What is the CSX2000 Series?

The CSX2000 series is a Versa Networks Cloud Services Switch (CSX) line built for the SD-LAN edge and access layer, combining an Ethernet switch chipset with an x86-based compute subsystem. Available as the CSX2200 and CSX2300, it delivers PoE++ port density, line-rate Layer 2/3 switching, and integrated VOS-based routing and security in a single 1RU appliance.

Key takeaways

• CSX2000 series: CSX2200 (24-port) and CSX2300 (48-port) PoE++ switches.
• Pairs an Ethernet switch chipset with x86 compute running VOS.
• Delivers stateful security, NAC, on-prem ZTNA, and micro-segmentation inline.
• PoE++ ports supply up to 90 W each for phones, cameras, and APs.
• Managed from Versa Director; monitored through Versa Analytics.

On this page: Why it matters · How it works · CSX2000 series models · CSX2000 series & the VersaONE platform · FAQ

Why is the CSX2000 series important?

Enterprise LAN edges have traditionally needed a stack of separate boxes – an access switch, a NAC appliance, sometimes a dedicated segmentation gateway – wired together and managed independently. The CSX2000 series folds that stack into one device: an Ethernet switch chipset for line-rate forwarding, next to x86 compute that runs Versa Operating System (VOS) for stateful security, access control, and routing. The switch is also a policy enforcement point, so LAN traffic is inspected and segmented at the same box that forwards it.

That matters most in Secure SD-LAN designs, where the branch or campus LAN is brought under the same Zero Trust model as the WAN. Because CSX2000 appliances run the same VOS software as Versa’s WAN-edge gateways, LAN access policy and micro-segmentation are configured the same way as SD-WAN policy – one management plane for the whole site, not a switch console plus a separate security console.

What is the CSX2000 series?

A CSX2000 appliance is a 1RU, fixed-configuration Ethernet switch with an integrated x86 processor subsystem and its own memory and storage, enough to run VOS’s stateful functions locally rather than backhauling traffic to a separate device. Every switching port is PoE++ capable, delivering up to 90 W to power phones, cameras, and access points directly, and the appliances include SFP+ 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports for uplinks or high-capacity downlinks.

Running VOS gives the CSX2000 series a full security and networking feature set inline: a secure SD-LAN perimeter with stateful security, device fingerprinting, network access control, on-premises Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), micro-segmentation, and line-rate Layer 2/3 forwarding and switching alongside scalable advanced routing. A built-in trusted platform module (TPM) with hardware crypto acceleration protects encryption and authentication keys, and the appliance supports secure BIOS and secure boot. See the CSX2000 series hardware guide for full specifications.

CSX2000 series models

The family ships as two models, both 1RU and both running the identical VOS software and feature set – they differ in port density and power redundancy, not capability. The CSX2200 provides 24 1-Gigabit Ethernet PoE++ ports for LAN edge/access plus six SFP+ 10-Gigabit Ethernet switch ports, powered by a single fixed 950 W (115 VAC) PSU. The CSX2300 doubles the access-port count to 48 1-Gigabit Ethernet PoE++ ports, keeps the same six SFP+ 10-Gigabit uplink ports, and adds resilience with two field-replaceable, hot-swappable 1200 W (230 VAC) PSUs in a 1+1 redundant configuration.

Both models include a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet-over-copper management port, an RJ45 RS232 console port, a USB port, and integrated rack-mount ears for standard 19-inch racks. Choosing between them is mainly a question of access-port count and whether PSU redundancy is required for the site.

CSX2000 series & the VersaONE platform

A CSX2000 appliance runs the same VOS software as Versa’s other CSG and CSX appliances, so LAN edge policy is authored the same way as the rest of the network. It is deployed and managed from a Versa Director or Concerto node, which handles configuration, monitoring, and provisioning, while Versa Analytics collects telemetry from it. For initial bring-up – connecting AC power and a serial console before the appliance is under Director or Concerto control – see Connect a CSX2000 series appliance.

Within Secure SD-LAN designs, the CSX2000 series occupies the edge and access layer closest to endpoints, while the CSX4000 and CSX8000 series scale up for aggregation and core roles, and CSG appliances anchor the WAN edge – all reporting into the same headend. An overview of the family’s baseline capabilities is available at a glance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the CSX2200 and the CSX2300?

Port density and power redundancy. The CSX2200 has 24 PoE++ access ports and a single fixed 950 W (115 VAC) power supply; the CSX2300 has 48 PoE++ access ports and two hot-swappable 1200 W (230 VAC) power supplies in a 1+1 redundant configuration. Both share the same six SFP+ 10-Gigabit uplink ports and software.

Does the CSX2000 series run the same software as other Versa appliances?

Yes. CSX2000 appliances run VOS, the same operating system used across Versa’s CSG gateways and other CSX switches, so security policy, access control, and routing configuration behave consistently across the fleet regardless of which appliance enforces them.

How much PoE power does the CSX2000 series support?

Every 1-Gigabit Ethernet LAN edge/access port on both the CSX2200 and CSX2300 supports PoE++ up to 90 W, enough to power demanding endpoints such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras, Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, and video phones directly from the switch port.

How do you manage a CSX2000 series appliance?

Deployment and ongoing configuration run through Versa Director or Concerto, which push policy and firmware and collect operational state. For local troubleshooting, you can reach the appliance’s CLI over its serial console port or SSH to the management port before or alongside Director/Concerto control.

What security features are built into the CSX2000 series hardware?

A trusted platform module (TPM 2.0) paired with a hardware crypto offload engine secures encryption and authentication keys, and the appliance supports secure BIOS and secure boot to protect firmware integrity. These sit alongside VOS’s software security features: stateful inspection, device fingerprinting, NAC, ZTNA, and micro-segmentation.

More on Versa hardware

If you want to learn more, these are sources we trust.

Related terms

If you’re reading about the CSX2000 series, these are worth looking at next.