C1300-8P-E-2G Cisco Catalyst Switch L3 Managed 8 Ports

Hardware Architecture and Port Configuration

The physical design of the Cisco Catalyst C1300-8P-E-2G is a study in optimized density and versatility, packing critical connectivity and power into a single rack unit.

Comprehensive Port Array and Uplink Strategy

The switch's port configuration is meticulously planned to serve as a complete connectivity hub.

Downlink Ports: Power and Data Integration

The eight 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports form the core of the switch's access layer functionality.

Auto-Sensing and Auto-Negotiation

Each port independently auto-senses speed (10, 100, or 1000 Mbps) and negotiates duplex mode, ensuring seamless integration with legacy and modern devices without manual configuration.

PoE+ Power Budget Management

With a total power budget of 60W, the switch intelligently allocates power based on the requirements of each connected Powered Device (PD). It can deliver the full 30W per port on up to two ports simultaneously or distribute power across more ports for lower-wattage devices, all while monitoring for faults and overloads.

Uplink Ports: Network Backbone Connectivity

The two combo Gigabit SFP/RJ-45 ports are a defining feature for network flexibility.

Combo Port Technology Explained

Each "combo" port is a single interface with two physical connectors: an RJ-45 and an SFP slot. Only one can be active at a time, providing a choice between copper (using a standard Ethernet cable) or fiber (using an SFP module). This allows network administrators to select the optimal medium for distance, interference, or existing infrastructure.

Uplink Scenarios and Deployment Examples

These uplinks can be used to connect to a core switch or router using long-range fiber SFP modules, to daisy-chain another access switch using copper for simplicity, or to provide redundant uplinks for increased network reliability.

Chassis Design and Operational Considerations

The rugged, metal chassis is built for continuous operation in varied environments.

Rack-Mountability and Form Factor

Supplied with rack-mount ears, the switch can be securely installed in a standard 19-inch rack, optimizing space in wiring closets and server rooms. Its compact size and quiet, fanless design (in many models) also make it suitable for open-office placements.

Power Supply and Cooling

The internal power supply is optimized for efficiency, supporting a wide range of input voltages. A well-designed thermal envelope ensures consistent performance and longevity, even when the PoE budget is fully utilized.

Layer 3 Management and Advanced Feature Set

Moving beyond basic Layer 2 switching, this category introduces network intelligence that dramatically improves control, security, and performance.

Fundamentals of Layer 3 Static Routing

This capability allows the switch to route traffic between different IP subnets (VLANs) internally.

Inter-VLAN Routing Configuration

Administrators can create multiple VLANs (e.g., one for data, one for VoIP, one for guests) and configure Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVIs) for each. The switch can then route packets between these VLANs based on static routes, eliminating the need to hairpin all inter-VLAN traffic through an external router, reducing latency and bottleneck.

Benefits for Network Segmentation and Performance

Segmenting broadcast domains and controlling inter-subnet traffic enhances security, improves overall network performance by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic, and allows for tailored quality of service (QoS) and security policies per VLAN.

Comprehensive Security and Access Control

Protecting the network edge is paramount, and this switch category includes a robust suite of security tools.

Network Access Control with 802.1X

Supports port-based and MAC-based 802.1X authentication, requiring users or devices to authenticate before being granted network access. This is critical for preventing unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.

ACLs and Port Security

Access Control Lists (ACLs) can filter traffic based on IP addresses, MAC addresses, and protocol types. Port security features allow administrators to lock down ports to specific MAC addresses, limiting connectivity to authorized devices only.

Secure Management Protocols

Management access is secured via SSHv2, SNMPv3, and HTTPS/SSL, ensuring all configuration sessions and data are encrypted, protecting against eavesdropping and tampering.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Critical Applications

In a converged network carrying data, voice, and video, QoS is essential to maintain performance.

Classification, Marking, and Queuing

The switch can classify traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 (TCP/UDP port) information. It can then mark and place traffic into priority queues, ensuring that latency-sensitive VoIP and video streams are prioritized over standard web traffic.

Optimizing VoIP and Real-Time Media

By creating a dedicated voice VLAN and applying strict QoS policies, the switch guarantees bandwidth and low latency for IP telephony, resulting in clear, reliable call quality.

The Power over Ethernet Plus Ecosystem and Applications

The integrated 60W PoE+ budget transforms the switch from a mere data aggregator into a power distribution and control unit for the entire edge network ecosystem.

PoE+ Standards and Power Delivery

Understanding the IEEE 802.3at standard is key to leveraging its full potential.

IEEE 802.3at vs. Standard PoE

PoE+ delivers up to 30W per port (compared to 15.4W with standard 802.3af PoE), supporting a broader range of power-hungry devices like PTZ cameras, multi-radio wireless access points (Wi-Fi 6/6E), and video phones.

Powered Device Detection and Classification

The switch employs a sophisticated detection and classification process to avoid damaging non-PoE devices and to efficiently manage its power budget by understanding the power class of each connected PD.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The practical applications for a switch in this category are vast and impactful.

Unified Communications Deployment

In a modern office, the switch can simultaneously power Cisco IP phones (which may also daisy-chain a connected computer) and the ceiling-mounted wireless access points that provide connectivity for laptops and mobile devices, creating a clean, centralized, and UPS-backed power infrastructure for communications.

Surveillance and Physical Security Systems

For security installations, it can power multiple high-definition IP cameras with infrared illuminators, heaters, or PTZ mechanisms over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing costs compared to running separate power lines to each camera location.

Retail and Hospitality Environments

In a retail setting, the switch can power point-of-sale systems, digital signage, inventory tracking access points, and VoIP phones, providing a consolidated network foundation that is easy to manage and scale.

Management, Deployment, and Sustainability

Ease of management and reliable deployment are critical for resource-constrained IT teams.

Management Interface Options

Cisco provides multiple pathways to configure and monitor the switch.

Cisco Business Dashboard and Cloud Management

For multi-device deployments, the optional Cisco Business Dashboard offers a cloud-based centralized view for monitoring, configuring, and troubleshooting an entire network of switches from a single pane of glass, greatly simplifying operations.

Traditional CLI and Web GUI

For on-premises management, administrators can choose between the powerful Command-Line Interface (CLI) for granular control and scripting or the user-friendly web-based graphical interface (GUI) for intuitive setup and visualization of the network status.