Cisco Catalyst C1300-8FP-2G Performance
For this, we are using a Keysight XGS2 chassis with the NOVUS10/1GE16DP card. We are using an RFC2544 Quick Test for throughput with a few changes. For example, we increased the per-iteration run time to 30 seconds and started at 10% of the full line rate, searching for frame loss up to 100% of the line rate. We also test the RFC2544 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1280, and 1518 byte frame sizes, and then add the standard IMIX, the Cisco IMIX, and an IPSec IMIX, which introduces mixed frame sizes into the testing.
At 64B, we got full line rate 1Gbps performance. The maximum latency seemed a bit higher than we might have expected, but we might need to test more 1GbE switches. On the other end of the frame size spectrum, the 1518B size also did line rate L1 traffic without any frame losses, but the latency was higher.
Here is the IMIX test where we use different size frames instead of a uniform size.
One of the standard Keysight profiles is Cisco IMIX, which we have been using as part of our test suite.
Here are the IPSec IMIX test results:
Perhaps the three big findings were that the throughput and frame loss figures were exactly what we would expect. The maximum latency and jitter figures were a bit higher than we would have expected.
Cisco Catalyst C1300-8FP-2G Power Consumption and Noise
On the power consumption side, we saw around 9W at idle. Generally, we would expect a 1GbE switch to sip power, but this is using a higher-end switch chip with PoE, which both add to idle power consumption.
Adding a 1GbE port added 2W.
One big benefit of this design is that it is passively cooled. Since there are no fans inside, it is a silent switch, which is not bad for a 120W PoE+ switch. Let us get to that PoE feature next.
Cisco Catalyst C1300-8FP-2G PoE Testing
We hooked up both the Fluke LinkIQ-Duo (Amazon Affiliate) and the MicroScanner PoE (Amazon Affiliate.) Sometimes, such as with some Ubiquiti products, we get different results on the two based on how PoE is implemented.
Here you can see the ports negotiate down to 10base-T half duplex, but also both show 25.5W PoE+ ports.
Final Words
The Cisco Catalyst C1300-8FP-2G is a really well put-together switch. As we move up the stack, the higher-end models include higher-end features, not just faster ports. Instead of being built like an ultra-low-cost design, engineers put thought into cooling the switch, the higher-end Marvell Prestera, Alaska V parts, and even the management. We often see these retail for $400 or so, and that is far from “cheap” these days for a 1GbE switch.
You might pay a bit more for this one, but it is easy to see the value proposition. This is a device that is clearly both a low-end device in Cisco’s Catalyst portfolio, but also packs a lot of great functionality.
Where to Buy
If you want to purchase one, here is an Amazon affiliate link.
