WS-CE520-8PC-K9 Cisco Catalyst 8 Ports Ethernet Switch

Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 Catalyst 520 8-Port Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 is a high-performance Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized networks. Part of the Catalyst 520 series, it delivers reliable connectivity with enhanced manageability and advanced Layer 2 networking features.

Essential Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: WS-CE520-8PC-K9
• Product Type: Ethernet Switch
• Port Configuration: 8 Fast Ethernet ports

Networking and Port Capabilities

Engineered to optimize network performance, this switch offers flexible port configurations and expansion options.

• Total Network Ports: 8 Fast Ethernet ports for seamless connectivity
• RJ-45 Ports: 9 ports ensuring efficient data transfer
• High-Speed Expansion: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for bandwidth-intensive applications
• Expansion Slot: 1 SFP slot to support fiber optic or copper connections

Performance and Media Support

• Supported Media: Twisted Pair cabling
• Cabling Standard: Category 5 (Cat5)
• Ethernet Technology: Compatible with Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)
• Network Layer: Layer 2 switching for efficient LAN management

Manageability and Protocols

This switch is fully manageable, offering comprehensive network monitoring and management features:

• Management: Complete Layer 2 management capabilities
• Supported Protocols:
  • Syslog for system logging
  • RMON (Remote Monitoring) for performance analysis
  • SNMP v3 for secure network management
  • IEEE 802.1p for Quality of Service (QoS)

Memory and Storage Specifications

• RAM: 64 MB DRAM ensures smooth operation and processing
• Flash Memory: 16 MB for configuration backup and system storage

Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 Catalyst 520 Series Switch

The Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 Catalyst 520 Series 8 Ports Switch represents a robust, compact, and highly efficient solution for small to medium-sized business networking needs. Designed to deliver high performance and reliability, this switch seamlessly integrates into modern enterprise networks while supporting advanced features for security, energy efficiency, and simplified management. With eight Ethernet ports, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 provides flexible connectivity options for IP phones, wireless access points, and other network devices, making it a critical component in a scalable network infrastructure.

High-Performance Switching Capabilities

The Catalyst 520 Series switch is engineered to deliver high-performance switching that supports the demands of contemporary business environments. Each port is capable of gigabit speeds, ensuring rapid data transfer and minimal latency across the network. The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 leverages hardware-based forwarding and advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms to optimize traffic flow, guaranteeing that latency-sensitive applications such as voice over IP and video conferencing operate without interruption. Its non-blocking architecture ensures full throughput on all ports simultaneously, maintaining consistent network performance even under peak loads.

Advanced PoE and Power Management

One of the standout features of the Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 is its integrated Power over Ethernet capabilities. Each port can deliver sufficient power to connected devices, including IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points, eliminating the need for separate power adapters and simplifying cabling infrastructure. The switch supports intelligent power management, allowing administrators to allocate PoE based on priority and device requirements. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to energy savings and sustainable IT practices by reducing unnecessary power consumption across the network.

PoE Budget and Device Prioritization

The Catalyst 520 Series includes a configurable PoE budget that enables network administrators to optimize the allocation of power across connected devices. Devices critical to business operations, such as VoIP phones and surveillance cameras, can be prioritized to receive power before less critical equipment. This level of granularity in power management ensures reliable operation even in high-demand scenarios and provides flexibility in deploying a diverse array of PoE-enabled devices throughout the network.

Security and Network Protection

Cisco’s WS-CE520-8PC-K9 switch is built with comprehensive security features to safeguard network integrity and protect sensitive business data. The switch supports access control lists (ACLs), port security, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) snooping to prevent unauthorized access and mitigate network threats. Network segmentation through virtual LANs (VLANs) ensures that critical systems and sensitive information remain isolated from general network traffic, providing an additional layer of protection against potential intrusions.

Secure Device Authentication

The switch supports IEEE 802.1X authentication, enabling secure access for network devices and users. By verifying credentials before granting network connectivity, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only trusted devices can communicate over the network. This feature is particularly valuable in environments with frequent guest access or multiple mobile devices, maintaining network security without compromising user convenience.

Integration with Cisco Security Ecosystem

Integration with Cisco’s broader security ecosystem allows the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 to benefit from advanced threat intelligence and automated security policies. When paired with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and other network monitoring tools, the switch provides centralized visibility and control over connected devices, enabling proactive identification and mitigation of potential threats. This approach enhances operational security and reduces the risk of network downtime or data breaches.

