Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW Meraki 8 Ports Managed Switch.

Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW Meraki 8 Ports Managed Switch Overview

Product Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: MS130-8P-I-HW
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Subtype: 8 Ports

Key Features of the Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW

• 8 × 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 PoE+ access ports for versatile connectivity
• 2 × 1000BASE-X SFP uplink slots, offering flexible network expansion
• Fanless design ensuring silent operation for quieter environments
• Compact form factor: can be mounted on a desktop or wall

Technical Specifications

Ports and Uplink Connectivity

• Ports: 8 × 1000BASE-T RJ-45 PoE+ access ports
• Uplink Slots: 2 × 1000BASE-X SFP

Power and Electrical Details

• PoE+ Power Budget: 120W total across all PoE ports
• Input Voltage: DC 54V
• Required Current: 3.7 A
• Standby Consumption: ~8W for energy-efficient operation

Performance Specifications

• Switching Capacity: 20 Gbps for seamless data transfer
• Protocols Supported: SNMP, Syslog for remote management
• Cloud Integration: Auto firmware updates, centralized configuration, and remote troubleshooting

Physical Design and Indicators

Chassis and Cooling

• Form Factor: Desktop or wall-mountable design for flexible installation
• Cooling: Silent, fanless cooling system

LED Indicators

• Power: Indicates operational status
• Link/Activity: Displays network connectivity status
• System Status: Shows overall system health

Standards and Compliance

• IEEE 802.3af: PoE standard support
• IEEE 802.3at: PoE+ standard compliance
• IEEE 802.1Q: VLAN tagging support
• IEEE 802.1X: Port-based network access control

Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW Meraki Managed Switch

The Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW Meraki switch is a high-performance managed networking device designed to meet the modern demands of small to medium-sized businesses. Equipped with 8 ports supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps connectivity and 2 additional Gigabit SFP uplink ports, this switch combines versatility, scalability, and simplicity in one compact form factor. With Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) capabilities, it ensures seamless deployment of IP devices such as VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras without the need for separate power supplies.

Advanced Networking Features and Capabilities

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Functionalities

The Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW switch operates with robust Layer 2 switching features while also offering basic Layer 3 routing capabilities. This ensures efficient traffic management within the network, allowing VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, and Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization. By enabling intelligent routing, the switch reduces congestion and latency across business-critical applications, optimizing overall network performance.

Power over Ethernet (PoE+) Technology

One of the key advantages of the MS130-8P-I-HW switch is its support for PoE+. Each of the 8 standard ports can deliver up to 30 watts of power, enabling effortless deployment of power-hungry devices without additional cabling or electrical outlets. PoE+ simplifies network architecture and reduces installation costs while providing a centralized method for monitoring power consumption through the Cisco Meraki dashboard.

Energy Efficiency and PoE Budget Management

The switch incorporates intelligent PoE budget management, allowing administrators to allocate power across connected devices effectively. Dynamic power allocation ensures that critical devices always receive the power they need, while less critical devices can adjust automatically during peak usage periods. This feature not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to reduced energy consumption, aligning with modern sustainability standards.

Seamless Cloud Management with Cisco Meraki Dashboard

The MS130-8P-I-HW is fully integrated into the Cisco Meraki cloud management platform, offering intuitive, centralized management of all network devices. Administrators can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch from anywhere using a web-based interface or mobile application. Automated firmware updates, real-time alerts, and comprehensive reporting tools streamline network operations and reduce the complexity traditionally associated with managed switches.

Zero-Touch Provisioning and Simplified Deployment

The zero-touch provisioning capability allows the switch to be shipped directly to a site and automatically adopt the existing Meraki network configuration upon connection. This eliminates the need for on-site technical expertise during deployment, significantly accelerating the setup process. Remote troubleshooting and configuration updates are also facilitated, minimizing network downtime and ensuring continuous business operations.

Connectivity Options and Expandability

Gigabit Ethernet and SFP Uplink Ports

The combination of 8 standard Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 Gigabit SFP uplink ports provides both high-speed access for local devices and flexible connectivity to the broader network infrastructure. The SFP ports allow for fiber-optic connections, extending the network reach over long distances and enabling integration with existing enterprise fiber backbones. This hybrid connectivity ensures that businesses can scale their networks efficiently while maintaining optimal performance.

