SRW208-K9-NA Cisco SF300-08 Ethernet Switch 8-Ports Manageable

Managed Fast Ethernet Switch Overview

The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 is designed to deliver reliable Layer 2 switching for small offices, branch locations, and growing business networks. With eight Fast Ethernet ports and advanced management features, it supports efficient traffic handling and simplified network administration.

General Product Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model / SKU: SRW208-K9-NA
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 8 Ethernet Ports

Port Configuration and Connectivity

Network Interface Capabilities

• Eight RJ-45 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connectivity
• Fast Ethernet technology for stable wired connections
• Dedicated management access for configuration and monitoring

Expansion and Switching Architecture

• 8 × Fast Ethernet switching interfaces
• Optimized for Layer 2 network environments
• Ideal for structured cabling infrastructures

Layer 2 Features and Traffic Control

Switching and Network Management

This managed switch operates at Layer 2, enabling intelligent packet forwarding, segmentation, and traffic prioritization for improved network efficiency.

Supported Management Protocols

• Web-based access via HTTP and HTTPS
• Remote configuration using Telnet and CLI
• Automatic IP assignment through DHCP
• Centralized monitoring with Syslog
• SNMP support (v1, v2c, v3) for network management systems

Advanced Monitoring and Control

• RMON for detailed traffic analysis
• VLAN support for network segmentation
• Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical data

Memory and Performance Resources

Built-In System Memory

• 128 MB of standard memory for smooth operation
• 16 MB of flash storage for firmware and configuration files

Power and Electrical Specifications

Power Input and Consumption

• Supports dual input voltage: 110 V AC and 220 V AC
• Integrated power supply for consistent operation

Physical Design and Installation

Form Factor and Mounting Options

• Desktop-friendly compact design
• Rack-mountable for structured network cabinets

Dimensions and Weight

• Height: 1.5 inches
• Width: 11 inches
• Depth: 6.7 inches
• Approximate Weight: 2.56 lbs

Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 Managed Ethernet Switch

The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 8-Ports 10/100 Managed Switch belongs to the Cisco Small Business SF300 Series, a product family designed to deliver enterprise-grade switching capabilities in compact, cost-effective form factors. This category of managed Ethernet switches is purpose-built for small offices, branch environments, retail deployments, and network segments that require reliable connectivity, intelligent traffic handling, and administrative control without the complexity of large-scale enterprise infrastructure. The SF300-08 model, featuring eight Fast Ethernet ports, addresses the needs of organizations that require stable wired networking for essential business operations, device interconnectivity, and controlled data flow.

Within the managed switch category, the Cisco SRW208-K9-NA stands out for its balance between simplicity and advanced functionality. It provides Layer 2 switching features that allow network administrators to configure, monitor, and secure traffic with precision. The switch supports a wide range of protocols and management interfaces, ensuring compatibility with existing network architectures while offering scalability for future growth. This category is particularly relevant for businesses transitioning from unmanaged switches to managed solutions, where visibility and control over network behavior become increasingly important.

Managed Switching Architecture and Design Philosophy

The Cisco SF300 Series reflects a design philosophy focused on reliability, efficiency, and ease of management. The SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 model is engineered to support continuous network operation, with a hardware architecture optimized for consistent packet forwarding and minimal latency. As part of the managed switch category, it integrates intelligent switching fabric capabilities that ensure predictable performance even under moderate traffic loads common in small business environments.

The compact enclosure of the SF300-08 allows flexible deployment scenarios, including desktop placement, shelf mounting, or integration into small network racks. This physical adaptability is a key attribute of this category, as it supports diverse installation environments without requiring extensive infrastructure changes. The fanless design contributes to silent operation, making it suitable for offices, classrooms, and customer-facing areas where noise levels are a consideration.

Fast Ethernet Connectivity and Port Configuration

The eight 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports provided by the Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 enable reliable wired connections for essential network devices such as desktop computers, printers, IP phones, point-of-sale terminals, and networked appliances. Within this category, Fast Ethernet switches continue to play an important role in environments where bandwidth demands are predictable and cost efficiency is a priority. The switch’s port configuration supports auto-negotiation and auto MDI/MDIX, simplifying device connections and reducing setup time.

Fast Ethernet performance ensures stable throughput for typical business applications including file sharing, email communication, internal web services, and VoIP signaling. The managed nature of the SF300-08 allows administrators to control port behavior, monitor utilization, and detect anomalies, which is a significant advantage over unmanaged alternatives in the same port-density segment.

Layer 2 Management Capabilities

As a managed Layer 2 switch, the Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 provides essential features that enable structured network design and operational control. This category includes switches that support VLAN segmentation, allowing logical separation of network traffic to enhance security and performance. VLANs enable administrators to group devices by function, department, or security requirement without changing physical cabling.

The SF300-08 also supports advanced Layer 2 features such as Spanning Tree Protocol variants, which help prevent network loops and ensure redundancy in multi-switch topologies. These capabilities are particularly valuable in small business networks where incremental expansion can introduce complexity over time. The managed switch category emphasizes these foundational protocols to ensure network stability as environments evolve.

