Description
Understanding the WS-C2960S-48TS-S Catalyst 2960 Series Gigabit Ethernet Switch
The WS-C2960S-48TS-S is part of the Catalyst 2960 Series, representing a high-performance Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for efficient network management. In this detailed explanation, we will delve into the key features and specifications of the WS-C2960S-48TS-S, exploring its capabilities and benefits for network administrators and businesses alike.
Overview of Catalyst 2960 Series 48-Port Gigabit Managed Switch
The WS-C2960S-48TS-S is a member of the Catalyst 2960 Series, renowned for its reliability and performance. This Gigabit Ethernet Switch is designed for various networking environments, offering 48 ports, 2 Small Form-Factor pluggable (Mini-GBIC) slots, and advanced Layer 2 management capabilities.
Key Features of Layer 2 Manageable 1U Rack-mountable SwitchPort Configuration
With 48 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 ports, the WS-C2960S-48TS-S provides high-speed connectivity for a multitude of devices. These ports support Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring rapid data transfer within the network.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable (Mini-GBIC) Slots
The inclusion of 2 Mini-GBIC slots enhances the switch’s flexibility. These slots allow for the use of various Mini-GBIC modules, enabling different types of connections such as fiber optics for extended reach or specialized networking requirements.
Layer 2 Management
The Layer 2 management capabilities of this switch are critical for efficient network administration. It allows for the segmentation of the network into VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), enhancing security and performance. Additionally, features like Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) contribute to network stability by preventing loop formation.
Rack-Mountable Design
The 1U rack-mountable design of the WS-C2960S-48TS-S ensures space-efficient installation in data centers and server rooms. This design is crucial for organizations with limited space, allowing for easy integration into existing network infrastructure.
Gigabit Ethernet Speed
The switch supports Gigabit Ethernet, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities. This is particularly advantageous in environments where large volumes of data need to be transmitted quickly and reliably, such as in businesses with heavy network traffic or data centers.
High-tech Specifications
To delve deeper into the capabilities of the WS-C2960S-48TS-S, let’s explore its technical specifications.
Performance
The switch boasts impressive performance metrics, with a forwarding bandwidth of X Gbps. This ensures that data can flow seamlessly through the network without bottlenecks, even in high-traffic scenarios.
Security Features
Security is a top priority in networking, and the WS-C2960S-48TS-S doesn’t disappoint. It supports features like Access Control Lists (ACLs), which control traffic flow based on defined rules, and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) snooping, which prevents unauthorized DHCP servers from providing IP addresses.
Quality of Service (QoS)
The switch prioritizes network traffic through QoS mechanisms, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance. This is particularly important in environments where real-time applications, such as voice and video, coexist with regular data traffic.
Energy Efficiency
In an era where environmental considerations are paramount, the WS-C2960S-48TS-S incorporates energy-efficient technologies. This includes features like Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity, contributing to overall energy savings.
Applications
The WS-C2960S-48TS-S finds applications in various scenarios due to its versatile features.
Enterprise Networks
In large enterprises with extensive networking needs, this switch provides the scalability and performance required to support numerous devices and applications.
Data Centers
The switch’s rack-mountable design and Gigabit Ethernet speed make it well-suited for deployment in data centers. Its Layer 2 management capabilities are particularly beneficial in these environments, where efficient traffic segmentation is crucial.
Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs)
SMBs benefit from the switch’s balance of performance and affordability. The 48 ports cater to the connectivity needs of growing businesses, while the Layer 2 management features offer control and security.
Educational Institutions
In educational settings, where a large number of users and devices connect to the network simultaneously, the WS-C2960S-48TS-S ensures reliable and high-speed data transmission.
Reliability
The Cisco WS-C2960S-48TS-S is a reliable switch that has been widely used in enterprise and mid-sized business networks. It is built using high-quality components and is designed to withstand the demands of a busy network environment.
One of the ways that the product helps to improve network reliability is by providing support for features such as Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). LACP allows multiple ports to be combined into a single logical link, which increases bandwidth and can help to ensure that network traffic is distributed evenly across multiple paths. STP, on the other hand, helps to prevent loops in the network by automatically shutting down certain links when they are no longer needed.
The switch also provides advanced security features that help to protect against network threats. Access control lists (ACLs) allow administrators to specify which types of traffic are permitted to pass through the switch, and network admission control (NAC) helps to ensure that only authorized devices are able to access the network.
Cisco’s IOS software provides a robust and feature-rich way to manage and monitor the switch, which can help to detect and diagnose network issues quickly.
Power and Innovation
The Cisco WS-C2960S-48TS-S is a managed Ethernet switch that belongs to the 2960 series, which is designed for use in enterprise and campus networks. This particular model has 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it well-suited for larger networks that require a high-density of ports and high throughput.
One of the key features of this model is its ability to support a wide range of networking features, including VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs). This makes it well-suited for use in environments where different types of traffic need to be segmented and prioritized.
In terms of power, the part is equipped with Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) which helps to reduce power consumption by putting the switch into a low-power state when there is little or no traffic passing through it. This can help to lower operating costs and make the product a more environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, it supports redundant power supply and fans which can increase the reliability of the switch.
General Information for the Cisco WS-C2960S-48TS-S 48 Ports Managed Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960S-48TS-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Product Name: Catalyst 2960 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Key Features of Catalyst 2960 Series Ethernet Switch
- Number of Ports: 48 Ports
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Yes
- Interfaces/ports: 48 X Rj-45 10/100/1000base-t Network Lan
- Expansion Slots: (2 Total) SFP (Mini-GBIC)
- Compatible Rack Unit: 1u
Interfaces/Ports for 48-Ports Switch
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance of Managed Switch
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Number of SFP Slots: 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Memory
- Standard Memory: 128 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 64 MB
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In general, the WS-C2960S-48TS-S Catalyst 2960 Series Gigabit Ethernet Switch stands out as a reliable and versatile networking solution. Its combination of port density, Mini-GBIC slots, Layer 2 management features, and rack-mountable design make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether in enterprise networks, data centers, SMBs, or educational institutions, this switch delivers the performance and flexibility required for modern networking challenges. As technology evolves, having a robust and adaptable switch like the WS-C2960S-48TS-S becomes increasingly essential for building and maintaining efficient networks.
