CBS250-48P-4X-NA Cisco Business 250 Series Switch L3 Smart.

Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA 48 Ports L3 Ethernet Switch

The Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA is a high-performance Layer 3 smart Ethernet switch designed for medium to large business networks. This rack-mountable switch provides 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support, along with 4 SFP+ 10 Gigabit uplink ports, delivering scalable and reliable network connectivity.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: CBS250-48P-4X-NA
• Device Type: Layer 3 Smart Ethernet Switch
• Enclosure: Rack-mountable
• Total Network Ports: 48
• Uplink Ports: 4 x 10 Gigabit SFP+
• Modularity: Yes, supports expansion slots

Gigabit Ethernet Ports

• 48 x Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ capabilities
• Supports twisted pair and optical fiber cabling

Uplink and Expansion Slots

• 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ expansion slots
• Shared SFP slot support for flexible connectivity

Performance and Capacity

• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
• Forwarding Performance: 130.94 Mpps (64-byte packets)
• Buffer Capacity: 3 MB
• MAC Address Table Size: 8,000 entries
• Link Aggregation Groups: 4

Supported Network Standards and Technologies

• Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Standards: 1000Base-T, 1000Base-X
• Jumbo Frame Support: 2 KB to 9 KB

Routing Protocols

• IGMP
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• CIDR routing

Management Features

• Comprehensive manageability with web, CLI, and remote access
• SNMP support (v1, v2c, v3)
• RMON monitoring
• Secure remote management via SSH and SSH-2
• ICMP for network diagnostics

Power and PoE Specifications

• PoE+ support on all RJ-45 ports
• Maximum Power Budget: 370 W
• Power Source: AC 120/230 V, 50/60 Hz

Scalability and Flexibility

• Layer 3 routing for dynamic and static IP routing
• Support for link aggregation and port redundancy
• Expandable via SFP+ slots for higher bandwidth uplinks

Security and Reliability

• Policy-based routing for traffic control
• Advanced SNMP monitoring for proactive network management
• Jumbo frame support for high-performance applications

Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA Layer 3 Ethernet switch

The Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA is a high-performance Layer 3 Ethernet switch designed for medium to large enterprise networks, providing exceptional connectivity and advanced management features. As part of Cisco’s CBS250 series, this switch ensures efficient data transfer across network devices while offering robust security and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 SFP+ 10-Gigabit uplink ports, it supports both standard Ethernet and high-speed network requirements, making it suitable for modern business environments that demand reliability, scalability, and seamless integration.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA supports advanced Layer 3 routing protocols, including static routing, RIP, and OSPF, enabling intelligent traffic management and efficient path selection. This capability ensures optimal network performance by minimizing latency and congestion across the network infrastructure. Businesses can benefit from VLAN routing and inter-VLAN communication, allowing different segments of the network to communicate securely without impacting overall network efficiency. The device also supports policy-based routing, ensuring traffic is directed according to predefined rules and business priorities, which enhances overall network control and flexibility.

High-Performance Switching Architecture

Equipped with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the CBS250-48P-4X-NA offers extensive connectivity options for wired devices such as computers, servers, access points, and IP phones. The 4 SFP+ uplink ports allow high-speed 10-Gigabit connections to aggregation switches or core network infrastructure, ensuring that bandwidth-intensive applications operate smoothly without network bottlenecks. The switch features non-blocking architecture with high forwarding rates, allowing simultaneous data transmission on all ports without performance degradation. This ensures reliable connectivity even during peak network usage, making it ideal for enterprise campuses, branch offices, and data centers.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Features

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA provides advanced PoE capabilities, supporting IEEE 802.3at/af standards. It delivers sufficient power to connected devices, such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, eliminating the need for separate power supplies. The switch intelligently allocates power based on device requirements, which improves energy efficiency and reduces operational costs. With a high total PoE budget, it can support multiple powered devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for businesses deploying IoT devices or expanding wireless networks. PoE scheduling and monitoring features allow administrators to manage power usage efficiently and maintain optimal network performance.

Comprehensive Network Management

Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA includes comprehensive management options to simplify network administration and monitoring. The switch is fully compatible with Cisco Business Dashboard, providing an intuitive interface for network configuration, real-time monitoring, and troubleshooting. Network administrators can easily manage multiple switches from a centralized console, reducing the complexity of handling large-scale deployments. It also supports SNMP, RMON, and Syslog protocols, enabling automated alerts and performance reporting for proactive network maintenance. With flexible management modes, including web-based GUI, CLI, and cloud-assisted management, businesses can choose the most convenient method to maintain network health and security.

Security and Access Control

Security is a critical aspect of the CBS250-48P-4X-NA design. It features advanced access control lists (ACLs), port security, and 802.1X authentication, allowing businesses to control device access and prevent unauthorized connectivity. The switch supports dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, and DHCP snooping to mitigate potential threats such as spoofing or unauthorized DHCP servers. These security measures ensure that sensitive data remains protected while maintaining high network performance. VLAN segmentation further enhances security by isolating different parts of the network, reducing the risk of lateral movement by potential intruders. The combination of robust security features and Layer 3 routing capabilities makes this switch suitable for enterprise environments that require stringent security compliance.

Scalability and Network Expansion

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA is designed to accommodate growing business needs, offering flexible scalability options. The 4 SFP+ uplink ports enable high-speed connectivity to additional switches or network aggregation points, allowing seamless expansion without compromising performance. Businesses can deploy multiple CBS250 switches in stacked or interconnected topologies, creating a unified network environment with simplified management. The switch supports link aggregation, which combines multiple physical ports into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy to maintain uninterrupted connectivity. Scalability ensures that the network can evolve alongside organizational growth and technological advancements without requiring major infrastructure changes.

