MS120-48-HW Cisco Meraki Cloud Ethernet Switch, 48 Ports

Cisco MS120-48-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch

Key Features

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: MS120-48-HW
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable 1U
• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 (PoE) + 4 x Gigabit SFP
• Type: Gigabit Ethernet

Product Specifications

• Device Type: Managed Switch
• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 (PoE), 4 x Gigabit SFP
• Switching Capacity: 104 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 77.38 Million Packets per Second (Mpps)
• Enclosure Type: 1U Rack-mountable

Technical Capabilities

• High-Speed Switching: With a switching capacity of 104 Gbps, this switch ensures optimal network performance.
• PoE Support: Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities for delivering power and data over a single cable.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The Cisco MS120-48-HW features high-performance gigabit Ethernet ports to support fast and reliable connectivity.
• SFP Slots: Four Gigabit SFP slots for flexible fiber connectivity options.

Performance and Reliability

• Designed to handle demanding network environments, providing seamless performance for data-heavy applications.
• Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to upgrade their network infrastructure.
• Built for scalability, allowing easy integration with Meraki cloud management for simplified monitoring and configuration.

Cisco MS120-48-HW Meraki Managed Switch

The Cisco MS120-48-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch 48 Ports is designed to deliver high-performance, reliable network connectivity for modern businesses. Part of the Cisco Meraki MS series, this switch provides seamless cloud management, enabling IT teams to monitor, configure, and optimize network performance from anywhere. The 48-port configuration ensures extensive connectivity, making it an ideal choice for medium to large enterprise networks that require scalable and centralized network management. Built for efficiency, the MS120-48-HW supports advanced Layer 2 features while offering Layer 3 routing capabilities, making it a versatile solution for diverse networking environments.

Performance and Scalability

High-Speed Connectivity

The Cisco MS120-48-HW is engineered to provide high-speed data transfer with a total switching capacity capable of handling extensive traffic loads without bottlenecks. Each of the 48 ports operates at Gigabit Ethernet speeds, supporting smooth and uninterrupted communication between devices. This ensures that mission-critical applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud services operate efficiently, reducing latency and improving overall network productivity.

Scalable Network Architecture

Scalability is a critical factor in network infrastructure, and the MS120-48-HW excels in this regard. Network administrators can expand network capacity by stacking multiple switches or integrating additional Meraki switches seamlessly into the existing Meraki cloud environment. This modularity allows organizations to grow their network infrastructure without extensive downtime or complex reconfiguration processes. Additionally, the cloud-managed design provides centralized visibility across all connected devices, streamlining monitoring and troubleshooting tasks.

Cloud Management and Simplified Administration

Meraki Cloud Dashboard

The MS120-48-HW is fully integrated with the Meraki Cloud Dashboard, which provides a single pane of glass to manage the network. This centralized management platform allows IT administrators to configure, monitor, and maintain network devices in real-time. The cloud interface supports intuitive drag-and-drop configuration, automated firmware updates, and comprehensive analytics, reducing the need for on-site intervention and allowing for proactive network management. The dashboard also features granular access controls, enabling administrators to define user permissions and enforce security policies across the network.

Remote Troubleshooting and Automation

One of the key advantages of the Cisco MS120-48-HW is its remote troubleshooting capabilities. Network issues can be identified and resolved without requiring physical access to the switch, saving time and operational costs. Automated alerts and network health metrics provide insights into performance anomalies, allowing IT teams to respond quickly. Additionally, the switch supports automated network configuration changes and scheduled maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing human error.

Advanced Security Features

Enhanced Threat Protection

Security is a cornerstone of the MS120-48-HW design. The switch integrates features such as 802.1X authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to protect sensitive network resources. These security protocols prevent unauthorized access and ensure that only verified devices can communicate within the network. The switch also supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping and IP Source Guard, providing an additional layer of protection against common network attacks.

Network Segmentation and VLAN Support

The MS120-48-HW supports extensive VLAN configurations, allowing organizations to segment network traffic according to department, application, or security level. This segmentation reduces broadcast traffic, improves network efficiency, and enhances security by isolating critical systems from less secure network zones. Advanced VLAN tagging and routing features ensure that data flows efficiently while maintaining strict access control policies, making it suitable for enterprises with complex network topologies.

Reliability and Energy Efficiency

Robust Hardware Design

The Cisco MS120-48-HW is built with high-quality components that ensure long-term reliability and minimal downtime. Its hardware design incorporates redundant power supplies and fan modules, which enhance operational stability and maintain optimal thermal performance. This durability is crucial for businesses that require uninterrupted network availability, especially in mission-critical environments such as data centers, hospitals, and financial institutions.

Energy-Efficient Operation

Energy efficiency is another key feature of the MS120-48-HW. Cisco’s Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology reduces power consumption during low data activity periods, lowering operational costs without compromising performance. Additionally, intelligent power management features allow the switch to dynamically adjust power allocation to connected devices, ensuring optimal energy usage across the network. This eco-friendly design aligns with sustainability initiatives and reduces the overall carbon footprint of enterprise networks.

Deployment Flexibility and Integration

Versatile Deployment Options

The MS120-48-HW offers flexible deployment options suitable for both on-premises and cloud-managed environments. It can be deployed as a standalone switch, integrated into an existing Meraki network, or configured for high-availability setups using stacking and redundancy. Its compact design and rack-mountable form factor make it suitable for server rooms, wiring closets, or enterprise data centers, providing adaptable solutions for diverse network topologies.

Seamless Integration with Meraki Ecosystem

The Cisco MS120-48-HW seamlessly integrates with the broader Meraki ecosystem, including wireless access points, security appliances, and mobile device management solutions. This unified approach simplifies network management by allowing IT teams to monitor and control the entire infrastructure through a single dashboard. Integration with Meraki’s security solutions also enables centralized threat detection and response, ensuring that the network remains secure and resilient against cyber threats.

Support and Maintenance

Meraki Cloud Support Services

Cisco provides robust support services for the MS120-48-HW, including access to the Meraki cloud support portal. Organizations benefit from extensive documentation, knowledge base articles, and live technical support to resolve issues promptly. Firmware and software updates are automatically managed through the cloud, ensuring that the switch always operates with the latest security patches and feature enhancements. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and reduces the administrative burden on IT teams.

Future-Proof Networking

The Cisco MS120-48-HW is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Its support for emerging networking protocols, high-speed uplinks, and cloud-managed capabilities ensures that organizations can scale their networks without significant infrastructure changes. This forward-looking design makes the switch a valuable long-term investment, enabling businesses to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining optimal network performance and reliability.