Description
Product Overview
The Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L is a powerful member of the Catalyst 2960S series, renowned for its advanced networking capabilities. As a manageable Layer 2 switch, it provides efficient control over network traffic and operations. Boasting 24 ports for connectivity and 2 additional 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports, this rack-mountable and stackable switch offers a comprehensive solution for various networking needs.
Understanding the Cisco Catalyst 2960S Series and Its Role
The Catalyst 2960S series by Cisco is a family of switches designed to deliver reliable and scalable network solutions. These switches are known for their advanced features, making them suitable for diverse applications, ranging from small businesses to enterprise-level networks.
Features of Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L Ethernet Switch24 Manageable Ports
With 24 manageable ports, this switch accommodates multiple devices, providing efficient connectivity for computers, printers, and other networked equipment.
Layer 2 Functionality
As a Layer 2 switch, the WS-C2960S-24PD-L operates at the data link layer, facilitating the efficient flow of data within the local network.
Rack-Mountable and Stackable Design
The switch’s rack-mountable design allows for easy installation in standard network racks, while its stackable feature enables the creation of a unified and scalable network.
2x 10 Gigabit SFP+ Ports
The inclusion of 2 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports provides high-speed connectivity options for uplink connections or connections to other high-performance devices.
Importance of Layer 2 Switches in Networking
Layer 2 switches play a crucial role in network environments:
Efficient Data Flow
Layer 2 switches operate at the data link layer, efficiently managing data flow within the local network by using MAC addresses.
VLAN Support
Support for Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) allows for the segmentation of networks, enhancing security and network organization.
Plug-and-Play Connectivity
Layer 2 switches offer plug-and-play connectivity, making them user-friendly and suitable for various networking environments.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L Ethernet SwitchScalable Connectivity
With 24 manageable ports, the switch provides scalable connectivity options, accommodating the needs of growing networks.
High-Speed Uplink Options
The inclusion of 2 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports offers high-speed uplink options, ensuring efficient data transfer and network performance.
Rack-Mountable and Stackable
The switch’s design allows for easy installation in standard racks and facilitates stacking for a more organized and scalable network infrastructure.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L Ethernet SwitchSmall to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)
Ideal for SMBs seeking a reliable and manageable switch that offers scalability and efficient network organization.
Enterprise Networking
Suitable for enterprise-level networking where advanced features, scalability, and efficient data flow are essential.
Network Expansion
Useful for expanding existing networks, especially in situations where increased connectivity and high-speed uplinks are required.
Scalable and Secure Networking
The WS-C2960S-24PD-L Cisco Catalyst switch is designed for scalable and secure networking. Some of the key features that support this include:
Scalability:
- Cisco StackWise technology: This technology allows you to stack multiple switches together for increased capacity and ease of management. This allows you to scale your network as needed, adding more switches as your network grows.
- Cisco FlexStack: it allows you to add more switches to the current stack for more ports and bandwidth.
- VLANs: The switch supports VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which allows you to segment your network into smaller, virtual networks. This can help to improve network performance and security by isolating different types of traffic and controlling access to network resources.
Security:
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): These are used to control access to the network by defining which devices are allowed or denied access to specific network resources.
- Cisco TrustSec: This is an identity-based security solution that allows you to secure your network by identifying and authenticating users and devices, and then controlling their access to network resources.
- Network segmentation: By breaking up the network into smaller segments, you can better control access to network resources and reduce the risk of a security breach.
- IEEE 802.1X: The switch supports IEEE 802.1X, which is an industry-standard security protocol that allows you to authenticate users and devices before they are granted access to the network.
- Cisco FlexStack: it allows to addition of more switches to the current stack for more ports and bandwidth.
Efficient Network Management
The WS-C2960S-24PD-L Cisco Catalyst switch provides several features for efficient network management:
- Cisco IOS Software: This is the operating system used by the switch. It provides a wide range of features and capabilities for managing your network, including advanced security and QoS, and it is easy to use and configure.
- Cisco Network Assistant: This is a free software tool that allows you to manage multiple Cisco switches, routers, and wireless access points from a single, intuitive interface. It can help you quickly and easily configure, troubleshoot, and maintain your network.
- Cisco Prime Infrastructure: is a network management software that simplifies the configuration, administration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco networks. It provides a single-pane-of-glass view of the entire network and its devices, making it easy to identify and resolve network issues.
- Cisco Smartports: is a feature that allows you to easily configure the switch ports for specific applications or devices, such as IP phones, wireless access points, or servers. This can help you to quickly and easily set up and maintain your network.
- Cisco StackWise technology: This technology allows you to stack multiple switches together for increased capacity and ease of management. It also provides redundancy and high availability, so that if one switch fails, another switch can take over.
- Cisco FlexStack: it allows to addition of more switches to the current stack for more ports and bandwidth.
- SNMP and RMON: The switch supports SNMP and RMON, which are industry-standard network management protocols. These protocols allow you to monitor and manage the switch remotely and can be integrated with other network management tools.
Security and Quality of Service
The WS-C2960S-24PD-L Cisco Catalyst switch has several built-in security features that help protect the network from various security threats. Some of the key security features include:
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): These are used to control access to the network by defining which devices are allowed or denied access to specific network resources.
- Cisco TrustSec: This is an identity-based security solution that allows you to secure your network by identifying and authenticating users and devices, and then controlling their access to network resources.
- Network segmentation: By breaking up the network into smaller segments, you can better control access to network resources and reduce the risk of a security breach.
Quality of Service (QoS): The switch also includes Quality of Service (QoS) features that help ensure that important network traffic is prioritized over less important traffic. Some of the key QoS features include:
- Traffic management: This allows you to control how network resources are used by different types of traffic, such as voice, video, and data.
- Prioritization: This feature allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice or video, to ensure that they are not impacted by other network traffic.
- Shaping and Policing: the switch enables to management of the traffic rate and guarantees a specific level of service for different types of traffic
- Cisco StackWise technology: This technology allows you to stack multiple switches together for increased capacity and ease of management. It also provides redundancy and high availability, so that if one switch fails, another switch can take over.
Cisco EnergyWise technology: This technology allows you to monitor and control the power consumption of your network devices, which can help reduce energy costs.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960S-24PD-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Product Name: Catalyst WS-C2960S-24PD-L Stackable Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- PerformanceEthernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 3
- Expansion Slot Type: Stacking Module
- Expansion Slot Type: XFP
- Number of XFP Slots: 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Memory
- Standard Memory: 128 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 64 MB
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: Yes
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960S-24PD-L, a member of the Catalyst 2960S series, is a versatile and powerful Ethernet switch designed to cater to various networking needs. With its 24 manageable ports, Layer 2 functionality, rack-mountable and stackable design, and 2 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports, it offers a comprehensive solution for small to medium-sized businesses, enterprise networking, and network expansion projects. Cisco’s commitment to delivering reliable and scalable network solutions is evident in the WS-C2960S-24PD-L, making it a valuable asset for creating efficient and high-performance networks.
