Review on 💼 Cisco Business CBS250-8FP-E-2G: Advanced Smart Switch with 8 Port GE and Full PoE, Enhanced by Limited Lifetime Protection by John Warren

The Cisco Business 250 Smart Switch is a great choice for small business networks. It combines renowned Cisco performance and reliability with an easy-to-use web-based configuration interface, and the optional Business Dashboard software greatly simplifies management tasks when managing multiple Cisco devices. It's a great switch for Cisco veterans and novices alike, with the versatility to handle almost any level of network complexity. From a hardware perspective, this switch offers enterprise-grade quality, although it's aimed at small businesses (unlike the rebranded consumer products you can get from some other brands). Heavy-duty heatsinks and oversized filter capacitors are visible inside, leaving no doubt about years of reliable performance and backed by a Cisco Lifetime Warranty. This version of the 8+2 port switch uses an external power supply, making it compact enough to fit on a desk and in tight spaces. Rackmount hardware is also included, but the 16+ port versions of this switch may be preferable for such setups as they have internal power supplies. Functionally, this switch offers an impressive range of configuration and deployment options for simple and complex networks. The same experienced Cisco administrators have access to all command line interface functionality, while novices will appreciate the web option. All the features you would expect from a smart switch are already available, including VLANs, aggregation, security, QoS and more. This switch has proven reliable in the time I've installed it and is easy to manage once I've become familiar with the user interface and Cisco conventions. As part of the Cisco Small Business product line, this switch can be managed from the Cisco Business Dashboard. Software free to use with up to 25 compatible switches/routers/access points. The web dashboard provides a centralized and streamlined interface for many configuration and monitoring tasks that typically require separate registration on individual devices. As usual with Cisco, you don't get much support when it comes to usage and best practices, but Dashboard can be a huge time saver for smaller IT teams. Overall, this switch is ideal for small and growing business networks. , especially in combination with other Cisco devices that can be managed via the Business Dashboard. It is powerful and inexpensive compared to other small business options that may require a subscription or additional licensing fees. Highly recommended.