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

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

The Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 is a robust Ethernet switch designed for modern network environments, offering efficient connectivity and high performance for small to medium-sized networks. Engineered for reliability, this Catalyst 520 series switch delivers advanced networking features in a compact 8-port form factor.

Essential Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: WS-CE520-8PC-K9
• Product Category: Switch
• Port Configuration: 8 ports

Technical Specifications

• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 520
• Device Type: Ethernet Switch

Key Features

• 8 Fast Ethernet ports for seamless local connectivity
• 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed network access
• Supports both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet standards (10/100/1000Base-T)
• 1 SFP expansion slot for fiber connectivity and network scalability

Network Connectivity & Expansion

• Total RJ-45 ports: 9, enabling flexible network integration
• Expansion slot type: SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable)
• Shared SFP slots allow for flexible high-speed connections
• Media type supported: Twisted Pair cabling
• Cable standard: Category 5 compatible

Performance & Layer Support

• Operates on Layer 2, ensuring efficient Ethernet traffic management
• Optimized for both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet performance
• Supports IEEE 802.1p for Quality of Service (QoS)

Management & Protocol Capabilities

• Fully manageable switch, ideal for precise network control
• Supports multiple network protocols:
• Syslog for centralized logging
• RMON (Remote Monitoring) for traffic analysis
• SNMP v3 for secure management
• IEEE 802.1p for QoS prioritization

Memory & Storage

• RAM: 64 MB DRAM for stable operations
• Flash Memory: 16 MB for configuration storage and backups

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

The Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 Catalyst 520 Series 8 Ports Switch represents a breakthrough in small-to-medium business networking solutions, providing unmatched performance, reliability, and scalability. Engineered to meet the demands of modern network infrastructures, this switch is designed for organizations that require efficient connectivity, seamless integration, and advanced security features. The Catalyst 520 Series empowers network administrators to deploy high-performance switching with minimal complexity while ensuring future-proof growth for expanding network environments.

Advanced Switching Technology

At the core of the Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 is advanced switching technology that optimizes network performance and reliability. With eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, this switch ensures seamless connectivity for multiple devices, including IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras. The switch leverages Cisco’s renowned hardware and software integration to provide line-rate forwarding, low-latency packet delivery, and efficient traffic management, which collectively enhance overall network efficiency.

High-Performance Port Configuration

The eight ports on the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 are strategically designed to deliver both flexibility and power. Each port supports full-duplex transmission and advanced auto-negotiation, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of network devices. With support for PoE, the switch can provide up to 30W per port, allowing devices such as IP phones and wireless access points to operate without the need for separate power supplies. This combination of high-speed data transfer and PoE capability ensures that businesses can streamline their network setup while maintaining high operational efficiency.

PoE and Energy Efficiency

One of the defining features of the Cisco Catalyst 520 Series is its intelligent PoE management. The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 includes features such as PoE prioritization, dynamic power allocation, and energy-efficient Ethernet. These features ensure that critical devices receive the power they need without exceeding the switch’s power budget. Additionally, the energy-efficient design minimizes heat generation and reduces overall power consumption, making it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice for businesses.

Robust Security Features

Security is a critical concern for any modern network, and the Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 addresses this with comprehensive protection mechanisms. The switch includes advanced features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1X authentication, and dynamic ARP inspection. These features prevent unauthorized access, mitigate network attacks, and ensure that sensitive data remains protected. By integrating security at the hardware and software levels, the Catalyst 520 Series provides a secure foundation for mission-critical business operations.

Segmentation and VLAN Support

Network segmentation is essential for managing traffic efficiently and improving security. The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 supports multiple VLANs, allowing administrators to segment the network into logical domains. This segmentation improves performance by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic and enhances security by isolating sensitive devices and departments. Combined with quality of service (QoS) features, VLAN support ensures that high-priority applications such as voice and video receive the bandwidth they need, even during peak network utilization.

Quality of Service (QoS) Capabilities

The Catalyst 520 Series integrates sophisticated QoS mechanisms that prioritize critical traffic based on application requirements. By classifying, marking, and queuing packets efficiently, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 ensures that time-sensitive applications like VoIP, video conferencing, and real-time data analytics perform optimally. This QoS capability not only improves user experience but also reduces network congestion, packet loss, and latency, which are common challenges in enterprise networking environments.

