based) offer precise control over traffic flows.

Network Threat Mitigation

Features like DHCP snooping prevent rogue DHCP server attacks. IP Source Guard blocks IP address spoofing. Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) adds a layer of security against ARP poisoning attacks. Port security limits the number of learned MAC addresses per port.

Primary Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The unique port configuration of the C1000-8FP-2G-L makes it exceptionally suited for specific roles within a network hierarchy.

Fiber Uplink/Aggregation Switch

In a distributed network with multiple wiring closets, this switch is an ideal aggregation point. Its eight SFP ports can connect via fiber to downstream access switches (like 24- or 48-port copper C1000 models) across a building or campus, consolidating traffic and providing high-speed backhaul to the network core. The two copper ports can be used for in-closet management or for connecting local servers.

Server Access or Data Center Edge Switch

For small server rooms or racks hosting critical applications, the switch provides dedicated, high-performance fiber connections to servers equipped with SFP network interface cards (NICs). This setup minimizes latency and electromagnetic interference, which is crucial for storage area networks (SAN) or virtualized server environments.

Backbone for CCTV and Security Systems

Modern IP-based surveillance systems with high-resolution cameras often utilize fiber for long-distance, high-bandwidth, and interference-free video transmission. The C1000-8FP-2G-L can act as the central networking hub for multiple fiber-connected cameras, aggregating video feeds and connecting to the network video recorder (NVR) via its copper ports.

Industrial and Harsh Environment Networking

While not fully hardened as an Industrial Ethernet Switch (IES), its fanless design, solid-state construction, and ability to use fiber (which is immune to electrical noise) make it a viable option for light industrial control networks, manufacturing floors, or outdoor cabinets where copper Ethernet might be susceptible to interference or surges.

Comparison with Related Models and Series

Understanding where the C1000-8FP-2G-L fits within Cisco's broader portfolio is key to making an informed selection.

Within the Catalyst C1000 Family

The C1000 series includes models with varying port densities and media types: all-copper (8 to 48 ports), combo copper/SFP (like the 24- or 48-port models with 4 SFP uplinks), and this all-fiber variant. Compared to the combo models, the 8FP provides a higher density of dedicated fiber ports, making it a purer aggregation device rather than an access switch with uplink capability.

Versus Cisco Catalyst 2960-L Series

The older 2960-L series is a close predecessor. The C1000 series generally offers more modern features, including support for StackWise-160 (vs. StackWise-80), higher stacking bandwidth, and a more streamlined IOS. The C1000 also provides a clearer path for software updates and support.

Versus Cisco Small Business SG Series

Cisco's SG series offers cost-effective managed switching. However, the Catalyst C1000, including the 8FP-2G-L, runs classic Cisco IOS, offering a deeper feature set, greater robustness, tighter integration with other Cisco enterprise products (like wireless controllers and ISE), and is typically favored by network professionals already skilled in Cisco CLI.