SRW2048-K9 Cisco SG300-52 Managed Switch, 52 Ports

Cisco SRW2048-K9 SG300-52 Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco SRW2048-K9, also known as the SG300-52, is a high-performance managed switch designed for medium to large-scale network environments. Equipped with 52 ports, it offers both flexibility and robust network management capabilities, making it ideal for enterprises seeking reliable connectivity and advanced Layer 3 features.

Manufacturer & Product Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model/Part Number: SRW2048-K9
• Product Type: Managed Network Switch
• Port Count: 52 Ports

Technical Specifications

Device & Port Configuration

• Type: Layer 3 Managed Switch
• Form Factor: 1U Rack-Mountable
• Port Composition: 50 x 10/100/1000 Mbps + 2 x Combo Gigabit SFP
• Gigabit Ethernet Support: Yes

Performance & Capacity

• Switching Capacity: 104 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate (64-byte packets): 77.38 Mpps
• Maximum VLANs Supported: 256
• MAC Address Table: 8,000 Entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 10 KB

Routing & Protocols

• IPv4 Routing: Static Routing Support
• Management Protocols: SNMP v1, v2c, v3, RMON 1/2/3/9, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, TFTP, SSH, CLI

Advanced Features

• Layer 2 & Layer 3 Switching
• DHCP and BOOTP Support
• VLAN Support with IGMP & MLD Snooping
• Port Mirroring & Access Control Lists (ACL)
• QoS with Weighted Round Robin (WRR)
• Storm Control: Broadcast, Multicast, and Unicast
• DoS Attack Prevention
• Firmware Upgradeable
• Spanning Tree Protocols: STP, RSTP, MSTP
• IPv6 Ready

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3ab
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p, 802.3x, 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1w, 802.1s, 802.1x, 802.1ab (LLDP)

Power & Physical Details

• Power Supply: AC 120/230 V, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions: 17.3" (W) x 10.1" (D) x 1.7" (H)
• Weight: 8.6 lbs

Cisco SRW2048-K9 SG300-52 52 Ports Managed Switch

The Cisco SRW2048-K9 SG300-52 is a high-performance managed network switch designed to meet the growing demands of modern enterprise networks. With 52 ports available, this switch provides extensive connectivity options for a wide range of devices, allowing businesses to maintain robust and scalable network infrastructures. Cisco has engineered the SG300-52 with advanced features that enable efficient traffic management, enhanced security protocols, and simplified network administration. The switch supports Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 features, making it versatile enough for small and medium-sized businesses while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability.

Advanced Connectivity and Port Configuration

The SG300-52 offers 48 standard 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports alongside four Gigabit SFP uplink ports. This combination ensures high-speed connections for both servers and client devices while allowing fiber optic uplinks to connect to core networks or other switches. Each port can be individually configured for speed, duplex settings, and VLAN assignment, giving network administrators granular control over traffic management. The switch also supports Auto-MDIX on all ports, automatically detecting and adjusting to straight-through or crossover cables, eliminating common cabling issues and enhancing plug-and-play capabilities.

Layer 2 Switching Capabilities

At its core, the Cisco SG300-52 is built to provide sophisticated Layer 2 switching functions. It supports essential features such as VLAN segmentation, port-based VLANs, 802.1Q trunking, and Private VLAN Edge to isolate traffic for security purposes. The switch also includes Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), allowing multiple physical ports to be combined into a single logical link, providing higher bandwidth and redundancy for critical network paths. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its variants, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), ensure loop-free topology and rapid network convergence in case of link failures.

Layer 3 Routing Features

Although primarily a Layer 2 device, the SG300-52 supports basic Layer 3 routing features to facilitate inter-VLAN communication and simple routing tasks within a network. Static routing capabilities allow administrators to define specific routes between subnets, while RIP (Routing Information Protocol) provides dynamic routing options for networks that require automatic route updates. This Layer 3 functionality simplifies network segmentation and improves overall traffic management without the need for dedicated routers in smaller network environments.

Enhanced Security and Access Control

Security is a critical aspect of modern networking, and the Cisco SG300-52 addresses this with multiple layers of protection. Access control lists (ACLs) enable administrators to define traffic policies that restrict or allow communication based on source and destination addresses. The switch also supports 802.1X authentication, providing network access control to ensure that only authorized devices can connect. In addition, features such as DHCP snooping, IP source guard, and dynamic ARP inspection protect the network from common attacks such as IP spoofing and rogue DHCP servers. These security measures make the SG300-52 a reliable choice for enterprises seeking to safeguard sensitive data and maintain network integrity.

