Cisco Business CBS110-24T 24-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Switch: specs and fit

The Cisco Business CBS110-24T is an unmanaged network switch with 24 gigabit Ethernet ports and two shared SFP slots. It is meant for small offices, shops and classrooms that need more wired connections without any configuration. Here is what its specs mean and what to check first.

What an unmanaged switch does

A switch connects wired devices on one network: computers, printers, access points, cameras and more. An unmanaged switch has no settings to configure. Cisco describes the CBS110 range as plug-and-play, needing no IT know-how or support. You connect the cables and power, and it works. A managed switch, by contrast, allows VLANs and detailed control, which this model does not offer.

Ports and speeds

The CBS110-24T has 24 ports running at 10/100/1000 Mbps, which means each port negotiates the fastest speed the connected device supports, up to gigabit. It also has two 1GE SFP slots, shared with two of the copper ports. Shared typically means that you use either the SFP slot or its paired copper port, not both. SFP slots take a small module for fibre links or a longer run between buildings or rooms.

Features in the listing

Cisco lists integrated quality-of-service (QoS) intelligence, which helps prioritise delay-sensitive traffic such as voice calls so it is not held up by large transfers. Loop detection is also listed, which helps find loops in the network and avoid broadcast storms. The switch supports IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet to optimise power use.

Design and placement

The switch is fanless, so it should run quietly, and Cisco calls the design compact and suitable for use outside a wiring closet, such as in retail stores, open-plan offices and classrooms. It measures about 11.0 x 7.0 x 1.7 inches (28 x 18 x 4.3 cm). Cisco also says the range spans 5 to 24 ports and PoE combinations. Note that this model number is the non-PoE version; check the model carefully if you need to power devices over Ethernet.

Warranty

Cisco gives a limited lifetime warranty with return-to-factory replacement, and one year of technical support.

Who it suits

It suits small businesses, shops, classrooms and home offices with many wired devices who want something simple. If you need VLANs, remote management or detailed monitoring, you will likely want a managed switch instead.

What to check before you buy

• Port count: count current devices and leave spare ports for growth.
• PoE: confirm whether your access points or cameras need power over Ethernet; this model is listed without it.
• SFP use: check which SFP modules you need, and remember the SFP slots share with copper ports.
• Mounting: check whether you need a desk, wall or rack arrangement and what the box includes.
• Cabling: use cables that suit gigabit speeds, such as Cat5e or better.

The short version

• A 24-port 10/100/1000 unmanaged switch with two shared 1GE SFP slots.
• Plug-and-play, with QoS, loop detection and Energy Efficient Ethernet.
• Fanless and compact for use outside a wiring closet.
• Limited lifetime warranty and one year of technical support.
• Not a managed switch, and not the PoE model.

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