Cisco CBS350-8FP-2G Ethernet Switch

The Cisco CBS350-8FP-2G Ethernet Switch is a compact, feature-rich solution designed to power small offices and branch environments with reliable, secure, and scalable networking. As part of the Cisco Business 350 Series, this switch delivers a balanced blend of affordable managed networking, PoE capability, and an intuitive management experience that helps teams deploy, monitor, and grow their networks with confidence. With eight PoE-enabled copper ports and two Gigabit SFP uplinks, the CBS350-8FP-2G provides a solid backbone for IP phones, surveillance cameras, wireless access points, and other networked devices while keeping energy efficiency and ease of use at the forefront.

• Eight PoE-enabled copper ports plus dual 1G SFP uplinks. The CBS350-8FP-2G combines power and data on each port, enabling quick deployment of IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points without needing separate power sources. The two built-in SFP uplinks offer flexible, fiber-ready connectivity to your core network or a distribution switch, supporting a tidy, scalable topology for growing offices.
• Intuitive, centralized management for fast setup and day-to-day operations. Configure VLANs, QoS, security policies, port settings, and monitoring through Cisco’s user-friendly Cisco Business Dashboard or a browser-based web UI. Zero-touch provisioning, clear traffic visibility, and actionable insights empower admins to deploy networks in minutes and manage them with confidence as the business evolves.
• Advanced QoS, security, and network segmentation. Prioritize critical applications such as VoIP and video conferencing with robust QoS controls, create isolated guest networks, and segment traffic using VLANs. Security features like access control lists (ACLs), 802.1X authentication, and secure remote management help protect devices and data while keeping management simple and auditable.
• Reliable performance designed for small-office workloads. This switch provides solid Layer 2 switching with essential Layer 3 capabilities to support basic routing needs, scalable to handle growing user counts and devices. The compact form factor and quiet operation are ideal for open office layouts, small racks, or desk installations where space is at a premium.
• Energy-conscious design with practical power management. PoE scheduling and energy-aware features help reduce power usage during off-peak hours or when devices are idle, contributing to lower operating costs and a greener network footprint without compromising performance when devices are active.

Technical Details of Cisco CBS350-8FP-2G Ethernet Switch

• Model: CBS350-8FP-2G
• Ports: 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE-capable copper ports; 2 x 1G SFP uplink ports
• PoE support: PoE+ capable on copper ports, enabling power delivery to IP phones, cameras, and other PoE devices
• Management: Cisco Business Dashboard, web-based GUI, and CLI for advanced configurations; suitable for on-site and remote administration
• Features: Layer 2 switching with VLANs, QoS, IGMP Snooping, and Link Aggregation (LACP); basic Layer 3 capabilities for static routing and IPv4/IPv6 support
• Security: 802.1X authentication, ACLs, secure management protocols (SSH/TLS), and per-port security options to protect access
• Compatibility and deployment: Designed to integrate with other Cisco Business devices and solutions for a cohesive, scalable small-office network
• Energy and footprint: Energy-efficient features, compact form factor suitable for office environments and smaller cabinets

How to install Cisco CBS350-8FP-2G Ethernet Switch

Installing the CBS350-8FP-2G is a straightforward process designed to get your network up and running with minimal disruption. Follow these practical steps to ensure a clean, secure, and scalable deployment that aligns with best-practice networking.

• Plan and mount. Determine the best location for the switch—on a stable surface or in a small equipment rack with proper ventilation. Ensure there is adequate airflow and that power outlets are readily accessible. Map out where the eight PoE devices (phones, cameras, APs) will connect and identify the two uplink paths to the core network.
• Power and connect uplinks. Connect the switch to a reliable power source. Attach the two Gigabit SFP uplinks to your distribution or core switch using appropriate transceivers and fiber or copper cables, depending on your infrastructure. Verify physical connectivity with link/activity indicators.
• Initial access and adoption. Access the management interface via a computer connected to the same network. The Cisco Business Dashboard provides an intuitive setup flow; you can adopt the switch into your existing Cisco Business environment or configure it manually through the web UI or CLI for advanced needs.
• Configure core networking features. Establish a management IP address, set up VLANs for office segments (staff, guests, cameras, IP phones), and define QoS policies to prioritize voice and video traffic. If your deployment requires link aggregation, configure LACP to combine ports for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
• Enable PoE and device provisioning. Activate PoE on the necessary copper ports and monitor power usage to ensure devices receive adequate power without overloading the switch. Apply security policies—802.1X authentication, ACLs, and secure remote access (SSH/TLS)—to safeguard your network from unauthorized devices and management access.
• Test, save, and monitor. Validate connectivity for all endpoints, confirm VLAN tagging works as intended, and verify that traffic priorities are correctly applied. Save the configuration and set up regular backups or export configuration profiles for disaster recovery. Use the Cisco Business Dashboard to monitor port activity, uptime, and device health.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Cisco CBS350-8FP-2G Ethernet Switch? A: It is an 8-port PoE-capable, managed Gigabit Ethernet switch with two 1G SFP uplinks, designed for small offices and branch environments as part of the Cisco Business 350 Series. It provides essential Layer 2 switching with basic Layer 3 features and centralized management.
• Q: Does this switch support PoE on all copper ports? A: Yes, the eight copper Ethernet ports provide PoE/PoE+ capability, allowing you to power devices such as IP phones, cameras, and access points directly from the switch.
• Q: How can I manage the CBS350-8FP-2G? A: Management is available through the Cisco Business Dashboard (cloud-based and mobile-friendly) as well as a traditional web UI and CLI for advanced configurations, enabling quick deployment and ongoing monitoring.
• Q: What networking features does it include? A: It offers robust VLAN support, QoS for traffic prioritization, IGMP Snooping for efficient multicast handling, and Link Aggregation (LACP) for increased bandwidth and redundancy. It also supports IPv4/IPv6 and basic static routing.
• Q: Is this switch suitable for small offices with growing needs? A: Absolutely. Its combination of PoE, flexible uplinks, centralized management, and scalable features makes it a strong foundation for expanding networks that will add more devices or services over time.
• Q: What security features are available? A: The switch supports secure management with SSH/TLS, 802.1X authentication, and ACLs to enforce access policies and protect network resources from unauthorized devices and configurations.