Scalability and Manageability

The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 is designed with scalability in mind, making it an ideal choice for growing businesses. The switch can be seamlessly integrated into larger Catalyst networks, supporting stacking and simplified network management. Cisco’s intuitive management tools, such as Cisco DNA Center and web-based interfaces, allow administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network with minimal effort. Automated configuration, device discovery, and health monitoring streamline network operations and reduce the administrative burden on IT teams.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

As part of the Catalyst 520 Series, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 benefits from full compatibility with the Cisco ecosystem, including routers, wireless controllers, and network security appliances. This integration ensures end-to-end network visibility and centralized management, allowing administrators to implement consistent policies across the network. Additionally, software-defined networking capabilities enable network automation, rapid deployment, and simplified troubleshooting, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Future-Proof Networking

Cisco has engineered the Catalyst 520 Series to accommodate the evolving demands of enterprise networking. With support for emerging technologies, including IPv6, enhanced multicast routing, and advanced security protocols, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 ensures that businesses can scale their network infrastructure without significant investment in new hardware. Future-proof design elements, such as modular firmware updates and long-term software support, guarantee that the switch remains relevant and capable of supporting advanced applications for years to come.

Reliability and Redundancy

Business continuity is critical in modern networking environments, and the Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 delivers reliability through redundant features and fault-tolerant design. The switch incorporates hardware-based redundancy, spanning tree protocols, and rapid failover mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted network operation. In addition, continuous monitoring of port and link status allows network administrators to proactively identify and resolve potential issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining consistent performance across the network.

Ease of Deployment

Deploying the Catalyst 520 Series is straightforward due to its compact design and user-friendly interfaces. The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 can be mounted on a wall, placed on a desktop, or integrated into standard rack configurations, providing flexible installation options. Additionally, Cisco’s Zero-Touch Provisioning and configuration templates allow IT teams to deploy multiple switches quickly and consistently, significantly reducing setup time and operational complexity.

Ideal Use Cases

The Cisco Catalyst 520 Series is ideally suited for small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, and distributed networks. Its combination of high-performance switching, PoE support, advanced security features, and simplified management makes it an excellent solution for environments with diverse connectivity requirements. From powering VoIP systems to connecting wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and other critical devices, the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 provides reliable, scalable, and secure networking capabilities tailored to meet organizational demands.

Optimized for Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises often require network solutions that deliver enterprise-grade features without the complexity or cost associated with large-scale deployments. The Catalyst 520 Series addresses these needs by offering manageable ports, energy-efficient operation, and integrated security features. Its compact design allows businesses to deploy powerful networking infrastructure even in constrained spaces, while its PoE capabilities simplify the installation of essential devices without additional power cabling.

Support for Smart Offices

Modern workplaces rely on smart devices and IoT technology to enhance productivity and collaboration. The WS-CE520-8PC-K9 supports smart office deployment by providing reliable connectivity for smart lighting, access control systems, IP phones, and wireless access points. With consistent network performance and advanced traffic management, employees can enjoy seamless communication, collaboration, and access to cloud-based applications, ensuring that the workplace operates efficiently and effectively.

Software Features and Updates

The Cisco WS-CE520-8PC-K9 comes with a robust suite of software features designed to simplify network management, enhance security, and improve overall network performance. The switch supports Cisco IOS Software with embedded network management tools, allowing administrators to configure VLANs, apply QoS policies, and implement access controls with ease. Cisco provides regular firmware updates, security patches, and feature enhancements to ensure the switch remains secure and compatible with emerging technologies, making it a reliable long-term investment for business networks.

Comprehensive Management Interface

Network administrators benefit from an intuitive web-based interface, CLI, and SNMP support for comprehensive monitoring and management. This interface allows seamless configuration of ports, VLANs, PoE settings, and security policies. Administrators can also monitor real-time traffic, view device health, and generate reports to optimize network performance. By combining ease of use with advanced functionality, the management interface reduces operational complexity and enhances the efficiency of IT operations.

Enhanced Security Through Software

Software-defined security features in the WS-CE520-8PC-K9 extend hardware-level protections by enabling dynamic access policies, automated threat detection, and response mechanisms. These software capabilities provide an additional layer of defense against network intrusions and vulnerabilities, ensuring that critical business operations are safeguarded against evolving cyber threats. By combining hardware and software security, the Catalyst 520 Series delivers a resilient and secure networking environment for modern enterprises.