April 18, 2023
Article
9:20 AM
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Cisco Meraki MS120-8FP-HW Ethernet switch. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from key features to installation and management, and even compare it to similar products. By the end, you’ll have a deep understanding of this Gigabit Ethernet switch and how it can benefit your business.
The Cisco Meraki MS120-8FP-HW is a cloud-managed, 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, it offers Layer 2 switching, Quality of Service (QoS) controls, VLAN management, and a host of other advanced features.
This guide aims to provide you with detailed information on the MS120-8FP-HW switch, helping you make an informed decision about its suitability for your business.
From this guide, you’ll learn about:
The MS120-8FP-HW comes with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, all supporting PoE (Power over Ethernet) with a total PoE budget of 124W. This allows you to power devices such as IP cameras and access points directly through the Ethernet cable, reducing the need for separate power supplies.
The switch supports Layer 2 switching, including features like VLANs, port mirroring, and broadcast storm control. It also includes Layer 3 capabilities like Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IGMP snooping, and IPv6 First Hop Security (FHS).
The MS120-8FP-HW switch is managed through the Meraki Dashboard, a cloud-based platform that provides centralized control over your entire Meraki network. This allows you to monitor and configure the switch remotely, set up alerts, and troubleshoot issues quickly.
The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings, allowing you to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice or video, to ensure smooth performance.
As mentioned earlier, the MS120-8FP-HW supports PoE on all 8 ports, simplifying the deployment of devices that require both power and data connections.
Before installing the switch, make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment, such as mounting brackets and screws. Additionally, check that your power and network connections are compatible with the MS120-8FP-HW.
Mount the switch in a suitable location, ensuring proper ventilation and secure connections. Connect the power supply and Ethernet cables to the appropriate ports.
Log in to the Meraki Dashboard, add the MS120-8FP-HW to your network, and follow the on-screen instructions to configure settings like VLANs, QoS, and security features.
When setting up VLANs, consider segregating traffic based on device types or departments. For QoS, prioritize latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP or video streaming.
The Meraki Dashboard is a user-friendly interface that provides a comprehensive view of your network. From the dashboard, you can monitor device status, traffic patterns, and alerts.
Configure alerts and notifications in the Meraki Dashboard to receive updates on network events, such as device disconnections or high resource usage.
Use the dashboard’s built-in analytics tools to monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation.
For common issues, consult the Meraki knowledge base and community forums. The dashboard also provides diagnostic tools to help you identify and resolve problems.
Meraki APIs allow you to automate tasks and integrate with third-party software, simplifying network management and enhancing functionality.
Meraki APIs can be used to integrate the MS120-8FP-HW with third-party software, such as network monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and analytics platforms.
Use Meraki APIs to automate tasks like device provisioning, configuration updates, and alert management, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.
The MS120-8FP-HW is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require a reliable, easy-to-manage network infrastructure.
Hotels, restaurants, and event venues can benefit from the MS120-8FP-HW’s PoE capabilities, which simplify the deployment of devices like IP cameras and wireless access points.
Schools and universities can take advantage of the switch’s advanced features, such as QoS and VLANs, to optimize network performance and enhance security.
Healthcare facilities can use the MS120-8FP-HW to support critical applications, such as medical imaging and electronic health records, while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
The MS120-8FP-HW is an entry-level Meraki switch, offering a lower cost and fewer features compared to higher-end models like the MS250 series. However, it still provides reliable performance and cloud-based management for smaller networks.
While there are many competing switches on the market, the MS120-8FP-HW stands out due to its cloud-based management, PoE capabilities, and comprehensive feature set.
The Cisco Meraki MS120-8FP-HW is a powerful, cloud-managed Ethernet switch with a range of advanced features and PoE capabilities. It is suitable for various use cases, including small businesses, hospitality, education, and healthcare.
The MS120-8FP-HW is an excellent choice for organizations that require a reliable, easy-to-manage network infrastructure. With its cloud-based management and robust feature set, it offers a strong foundation for your network.
The Cisco Meraki MS120-8FP-HW is a cloud-managed, 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. It offers Layer 2 switching, Quality of Service (QoS) controls, VLAN management, and a range of advanced features for small to medium-sized businesses.
The MS120-8FP-HW offers several benefits, including:
To set up the switch:
Key features of the MS120-8FP-HW switch include:
To troubleshoot the switch:
The MS120-8FP-HW switch is managed through the Meraki Dashboard, a cloud-based platform that provides centralized control over your entire Meraki network. From the dashboard, you can monitor and configure the switch, set up alerts, and troubleshoot issues.
Best practices for using the switch include:
The MS120-8FP-HW is suitable for various use cases, including small to medium-sized business networks, hospitality and entertainment venues, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations.
The MS120-8FP-HW is an entry-level Meraki switch, offering a lower cost and fewer features compared to higher-end models like the MS250 series. However, it still provides reliable performance and cloud-based management for smaller networks.
The MS120-8FP-HW integrates seamlessly with other Meraki products, such as wireless access points and security appliances, through the Meraki Dashboard. This allows you to manage your entire Meraki network from a single, centralized platform, streamlining network management and enhancing visibility across your devices.
The Cisco Meraki MS250-48LP-HW is a 48-port cloud-managed switch designed for larger networks and more demanding use cases. Deployment scenarios for the MS250-48LP-HW include:
Cisco Meraki offers various licensing options for their switches, including the MS250-48LP-HW. These licenses are subscription-based and include different support levels and feature access. Common license options are:
Licensing terms typically range from 1 to 10 years, depending on your organization’s needs and budget.
Share this article
Get this week's
Best Networking Content
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Integer blandit nunc viverra pharetra. Risus feugiat libero vitae dui id bibendum nunc. Tempus dui ornare elit pellentesque.