Scalable Network Architecture

The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 is designed to support scalable network architectures, making it suitable for growing organizations that require flexible deployment options. Its compact form factor allows for deployment in small offices, wiring closets, or under-desk installations without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the switch can be easily stacked or integrated with other Catalyst 520 Series models to expand port capacity and maintain a uniform management interface across larger network deployments. This scalability ensures that network infrastructure can evolve alongside business requirements without costly replacements.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features

The Catalyst 520 Series switch supports advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, including spanning tree protocol (STP), VLAN tagging, and link aggregation. These features enable efficient traffic management, redundancy, and load balancing within the network. Certain models, including the WS-CE520-8PC-K9, also provide basic Layer 3 functionality, allowing for static routing and inter-VLAN communication. This hybrid approach gives organizations the flexibility to implement robust and efficient network topologies that meet diverse connectivity requirements.

Interoperability and Multi-Vendor Compatibility

The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 adheres to widely accepted networking standards, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of devices and technologies. This multi-vendor interoperability allows businesses to integrate the switch with existing infrastructure without requiring significant hardware changes or additional configuration overhead. Whether deployed alongside other Cisco devices or integrated with third-party networking equipment, the switch delivers consistent performance and predictable behavior, simplifying network management.

Management and Configuration

Effective network management is crucial for maintaining performance, security, and operational efficiency. Cisco’s WS-CE520-8PC-K9 offers a variety of management options, including web-based graphical user interface (GUI), command-line interface (CLI), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support. These tools provide network administrators with granular control over device configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting, facilitating rapid response to network issues and reducing overall maintenance time.

Web-Based Graphical User Interface

The intuitive web-based GUI provides a visual interface for configuring and monitoring the switch. Administrators can quickly view port status, traffic statistics, and PoE consumption, enabling efficient oversight of network operations. This interface is particularly valuable in smaller deployments or environments where dedicated network administrators may not be available, as it simplifies complex configurations and reduces the potential for errors.

Command-Line Interface and Automation

For advanced users, the Catalyst 520 Series switch offers a powerful CLI that enables detailed configuration and scripting capabilities. The CLI supports automation of repetitive tasks, batch configuration changes, and integration with network management scripts. This level of control ensures that administrators can maintain consistency across multiple devices, streamline network operations, and implement complex network policies with precision.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Cisco has designed the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 with energy efficiency in mind, contributing to reduced operational costs and environmental impact. The switch includes features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity, and intelligent PoE management that optimizes energy allocation to connected devices. These innovations allow organizations to maintain high-performance network operations while minimizing their carbon footprint and energy expenses.

Green IT Practices

Implementing the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 within a network infrastructure aligns with green IT practices by reducing unnecessary energy usage and promoting sustainable technology deployment. Features such as automatic power-down for unused ports and adjustable PoE allocation contribute to a more eco-friendly network environment. Businesses benefit from both cost savings and a reduced environmental impact, supporting corporate responsibility initiatives and sustainability goals.

Compliance with Industry Standards

The switch complies with international energy efficiency standards, ensuring that it meets regulatory requirements while providing maximum operational efficiency. Compliance with standards such as IEEE 802.3az for Energy Efficient Ethernet demonstrates Cisco’s commitment to sustainable design and provides organizations with confidence that their network infrastructure adheres to best practices in energy conservation.

Deployment Flexibility and Use Cases

The Catalyst 520 Series 8 Ports Switch is highly adaptable and suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. Its compact design and robust feature set make it ideal for small offices, branch locations, or edge network environments. By providing both high-speed connectivity and PoE capabilities, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 can support diverse applications, including VoIP telephony, wireless networking, IP surveillance, and general data connectivity. Its versatility ensures that organizations can leverage a single, reliable switch to meet multiple networking requirements without additional hardware investments.

Small and Medium Business Networks

For small and medium businesses, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 provides a cost-effective solution that balances performance, security, and scalability. The switch allows businesses to deploy a fully functional network infrastructure without the complexity or expense of larger enterprise-grade switches. By supporting advanced features such as VLAN segmentation, PoE, and network security protocols, it enables SMBs to maintain professional-grade network capabilities that support growth and operational efficiency.

Branch and Remote Office Connectivity

In branch or remote office environments, the Catalyst 520 Series switch offers reliable connectivity and simplified network management. Its compact form factor and low power requirements make it easy to deploy in limited physical spaces, while its advanced switching features ensure consistent performance for distributed teams. Integration with central network management tools allows IT teams to monitor and control branch networks remotely, reducing the need for on-site intervention and improving operational efficiency.