If you are looking for a network upgrade for you small business operation, consider the Cisco 300 and Cisco 500 devices. The models on this line are enabled with a reasonable selection of features and capabilities geared towards network performance improvements.

Although both the Cisco 300 and 500 are available as managed switches, these are significant differences in the capabilities, features and benefits that accompany each of these collections. Specifically, we take a look at the exclusively Gigabit Ethernet enabled models, the Cisco SG 300 and the Cisco SG 500. Read on for more insight.

What are the differences between the Cisco SG300 and the Cisco SG 500?

Cisco SG300 vs. Cisco SG 500- How do these two differ?

Stacking

Both models will work as well with others in a group or as a standalone setup as they would in a matrix of compatible switches. The Cisco SG 300 and the Cisco SG 500 would work well with other models, with the units designed to seamlessly merge with compatible options.  Both options deliver true stacking, which offers in depth control over multiple switches through a single avenue. However, only the Cisco SG 500 offers mixed stacking on any other Cisco 500 models, giving it an upper hand in terms of flexibility.

Advanced features

The Cisco SG 300 and Cisco SG 500 offer an impressive set of features. Both models also feature smart port intelligence which played a key part in the development of an underground pathway. While the SG 300 switches also offer comprehensive threat defense, but the SG 500 offers more advanced protective measures.   The switch offers advanced traffic management and high power over Ethernet, both of which help to increase availability while protecting the  network.

Cisco SG300 vs. Cisco SG 500- A comparison review

Cisco SG 300 Series

Anyone familiar with Cisco Switches is well acquainted with the Small business collection. This collection includes various lines of Switch technologies all of which are designed for Small enterprise networks. Cisco 300 is part of this esteemed collection. Notably, the models within the Cisco 300 collection feature Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. However, we will focus on the GE port models which are specifically designated the SG tag.

Features

Loaded with a wide variety of features, the Cisco SMB 300 helps networks improve availability within the network operation, optimize network performance and protect the information there in. Moreover, the collection spots easy to use models which are designed to integrate your network to greatly improve efficiency.

Ideally, the Cisco 300 series is a fixed configuration managed ether net switches that offers expansive business applications, with many features and benefits. For instance, there are many ways users can deploy Cisco 300 switches in many different scenarios. These options include: reliable desktop connectivity, secure wireless connectivity, unified communication and guest connectivity. For example, Unified communications deployment is available for all communication over one network.

If you are interested in Switches with advanced network management tools, then consider this line which features Layer 3 switching/static routing allowing you to segment your network without undermining performance. IP6 support ensures users can access even next generation applications and much more. The Simple Network Management protocol available allows users to remote manage these devices.

Some of the benefits of choosing the Cisco sg300 collection include: energy savings thanks to the energy efficiency features included, fast and easy set up and configuration that has the devices set up in minutes, Advanced security features and much more.

Cisco sg300-28P

Cisco SG300-28P 28-port Gigabit PoE Managed Switch (SRW2024P-K9-NA)

• Cisco SG 300-28P (SRW2024P-K9-NA) 28-Port Gigabit PoE Managed Switch

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The Cisco sg300-28P is a 28 port switch that offers a forwarding performance of 41.67 Mpps and a switching capacity of 56 Gbps. It offers 24 POE+ network ports, as well as 4 additional expansion slots. It is an ideal network connectivity option that provides unified network management under a highly secure environment.

This switch supports Text view for simplified use, with an intuitive user interface to help streamline your deploying and management of different network needs. It is designed to deliver dual imaging, which enables upgrades without affecting your management output.  Moreover, the model features an advanced socket security system which helps protect against specific types of attacks while managing your network.

Available in 24 power over Ethernet ports, this model will allow you to connect your network endpoints using a single cable for minimal costs incurred. It will also support 3 layering, which will make it easy to segment your network into groups and to communicate to VLANs at will.

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Cisco 500

The Small to Midsized Business collection is specifically designed to meet the needs of high demand networks at affordable prices. Given the Cisco 500 is part of this collection; the devices on this series include various advancement to ensure the high demands needs on your business network are met.

Features

First off, this line of Switches is officially typed as a collection of Stackable Managed devices which feature a vast number of capabilities, at quite affordable rates. Specs wise, the collection includes a wide selection of easy to use, manage, control, efficiency and security features. All of these work in collaboration to confer many advantages within your operations.

The Cisco 500 switches include many easy deployment features that allow many businesses to conveniently utilize the technology. Stacking on the Cisco 500 collection allows for users to manipulate a stack of SG 500 switches as one unit. This allows for flexibility and overall scalability of the network. Moreover, mixed stacking with any other 500 series devices is possible: allowing all ports to act as one.

Various security features and tools are enabled on the SG 500 devices to ensure users enjoy all the perks advanced network Security has to offer. Moreover, a wide selection of management tools on these devices ensures set up and operation are as simplified as possible. As a result, Security on these models is supported by various features, protocols and design inclusions which work in tandem to keep the network secure.

Cisco SG500-28P-K9

Cisco SG500-28P 28 Port Gigabit POE 500 Series Stackable Managed Switch

• Total Number of network Ports: 24
• Layer supported: 2

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The Cisco SG500-28P-K9 is a stackable managed switch which meets the demand for high bandwidth technology and application.  It features 28 switches which can help improve the availability of critical applications and optimize network bandwidth.  Some of the features include 24 regular network ports and 2 sets of 2 layer supported options. The switches are very easy to set up and use, and they feature an easy to manage graphical interface to reduce deployment and troubleshooting times when managing your network. They also offer Auto SmartPort intelligence and support the Cisco Discovery Protocol, both of which simplify network configuration while ensuring optimal security levels.

True stacking available on the Cisco SG500-28P-K9. The switches also offer support for advanced applications, such as by streamlining the use of IEEE 802.1X port security segmentation without any complications at every endpoint.  The switches support IPv4 and IPv6 configurations, and feature a USGv6 and IPv6 certificate to guarantee support for any of your network standards.

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Now, lets compare the Cisco sg300-28P and the SG500-28P-K9

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cisco SG 500 tops the SG 300 due to its more powerful output.  While both models offer integrated security, POE capabilities and IPv6 support alongside other benefits,  the SG 500 will deliver better network efficiency.

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