VLAN and Network Segmentation Capabilities

The MS130-8P-I-HW supports multiple VLAN configurations, enabling administrators to segment traffic logically based on department, device type, or security level. This enhances network security by isolating sensitive traffic and reduces broadcast domains, which improves overall network efficiency. VLAN tagging and trunking support allow seamless communication across different segments while maintaining high levels of control and visibility.

Link Aggregation and Redundancy

For enhanced network reliability and throughput, the switch offers link aggregation functionality, combining multiple physical ports into a single logical link. This feature not only boosts data transfer rates but also provides redundancy, ensuring that network traffic can continue even if one of the links fails. Such resilience is critical in environments where uninterrupted connectivity is essential for business operations.

Security Features and Compliance

Advanced Security Protocols

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW. The switch includes support for 802.1X port-based authentication, which ensures that only authorized devices can connect to the network. Additionally, Access Control Lists (ACLs) provide granular control over traffic flows, enhancing the protection of sensitive information and reducing exposure to potential threats.

Integrated Threat Detection and Monitoring

Through the Meraki dashboard, the MS130-8P-I-HW allows administrators to monitor network traffic in real time and detect anomalies that may indicate security incidents. Alerts and automated responses can be configured to mitigate risks immediately, minimizing the impact of potential attacks. The continuous visibility into connected devices ensures compliance with internal and external security standards.

Guest and IoT Network Isolation

The switch enables network isolation for guest users and IoT devices, ensuring that non-critical devices cannot access the core business network. This segmentation protects sensitive systems from potential vulnerabilities introduced by external devices and maintains high levels of network integrity. Such isolation is essential in modern office environments where multiple device types coexist.

Performance, Reliability, and Environmental Considerations

High-Performance Switching Architecture

Equipped with advanced hardware and optimized for low-latency traffic handling, the MS130-8P-I-HW delivers consistent performance for bandwidth-intensive applications. Its non-blocking architecture ensures that data packets are transmitted efficiently without delays, supporting VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications with minimal latency.

Redundant and Resilient Design

The switch is designed with reliability in mind, featuring robust internal components and support for redundant network configurations. It ensures continuous operation in case of component failures and is capable of handling network spikes without degradation of performance. This resilience makes it suitable for critical business environments where network downtime can lead to significant operational losses.

Thermal Management and Silent Operation

Efficient cooling mechanisms and fanless design in certain models of the MS130-8P-I-HW allow for quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments. Advanced thermal management ensures that the device remains within optimal temperature ranges, extending hardware longevity and maintaining consistent performance even under high network load conditions.

Ideal Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Small to Medium Business Networking

The Cisco MS130-8P-I-HW is perfectly suited for small to medium-sized enterprises that require reliable, manageable, and scalable networking solutions. Its PoE+ support allows for rapid deployment of IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras without additional infrastructure investments, reducing both installation time and costs.

Branch Office and Remote Site Connectivity

For organizations with branch offices or remote locations, this Meraki switch provides simplified deployment, centralized management, and secure connectivity to the corporate network. The SFP uplink ports allow for long-distance connections to the central data center, while cloud-managed features reduce the need for on-site IT personnel.

Educational Institutions and Campus Networks

Educational institutions benefit from the MS130-8P-I-HW's ability to manage multiple VLANs for administrative, student, and guest networks. PoE+ support enables easy integration of wireless access points and interactive learning tools, while robust security features protect sensitive academic and administrative data.

Surveillance and Smart Office Integration

The switch's PoE+ capabilities make it ideal for powering high-definition IP cameras and other smart office devices. Centralized management and real-time monitoring allow IT teams to maintain optimal operation of security systems and IoT devices, ensuring safety and efficiency in dynamic office environments.

Technical Specifications and Deployment Considerations

Hardware and Port Details

The MS130-8P-I-HW features 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ and 2 Gigabit SFP uplinks. The device supports IEEE 802.3af/at standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of network devices. Its compact form factor fits easily into standard network racks, making it suitable for office desks or small server rooms.

Network Management and Software Integration

Through the Meraki cloud dashboard, administrators can leverage powerful tools for network analytics, performance monitoring, and configuration management. Integration with other Cisco Meraki devices, including firewalls, access points, and security cameras, ensures seamless operation of the entire network ecosystem.