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Overview of the Cisco C1300-24FP-4X
The Cisco C1300-24FP-4X is a Layer 2+ managed switch engineered for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) requiring robust Power over Ethernet (PoE) and advanced traffic segmentation. As part of the Catalyst 1300 series, it features 24 Fast Ethernet PoE+ ports and 4x 1Gbps uplinks, blending cost-efficiency with enterprise-grade management for IoT-heavy and voice/video environments.
Key Technical Specifications
- Port Configuration: 24x 10/100 Mbps PoE+ ports (395W total budget) + 4x 1Gbps uplinks (SFP/RJ45 combo).
- Layer 2+ Features: VLANs, QoS, MACsec encryption, and application visibility via Cisco Business Dashboard.
- PoE+ Support: Delivers 30W per port (802.3at), powering devices like PTZ cameras, dual-band access points, and VoIP systems.
- Scalability: Stack up to 8 units using Cisco FlexStack-Plus for unified management and redundancy.
Addressing Core User Concerns
Q: Can this switch handle high-density security camera deployments?
Yes. The 395W PoE+ budget supports up to 13 cameras at 30W each, with QoS prioritizing video streams to reduce latency. VLAN segmentation isolates surveillance traffic from guest networks.
Q: Is it suitable for HIPAA or PCI-DSS compliance?
Absolutely. MACsec encryption secures data at the port level, while ACLs restrict unauthorized access—critical for healthcare or retail compliance.
Comparison: C1300-24FP-4X vs. Entry-Level Managed Switches
| Feature | C1300-24FP-4X | Standard Managed Switches |
|---|---|---|
| PoE Budget | 395W (802.3at) | 180-250W (802.3af) |
| Stacking | FlexStack-Plus (80 Gbps stacking bandwidth) | Proprietary stacking (20-40 Gbps) |
| Encryption | MACsec, ACLs, port security | Basic port security |
| Uplink Flexibility | Dual-media (SFP/RJ45) uplinks | Fixed RJ45 or SFP |
Optimal Deployment Scenarios
- Retail Chains: Power inventory scanners, digital signage, and surveillance cameras while segmenting payment traffic with VLANs.
- Schools: Deploy PoE for classroom projectors and VoIP phones, using QoS to prioritize e-learning platforms.
- Clinics: Secure patient monitoring devices on isolated VLANs with MACsec for HIPAA-compliant data protection.
For teams needing high PoE density without sacrificing security, the C1300-24FP-4X is available here, offering SMB-friendly pricing with Catalyst-grade reliability.
Final Perspective
The C1300-24FP-4X strikes a rare balance: enterprise security features at a modest cost. While its Fast Ethernet ports may deter data-intensive use cases, they’re more than adequate for IoT and voice deployments. For IT managers juggling tight budgets and expanding device counts, this switch is a workhorse—particularly where silent operation (fanless design) and zero-touch stacking matter. Just pair it with a robust core switch to avoid uplink bottlenecks.