Cisco Business 250 & 350 vs Catalyst 1200 & 1300: the real SMB upgrade path
Cisco SG250/SG350 reached end-of-sale on 30 October 2021. Their successors were Cisco Business CBS250/CBS350. Today the recommended path is Catalyst 1200 and Catalyst 1300. These “Catalyst” models are SMB-class, GUI-first, and managed via Cisco Business Dashboard rather than the IOS-XE, CLI-driven workflows used by enterprise Catalyst 9000.
Why this matters for SMB networks
With SG250/SG350 retired, standardising on the current SMB lines avoids support gaps and gives you modern PoE, easier management, and better security defaults. If you are planning a refresh or setting a standard, align to Catalyst 1200/1300 rather than legacy SG/CBS.
Lineage at a glance
- SG250 / SG350 → retired (last order: 30 October 2021).
- CBS250 / CBS350 → Cisco Business smart/managed successors.
- Catalyst 1200 / Catalyst 1300 → current SMB replacement families.
Are 1200/1300 “real Catalyst”?
Yes in branding, no in architecture. Catalyst 1200 and 1300 target small and mid-size environments and are web-managed with full Web UI coverage. They are designed for Cisco Business Dashboard and the mobile app. CLI exists but is not the primary workflow, unlike enterprise Catalyst 9000 switches that run IOS-XE and are typically managed by CLI and automation frameworks.
What you gain moving to Catalyst 1200/1300
- Simpler operations: Centralised, template-driven management through a GUI.
- No extra licences: Features are available out of the box; software updates do not require additional licence purchases.
- Performance uplift: Newer CPU and memory platforms improve responsiveness and feature headroom.
- PoE quality-of-life: Perpetual PoE keeps APs and cameras powered during switch reboots.
- Lower energy use: Power efficiency improvements versus previous SMB generations.
- Stacking (1300 only): Up to four-unit true stacking with single-pane control.
Quick mapping guide
| Legacy Line | Current Focus | Management Model | Stacking | Notes |
| SG250 / CBS250 | Catalyst 1200 | GUI via Dashboard/app | No | Web-managed SMB feature set, PoE+ options, 8–48 ports |
| SG350 / CBS350 | Catalyst 1300 | GUI via Dashboard/app | Yes (up to 4) | Adds stacking plus richer operations and security controls |
Model selection checklist
- Ports and uplinks: Choose 8–48 × 1 GbE access and the right mix of 1/10 GbE uplinks for APs, phones, and cameras.
- PoE budget: Add 25–30% headroom for future devices; use Perpetual PoE to maintain uptime during maintenance.
- Stacking requirements: Pick Catalyst 1300 when you want closet consolidation and single-config management.
- Licences and support: No feature licences required. Budget for hardware and optional support only.
If you’re staying on CBS250/350
CBS250/350 remain capable for many SMB sites with L2 features, basic L3 (static routing), QoS, and web management. If you are buying new or setting a standard today, move to 1200/1300 to align with Cisco’s current SMB roadmap and simplify future replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Catalyst 1200/1300 require CLI skills?
No. They are intentionally GUI-first and designed for Dashboard and app management.
2. Is there a recurring licence?
No. Features are included and software updates do not require additional licence purchases.
3. Which models support stacking?
Catalyst 1300 supports true stacking up to four units. Catalyst 1200 does not stack.
What about energy use?
The current SMB lines are more power-efficient than prior generations, which helps reduce running costs in 24×7 environments.