C1000-8T-E-2G-L Cisco Catalyst 8 Ports Managed Switch

Product Overview of C1000-8T-E-2G-L Cisco 8 Ports Switch

The Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L Catalyst Managed Switch is a reliable and high-performance networking solution designed for small to medium-sized business environments. Built with enterprise-grade features, this compact switch delivers secure connectivity, simplified management, and scalable performance for modern networks.

General Specifications

• Brand: Cisco Systems
• Model / Part Number: C1000-8T-E-2G-L
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable design
• Switch Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet

Port Configuration

This Cisco Catalyst switch offers flexible port options to ensure seamless data transmission and efficient uplink connectivity.

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

Interface Options

Network Interfaces

• 8 x 1000Base-T RJ-45 Ethernet ports
• 2 x 1000Base-T / 1000Base-X RJ-45 or SFP uplink ports

Management Interfaces

• 1 x RJ-45 management port
• 1 x Mini-USB Type-B console port
• 1 x USB Type-A port

Performance and Hardware

Processing Power

Powered by a robust ARM-based processor, this managed switch ensures smooth packet handling and dependable network performance.

• ARM processor clocked at 800 MHz

Routing and Switching Capabilities

Supported Routing Protocols

• IGMP
• MLD and MLDv2
• STP, RSTP, and MSTP

Advanced Management and Security

Remote Management Protocols

The Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L provides extensive remote management and monitoring features, allowing administrators to maintain full control of the network.

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• RMON 1 and RMON 2
• Telnet and Secure Shell (SSH, SSH-2)
• HTTP management interface
• TFTP support
• CLI-based administration
• NTP for time synchronization
• ICMP and DHCP services
• AAA security with TACACS+ and RADIUS

Core Architectural Advantages for Business Networks

Built on Cisco's reliable switching architecture, the C1000-8T-E-2G-L is designed for continuous operation. It features a non-blocking switching fabric, ensuring all ports can forward traffic at full wire speed simultaneously without packet loss—a critical requirement for bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing, virtual desktops, and real-time data backup. The switch supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, allowing network administrators to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic (e.g., voice and video) over standard data, ensuring crystal-clear communications and a consistent user experience. Furthermore, its energy-efficient Ethernet capabilities help reduce power consumption by automatically adjusting energy use based on cable length and link status, contributing to lower operational costs and supporting sustainability goals.

Detailed Feature Set and Technical Specifications

Delving deeper into the technical profile of the Cisco Catalyst C1000-8T-E-2G-L reveals a feature-rich device designed for simplicity and control. The "Enhanced" (E) software image unlocks a comprehensive suite of management, security, and Layer 3 features that go beyond basic connectivity, positioning this switch as a intelligent node in the network.

Hardware Port Configuration and Uplink Flexibility

The physical design centers on 8 auto-sensing RJ-45 ports that automatically negotiate speed (10/100/1000 Mbps) and duplex, simplifying cabling and device onboarding. The two built-in Gigabit SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) uplink slots are a pivotal feature, providing fiber connectivity options for extending network reach over long distances, connecting to other switches, or aggregating traffic to a core switch or router. This flexibility allows businesses to use cost-effective copper for desktop connections while utilizing high-performance fiber for backbone links, all within a single, compact switch.

Performance and Switching Capacity

Backplane Bandwidth and Forwarding Rates

With a total switching capacity of 20 Gbps, the switch ensures ample headroom for inter-port communication and uplink saturation. It is capable of forwarding up to 14.88 million packets per second (Mpps), enabling it to handle high volumes of small packets common in transactional and real-time environments without introducing buffering delays.

MAC Address Table and Jumbo Frame Support

The switch maintains a robust MAC address table of 8,000 entries, efficiently learning and forwarding traffic in Layer 2 domains. Support for jumbo frames (up to 9KB) enhances performance for data-intensive applications like network-attached storage (NAS) backups or large file transfers by reducing processor overhead and increasing throughput efficiency.

Enhanced Software Capabilities and Management

The "Enhanced" software image is what transforms this hardware into a smart, secure network device. It provides advanced feature sets typically found in higher-end switches, making it suitable for more complex network roles.

Comprehensive Layer 3 Routing Features

Unlike basic Layer 2 switches, the C1000-8T-E-2G-L supports static IP routing. This allows the switch to route traffic between different VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) internally, improving network efficiency by reducing the need to send inter-VLAN traffic to an external router. This capability, known as inter-VLAN routing, minimizes latency and offloads work from core routers.

Advanced Security and Access Control

Security is multi-layered. It includes robust IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, which validates users and devices before granting network access. Complementary features like MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) and Web Authentication provide flexibility for devices that don't support 802.1X. Access Control Lists (ACLs) allow granular control over traffic flows, permitting or denying traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports. DHCP snooping prevents rogue DHCP server attacks, while IP Source Guard blocks IP address spoofing, creating a hardened network edge.

Resiliency and High Availability Protocols

For network uptime, the switch supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP (RSTP), and Multiple STP (MSTP) to prevent loops and provide redundant path recovery. Cisco's FlexLinks offer an easy-to-configure alternative to STP for active/standby uplink failover, providing sub-second convergence. Additionally, the switch supports StackPower for power sharing between compatible switches and dual redundant power supply capabilities, further enhancing reliability.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L makes it suitable for a wide array of business environments, serving as a powerful workgroup or access layer switch.

Ideal for Small to Medium Business (SMB) Core/Edge

In a small to medium-sized office, this 8-port switch can act as the central connectivity hub, connecting desktop computers, IP phones, wireless access points, and servers. Its Layer 3 Lite capabilities allow for the creation of secure departmental VLANs (e.g., separating finance, HR, and general staff traffic) while still permitting controlled communication between them, all from a single device. The robust security features protect sensitive business data from internal and external threats.

Branch Office and Remote Office Connectivity

For distributed enterprises, deploying this switch in a branch office ensures consistent, policy-enforced connectivity. The SFP uplinks can connect via fiber to an on-site router or back to headquarters over a WAN link. Features like QoS ensure that business-critical applications like ERP or VoIP receive priority over web browsing, optimizing the limited WAN bandwidth typical in remote locations.

Specialized Environments: Retail, Education, and Healthcare

In retail, it can connect point-of-sale systems, inventory kiosks, and security cameras, with QoS prioritizing transaction data. In classrooms or labs, it provides reliable connectivity for students and faculty, with port security features preventing unauthorized devices from joining the network. In clinics or small medical practices, the switch can help segment patient record systems from guest networks, aiding in compliance with data protection regulations.

Management and Operational Simplicity

Cisco provides multiple intuitive management options to suit different skill levels and operational preferences, reducing the total cost of ownership.

Cisco Business Dashboard and DNA Center Integration

For cloud-based management, the switch is compatible with the Cisco Business Dashboard (for SMBs) and can be centrally managed via Cisco DNA Center in larger, more automated enterprise environments. These platforms enable zero-touch provisioning, network-wide monitoring, automated troubleshooting, and policy consistency across hundreds of devices from a single pane of glass.

Traditional Management Interfaces

For on-premises management, the switch offers a familiar, embedded web interface (GUI) for browser-based configuration. For network professionals, a full-featured Command Line Interface (CLI) accessed via console port, Telnet, or SSH provides precise control and is consistent with other Cisco Catalyst switches, easing administrator training. SNMP v1/v2c/v3 support enables integration with existing network monitoring systems like SolarWinds, PRTG, or Nagios.