Energy Efficiency and Reliability

Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA is engineered for energy efficiency, incorporating features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and smart power management. The switch reduces power consumption during low traffic periods, contributing to operational cost savings and sustainable network operation. It also features redundant power supply support in compatible configurations, ensuring continuous operation in case of power failure. High reliability and low mean time between failures (MTBF) make this switch a dependable solution for mission-critical business environments. Its durable hardware design and intelligent thermal management provide long-term stability, ensuring consistent performance under heavy workloads and challenging conditions.

Flexible Deployment Options

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA can be deployed in various network environments, including enterprise branches, medium-sized offices, and campus networks. Its 1U rack-mountable form factor allows integration into standard server racks, optimizing space usage in data centers or network closets. The switch supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, enabling businesses to deploy it as either an access switch or a core distribution switch. Its versatility ensures that the device can meet diverse network requirements, from simple connectivity for end devices to advanced routing and traffic segmentation for complex networks. With easy installation and intuitive configuration, IT teams can quickly set up and operate the switch with minimal downtime.

Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Prioritization

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA offers extensive Quality of Service (QoS) features, allowing businesses to prioritize critical applications such as voice, video, and real-time data. QoS policies can be configured to assign different levels of priority to traffic types, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications operate without disruption. Traffic shaping and congestion management further enhance network performance by regulating data flow and preventing packet loss during periods of high utilization. These features ensure that business-critical services maintain consistent performance and reliability, even under heavy network loads. QoS capabilities are essential for environments running VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud applications that require predictable network behavior.

Compatibility and Integration

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA is fully compatible with Cisco’s broader networking ecosystem, allowing seamless integration with other Cisco switches, routers, and wireless access points. This interoperability enables unified network management, centralized policy enforcement, and simplified troubleshooting across the network infrastructure. The switch supports industry-standard protocols such as IPv4/IPv6, SNMP, and LLDP, ensuring compatibility with third-party devices and applications. Businesses can adopt a hybrid network approach, combining existing network assets with new Cisco devices, while maintaining optimal performance, reliability, and security. Integration with Cisco’s network management solutions further enhances operational efficiency and provides comprehensive visibility into network performance.

High Availability Features

Reliability and uptime are critical for enterprise networks, and the CBS250-48P-4X-NA incorporates multiple high availability features to minimize downtime. Support for Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) prevents network loops, ensuring stable connectivity across multiple switches. Link aggregation and redundancy mechanisms provide backup paths for critical links, maintaining network continuity in the event of a port or cable failure. The switch also supports firmware upgrades without disrupting traffic, allowing IT teams to deploy updates and security patches without affecting ongoing operations. High availability features ensure business continuity and consistent service delivery for users and applications.

Enhanced Monitoring and Diagnostics

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA offers a range of monitoring and diagnostic tools to maintain optimal network health. Administrators can use real-time traffic analysis, port statistics, and system logs to detect anomalies and resolve potential issues before they impact operations. The switch supports diagnostic features such as cable testing, ping, and traceroute, simplifying troubleshooting and reducing mean time to repair (MTTR). These capabilities allow proactive management, ensuring that network performance remains consistent and predictable. Integration with Cisco Business Dashboard provides centralized monitoring for multiple devices, streamlining operations and improving operational efficiency.

Advanced Features for Modern Networks

The Cisco CBS250-48P-4X-NA is equipped with a suite of advanced features tailored for modern enterprise networks. It supports dynamic VLAN assignment, voice VLANs for VoIP optimization, and multicast routing to enhance video streaming and collaboration applications. IPv6 support ensures future-proof network deployment, allowing businesses to transition smoothly as IP address requirements evolve. Additionally, the switch supports Layer 3 static and dynamic routing, simplifying network segmentation and interconnectivity. Advanced features such as IGMP snooping, port mirroring, and storm control provide enhanced control and visibility, making it a versatile solution for diverse networking scenarios.

Durable Design and Build Quality

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA is built with enterprise-grade components that ensure long-term reliability and durability. Its metal chassis provides robust protection for internal circuitry, while intelligent cooling mechanisms maintain optimal operating temperatures. The switch operates quietly, making it suitable for office environments, data centers, and network closets without causing disruptions. Its resilient design reduces the risk of hardware failure and ensures consistent network operation, even under demanding conditions. Maintenance and upgrades are simplified with accessible ports and clear labeling, reducing operational complexity and improving overall network management efficiency.

Business Applications and Use Cases

Businesses deploying the CBS250-48P-4X-NA benefit from its versatility across a wide range of applications. It is ideal for connecting end-user devices, deploying IP telephony, supporting wireless networks, and enabling video surveillance systems. In branch offices, it provides reliable access layer connectivity, while in campus networks it can serve as a distribution or aggregation switch. Its combination of PoE support, advanced security, and high-speed uplinks ensures that business-critical applications operate smoothly. The switch is also suitable for cloud-enabled networks, providing secure and high-performance connectivity for cloud-based applications and collaboration tools.

Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics

The CBS250-48P-4X-NA offers detailed technical specifications to support high-performance networking. It delivers up to 740 W of PoE power budget, features 48 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, and 4 SFP+ 10-Gigabit uplinks. Forwarding capacity exceeds 104 Gbps, with a switching capacity of 176 Gbps, ensuring that large data volumes can traverse the network efficiently. Latency is minimized to support real-time applications, and the switch maintains robust packet forwarding under full load. Quality of Service and advanced routing capabilities further enhance performance, enabling businesses to deploy demanding applications with confidence. Comprehensive diagnostics and monitoring tools ensure operational stability and optimized network performance.