Cisco 350 CBS350-24FP-4G Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Business 350 Series Switches deliver affordable, enterprise-grade features designed for small offices and growing workgroups. The CBS350-24FP-4G combines reliable wired connectivity with smart management to simplify the daily operations of a busy office. Built for performance, security, and easy deployment, this switch is a cornerstone for networks that need to scale without complexity. It’s part of Cisco’s Business line, offering an intuitive dashboard, robust security, and a suite of features that accelerate digital transformation for small businesses. Whether you’re upgrading from an unmanaged switch or deploying a new network from scratch, the CBS350-24FP-4G provides a versatile, future-ready foundation for your devices, cameras, phones, and wireless access points.

• Intuitive management for faster setup: The Cisco Business Dashboard makes configuring and monitoring the network simple, even for non-IT staff. A clean, web-based interface guides you through initial setup, VLAN creation, port configuration, and security policies, so you can get devices online quickly and confidently.
• Powerful, flexible port options: With 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports that support PoE+, you can power IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points directly from the switch. The 4 uplink ports provide reliable connectivity to upstream routers, firewalls, or fiber links, enabling flexible deployment in small offices and conference rooms.
• Advanced security and network protection: Built with business-grade security in mind, the CBS350-24FP-4G supports features such as ACLs, DHCP snooping, IP source guard, port security, and storm control. These controls help prevent unauthorized access, reduce threats, and safeguard critical data as your network grows.
• Layer 2 with smart features for performance: Benefit from robust Layer 2 switching with reliable VLAN segmentation, QoS for voice and video, and robust traffic management. Quality of Service prioritizes business-critical applications, ensuring clear calls, smooth video conferencing, and responsive cloud services even during peak usage.
• Energy efficient and reliable operation: Designed for continuous business use, the CBS350-24FP-4G emphasizes reliability, longevity, and energy-conscious operation. The switch supports eco-friendly features and fan configurations aimed at quiet operation in office environments, helping maintain a comfortable work atmosphere while keeping operating costs in check.

Technical Details of CBS350-24FP-4G

• Model: CBS350-24FP-4G
• Port count and types: 24 x Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support for powering connected devices; 4 uplink ports for versatile connectivity to core networks, servers, or distribution switches.
• PoE/PoE+ capability: PoE+ on supported ports enables simplified device deployment (IP phones, cameras, APs) without extra power outlets, reducing clutter and wiring complexity.
• Layer 2 features: Comprehensive VLAN support, dynamic trunking, private VLANs, link aggregation, QoS policies, port security, DHCP snooping, and IP source guard to protect devices and data flows.
• Layer 3 capabilities: Static routing to help segment networks and optimize traffic between VLANs, improving efficiency for small offices with multiple subnets.
• Management and monitoring: Web-based Cisco Business Dashboard for centralized management, plus analytics, status monitoring, and streamlined firmware updates to keep the network secure and up to date.
• Security and access control: ACLs, port security, storm control, and other security features designed to defend against common threats and ensure only authorized devices connect to the network.
• Power and efficiency: Energy-efficient design with eco-friendly features to help reduce operational costs and environmental impact while maintaining dependable performance.
• Deployment scenarios: Ideal for small offices, retail spaces, and remote/branch locations needing reliable wired connectivity, PoE support, and simple management without the overhead of larger enterprise switches.

How to install Cisco CBS350-24FP-4G

• Prepare the space: Choose a clean, well-ventilated rack or cabinet with adequate airflow. Ensure you have clean cabling pathways, labeled cables, and an available power source for the switch and any PoE devices.
• Power on and connect: Mount the switch in the rack, connect the power supply, and power up the device. Connect the uplink port(s) to your router or firewall using CAT6 or better Ethernet cables for reliable performance.
• Initial configuration with Cisco Business Dashboard: Access the Cisco Business Dashboard through a browser on a computer connected to the switch. Use the guided setup to assign a management IP address, set an administrative password, and configure basic network parameters such as VLANs and management access.
• Configure security and policies: Create and apply VLANs to separate data traffic (e.g., office devices, IP phones, cameras). Enable ACLs and port security on access ports to guard against unauthorized devices, and set up DHCP snooping to prevent rogue DHCP servers from impacting the network.
• Enable PoE and deploy devices: Enable PoE on the ports that will power IP phones, cameras, and access points. Connect PoE-enabled devices to the corresponding ports, then verify their link status and power delivery from the dashboard. Fine-tune QoS settings to prioritize voice and video traffic for clear communications and smooth conferencing experiences.
• Save, test, and monitor: Save the configuration, perform a basic connectivity test, and monitor port activity and device performance through the dashboard. Schedule firmware updates and review security logs to keep the network protected over time.
• Posterior optimization: As you add devices or expand the network, adjust VLANs, QoS rules, and ACLs to maintain performance and security. Regularly review analytics in the dashboard to identify bottlenecks and plan for expansion, such as adding more PoE devices or additional switches for distribution.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What makes the CBS350-24FP-4G suitable for small offices? A: It combines affordable, managed switching with enterprise-grade features, PoE capabilities for powering devices, easy-to-use Cisco Business Dashboard management, and scalable performance that supports growing workloads typical of small offices.
• Q: Does this switch support PoE on all ports? A: PoE+ is supported on the intended ports to power compatible devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points. The exact PoE budget is defined in the product specifications; plan your deployment accordingly to ensure sufficient power for all connected devices.
• Q: Can I segment traffic with VLANs? A: Yes. The CBS350-24FP-4G offers robust VLAN support, allowing you to segment traffic by department, device type, or security needs, which improves performance, security, and network management.
• Q: What level of security does the switch provide? A: It includes multiple security features such as ACLs, DHCP snooping, IP source guard, port security, and storm control to defend against unauthorized access and common network threats.
• Q: How do I manage and monitor the network? A: The Cisco Business Dashboard provides centralized, user-friendly management and monitoring. It enables remote configuration, firmware updates, and real-time visibility into port status, device health, and traffic patterns.
• Q: Is this device suitable for virtualization or multi-subnet environments? A: It supports Layer 2 switching with static routing to enable basic inter-VLAN routing and efficient traffic flow between subnets in small office setups. For more complex virtualization, plan the network with additional routing or firewall capabilities as needed.