C1200-8T-D – Switch – Gigabit Ethernet – 8 ports – smart

Model Selection Guide for C1200-8T-D

When to Choose C1200-8T-D

• You need a desktop or small wall-mount switch:
  The C1200-8T-D’s compact, fanless design fits perfectly in small offices, retail environments, branch locations, classrooms, or any quiet workspace with limited space for network equipment.
• Silent operation is a priority:
  Its fanless, noiseless operation is ideal for locations such as open workspaces, clinics, libraries, or customer-facing counters, where ambient noise must be minimized.
• Flexible power options are required:
  Unique to this model, the C1200-8T-D supports both standard AC power adapters and PoE input via port 1. This makes it exceptionally versatile for deployments where only one power source is available, or where backup/temporary power may be provided by an upstream PoE switch.
• You do not require PoE output or uplink SFP ports:
  If your deployment doesn’t require powering endpoint devices (such as IP phones or cameras) or high-speed fiber uplinks, C1200-8T-D offers the simplest and most cost-effective solution.
• Layer 3 basic routing is desired:
  This model supports Layer 3 static routing for inter-VLAN communication and simple network segmentation—features not found on basic unmanaged switches.

When to Consider Other Models

• If you need to power PoE-enabled devices (like IP phones, APs, or cameras):
  Consider the C1200-8P-E-2G, which provides 8 PoE+ ports with a 67W power budget, ideal for small deployments needing direct device power supply.
• If your application requires SFP uplinks for fiber connectivity or redundancy:
  The C1200-8T-E-2G offers 2 combo RJ-45/SFP ports for uplink flexibility to aggregation switches or fiber backbone networks.
• For rack-mountable installations:
  C1200-8T-E-2G and C1200-8P-E-2G are designed for rack mounting and may be preferable for structured wiring closets or IT racks.

Recommended User Scenarios

• Best for:
  Small office/home office users, retail checkout counters, healthcare clinics, small classrooms, or pop-up branches seeking stable gigabit connectivity, robust Cisco security, and silent operation in a plug-and-play format.
• Not suitable for:
  Deployments needing PoE power output to devices, uplink fiber connections, or centralized rack-mounted hardware.

Summary

Choose the Cisco C1200-8T-D if you need a simple, affordable, ultra-quiet 8-port gigabit switch with flexible power options and basic Layer 3 features.
Choose a different model if you need PoE device power, SFP uplinks, or rack-mount form factor.