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CiscoProduct· 3 min read

Cisco C1200 vs C1300 vs CBS250/350: which to buy?

Start with Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300 when comparing switches for a new project. This article compares their features and configurations with CBS250 and CBS350, which are marked end-of-life below. The CBS comparison is retained for existing networks and replacement planning, rather than as a recommendation for a new deployment.

C1300 Switches, Cisco switches C1200, C1300 vs CBS250 and CBS350

Which should you choose?

  • New project: start with Cisco Catalyst 1200 or Catalyst 1300, then confirm the exact model against your port count, PoE and uplink requirements.
  • Existing CBS250 or CBS350 network: these families are marked end-of-life (Nov '24). Use the comparison below to document the installed configuration and plan replacement.
  • CBS250 or CBS350 for a new deployment: not the default recommendation, because of the end-of-life status.
  • Before ordering: send YOT the model codes from the lists below so the exact order code and availability can be confirmed.

Overview

The current small-business switching comparison starts with Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300. Use the feature and model lists below to discuss configuration and project requirements. CBS250 and CBS350 are included as end-of-life reference families for equipment already deployed; their presence in the model lists is not a statement of current availability. Confirm the exact order code and availability with YOT before ordering.

Cisco Catalyst 1200 and Catalyst 1300 Series Switches

The Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300 series are fixed managed gigabit Ethernet, Enterprise Light layer two switches designed for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices. They are simple, flexible, and secure, operating on Linux-based software, and support straightforward device management, network reliability, and operational efficiency. These switches also feature better CPU and onboard storage compared to other models, ensuring improved performance and faster processing.

Features

  • Managed Switches: Both series offer comprehensive management capabilities through a user-friendly web interface.
  • VLAN Support: Advanced VLAN setup and management, including trunk interfaces and port assignments.
  • PoE: Power over Ethernet support, adhering to industry standards, with efficient power allocation.
  • Energy Efficiency: Support for energy-efficient Ethernet standards.
  • Security: Web-based authentication and enhanced security features.
  • Management: On-device management features and Bluetooth for over-the-air access.
  • Support and Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty and one year of phone support.

SKUs for Catalyst 1200 and 1300 Series

  • Catalyst 1200 Series:
  • 8 Ports: C1200-8T-D, C1200-8T-E-2G, C1200-8P-E-2G, C1200-8FP-2G
  • 16 Ports: C1200-16T-2G, C1200-16P-2G
  • 24 Ports: C1200-24T-4G, C1200-24P-4G, C1200-24FP-4G, C1200-24T-4X, C1200-24P-4X, C1200-24FP-4X
  • 48 Ports: C1200-48T-4G, C1200-48P-4G, C1200-48T-4X, C1200-48P-4X
  • Catalyst 1300 Series:
  • 8 Ports: C1300-8FP-2G, C1300-8T-E-2G, C1300-8P-E-2G, C1300-8MGP-2X
  • 12 Ports: C1300-12XT-2X, C1300-12XS
  • 16 Ports: C1300-16T-2G, C1300-16P-2G, C1300-16FP-2G, C1300-16P-4X, C1300-16XTS
  • 24 Ports: C1300-24T-4G, C1300-24P-4G, C1300-24FP-4G, C1300-24T-4X, C1300-24P-4X, C1300-24FP-4X, C1300-24MGP-4X, C1300-24XS, C1300-24XT, C1300-24XTS
  • 48 Ports: C1300-48T-4G, C1300-48P-4G, C1300-48FP-4G, C1300-48T-4X, C1300-48P-4X, C1300-48FP-4X, C1300-48MGP-4X

Cisco CBS250 and CBS350 Series Switches (EOL - Nov '24)

The CBS250 and CBS350 series are designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering advanced features that cater to growing network demands. These switches are ideal for providing reliable and secure network connections.

Common Features

  • Managed Switches: Easy-to-use web interface for management, with the CBS350 offering additional CLI options.
  • VLAN Support: Comprehensive VLAN capabilities for network segmentation.
  • PoE: Support for Power over Ethernet with efficient power management, with CBS350 offering higher power budgets.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient Ethernet support across both series.
  • Security: Strong security features, including access control lists (ACLs) and web-based authentication.
  • Performance: The CBS250 offers basic to moderate performance, while the CBS350 provides higher performance suitable for more demanding network environments.

SKUs for CBS250 and CBS350 Series

  • CBS250 Series:
  • 8 Ports: CBS250-8T-E-2G, CBS250-8P-E-2G
  • 16 Ports: CBS250-16T-E-2G, CBS250-16P-E-2G
  • 24 Ports: CBS250-24T-E-4G, CBS250-24P-E-4G
  • 48 Ports: CBS250-48T-E-4G, CBS250-48P-E-4G
  • CBS350 Series:
  • 8 Ports: CBS350-8T-E-2G, CBS350-8P-E-2G
  • 16 Ports: CBS350-16T-E-2G, CBS350-16P-E-2G
  • 24 Ports: CBS350-24T-E-4G, CBS350-24P-E-4G
  • 48 Ports: CBS350-48T-E-4G, CBS350-48P-E-4G

Comparison Summary

  • Management Interface:
  • Catalyst 1200/1300: User-friendly web UI with initial configuration wizard.
  • CBS250/350: Basic web UI for the CBS250 and advanced web UI and CLI for the CBS350.
  • VLAN Capabilities:
  • Catalyst 1200/1300: Advanced VLAN setup and management.
  • CBS250/350: Comprehensive VLAN support, with CBS350 offering more extensive capabilities.
  • PoE Support:
  • Catalyst 1200/1300: Standard PoE support with efficient power allocation.
  • CBS250/350: Standard PoE support, with CBS350 offering higher power budgets.
  • Energy Efficiency:
  • Catalyst 1200/1300: Support for energy-efficient Ethernet.
  • CBS250/350: Energy-efficient Ethernet support.
  • Security Features:
  • Catalyst 1200/1300: Web-based authentication and basic security features.
  • CBS250/350: Strong security with ACLs and web-based authentication, with CBS350 offering more advanced options.
  • Performance:
  • Catalyst 1200/1300: Better CPU and onboard storage, suitable for small to medium-sized business applications.
  • CBS250/350: Basic to moderate performance for CBS250, higher performance for CBS350 suitable for more demanding environments.

Conclusion

For a new project, start the comparison with Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300 and confirm the exact model against your network requirements. For an existing CBS250 or CBS350 network, use the legacy comparison to document the installed configuration and discuss replacement planning. The end-of-life context means the CBS families should not be treated as the default recommendation for a new deployment. Ask YOT to confirm the order code and availability for your project.

Request a Cisco switch quotation

Send the model codes, quantities and delivery country, and YOT will confirm the order code and availability. Request a quotation or see Cisco supply from YOT.