C1000-8T-E-2G-L Cisco Catalyst 8 Ports Ethernet Switch Layer 2

Product Outline

The Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L Catalyst managed switch is a reliable and scalable networking solution designed for small to medium-sized business environments. Built with enterprise-grade performance, this compact Gigabit Ethernet switch delivers secure connectivity, advanced management, and flexible uplink options for growing networks.

General Specifications

• Brand: Cisco Systems
• Model Number: C1000-8T-E-2G-L
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Total Ethernet Ports: 8 Ports
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable design
• Network Technology: Gigabit Ethernet

Design and Build

Engineered for durability and consistent performance, this Cisco Catalyst switch features a space-saving rack-mountable enclosure, making it ideal for structured network cabinets and professional IT setups.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

Ethernet and Uplink Ports

• 8 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports
• 2 × Combo Gigabit SFP uplink ports

Interface Details

• 8 × 1000Base-T RJ-45 ports
• 2 × 1000Base-T / 1000Base-X RJ-45/SFP combo uplinks
• 1 × Dedicated RJ-45 management port
• 1 × Mini-USB Type-B console port
• 1 × USB Type-A port

Performance and Hardware

Processor and Architecture

Powered by an ARM-based processor running at 800 MHz, the Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L ensures efficient traffic handling, smooth data forwarding, and dependable switching performance for daily business operations.

Routing and Network Protocol Support

Supported Routing Protocols

• IGMP
• MLD and MLDv2
• STP, RSTP, and MSTP

Optimized Traffic Management

These protocols help enhance multicast efficiency, prevent network loops, and improve overall network stability, ensuring seamless communication across connected devices.

Remote Management and Security

Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• RMON 1 and RMON 2
• Telnet and SSH / SSH-2
• HTTP and TFTP
• CLI-based management
• NTP, ICMP, and DHCP
• RADIUS and TACACS+

Core Positioning in the Networking Ecosystem

Positioned as an access-layer switch, the C1000-8T-E-2G-L serves as the critical point of entry for endpoint devices onto the network. It provides the intelligence to segment traffic, prioritize critical applications like voice and video, and enforce basic security policies at the edge. It bridges the gap between unmanaged, plug-and-play switches and highly complex, high-end managed switches, offering a "sweet spot" of functionality, reliability, and affordability for growing organizations.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

The Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L packs a comprehensive set of features into its 1RU (rack unit) design. Understanding its specifications is crucial for determining its fit within your network infrastructure.

Hardware Architecture and Performance

At its heart, the switch is built for reliable, non-blocking performance. The total switching capacity is robust for its class, ensuring all ports can operate at full wire speed simultaneously. This is backed by a generous packet buffer memory to handle traffic bursts without packet loss, which is essential for real-time applications.

Port Configuration Details

RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet Ports

The eight RJ-45 ports support auto-negotiation for speed (10/100/1000 Mbps) and duplex, as well as Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables. These ports are ideal for connecting wired devices directly.

SFP Uplink Ports

The two dual-purpose Gigabit Ethernet SFP uplink ports provide exceptional flexibility. They can accept SFP modules for 1000BASE-SX (multimode fiber), 1000BASE-LX (single-mode fiber), or 1000BASE-T (copper) connections. This allows for uplinks of up to hundreds of kilometers using fiber, making the switch suitable for connecting between buildings or to a central data closet.

Power and Design

The switch typically operates with an internal, fixed power supply. It supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE or 802.3az), which reduces power consumption during periods of low data activity. Its fanless or quiet fan design makes it suitable for office environments where noise is a concern.

Enhanced Software

As an "Enhanced" (E) model, this switch unlocks a powerful suite of software features that provide control, security, and quality of service.

Layer 2 Switch

The switch supports a full range of IEEE standards: IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging for network segmentation, IEEE 802.1p Class of Service (CoS) for traffic prioritization, and IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for bundling multiple ports into a single logical trunk, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.

Security and Access Control

Network security starts at the access edge. This switch offers features like: Port Security to limit MAC addresses per port; 802.1X port-based authentication for user and device credential checking; Access Control Lists (ACLs) for filtering traffic based on IP/MAC addresses; and DHCP snooping to prevent rogue DHCP server attacks.

