C1300-24XT Cisco 24 Ports 10GBPS Ethernet Switch.

High-performance of Cisco C1300-24XT 10Gb Rack Switch 

The Cisco C1300-24XT is a compact, rack-mountable 24-port switch engineered for businesses that require reliable 10 Gbps connectivity, flexible L2/L3 features, and enterprise-grade management. Built around an Arm processor with 1 GB RAM and 512 MB flash memory, this switch delivers consistent throughput and advanced protocol support for demanding LAN environments, small data centers, and aggregation layers.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: C1300-24XT
• Part Number: Ethernet Switch

Core Hardware Specifications

• Form Factor: Rack-mountable
• Processor: ARM-based CPU
• Memory: 1 GB RAM
• Flash Storage: 512 MB
• Data Rate: Up to 10 Gbps per port
• MTBF: 945,878 hours

Interfaces & Port Details

• 10G Copper Ports: 20 × 10 Gigabit RJ-45 copper ports for high-density, low-latency uplinks and server connections
• 10G SFP+ Slots: 4 × SFP+ ports for fiber connectivity and longer reach
• Management & Console: 1 × Gigabit management port, standard RJ-45 console port, and a USB-C port for local access and troubleshooting
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9000 bytes for improved efficiency with large-payload traffic
• MAC Table: 16,000 entries to support extensive host populations and virtualization 

Power Specifications

• Power Supply: Internal power supply compatible with 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz
• PoE: No PoE support on this model

Standards & Routing

• IEEE Compliance: IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet), IEEE 802.1ad (QinQ / Provider Bridges), IEEE 802.1X (Port-based Network Access Control), IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE standards — supported at the protocol level though this SKU does not provide PoE).
• Routing: IPv4, IPv6, and CIDR-capable routing for flexible IP addressing and route summarization
• Supported Layers: Media layer support for Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing, enabling VLAN segmentation and inter-VLAN forwarding

Management & Authentication Features

• Management Protocols: SNMP for monitoring, HTTP/HTTPS for web GUI, TFTP for file transfers, and DHCP for address assignment
• Remote Access: Secure web interface (HTTPS) and full Command Line Interface (CLI) for advanced configuration — text view and CLI options available to partners preferring terminal control
• Authentication: RADIUS and TACACS+ support for centralized credential management and role-based access control

Deployment Scenarios

• Top-of-Rack (ToR) Aggregation: Collocating server links and consolidating uplinks to distribution switches
• Campus Edge: High-bandwidth access for workgroups and departmental servers
• Small Data Centers: Aggregation of storage and compute resources where low-latency 10Gb connectivity is needed

Highlights at a Glance

• High-density 10 Gbps connectivity (20 copper + 4 SFP+).
• Enterprise-class management via SNMP, HTTP/HTTPS and full CLI for advanced control.
• Robust standards support including IEEE 802.1X for port security and IEEE 802.1ad for QinQ applications.
• Large MAC address table and jumbo frame support for virtualized and storage traffic.

Product outline of Cisco Rack-mountable 10Gbps Switch

The Cisco C1300-24XT is a rack-mountable, high-performance wired switch engineered for modern campus, branch, and data center access layers. Built on an efficient ARM architecture with 1GB RAM and 512MB flash memory, the C1300-24XT delivers multi-gigabit connectivity with 10 Gbps uplink capacity while supporting both Layer 2 and Layer 3 feature sets. It adheres to industry standards including IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet), IEEE 802.1ad (Q-in-Q), IEEE 802.1X (port-based network access control) and IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE/PoE+), making it a versatile option for enterprises seeking reliable, secure, and energy-aware switching.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Port and Throughput Characteristics

The C1300-24XT offers 24 ports designed to handle 10 Gbps per port, depending on whether the chassis is equipped with 10GBASE-T modules or SFP+/fiber transceivers. The platform supports line-rate switching across Layer 2 frames and can sustain robust throughput for latency-sensitive applications like VoIP, video conferencing, and data replication. With a focus on multipurpose deployment, each port can often be configured for flexible roles—access, uplink, or stacking—based on the network design.

Bandwidth and Switching Capacity

High aggregate switching throughput suitable for small to medium enterprise access layers.Low latency forwarding for time-sensitive networking and converged voice/video traffic.
Jumbo frame support for storage and virtualization workloads (configurable MTU up to typical vendor limits).

Software Capabilities: Layer 2 and Layer 3

Cisco's software image on the C1300 series provides both Layer 2 switching constructs—VLANs, STP variants, port channels—and Layer 3 routing capabilities including static routes and dynamic routing protocols when supported (such as OSPF or RIP, depending on the licensed feature set). This duality enables network architects to operate the switch as a pure access switch or as a routed access/aggregation device in converged environments.

