C1300-24P-4X Cisco Catalyst 1300 SFP+ Layer 3 Manageable 24 Ports Ethernet Switch

Product Category Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 1300 series targets small and branch office networks that require enterprise-grade features in a cost-effective, easy-to-manage form factor. Models in this family balance port density, Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, and uplink performance to support IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and edge servers while simplifying operations through cloud-assisted management.

Key Hardware Specifications

Port and Uplink Configuration

The C1300-24P-4X provides 24 x 1GbE RJ-45 ports with PoE+ and 4 x SFP+ slots for 10Gb uplinks, enabling high-throughput aggregation to distribution or core switches and flexible fiber connectivity for longer-distance links.

Power and Performance

This model supports a total PoE budget designed to power multiple edge devices simultaneously; typical factory specifications list a power budget around 195W, making it suitable for mixed deployments of APs and IP phones. The switch delivers a switching capacity and forwarding performance appropriate for small enterprise access layers, with hardware resources such as flash and CPU sized for modern network services.

Processing and Memory

Onboard hardware commonly includes a dual-core ARM CPU and modest flash memory (for example, 512 MB flash) to host the switch OS, management agents, and local feature set while offloading heavy analytics to cloud management platforms.

Software and Manageability

Layer 3 Capabilities

As a Layer 3 manageable switch, the Catalyst 1300 supports essential routing features for small networks—static routes, inter-VLAN routing, and basic dynamic routing—allowing branch networks to segment traffic and optimize local forwarding without relying solely on upstream routers.

Management Options

Management is flexible: administrators can use the Cisco Business Dashboard or the Cisco Business mobile app for zero-touch provisioning, monitoring, and firmware updates, reducing on-site maintenance and accelerating deployment across multiple branch locations.

Security and Resilience

Access Control and Segmentation

Built-in security features include port-based access control, VLAN segmentation, and support for secure management protocols. These controls help enforce policy at the access layer and limit lateral movement in the event of a compromise, which is critical for branch and SMB environments.

High-Availability Considerations

Redundancy is achieved through resilient uplinks (10Gb SFP+), link aggregation, and rapid failover mechanisms. While the Catalyst 1300 is not a chassis-class device, its uplink capacity and Layer 3 features enable robust designs when paired with redundant aggregation switches.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

Branch Office Access

Ideal for branch offices that need a compact switch with PoE+ to power phones and APs while providing 10Gb uplinks back to the WAN or aggregation layer. The combination of PoE budget and SFP+ uplinks supports converged access for voice, wireless, and video surveillance.

Small and Medium Business (SMB) Networks

SMBs benefit from enterprise-class features—Layer 3 routing, QoS, and security—without the complexity of larger campus switches. Centralized cloud management reduces the need for local IT staff and simplifies firmware and policy rollouts across multiple sites.

Performance Tuning

When designing a PoE deployment, calculate the total wattage of connected devices and leave headroom for peak power draws. The C1300-24P-4X’s total budget (commonly specified at around 195W) should be matched against the expected load of APs, cameras, and phones to avoid power shortages.

Uplink and Aggregation Strategy

Use the 4 SFP+ ports for redundant 10Gb uplinks or to aggregate multiple access switches. Employ link aggregation (LACP) for higher throughput and failover, and reserve at least one SFP+ for a dedicated uplink to the distribution layer to minimize contention.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

Interoperability

The Catalyst 1300 integrates with Cisco’s broader access portfolio and management tools, enabling consistent policy enforcement and monitoring across wired and wireless infrastructure. It supports standard Ethernet and SFP+ optics, ensuring compatibility with common fiber modules and transceivers.