Quality of Service for Optimized Network Performance

The SG300-52 is equipped with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical network traffic. QoS policies allow administrators to allocate bandwidth to voice, video, or other latency-sensitive applications, ensuring uninterrupted performance. The switch supports multiple queues per port, weighted round-robin (WRR) scheduling, and classification based on Layer 2, Layer 3, or Layer 4 parameters. By optimizing traffic flow and minimizing congestion, the SG300-52 enhances user experience and guarantees reliable communication for business-critical applications.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support and Energy Efficiency

Although the SG300-52 is not a PoE switch by default, it seamlessly integrates with PoE-enabled Cisco devices in hybrid environments. This allows network administrators to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras through dedicated PoE switches while maintaining centralized management. Additionally, the SG300-52 incorporates Cisco EnergyWise technology, which reduces power consumption during periods of low traffic or port inactivity. Energy-efficient design ensures lower operational costs and supports environmentally friendly network practices.

Management and Configuration Options

Ease of management is one of the defining characteristics of the SG300-52 switch. Cisco provides multiple interfaces for configuration and monitoring, including a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), command-line interface (CLI), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support. The web GUI offers intuitive navigation with access to features such as VLAN configuration, port monitoring, QoS settings, and security policies. CLI access provides more advanced users with scriptable and granular control over network settings, while SNMP integration enables centralized monitoring through network management systems (NMS).

Firmware Updates and Software Reliability

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Cisco SG300-52, and its software architecture ensures minimal downtime and consistent performance. Cisco regularly releases firmware updates that enhance functionality, patch security vulnerabilities, and improve stability. Firmware upgrades can be applied through the web GUI or CLI, allowing administrators to maintain a secure and up-to-date network environment with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Additionally, the switch supports dual firmware images, enabling safe upgrades and fallback options in case of a failed update.

Redundancy and Network Resilience

To maximize uptime and maintain continuous network operation, the SG300-52 incorporates several redundancy features. Link redundancy through LACP and Spanning Tree Protocol ensures that alternative network paths are available in case of link failures. The switch also supports automatic failover for critical management and routing functions, minimizing the impact of hardware or configuration issues. These redundancy mechanisms are crucial for business environments where uninterrupted network access is essential for day-to-day operations.

Scalability for Growing Network Demands

The Cisco SG300-52 is designed with scalability in mind. With 52 ports and the ability to stack or interconnect multiple switches using uplink ports, organizations can expand their networks as they grow without replacing existing infrastructure. VLAN support allows for logical segmentation of networks, making it easy to manage expanding user bases and devices. The combination of high port density, advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, and robust management features ensures that the SG300-52 can adapt to the evolving needs of businesses while maintaining optimal performance and security.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

One of the advantages of choosing the SG300-52 is its seamless integration with other Cisco products and solutions. The switch works effectively within Cisco’s broader network ecosystem, including routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and network management platforms. This interoperability simplifies deployment, reduces configuration complexity, and ensures consistent policy enforcement across the network. Cisco’s support infrastructure and documentation further enhance the deployment experience, providing administrators with comprehensive resources for troubleshooting, configuration, and optimization.

Reliability and Long-Term Investment Value

Investing in the Cisco SG300-52 provides long-term value due to its durability, performance, and feature-rich design. The hardware is engineered to operate under rigorous conditions while delivering consistent network throughput. Quality components, fan-based cooling, and intelligent thermal management contribute to reliable operation and prolonged hardware life. By choosing the SG300-52, organizations benefit from a solution that combines current network capabilities with future-proofing for potential upgrades, ensuring a strong return on investment.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The SG300-52 switch is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. In small and medium-sized enterprises, it serves as a primary network switch connecting computers, servers, IP phones, and wireless access points. In larger organizations, it can function as an access-layer switch, providing connectivity to end-user devices while linking to distribution and core switches. The switch is also ideal for data center edge deployments, branch offices, and campus networks where high port density, managed switching features, and reliable performance are critical for maintaining seamless operations.

Comparisons with Competitor Models

When compared to other switches in its class, the Cisco SG300-52 stands out due to its combination of advanced features, high port density, and Cisco’s trusted reliability. While competitors may offer similar port counts or Layer 2 functionalities, the SG300-52 provides additional benefits such as comprehensive Layer 3 support, superior QoS features, robust security measures, and integration within the Cisco ecosystem. Organizations seeking a switch that balances performance, manageability, and long-term reliability often find the SG300-52 to be a compelling choice over alternatives from other manufacturers.