C1300-24XS Cisco 10 Gigabit Optical Fiber Layer 3 Switch.

Product Overview: Cisco C1300-24XS Catalyst Layer 3 Switch

Discover the Cisco C1300-24XS Catalyst 1300, a high-performance 10 Gigabit Ethernet optical fiber Layer 3 switch, designed for robust network environments. Engineered by Cisco Systems, this switch combines advanced connectivity, scalability, and reliability for modern enterprise networks.

General Specifications

• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 1300
• Brand: CISCO
• Type: Layer 3 Switch
• Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Model Number: C1300-24XS

Connectivity & Ports

The Catalyst 1300 offers extensive port options for superior network performance and expansion capabilities.

Uplink and Stack Ports

• Uplink Port Available
• Stack Port Support

Port and Expansion Details

• 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Combo Copper SFP+ Expansion Slots
• 20 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ Expansion Slots
• 1 x USB Type-C Management Port
• 1 x RJ-45 Console Port
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet Management Port

Media Compatibility & Performance

Optimized for high-speed network performance with versatile media support.

Network Technology

• 10GBASE-X for high-speed fiber connections
• 1000BASE-T for reliable copper connections

Supported Media Types

• Twisted Pair Cabling
• Optical Fiber

Technical Features

• Hot-swappable components for seamless maintenance
• Plug-and-Play setup for quick deployment
• High availability enabled for uninterrupted operation
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 993,232 hours

Management & Protocol Support

• Fully manageable with advanced configuration options
• Supports multiple network protocols for enterprise environments

I/O Expansion Capabilities

Expansion Slot Details

• Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
• Total Number of SFP+ Slots: 24
• Total Expansion Slots: 24

Mastering Network Density with the Catalyst 24-Port Switch

The Cisco C1300-24XS Catalyst 1300 represents a pivotal leap in access and distribution layer switching for growing businesses and enterprise branch offices. This fixed-configuration, Layer 3 switch is engineered to deliver robust 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, addressing the surging demand for high-bandwidth applications, server aggregation, and backbone links. With its 24 dedicated SFP+ ports, it provides unparalleled flexibility for optical fiber connectivity, enabling organizations to future-proof their network infrastructure while maintaining operational simplicity and the reliability synonymous with the Cisco Catalyst brand.

Core Architecture and Performance Specifications

At the heart of the C1300-24XS lies a purpose-built switching architecture designed for wire-speed performance across all ports. This section delves into the technical foundations that enable its high-throughput, low-latency operation.

Switching Fabric and Forwarding Capacity

The switch features a non-blocking switching fabric, ensuring that simultaneous data transfers across all 24 ports at 10 Gbps do not result in congestion or packet loss. With an aggregate forwarding capacity of up to 480 Gbps, it can handle the most demanding traffic profiles from bandwidth-intensive workloads, high-definition video streams, and large-scale data replication.

Packet Buffer Memory

Adequate packet buffering is critical for managing bursty traffic and preventing drops during momentary congestion. The C1300-24XS is equipped with a deep packet buffer memory, allowing it to efficiently queue and schedule packets, thereby optimizing throughput for mixed data flows and ensuring smooth application performance.

Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

Beyond pure switching, this Catalyst model operates as a full Layer 3 device, supporting static routing and RIP for dynamic routing. This enables it to perform inter-VLAN routing internally, eliminating the need for an external router for network segmentation and improving overall network efficiency and reducing latency for east-west traffic between subnets.

Optical Fiber Connectivity and SFP+ Technology

The defining characteristic of the C1300-24XS is its exclusive focus on 10G fiber optics. This design choice offers significant advantages in reach, noise immunity, and future readiness.

SFP+ Port Versatility

Each of the 24 ports is an SFP+ (Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable) slot, supporting data rates of 1Gbps or 10Gbps. This allows network administrators to choose from a vast ecosystem of Cisco and compatible SFP/SFP+ transceivers—including multimode (SR), single-mode (LR, ER, ZR), and even copper Twinax DAC cables for short, cost-effective rack connections.

