C1000FE-24P-4G-L Cisco Catalyst 1000 Switch, Managed, 24 FE Ports PoE+

Product Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series switch C1000FE-24P-4G-L is a reliable, fully managed network switch designed for small to medium-sized business environments. It delivers stable connectivity, advanced power management, and enterprise-grade performance, making it ideal for modern networking needs.

General Specifications

Manufacturer Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1000FE-24P-4G-L
• Device Category: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable chassis

Port Configuration and Connectivity

Fast Ethernet Access Ports

• 24 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet ports
• PoE+ enabled ports for powering IP phones, access points, and cameras

Uplink Interfaces

• 2 x Combo uplink ports (SFP or RJ-45)
• 2 x Dedicated SFP (Mini-GBIC) uplink ports

Power Management Capabilities

Power over Ethernet Support

• Advanced PoE+ technology for efficient device power delivery
• Total power budget of up to 195 Watts

Power Supply Details

• Internal AC power supply
• Input voltage support: 120V / 230V
• Frequency range: 50/60 Hz

Key Features and Advantages

Performance and Reliability

• Optimized traffic handling for consistent network performance
• High-speed uplinks for seamless data transmission

Deployment Flexibility

• Rack-ready design for easy installation
• Suitable for enterprise, SMB, and branch office networks

Enhanced Network Efficiency

• Managed switch functionality for better control and monitoring
• PoE+ support reduces cabling and infrastructure costs

Deep Dive: The C1000FE-24P-4G-L Model Specification

This specific model is engineered for environments demanding high-density Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+) connectivity alongside resilient uplink options. Its configuration is meticulously planned to support modern digital workspaces and IoT deployments.

Core Port Architecture and Power Budget

The switch's hardware configuration is its defining characteristic, built to address specific connectivity and power challenges.

24-Port 10/100BASE-TX with PoE+

At its heart are 24 Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) RJ45 ports, each capable of delivering IEEE 802.3at PoE+ power. With a substantial total PoE budget of 195 watts, this switch can simultaneously power a diverse array of devices. For instance, it can support a mix of 24 standard VoIP phones (approx. 7W each), or a combination of 12 high-performance wireless access points (approx. 15W each) and 10 pan-tilt-zoom security cameras, providing immense flexibility for network planners. The auto-sensing PoE functionality eliminates the need for separate power injectors and complex cabling, dramatically simplifying installations and reducing costs.

4 x 1G SFP Uplink Ports

The inclusion of four dedicated Gigabit Ethernet SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) uplink ports is a significant advantage. These ports allow for high-speed, fiber-optic or copper connections to the network core or aggregation layer, preventing the 10/100 access ports from becoming a bottleneck for aggregated uplink traffic. This design facilitates reliable, high-bandwidth backhaul for traffic from connected devices, ensuring smooth performance for bandwidth-intensive applications and inter-VLAN routing. The flexibility to choose SFP modules (like GLC-LH-SMD for long-distance fiber or GLC-T for copper) enables tailored solutions for varied physical network topologies.

Advanced Software Features and Manageability

Beyond hardware, the Catalyst 1000 Series is defined by its comprehensive, business-class software suite, bringing enterprise-level features to the access edge.

Comprehensive Layer 2 Management

As a fully managed switch, the C1000FE-24P-4G-L provides complete control over network traffic, performance, and configuration. It supports essential protocols such as IEEE 802.1Q VLAN for segmenting network traffic, IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for loop prevention and network resilience, and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for bundling multiple ports into a single logical link, enhancing bandwidth and redundancy.

Enhanced Security Posture

Security is integrated at multiple levels. Features include IEEE 802.1X port-based network access control (NAC) for authenticating devices and users, Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular traffic filtering, and DHCP snooping to prevent rogue DHCP server attacks. Port security limits MAC address learning, and Storm Control protects against broadcast, multicast, or unicast traffic storms that can cripple a network.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Critical Applications

The switch employs sophisticated QoS mechanisms to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic like voice and video. It can classify traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 (TCP/UDP ports) information, then place it into distinct queues. This ensures that a video conference call or VoIP connection remains crystal clear even during periods of heavy network file transfers or backups, optimizing the user experience and application performance.

Power over Ethernet (PoE+) Capabilities Elaborated

The PoE+ functionality is not merely a checklist feature; it is a transformative technology that reshapes network design and device deployment.

Intelligent Power Management

The switch offers advanced PoE management tools. Administrators can set per-port power limits, prioritize which ports receive power in the event of a budget oversubscription (PoE priority), and remotely cycle power to connected devices—a valuable tool for troubleshooting unresponsive IP cameras or access points without a physical visit. The 195W budget is managed dynamically, allocating only the power requested by each connected device.

Deployment Scenarios

The C1000FE-24P-4G-L finds its optimal fit in scenarios where a blend of high-density PoE, managed services, and reliable connectivity is paramount.

Small to Medium Business (SMB) Office

In a typical SMB, the switch can connect and power all employee desktops (via the FE ports), provide backhaul for a full wireless coverage blanket, and support a modern phone system—all from a single, manageable device in the wiring closet. Its robust security features protect sensitive business data from internal and external threats.

Educational Institutions and Classrooms

Schools and universities benefit from its ability to power access points in libraries and dormitories, connect teacher PCs and student terminals in computer labs, and support IP cameras for campus safety. The VLAN support allows for segmentation of administrative, student, and guest networks on the same physical hardware.

Retail and Hospitality Branches

For retail stores or hotel branches, this switch can manage point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking devices, guest Wi-Fi access points, and digital signage/IPTV systems. PoE+ simplifies the deployment of security cameras at entrances, cash registers, and stock rooms.

Comparison and Positioning

Understanding where this model sits relative to other options clarifies its unique value proposition.

Within the Catalyst 1000 Family

The C1000FE-24P-4G-L occupies a distinct niche: it is the high-POE-budget model with Fast Ethernet access ports and Gigabit fiber uplinks. It contrasts with models like the C1000-24P-4G-L (which has Gigabit access ports) or the C1000-24T-4G-L (which has no PoE). The choice of FE vs. GE access ports makes it a cost-optimized solution for environments where end-devices (like many VoIP phones, basic sensors, or legacy systems) do not require Gigabit speeds, but where uplink capacity and PoE are critical.

Against Unmanaged and Smart Switches

Compared to unmanaged or basic smart switches, this Catalyst model offers vastly superior control, visibility, and security. While unmanaged switches provide simple connectivity, the C1000FE-24P-4G-L enables network optimization, troubleshooting, policy enforcement, and integration with larger network management systems like Cisco DNA Center.