Top 5 Cisco Switches For Small Business Networks

When you think about setting up a new or small business for success, the most critical factor and requirement is having the best networking switch. Networking switches are the backbone of your work and anything you transfer or store online. 

Cisco is one of the most essential and well-known switches with advanced specifications. It has different modules and working phenomena necessary for small to medium businesses. This blog discusses the top 5 Cisco switches for small businesses. 

If you need to know about these switches, how they work, and their importance in different industries, keep reading this blog until the end. 

What are Cisco Switches?

Cisco switches are essential for networking because they handle and direct network data, which makes it easy for computers, printers, and servers to talk to each other. They can handle many needs, from small businesses to big corporations. 

Customers love Cisco switches because they are reliable, can be expanded, and have many advanced features, such as Quality of Service (QoS) support, security features, and the ability to handle multiple protocols. 

They work at different levels of the OSI model. Most work at Layer 2 for basic packet switching and routing, and some work at Layer 3.

1. Cisco 350 Series CBS350-24T-4G-UK.

The Cisco 350 series is CBS350-24T-4G-UK, providing the perfect performance crucial for SMBs. Its capability enables fast data transfer and the bandwidth to transfer large files and stream high-definition videos. 

This factor is significant in managing productivity and business-like activities. It supports the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for network redundancy, so there are no loops in the network, and an excellent spanning tree can be formed. 

Features:

• CLI is used for configurations and scriptability at different levels with more functionalities. 
• SNMP support enables network admixing through the use of network management systems. 
• Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees that significant traffic takes precedence over less critical traffic, which is necessary for a service to perform, for example, VoIP. 
• Virtual LAN, better known as VLAN, enables you to divide your network into different layers to enhance its security and traffic patterns. 
• These are desirable for link aggregation since they combine multiple network connections to increase the bandwidth and add redundancy. 
• A network-spanning tree protocol assists in preventing the formation of loops in the network and guarantees the correct topology in the network. 
• Though not all models have it, some come with the additional option of a dual power supply to boost reliability. 
• Some access terminals can control which part of the network they can access using access list controls (ACLs).  
• Port security prevents unauthorised devices from connecting to the network, which further protects port security. 
• Energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) can bring down power utilisation when network traffic is low. 

Importance In Small to Medium Businesses 

Accompanying this, the Cisco CBS350-24T-4G-UK provides features that address the most crucial aspects of small to medium-sized enterprises’ networking needs. These are the primary reasons it guarantees data dependability, extensibility, and complicated administrative and configuration options. 

2. Cisco 250 Series SG250-26-K9-UK

Specifically, the Cisco SG250-26-K9-UK is in the Cisco 250 series, which is well known for being a great value and reliable switch. This switch is built to offer high network performance and other intelligent features while remaining an easy-to-use device. 

It has 24 GE ports and two 10/100/1000 BASE SFP uplink ports to interconnect the various ports. The availability of SFP uplinks makes it possible to connect to other devices or switches over fiber links, which is important for business applications.

Features:

• Gigabit speeds facilitate data transmission at fast rates, making it possible to accommodate and run high-bandwidth processes in the network. 
• The QoS features, a vital component, is designed to prioritise significant network traffic. 
• The VLAN options are a significant feature because they allow for network segmentation, an essential strategy for enhancing security and controlling traffic flow. 
• Further, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a reliable protocol that provides solutions and prevents network loop issues, thus contributing to the network’s stability. 
• Link Aggregation is another highly reliable Self-Securing Network feature that permits several network connections to be bundled into one to obtain increased bandwidth and connection tolerance. If one link cannot transfer data, the rest of the links will participate in the data transfer. 
• ACLs allow the administrator to determine what devices or users can access specific network portions, thus acting as a security feature to prevent unauthorised access. 
• Port security prevents devices from unauthorizedly connecting to the network by only allowing connections with specific MAC addresses. 
• It further supports EEE in conserving power when such work is inactive. 

