cisco MS220-24-HW

1. Cloud-Managed:

• The MS220-24-HW is a fully cloud-managed switch, which means you can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the device remotely via the Meraki Dashboard. This cloud-based management makes it incredibly easy to set up and manage switches across distributed networks without needing on-site personnel for maintenance.

2. 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports:

• This switch comes with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which support 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds for high-performance connectivity to connected devices. These ports are suitable for office or small to medium-sized enterprise environments where multiple devices need to be connected to a reliable network.

3. PoE and Non-PoE Models:

• While the MS220-24-HW model does not specifically mention Power over Ethernet (PoE) in its base specs, Meraki offers other models in the MS220 series with PoE and PoE+ capabilities. The base MS220-24 offers standard Ethernet connectivity but may be used in combination with other Meraki devices for PoE needs.

4. Layer 2 Switching:

• This switch operates primarily at Layer 2, meaning it handles switching within a local area network (LAN), utilizing MAC addresses to forward data between devices. It’s ideal for environments where basic network traffic management, rather than complex routing or Layer 3 features, is required.

5. Simple Configuration and Management:

• The Meraki Dashboard simplifies network management with a user-friendly interface. This provides visibility into your network’s health, traffic patterns, and performance. Features such as automatic firmware updates, traffic analytics, and troubleshooting tools are all included.

6. Security Features:

• Meraki switches come with a suite of built-in security features, including port security, 802.1X authentication, and access control lists (ACLs). This ensures that only authorized devices can connect to the network, improving security across your infrastructure.

7. Zero-Touch Deployment:

• Cisco Meraki switches are designed for zero-touch provisioning, which means you can plug in the switch, and it will automatically connect to the Meraki cloud and configure itself based on your pre-configured network settings. This simplifies deployment, especially in remote or large-scale environments.

8. Layer 3 Capabilities (Limited):

• While the MS220 series is primarily a Layer 2 switch, the Meraki MS320 and other models in the Meraki range offer additional Layer 3 features, such as routing and VLAN support. The MS220 is great for straightforward networking needs but may not be suitable for environments requiring advanced routing.

9. High Availability:

• The MS220-24-HW is designed for high availability in mission-critical environments. It supports link aggregation (LACP), redundancy, and failover, ensuring that your network remains stable and operational even if one part of the network fails.

10. Advanced Features via Cloud:

• The cloud-based management provides access to a suite of advanced network monitoring tools, including:

  • Traffic shaping and Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical applications.

  • Real-time analytics for monitoring bandwidth usage and network performance.

  • Client and device visibility to view which devices are on your network and what they are doing.

11. Stackable Architecture:

• The MS220-24-HW can be stacked with other Meraki switches, simplifying the expansion of your network. Stacking allows you to manage multiple switches as a single logical unit, which simplifies configuration and monitoring.

12. Energy Efficient:

• Cisco Meraki switches are designed with energy efficiency in mind, supporting IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet) to reduce power consumption when the network is idle, making it a good option for organizations seeking eco-friendly solutions.

13. Rack-Mountable:

• The switch is designed to be installed in a standard 19-inch server rack, making it a suitable choice for data centers, server rooms, and networking closets.

14. Meraki Licensing:

• The MS220-24-HW requires a Meraki cloud subscription for management, which comes with varying terms (1-year, 3-year, 5-year, etc.). These licenses provide access to all the Meraki cloud features, including continuous updates, security patches, and cloud-based analytics.

15. Quality of Service (QoS):

• The switch supports QoS policies to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as VoIP or video, to ensure that time-sensitive applications are delivered with minimal latency or jitter.