Description
Product Overview of Cisco Managed Switch
The Cisco MS425-16-HW is part of the Meraki product line, known for its cloud-managed networking solutions. Specifically, the MS425-16 is a managed switch designed for Ethernet aggregation in enterprise networks. It combines cloud management with high-performance features to streamline network administration.
Cloud-Managed Network InfrastructureMeraki Cloud Management
The term “cloud-managed” refers to the innovative approach of managing network devices through a centralized cloud-based dashboard. With Meraki cloud management, administrators can efficiently monitor, configure, and troubleshoot network equipment from anywhere with internet access.
Technical SpecificationsPort
- 16 10-Gigabit Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) Ports:
- These ports support high-speed data transfer at 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). SFP+ technology ensures flexibility, allowing the use of various optical or copper transceivers based on network requirements.
- 2 40-Gigabit QSFP+ Uplink Ports:
- QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) ports provide even higher bandwidth, with each port supporting up to 40 Gbps. These uplink ports are crucial for connecting the switch to higher-level aggregation switches or core routers.
Network Aggregation and Performance
- Ethernet Aggregation:
- The MS425-16 is designed for Ethernet aggregation, which involves combining multiple network connections to increase overall bandwidth and redundancy. This is particularly important in large networks with high data traffic.
- High-Speed Data Transfer:
- With 10-gigabit SFP+ and 40-gigabit QSFP+ ports, the switch ensures high-speed data transfer within the network, facilitating smooth communication between connected devices and minimizing latency.
Importance of Managed Switches in NetworkingNetwork Administration and Monitoring
- Centralized Management:
- A managed switch allows centralized control over network settings, configurations, and monitoring. In the case of the MS425-16, the cloud-based Meraki dashboard provides a user-friendly interface for network administrators.
- Traffic Prioritization:
- Managed switches enable administrators to prioritize certain types of network traffic, ensuring critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.
Security and Access Control
- VLAN Support:
- Virtual LAN (VLAN) support is essential for segmenting the network into isolated groups, enhancing security and efficiency. Managed switches like the MS425-16 offer VLAN capabilities for network segmentation.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs):
- ACLs allow administrators to control which devices or users have access to specific parts of the network. This is crucial for enforcing security policies and preventing unauthorized access.
Application in Enterprise NetworksScalable Network Architecture
- Scalability:
- The MS425-16 is suitable for enterprise networks that require scalability to accommodate a growing number of devices and increasing data traffic. Its 16 10-Gigabit SFP+ ports and 2 40-Gigabit QSFP+ uplink ports provide ample capacity for expansion.
- High-Density Environments:
- In environments with a high density of networked devices, such as large offices or data centers, the MS425-16 excels in handling simultaneous connections and data transfers.
Network Resilience and Redundancy
- Redundancy Features:
- Managed switches often incorporate features like Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) or Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to ensure network resilience and minimize downtime in case of link failures.
Benefits of Cisco MS425-16-HW Meraki Cloud Managed SwitchSimplified Network Management
- Cloud-Based Management:
- The cloud-managed architecture simplifies network management tasks, allowing administrators to make real-time changes, troubleshoot issues, and monitor the network from anywhere with internet access.
Enhanced Performance and Throughput
- High-Speed Ports:
- The inclusion of 10-gigabit and 40-gigabit ports ensures high throughput, accommodating the demands of modern applications and data-intensive tasks.
Robust Security Features
- VLANs and ACLs:
- VLAN support and ACLs contribute to robust security by isolating and controlling access to different segments of the network.
Advanced Security Features
The MS425-16-HW Cisco Meraki 16 Ports Managed Switch provides advanced security features to protect your network against threats and unauthorized access. Some of these security features include:
- Stateful Firewall: The MS425-16-HW integrates a stateful firewall to block unauthorized access and secure communication between different subnets.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): The switch supports ACLs to control access to specific network resources based on source and destination IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): The MS425-16-HW supports secure, encrypted VPN connections using PPTP, L2TP, and SSL VPN protocols.
- Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS): The switch integrates WIPS to detect and prevent wireless security threats.
- 802.1X Authentication: The MS425-16-HW supports 802.1X authentication for port-level security, ensuring that only authorized devices can access the network.
- Advanced Threat Detection and Mitigation: The switch includes advanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities to detect and prevent network attacks.
These advanced security features help to protect your network and sensitive data from security threats and unauthorized access.
High Availability and Redundancy Options
The MS425-16-HW is a Cisco Meraki 16-port managed switch that provides high availability and redundancy options to ensure network uptime and reliability. It supports features such as Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for increased bandwidth, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for redundant topology, and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) for gateway redundancy. These features help to prevent network downtime, maintain connectivity, and provide automatic failover to keep your network running smoothly. Additionally, the switch supports automatic firmware upgrades and provides real-time monitoring and alerts, enabling you to proactively address potential issues.
Remote Management and Access
The MS425-16-HW Cisco Meraki 16 Ports Managed Switch offers remote management and access through a cloud-based management platform. This allows administrators to manage and monitor their network from anywhere with an internet connection, reducing the need for on-site visits and making it easier to manage large, distributed networks. The Meraki platform provides a simple, intuitive interface for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the switch and its connected devices, helping to minimize downtime and improve network reliability.
General Information about this Cisco MS425-16-HW
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# MS425-16-HW
- Product Series: MS400
- Product Name: Cloud-Managed 16 port 10GbE Aggregation Switch with 40GbE Uplinks/Stacking
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Modular: Yes
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot: Details 2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot: Details 16 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology: 40 Gigabit Ethernet
- Ethernet Technology: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10GBase-X
- Network Technology: 40GBase-X
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 18
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
- Expansion Slot Type: QSFP+
- Shared SFP Slot: No
- Number of SFP+ Slots: 16
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
Miscellaneous
- Package Contents Cloud-Managed 16 port 10GbE Aggregation Switch with 40GbE Uplinks/Stacking
- Mounting Hardware
- Environmentally Friendly Yes
- Environmental Certification RoHS
In summary, the Cisco MS425-16-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Ethernet Aggregation MS425-16 Managed Switch is a versatile and high-performance networking solution. Its cloud-managed approach, coupled with advanced features like 10-Gigabit and 40-Gigabit ports, makes it a suitable choice for enterprise networks requiring scalability, resilience, and efficient administration.