Network Performance Optimization and Traffic Management

Performance optimization is a defining characteristic of the Cisco SF300 managed switch category. The SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 incorporates intelligent traffic handling mechanisms that prioritize critical data flows and maintain consistent network responsiveness. Quality of Service functionality allows administrators to assign priority levels to different types of traffic, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video receive appropriate bandwidth allocation.

This level of traffic management is especially important in small networks where multiple services share limited resources. By enabling traffic classification and prioritization, the SF300-08 helps maintain application performance during peak usage periods. The managed switch category emphasizes predictable behavior and control, reducing the risk of congestion-related disruptions.

Quality of Service and Application Awareness

The Quality of Service capabilities available in the Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 allow for granular control over packet forwarding. Traffic can be classified based on parameters such as port, VLAN, or protocol, enabling administrators to align network behavior with business priorities. This is a core advantage of managed switches in this category, as it allows networks to support converged services without requiring additional hardware.

Application awareness enhances the ability of the network to respond dynamically to varying demands. In environments where voice communications, data transfers, and management traffic coexist, the SF300-08 ensures that critical services remain responsive. This makes the switch suitable for deployments that include IP telephony systems and unified communications platforms.

Bandwidth Control and Flow Regulation

Bandwidth control features within the SF300 Series enable administrators to regulate traffic flow at the port level. The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 supports rate limiting and storm control mechanisms that protect the network from excessive broadcast, multicast, or unknown unicast traffic. These features are integral to the managed switch category, as they help prevent misconfigured devices or faulty applications from degrading overall network performance.

Flow control mechanisms further enhance reliability by coordinating data transmission between devices, reducing packet loss during periods of congestion. This contributes to smoother network operation and improved user experience, particularly in small office environments where network resources are shared among multiple users.

Security Features and Network Protection

Security is a critical consideration in the managed switch category, and the Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 incorporates a range of features designed to protect network integrity. Port-based security mechanisms allow administrators to restrict access by limiting the number of devices that can connect to a given port or by specifying allowed MAC addresses. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps maintain compliance with internal security policies.

Support for secure management protocols ensures that administrative access to the switch is protected against interception and unauthorized modification. The SF300-08 aligns with the broader Cisco Small Business security model, providing layered defenses that are accessible without requiring specialized security expertise.

Access Control and Authentication Support

The managed switch category includes support for access control mechanisms that enforce authentication at the network edge. The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 supports standards-based authentication frameworks, enabling integration with centralized authentication systems where required. This allows organizations to implement consistent access policies across their network infrastructure.

Access control lists further enhance security by filtering traffic based on predefined criteria. These capabilities provide administrators with tools to manage data flows and restrict sensitive resources, contributing to a more secure and controlled networking environment.

Protection Against Network Threats

Integrated protection features help mitigate common network threats such as denial-of-service attacks and traffic storms. The Cisco SF300-08 includes mechanisms that detect abnormal traffic patterns and take corrective action to preserve network availability. This proactive approach to network protection is a key differentiator of managed switches in this category, offering peace of mind to organizations with limited IT resources.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Case Applications

The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 managed switch is well-suited for a variety of deployment scenarios within the small business and branch office category. Its compact size and efficient feature set make it ideal for connecting workstations, network peripherals, and access devices in environments with limited space and infrastructure.

Retail locations, professional offices, educational facilities, and hospitality environments benefit from the switch’s ability to deliver consistent connectivity and manageable performance. The SF300-08 supports structured cabling layouts and can serve as an access-layer switch within a larger network topology, complementing higher-capacity aggregation switches.

Scalability and Network Growth Support

Although designed for smaller deployments, the managed switch category represented by the SF300 Series supports scalability through standardized protocols and interoperable features. The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 can be integrated into growing networks, allowing organizations to expand their infrastructure incrementally without replacing existing equipment.

This scalability ensures that initial investments in managed switching continue to deliver value as network requirements evolve. The switch’s support for VLANs, spanning tree, and centralized management frameworks makes it a flexible building block for long-term network planning.

Energy Efficiency and Operational Reliability

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in modern networking environments. The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 is designed to operate efficiently, reducing power consumption without compromising performance. The fanless design not only contributes to silent operation but also enhances reliability by minimizing mechanical components.

Operational reliability is a hallmark of the Cisco Small Business managed switch category. The SF300-08 is built to deliver continuous uptime, supporting mission-critical business operations. Its robust construction and proven Cisco engineering ensure dependable performance in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Positioning Within the Cisco Small Business Switch Portfolio

The Cisco SRW208-K9-NA SF300-08 occupies a strategic position within the Cisco Small Business switch portfolio. It serves as an entry-level managed switch option that bridges the gap between basic unmanaged switches and more advanced enterprise-class solutions. This positioning makes it an attractive choice for organizations seeking enhanced control and reliability without the complexity of higher-end models.

As part of the broader managed switch category, the SF300-08 aligns with Cisco’s commitment to delivering scalable, secure, and manageable networking solutions. Its feature set reflects a careful balance of functionality and simplicity, enabling businesses to implement professional-grade networking practices with confidence.