Quality of Service (QoS)

To ensure voice and video traffic are delivered without jitter or delay, the switch provides sophisticated QoS. It can classify traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or ACLs, then place it into prioritized queues for egress scheduling. This is critical for converged networks running unified communications.

Primary Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The versatility of the Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L makes it a fit for a wide array of environments. Its compact size and feature depth allow it to solve specific network challenges.

Small to Medium Business Core Networking

For an SMB, this 8-port switch can serve as the main managed switch in a small office, connecting all employees and critical resources. The Enhanced features allow the business to separate guest traffic from corporate traffic using VLANs, prioritize a VoIP phone system, and secure network access.

Enterprise Branch Office or Remote Site

In a larger organization, branch offices often need a simple, reliable access switch. The C1000-8T-E-2G-L provides this, with the SFP uplinks enabling a high-performance, resilient fiber link back to the corporate WAN or data center. Its support for consistent Cisco IOS commands simplifies management for central IT teams.

Dedicated Network Segments and Edge Applications

This switch is perfect for creating isolated, high-performance network segments. Common deployments include:

IP Surveillance and Physical Security Systems

Modern IP camera systems generate substantial bandwidth. This switch can dedicate ports to cameras, use VLANs to isolate surveillance traffic from the main network, and utilize QoS to ensure video streams are never interrupted. PoE models in the same series can even power the cameras directly.

High-Performance Workgroup or Lab

For engineering teams, multimedia creators, or computer labs that transfer large files, the full Gigabit connectivity and optional link aggregation provide the necessary throughput. Management features allow for controlled access and traffic policies.

Benefits and Advantages Over Competitors

Choosing the Cisco C1000-8T-E-2G-L offers distinct benefits that go beyond a simple list of features.

Cisco Reliability and Ecosystem Integration

The switch carries the Cisco Catalyst legacy, known for durability and stable performance. It integrates seamlessly into a broader Cisco network, allowing for a consistent operational experience and easier troubleshooting. Features like Cisco SmartPorts can auto-conporate ports for specific devices (e.g., an IP phone or access point).

Investment Protection and Scalability

The Enhanced software license is perpetual and included, providing long-term value. The SFP uplink ports offer a clear growth path, allowing the network to scale without replacing the access switch. This future-proofing is a key consideration.

Simplified Management for Skilled and Junior Staff

The dual management interfaces (CLI and GUI) cater to different skill levels. Network administrators can use the powerful CLI they already know from larger Cisco switches, while less experienced staff can perform basic setup and monitoring via the intuitive web interface.

Implementing Core Features for a Secure Network

A standard deployment checklist should include:

VLAN Segmentation

Create VLANs for different departments (e.g., Sales, Engineering), device types (Data, Voice), or functions (Guests). This confines broadcast traffic and enhances security.

Link Aggregation for Uplinks

Use LACP to bundle the two SFP uplink ports to a core switch. This provides increased bandwidth and fault tolerance—if one link fails, traffic automatically fails over to the remaining link.

Quality of Service Configuration

Trust the CoS markings from IP phones. Configure ingress classification and egress queuing policies to ensure voice traffic is placed in the priority queue, guaranteeing call quality even during network congestion.

Comparison Within the Catalyst 1000 Family

The C1000-8T-E-2G-L sits within a broader family. Key differentiators include port count (8, 24, 48), port type (Fast Ethernet, Gigabit, Multi-Gigabit), PoE availability and budget, uplink options (SFP, SFP+), and software tier (Essential vs. Enhanced). The 8-port model is the most compact, ideal for locations with a low device density but a need for advanced features and fiber connectivity.

Essential vs. Enhanced Software Tiers

The Essential tier offers basic Layer 2 management. The Enhanced tier, which this model belongs to, is required for advanced security (802.1X, ACLs), advanced QoS (per-user rate limiting, policing), and advanced monitoring (sFlow/NetFlow). For any business or branch requiring more than basic VLANs, the Enhanced model is the recommended choice.