C1000FE-24T-4G-L Cisco Ethernet Switch

Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series Fixed Ethernet Switches

The Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series represents a cornerstone of reliable, secure, and manageable access-layer switching for small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and campus environments. Designed to deliver robust Layer 2 switching with enterprise-class features at an affordable price point, this series empowers organizations to build a resilient network foundation. Within this esteemed series, the Cisco C1000FE-24T-4G-L stands out as a versatile and powerful 24-port model, expertly balancing performance, security, and operational simplicity to meet the evolving demands of modern connected workspaces.

Deep Dive: The Cisco C1000FE-24T-4G-L Model

The Cisco C1000FE-24T-4G-L is a 24-port 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet switch equipped with four dedicated 1 Gigabit Ethernet SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) uplink ports. The "L" in the model number signifies the inclusion of LAN Base software, which provides advanced Layer 2+ features crucial for intelligent traffic management and security. This configuration makes it an ideal aggregation point for desktops, IP phones, wireless access points, and servers, offering flexibility in connectivity with both copper (RJ-45) and fiber (SFP) uplink options.

Core Hardware Specifications & Architecture

Engineered for consistent performance, the switch's hardware architecture ensures non-blocking throughput for all ports simultaneously. The robust metal enclosure is designed for durability in varied deployment scenarios, from wiring closets to open office environments.

Port Configuration and Uplink Strategy

24 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 Ports: Auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps ports with IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE+) support on specific PoE models (note: the C1000FE-24T-4G-L is a non-PoE data switch).
4 x 1G SFP Uplink Ports: Provide critical flexibility for connecting to network core switches or servers over longer distances using fiber optic (e.g., SX, LX) or copper SFP modules, preventing uplink bottlenecks.

Performance and Switching Capacity

Switching Capacity: 56 Gbps
Forwarding Rate: Up to 41.7 Mpps (million packets per second)
MAC Address Table: 16,000 entries

Advanced Software Features (LAN Base Image)

The LAN Base software image elevates this switch beyond basic connectivity, offering features typically found in higher-end Catalyst switches.

Enhanced Layer 2+ Switching

Advanced QoS (Quality of Service): Supports classification, marking, policing, and scheduling based on IEEE 802.1p CoS, DSCP, and ACLs, ensuring priority for voice, video, and critical applications.
Comprehensive VLAN Support: Includes 802.1Q tagging, Voice VLAN, Private VLAN (PVLAN), and VLAN routing (static routing).
Resiliency with Spanning Tree: Full suite of IEEE 802.1D, 802.1w (Rapid STP), and 802.1s (Multiple STP) protocols for loop prevention and network reliability.

Network Security and Access Control

Port Security: Limits MAC addresses per port to prevent unauthorized access.
IEEE 802.1X Authentication: Provides dynamic, role-based access control for users and devices.
ACLs (Access Control Lists): Standard and extended IP ACLs for granular traffic filtering.
DHCP Snooping & IP Source Guard: Mitigate rogue DHCP server attacks and IP address spoofing.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The flexibility of the C1000FE-24T-4G-L makes it suitable for a wide array of networking environments, serving as the intelligent edge of the network.

Enterprise Branch Office or Small/Medium Business Core

In SMB or branch settings, this switch often acts as the main switching infrastructure. The 24 copper ports connect employee workstations, printers, and common area devices, while the SFP uplinks can be used to connect to an internet router/firewall or to link multiple switches in a distributed office without performance loss.

Campus Access Layer Switching

Within larger campus or education networks, multiple C1000FE-24T-4G-L switches can be deployed in wiring closets on each floor or building wing. They provide high-density Gigabit access to users, with the fiber uplinks aggregating traffic back to a central core switch over a high-speed fiber backbone, ensuring scalable performance.

Server Room or Light Data Center Aggregation

For small server clusters or storage arrays, the switch can provide reliable, low-latency connectivity. The four SFP ports allow for dedicated, high-throughput links to critical servers or storage devices, separating server traffic from general user data flows.

Management and Operational Efficiency

Cisco provides multiple intuitive management options to simplify deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting, reducing operational overhead.

Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst Center Integration

While the Catalyst 1000 Series can be managed individually, it gains immense power when integrated with Cisco's Catalyst Center (part of Cisco DNA). This enables centralized, intent-based management for automated provisioning, policy application, and assurance across the entire network fabric.

Standalone Management Options

For networks not utilizing a central controller, the switch offers versatile standalone management.

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

The industry-standard Cisco IOS CLI offers granular control for network administrators, with a consistent syntax across the vast Catalyst family, easing configuration and knowledge transfer.

Web-based Management (GUI)

An intuitive, built-in web interface allows for quick setup, real-time port monitoring, and basic configuration changes without requiring CLI expertise, perfect for smaller IT teams.

Network Plug-and-Play and Cisco Smart Licensing

Simplifies deployment with zero-touch provisioning. Smart Licensing streamlines software activation and management, providing visibility and compliance through the Cisco Software Central portal.

Comparing Within the Catalyst 1000 Family

Understanding where the C1000FE-24T-4G-L fits within the broader series helps in making the right selection for specific needs.

Key Differentiators from Other Models

vs. 8-port or 48-port Models: Offers a balanced port density for most office floors or midsize teams. The 48-port model suits denser deployments, while the 8-port is ideal for very small offices or remote locations.
vs. PoE Models (e.g., C1000-24P-4G-L): The non-PoE "FE" model is for data-only connections. For powering IP phones, wireless access points, or surveillance cameras, a PoE+ model is required.
vs. Lite Software Image: The "L" (LAN Base) offers advanced features like static routing, more advanced QoS, and enhanced security (ACLs, 802.1X) compared to the "S" (Standard) image, which provides essential Layer 2 features only.