C1200-8P-E-2G Cisco Catalyst 1200 Layer 3 Manageable 8 Ports Ethernet Switch

Product Highlights: Cisco Catalyst 1200 Series Switch

The Cisco C1200-8P-E-2G is a high-performance Layer 3 manageable Ethernet switch designed for modern network environments. Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, this switch ensures reliable connectivity, enhanced security, and efficient power management.

Manufacturer Details and Model Identification

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1200-8P-E-2G
• Device Category: Network Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable

Core Features and Specifications

Performance and Processing

• Data Speed: 1 Gbps
• Protocol Supported: Gigabit Ethernet
• Processor Type: ARM
• RAM Capacity: 1 GB
• Flash Memory: 512 MB

Power and Reliability

• Power Supply: Included
• Voltage Requirement: 100–240V, 50–60 Hz
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 1,706,649 Hours

Network and Connectivity Options

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and Switching Capacity

• PoE Support: Yes
• MAC Address Table Size: 8,000 entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,000 Bytes

Interface Ports and Expansion

• 8 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ Ports
• 2 x SFP+ Gigabit Ethernet Combo Ports
• 1 x USB Type-C Port
• 1 x RJ-45 Console Port

Cisco Catalyst 1200 Series Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 1200 Series represents a new generation of smart, manageable switches designed for small and medium businesses that require enterprise-grade performance, security, and scalability. Within this family, the Cisco C1200-8P-E-2G Catalyst 1200 Layer 3 Manageable 8 Ports Ethernet Switch stands out as a compact yet powerful solution, offering advanced Layer 3 capabilities, Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, and simplified management tools. This category of switches is engineered to deliver reliable connectivity, robust security, and intuitive management for modern business networks.

Compact Form Factor with Enterprise Features

The C1200-8P-E-2G is designed with a small footprint, making it ideal for branch offices, small businesses, or environments where space is limited. Despite its compact size, it integrates enterprise-grade features such as Layer 3 routing, VLAN segmentation, and advanced QoS. This balance of size and functionality ensures that businesses can deploy high-performance networking without sacrificing valuable rack or desk space.

Port Configuration and Uplink Options

This model provides 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, each capable of delivering high-speed connectivity to desktops, IP phones, wireless access points, and other devices. Additionally, it includes 2 Gigabit uplink ports, which allow for flexible connections to distribution or core switches. These uplinks ensure scalability and resilience, enabling businesses to expand their networks as needed while maintaining consistent performance.

PoE Support for Simplified Deployments

The “P” designation in C1200-8P-E-2G indicates Power over Ethernet capability. This feature allows the switch to deliver power directly to connected devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points through the Ethernet cable. By eliminating the need for separate power supplies, PoE simplifies deployment, reduces cabling complexity, and enhances flexibility in device placement.

Layer 3 Manageability and Advanced Features

Unlike basic unmanaged switches, the C1200-8P-E-2G offers Layer 3 manageability, providing routing capabilities that enable traffic to move efficiently between different VLANs and subnets. This is particularly valuable for businesses that require segmentation of departments, guest networks, or IoT devices while maintaining seamless communication across the organization.

Routing and VLAN Segmentation

Layer 3 functionality allows the switch to perform static routing, inter-VLAN routing, and policy-based routing. This ensures that traffic between different segments of the network is handled efficiently, reducing latency and improving overall performance. VLAN segmentation enhances security by isolating sensitive traffic, such as financial data or guest access, from the rest of the network.

Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS features prioritize critical traffic such as voice and video, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration. By assigning higher priority to latency-sensitive applications, the switch guarantees consistent performance even during periods of heavy network usage. This makes the C1200-8P-E-2G ideal for businesses that rely on VoIP systems, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications.

Security Enhancements

Security is a cornerstone of the Catalyst 1200 Series. The C1200-8P-E-2G supports 802.1X authentication, access control lists (ACLs), and port security features to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data. These features help businesses meet compliance requirements and safeguard their networks against internal and external threats.

Management and Ease of Use

The C1200-8P-E-2G is designed for simplified management, making it accessible to IT teams with varying levels of expertise. Cisco provides multiple management options, including a web-based dashboard, the Cisco Business mobile app, and traditional CLI access for advanced administrators.

Web-Based Dashboard

The intuitive web interface allows administrators to configure VLANs, monitor traffic, and apply security policies with ease. This reduces the learning curve and enables small IT teams to manage complex networks without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Cisco Business Mobile App

The mobile app provides on-the-go management, allowing administrators to monitor network health, receive alerts, and make configuration changes from their smartphones. This flexibility ensures that IT staff can respond quickly to issues, even when they are away from the office.

CLI and Advanced Configuration

For experienced administrators, the switch supports traditional command-line interface (CLI) access, enabling granular control over configurations and advanced troubleshooting. This dual approach ensures that the switch can be managed effectively by both novice and expert users.

Deployment Scenarios

The versatility of the C1200-8P-E-2G makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. Its compact size, PoE support, and Layer 3 capabilities allow it to serve as a core component in small networks or as an access switch in larger environments.

Small Business Networks

In small businesses, the switch can serve as the primary networking device, connecting employees’ desktops, IP phones, and wireless access points. Its Layer 3 capabilities ensure efficient traffic management, while PoE simplifies device deployment.

Branch Offices

For branch offices, the C1200-8P-E-2G provides reliable connectivity and integrates seamlessly with headquarters networks. Its uplink ports enable secure connections to WAN routers or SD-WAN appliances, ensuring consistent performance across distributed locations.

Surveillance and IoT Deployments

The PoE functionality makes the switch ideal for powering IP cameras and IoT devices. VLAN segmentation ensures that surveillance traffic remains isolated from business-critical applications, enhancing both security and performance.

Performance and Reliability

The Catalyst 1200 Series is engineered for consistent performance and reliability. The C1200-8P-E-2G features a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that all ports can operate at full Gigabit speeds simultaneously. This guarantees smooth performance even in environments with high traffic demands.

Resilient Uplink Design

The inclusion of two uplink ports allows for link aggregation and redundancy. Businesses can configure dual uplinks to ensure continuous connectivity, minimizing downtime in the event of a link failure.

Hardware Reliability

Cisco’s reputation for hardware reliability extends to the Catalyst 1200 Series. The C1200-8P-E-2G is built with robust components and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure long-term durability. This makes it a dependable choice for mission-critical business operations.

Cooling and Power Efficiency

The switch is designed with efficient cooling mechanisms and optimized power consumption, ensuring stable operation in diverse environments. PoE power budgets are managed intelligently to prevent overloads and maximize efficiency.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The C1200-8P-E-2G integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s broader ecosystem of networking and security solutions. This ensures consistent policy enforcement, simplified lifecycle management, and compatibility with other Cisco products.

Compatibility with Cisco Security Solutions

Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) enables centralized authentication and policy enforcement. This ensures that security policies are applied consistently across wired and wireless networks.

Support for Cisco DNA Center

While primarily designed for SMBs, the Catalyst 1200 Series can integrate with Cisco DNA Center for advanced automation and analytics. This provides businesses with deeper insights into network performance and security.

Transceiver and Cabling Options

The uplink ports support standard SFP transceivers, allowing for flexible fiber connections. Copper cabling for the Gigabit ports follows industry standards, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.