Layer 2 Highlights

802.1Q VLAN tagging and advanced VLAN manipulation (Q-in-Q / 802.1ad) for multi-tenant or service provider style segmentation.Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP, and Multiple STP for loop protection and fast convergence.
Link Aggregation (LACP) for increased throughput and link redundancy.

Layer 3 Highlights

Support for IPv4 routing, static routes, and inter-VLAN routing.Optional support for dynamic routing protocols in higher software tiers—consult product license matrix.
Policy-based routing and ACLs for traffic steering and microsegmentation.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and Energy Efficiency

To support modern edge devices—access points, IP phones, surveillance cameras—the C1300-24XT supports IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) on capable models, allowing centralized power delivery over standard Ethernet cabling. Coupled with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, the C1300 minimizes operational costs by reducing power draw during idle intervals without sacrificing performance when demand spikes.

PoE Considerations

Varied PoE budget options per SKU—select a model that matches required total wattage for connected devices.Per-port PoE/PoE+ negotiation with class detection and priority-based allocation for critical devices.
Graceful power allocation features to maintain core services when budget constraints occur.

Security and Access Control

Security is a central design focus for the Cisco C1300-24XT. The device implements IEEE 802.1X for port-based authentication, integrating with RADIUS servers to ensure only authenticated endpoints get network access. Additionally, role-based access, ACLs, DHCP snooping, and dynamic ARP inspection can be configured to prevent common layer-2 attacks and to enforce segmentation policies.

Authentication & Policy Enforcement

802.1X authentication with dynamic VLAN assignment for automated endpoint placement.MAC-based authentication fallback for devices without supplicant support.
Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and other NAC solutions for centralized policy enforcement.

Management and Automation

Enterprise networks demand visibility, automation, and flexible management. The C1300-24XT supports traditional management (CLI, SNMP, Web UI) while also offering modern automation capabilities through RESTCONF/NETCONF and programmable APIs (availability dependent on firmware). These features allow automated provisioning, monitoring, and integration with network controllers and orchestration platforms.

Observability and Telemetry

Syslog, SNMP traps, and IP-based management for integration with NMS platforms.Interface and system counters for capacity planning and troubleshooting.
Support for sFlow/NetFlow (depending on firmware) for traffic analytics and security monitoring.

Physical Design and Environmental Requirements

Physically engineered for data center and wiring-closet deployments, the C1300-24XT’s rack-mount chassis provides standard power input (100–240V, 50–60 Hz) and predictable thermal behavior. Depending on the SKU chosen, redundant power supplies and enhanced cooling options may be available for high-availability installations.

Deployment Notes

Ensure appropriate rack space and airflow for reliable operation—follow the vendor’s environmental specifications.Consider power and PoE budget planning when deploying a large number of powered devices.
Check heat dissipation and ambient temperature allowances if placed in non-climate-controlled closets.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Campus Access Layer

As a campus access switch, the C1300-24XT provides robust port density and 10Gb uplinks for connecting wireless controllers, access points, and users. Features such as 802.1X, dynamic VLAN assignment, and Quality of Service (QoS) make it ideal for environments demanding secure, prioritized access for voice, video, and data.

Branch Office Aggregation

For branch offices, the switch can function as a compact aggregation device, terminating multiple access links and delivering routed services back to the head office. With Layer 3 features enabled, branch traffic can be selectively routed, secured, or tunneled based on business requirements.

Small Data Center or Server Access

In small-scale data centers, the C1300-24XT can serve as a server access switch, offering sufficient 10GbE ports to host virtualization clusters or storage nodes. Support for large MTUs and high throughput helps accommodate east-west data flows common in virtualized environments.

C1300-24XT vs. Comparable Models

When evaluating edge switches, buyers often compare throughput, PoE budget, management features, and total cost of ownership. Here's a generalized checklist for comparing the C1300-24XT to competing access switches:

Comparison Points

Port density and speed: Evaluate the number of native 10Gb ports and whether the device supports multi-gig or SFP+ modules.
Memory and CPU: 1GB RAM and ARM CPU provide modest control-plane capability—compare to higher-end models if running heavy telemetry or many features.
PoE budget: For deployments with many APs or cameras, ensure the chosen SKU provides the necessary wattage.
Software licensing: Confirm Layer 3 and advanced management features in the included license or identify cost of upgrades.

Regulatory and Standards Compliance

Compliant with key IEEE standards—802.3az for energy efficiency, 802.1ad for VLAN stacking (Q-in-Q), 802.1X for access control, and 802.3af/at for PoE delivery—the C1300-24XT meets typical regulatory needs for enterprise networking. Customers should review regional compliance and certifications (EMC, safety) relevant to their geography when procuring.

Accessories and Complementary Hardware

To complete deployment, consider compatible accessories like SFP+/10GBASE-T transceivers, compatible DAC/AOC cables for short-reach 10G links, redundant power supplies, rack mounting kits, and environmental monitoring modules if supported.