Cisco Business CBS110-8PP-D 8-Port PoE Switch: features, specs and fit

The Cisco Business CBS110-8PP-D is a small unmanaged network switch with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, four of which supply Power over Ethernet. It's a desktop unit that you plug in and use without any configuration, which makes it a fit for small offices and classrooms that need a few more wired connections and a way to power a camera or access point.

Eight Gigabit ports

The ports run at 10/100/1000 Mbps, so each one auto-negotiates the fastest speed that the connected device supports. Gigabit is the standard for current computers, printers and access points. An unmanaged switch simply passes traffic between devices, with no settings to log in to and no software to maintain.

Power over Ethernet, and the 32W limit

Four of the ports provide PoE, which sends power to a device over the same cable as its data. That removes the need for a separate power adapter and nearby outlet for each device. Cisco lists a total PoE power allowance of 32W across the four ports.

The 32W is shared. As a rough guide, many IP cameras and some access points draw a few watts to around 15W, so four small devices can fit, while a handful of more demanding ones won't. Check the power draw of each device you plan to connect, and add them up. The listing doesn't state which PoE standard the ports follow, so confirm that against the manual or Cisco's data sheet for your devices.

Traffic prioritisation and energy use

Cisco says the switch has integrated quality-of-service (QoS), which can prioritise delay-sensitive traffic such as voice or video so it isn't held up by large file transfers. The switch is also described as compliant with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, which lowers a port's power use when it's idle.

Fanless design

All models in the series are fanless, so the switch makes no fan noise. Cisco describes the compact, elegant design as suitable for installation outside a wiring closet, in places such as open-plan offices and classrooms. The unit measures 6.3 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches (about 16 x 13 x 3.3 cm). The "Ext PS" in the name means an external power supply; the adapter is separate from the switch body.

Warranty and support

The listing describes limited-lifetime protection, with return-to-factory replacement, and one year of technical support. Terms vary, so read the warranty conditions from the manufacturer.

Who it suits

It suits small networks that don't need VLANs, remote management or monitoring: a home office, a classroom, a reception desk, or a spot where a few cabled devices and a PoE camera or phone need a hub. If you need to segment the network or manage it remotely, an unmanaged switch is not the right type, and a managed model would be.

What to check before you buy

• PoE needs: add up the wattage of the devices you'll power and compare it with the 32W total, and confirm that they're compatible with the switch's PoE.
• Port count: eight ports, including the one that connects to your router, may fill up quickly.
• Uplink speed: all ports are Gigabit; confirm that this matches your router and devices.
• Placement: it's a desktop unit, so decide where it will sit and how the cabling will run.
• Mounting: check the manual to see whether any wall-mounting options are provided.
• Management: it has no management features, by design.

The short version

• Unmanaged 8-port Gigabit switch for plug-and-play setups.
• Four PoE ports sharing 32W in total.
• QoS and Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) support.
• Fanless and compact, with an external power supply.
• Limited-lifetime protection and one year of technical support.

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