Transceiver Selection Guidance

Selecting the right transceiver is crucial for link distance and budget. For intra-data center links under 400 meters, SFP-10G-SR multimode modules are typical. For campus backbone links spanning kilometers, SFP-10G-LR single-mode modules are the standard. The switch's compatibility with Cisco Enhanced Optics (GLC-T, etc.) for 1G uplinks provides seamless migration paths.

Benefits of an All-Fiber Design

An all-fiber switch like the C1300-24XS is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it ideal for industrial or electrically noisy environments. Fiber connections also provide vastly superior distance capabilities—from 550 meters with multimode to 80+ kilometers with extended-range optics—far exceeding the 100-meter limit of traditional copper Ethernet.

Advanced Features for Modern Network Operations

This Catalyst switch is infused with features that enhance security, simplify management, and ensure quality of service, making it more than just a simple connectivity box.

Comprehensive Security Suite

Network security is built-in, not bolted on. The C1300-24XS supports a wide array of features including ACLs (Access Control Lists), port security, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and IP Source Guard. These technologies work in concert to prevent common attacks like ARP spoofing, IP address theft, and unauthorized access at the network edge.

Cisco TrustSec and MACsec Encryption

For environments requiring data confidentiality, optional MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) encryption can be enabled on SFP+ ports. This provides hardware-based, hop-by-hop encryption at line rate, securing data as it traverses the switch fabric and protecting against eavesdropping on sensitive information.

Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management

To ensure critical applications like voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing receive priority, the switch offers advanced QoS policies. It supports classification, marking, policing, and scheduling based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), and Layer 4 parameters, allowing for precise traffic shaping and congestion management.

Resiliency and High Availability

Network uptime is paramount. Features like IEEE 802.1s/w (MSTP/RSTP) for loop prevention and rapid convergence, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for creating resilient multi-link EtherChannel groups, and optional redundant power supplies ensure the network remains stable and available.

Management and Programmability

The C1300-24XS offers multiple management pathways, catering to both traditional network engineers and those embracing automation.

Cisco Catalyst Center and DNA Essentials

When integrated with Cisco Catalyst Center (part of Cisco DNA), the switch gains powerful cloud-based management capabilities. This includes zero-touch provisioning, automated software updates, advanced analytics, and assurance features that provide deep visibility into user and application experience. Licensing for DNA Essentials is available to unlock these cloud-managed functionalities.

Traditional CLI and Web Interface

For on-premises management, the switch provides full access via the industry-standard Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI) for granular control. Additionally, a built-in web-based GUI (Device Manager) offers an intuitive point-and-click interface for day-to-day configuration and monitoring tasks, making it accessible to a broader range of IT personnel.

Programmability with APIs

Aligning with modern DevOps practices, the switch supports RESTCONF/YANG data models and Python scripting. This enables network automation, allowing for consistent, error-free configuration across hundreds of devices and integration with IT orchestration tools like Ansible or Puppet.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The C1300-24XS is uniquely suited for specific network roles where 10G fiber density and Layer 3 intelligence are required.

Branch Office and Campus Distribution

In regional branches or campus buildings, it acts as a distribution layer switch, aggregating traffic from multiple access switches (e.g., Catalyst 1000 series with 1G copper) over high-speed 10G fiber uplinks. Its Layer 3 routing capability allows it to handle inter-VLAN routing locally at the branch, optimizing WAN utilization.

Server Farm and Data Center Aggregation

For mid-sized data centers or server rooms, the switch is an excellent top-of-rack (ToR) or end-of-row (EoR) aggregation point. It can directly connect to servers with 10G NICs via fiber or DAC cables, providing low-latency, high-bandwidth access to storage and application resources.

Backbone for High-Density Wi-Fi 6/6E

With the advent of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E access points that feature multi-gigabit uplinks, the C1300-24XS is the perfect backbone. It can aggregate traffic from dozens of high-performance APs, ensuring the wired network does not become a bottleneck for wireless user experience.

Fiber-Based Networking Backbone

In environments like educational campuses, healthcare facilities, or industrial complexes where buildings are dispersed, its fiber ports are ideal for creating a resilient and high-capacity backbone ring or star topology, connecting disparate wiring closets over long distances.