Importance In Small to Medium Businesses 

The switch provides web-based management features, SNMP, QoS, VLAN, reliability, STP and link aggregation, and energy efficiency. These features make it easy for end users regardless of their proficiency, allow for close monitoring of the network, improve the speed and security of the networks, and finally protect confidential data. 

Cisco 110 Series Switch SF110D-16HP

The Cisco 110 Series SF110D-16HP is a 16 port Fast Ethernet switch with a user-friendly design. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and is specified to offer fundamental networking capabilities. The switch supports 10/100 Mbps and built-in PoE, making it possible to power devices like IP phones and wireless access points using the network cable.

Features:

• 16 Fast Ethernet Ports These ports connect up to 16 devices on a network with Fast Ethernet capability.  
• The PoE switch supports PoE so it can power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras over Ethernet cables. 
• The Cisco 110 Series SF110D-16HP features a non-blocking switch architecture, ensuring that no port interferes with the operation of other ports.
• Auto-MDI/MDIX Directs links to switch or hub ports for straight-through or MDI-X capable cables, reducing the need for specific wires. 
• Our switch is built with your environment in mind. Its features allow it to fit into space-limited settings or small office and business setups, thus making it easy to deploy. 
• The Cisco 110 Series SF110D-16HP is designed with your comfort in mind. This feature makes it especially suitable for places that require low noise levels, such as small offices or business setups. 

Importance In Small to Medium Businesses 

The Cisco SF110D-16HP is a reliable network solution for small businesses and home offices. It offers a plug-and-play setup and PoE capability. Its non-blocking architecture simplifies device deployment, reduces clutter and installation costs, and provides optimal performance. Its fanless design contributes to a quieter working environment.

Cisco 110 Series Switch SF110D-08HP.

The Cisco 110 Series SF110D-08HP is an ideal entry-level switch for individuals or companies in small businesses or home office connections. It is designed for users who require a simple, affordable device for interconnecting several network devices and simultaneously supports PoE injection.

Features:

• 8 Fast Ethernet Ports are designed for the Fast Ethernet (10/200-Mbps) connectivity of up to eight devices.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support provides power for PoE-supported equipment like Internet phones and wireless LAN antennae through the Ethernet cable without the need for other power sources.
• The Non-Blocking Switch Architecture works so that every port performs optimally without negatively affecting the performance of other ports, allowing for efficient data transfer.
• No configuration is required. It is an attractive switch that is built and packaged well and requires very little setup—it is almost plug-and-play.
• This makes it possible to have a small and very quiet system, which is best for small office usage due to its size and the absence of a fan coolant.
• The Auto-MDI/MDIX feature enables easy cabling by automatically detecting straight-through or crossover cables.

Importance In Small to Medium Businesses 

About the Cisco SF110D-08HP: The Cisco SF110D-08HP is designed for SMBs that need a plug-and-play networking solution. This is mainly because it is easy to install, as it is a plug-and-play device. 

The PoE support makes it possible to power other devices, such as IP phones and access points, through the ethernet cables used for the data connection. As this switch does not come with managed options, there are core features that most corporations can work with due to simplicity.

Cisco 350 Series Switch CBS350-8P-E-2G-UK

The Cisco CBS350-8P-E-2G-UK is a versatile switch from Cisco’s 350 Series, offering advanced features and ease of use. It features 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE and 2 Gigabit SFP uplink ports. It provides a balanced solution for connecting and powering network devices without the complexity and cost of higher-end enterprise switches.

Features:

• 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity up to 1 Gbps.
• 2 Gigabit SFP uplink ports for fiber optic connections and network expansion.
• CLI (Command Line Interface) for advanced configuration and control.
• SNMP support for network monitoring and integration with network management systems.
• Link Aggregation to combine multiple connections for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) to reduce power consumption during periods of low network activity.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs) to control access to network resources and restrict unauthorized access.
• Port Security to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting by restricting access based on MAC addresses.

Importance In Small to Medium Businesses 

The Cisco CBS350-8P-E-2G-UK is a cost-effective networking solution for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers high-speed connectivity, PoE and PoE+ support, web-based GUI and CLI, QoS and VLAN support, redundancy features, and energy efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

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