Cisco SG 250 vs. Cisco SG 350- Which new generation SMB Series is better?
The newer generations of Cisco switches, the Cisco 250 and 350 SG- enabled with gigabit connectivity are a great addition to smaller enterprise operations. Take a look as we compare the SG 250 and the SG 350 to determine which of these is better.
If you have been keeping up with Cisco’s Small and Midsize Business portfolio of Switches, then you are probably aware of the transition made from older generation switching technology to the newer generation. Older generations like the Cisco 200 have since transitioned to the Cisco 250 series, while the Cisco 300 transitioned to the Cisco 350.
Below, you will find a comprehensive review of both new generation switching technologies. Taking to account the product highlights, technical specifications and capabilities: we will practically compare the SG 250 to the SG 350 as we try to establish which of these is better for smaller enterprise class operations.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Cisco SG 250 and the Cisco SG 350?
Cisco SG 250 |
Cisco SG 350 |
|
Switch Type |
Smart switch |
Managed Switch |
PoE |
Yes, full POE |
Yes, some models |
Replacement for |
Cisco SMB 200 |
Cisco SMB 300 |
IOS software |
Cisco IOS XE |
Cisco IOS |
Cisco SG 250 vs. Cisco SG 350- How these two compare
Performance
Both new generation SMB lines feature a wide selection of innovative features to meet various network demands. However, in terms of performance, the 35O has a slight upper hand in terms improved connectivity options with additional true stacking capabilities.
The Cisco 350 offers cost effective, and high speed 10GE deployment options. Since the series includes more 10GE connection options unavailable on the Cisco 250. This 250 collection of devices is limited to Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connection options.
Type of Switch
The Cisco 350 is a Managed switch while the 250 is a smart switch. While they are both considered Fixed configuration devices, they differ quite abit. Unlike Smart Switches, managed switches make provisions for extensive management tools within the network. To this effect, the SG 350 is better as it features a wider scope of managing features and tools which are essential to ease set up, configuration, or even maintenance.
Cisco SG 250 vs. Cisco SG 350- A comparison review
Cisco SG 250
The Cisco 250 Series of switches is a mart line of Switches all of which can be utilized to build your network. Ideally, these devices are meant foe building high performance networks, with advanced security at very affordable costs. Among the benefits this series offers include: a rich selection of management tools, advanced security across the operation and a foundation to set up your network.
Features
Cisco describes the SMB 250 line of devices as a collection of Smart Switches with essential Layer 2 features, and some integrated Layer 3 functionality. These switches are designed for deployment over various scenarios. Additionally, Cisco incorporates many management tools onto this series to ease deployment and configuration. Some of the deployment options available with these devices include: desktop connectivity, wireless connectivity that is secure and flexible, and unified communications
QoS on these models allows for data prioritization with great traffic management on the network. In fact, this series offers high performance on business networks, with rich manageability. All of this is provided without having to invest in advanced features you small operation may not even need.
Features such as the Smart network application allow for easy system monitoring and management. Some of the benefits of the Cisco 250 series include easy use and management, reliable performance across the network thanks to , POE+ and POE capabilities with integrated network security across the board.
Cisco SG250-26HP
- ETHERNET PORT CONFIGURATION: 24-port 10/100/1000, 2 x 1G combo SFP
- POWER OVER ETHERNET: 24 PoE ports with 100W total power budget, PoE, PoE+
The SG 250 switch is easy to configure and control. It features a smart monitoring tool to monitor events and network topology. This Cisco SG250-26HP switch features 26 network ports that support POE and UPOE output. It is equipped with Power Over Ethernet support to optimizes deployment of telephony, surveillance and It is designed to monitor power consumption levels, and features energy efficient ethernet for optimization. The switch offers automatic shut off and a fanless design for minimal power consumption. Additionally, this switch supports Layer 3 static routing to help segment your workspace without affecting application performance. This model comes with forwarding rate of 38.69 Mpps and bandwidth performance of 52 Gbps. It offers IPv6 and IP telephony support to ensure consistent performance across different services.
It also offers simplified user interfaces to deploy and manage your network easily and effectively. For users interested in developing a customized configuration, the switch also offers hands-on control over different customization aspects.
Cisco 350
Described as Cisco’s next generation of Switches for Small to Midsized businesses, the Cisco 350 is an advanced range of devices. Ideally, the technology used on these devices is tested to ensure high level performance, and reliability. It is designed as part of the SMB collection and comes with all the features and tools needed to set up a dependable foundation for your network.
Features
There are many benefits that come with the 350 SMB line of Switches, which include: ease of use, reliability and resilience, efficiency, advanced security and overall improved performance. Starting off with ease of use, this line is specifically designed with tools for easy management and deployment. The tools are available for use by commercial customers and clients. With these, you can easily configure, transfer or upgrade you 350 models.
Additionally, the devices on this line allow for many deployment options including: a secure desktop connection, wireless connection, unified connectivity and remote secure guest connectivity.
Advanced security mechanisms and tools incorporated into the Cisco 350 SMB design are responsible for setting up various contingencies to secure the network and the information on there. Cisco informs that the models are extensively tested and are USv6 and IPv6 Gold certified. Since they support the IPv6 protocol, businesses looking to support next generation network devices and even older devices (IPv4) can do so quite conveniently.
Overall, this collection of Managed business switches is great for anyone looking for devices which not only allow fast and reliable access within a network. Moreover, the collection includes various energy efficiency features and tools that ensure environmentally conscious business can access high performance connectivity without compromise.
Cisco SG350-28MP
The Cisco SG350-28MP features 24 network ports and 4 available uplink slots. It is designed to optimize power consumption and features energy efficient Ethernet which to enhance output monitoring and control. Additionally, it supports automatic shutoff across different ports when the link is down and features a fanless design to reduce consumption and noise and features 56 Gbps bandwidth performance and 41.66 Mpps forwarding rate. The switch is very easy to manage as it features automated deployment and monitoring, with some desirable configurations embedded as templates.
Moreover, this model offers an intuitive user interface to streamline troubleshooting and management needs. The high resiliency and reliability with its dual image support facilitating upgrades without taking down the network. It offers IPv6 support and advanced Layer 3 management which can help advance and expand your set up. This switch will offer advanced defense mechanisms including threat defense, DCHP snooping and secure core technology.
Now, Lets compare the Cisco SG250-26HP to the Cisco SG350-28MP
Cisco SG250-26HP |
Cisco SG350-28MP |
|
Number of ports |
26 |
28 |
Forwarding rate |
38.69 Mpps |
41.66 Mpps forwarding rate |
Power optimization |
√ |
√ |
Bandwidth performance |
52 Gbps. |
56 Gbps |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SG 250 and SG 350, the newer generation models meant to replace the first generation Cisco Small Business devices. Depending on what kind of operation you plan on using either of these switches series on, they both offer great features and functionalities for good network performance.
