Cisco Business CBS220-8T-E-2G Smart Switch: features, specs and uses

The Cisco Business CBS220-8T-E-2G is a compact smart switch with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and two SFP slots. Cisco places the CBS220 series between plain unmanaged switches and larger managed ones: you get configuration tools and security features without enterprise-level complexity. This page explains the specs and what to confirm before you deploy it.

What "smart switch" means

An unmanaged switch just passes traffic. A smart switch adds a management interface, so you can set up VLANs, check ports and apply security rules. Cisco describes an on-box web interface, a mobile app and the Cisco Business Dashboard for wider network management. For a small office or a single site, the on-box tools may be all you need.

Ports and uplinks

The switch has eight 10/100/1000 ports for devices such as computers, printers and access points. Two additional 1G SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) slots take optional modules. SFP slots are typically used for fibre links to another switch or building, or for a copper module. Cisco notes the wider CBS220 range runs from 8 to 48 ports and offers PoE+ in some models. The listing does not describe PoE for this model, so don't count on it powering devices.

Security features

Cisco lists these:

• IEEE 802.1X: controls which devices or users may join the network.
• DoS prevention: designed to help keep the network running during a denial-of-service attack.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): rules that permit or block traffic to protect against unauthorised users.

Features like these only help if they are configured, so plan time for setup. Follow Cisco's documentation and your organisation's security practices.

Design and placement

The switch is compact, at about 11.0 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches (28 x 17 x 4.3 cm). Cisco says it is suited to installation outside a wiring closet, such as retail stores, open-plan offices and classrooms. Cisco says some models in the series are fanless, so check the specific model's documentation if noise matters.

Efficiency

The switch is compliant with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, which reduces power use on idle links. Cisco says it optimises power use more generally.

Warranty and support

Cisco lists a three-year limited hardware warranty with return-to-factory replacement and one year of technical support. The "NA" suffix on the model code points to a North American version.

Who it suits

It suits small businesses, shops, classrooms and branch offices that need more than an unmanaged switch but not a full enterprise setup, and administrators who want a mobile app or central dashboard for a handful of sites. It is less suited to setups that need PoE on every port or high port counts.

What to check before you buy

• Port count: eight Gigabit ports plus two SFP; make sure that covers current and future devices.
• SFP modules: these are typically sold separately; check compatibility with the switch.
• Power for devices: confirm whether you need PoE and whether this model provides it.
• Management: decide who will configure VLANs, 802.1X and ACLs.
• Region: confirm the power supply and plug suit your location.
• Mounting: check the manual for desktop or rack options.

The short version

• An 8-port Gigabit smart switch with two 1G SFP slots.
• On-box interface, a mobile app and Cisco Business Dashboard support.
• 802.1X, DoS prevention and ACLs.
• A compact design for spaces outside a wiring closet; 802.3az efficiency.
• A three-year limited hardware warranty and one year of technical support.

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