Description
Product Overview for the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24PD-I Layer 3 Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24PD-I is a Layer 3 switch, designed to provide advanced capabilities for routing and interconnecting different network segments. This switch supports 10/100/1000Base-T, offering 24 ports for seamless connectivity. Additionally, it features 2 x expansion slots, providing scalability for future network expansions. With 10 Gigabit Ethernet support and 2 x SFP+ slots, this switch ensures high-speed data transfer, making it suitable for modern, data-intensive applications.
Layer 3 Support
The WS-C2960XR-24PD-I is a Layer 3 switch, which means it operates at the network layer of the OSI model. This capability allows for advanced routing and enables the switch to make intelligent decisions based on IP addresses. This is particularly beneficial in complex network setups where routing efficiency is crucial.
10/100/1000Base-T Ports
Equipped with 24 ports supporting speeds of 10/100/1000Base-T, this Manageable switch ensures high-speed data transfer within the local network. These ports provide versatility, accommodating a range of devices with different data transfer requirements.
Expansion Slots
The switch features 2 expansion slots, offering scalability and flexibility for future network expansions. This is especially advantageous for businesses with growing networking needs, as additional modules can be added without the need for a complete infrastructure overhaul.
Twisted Pair 10 Gigabit Ethernet
With support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted pair cabling, the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I ensures a significant boost in data transfer speeds. This is particularly useful for bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video streaming or large file transfers, where a higher data rate is essential for optimal performance.
SFP+ Slots
The switch includes 2 Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) slots, providing compatibility with fiber optic connections. These slots enhance the switch’s connectivity options, allowing for long-distance data transmission and improved network reliability.
Manageability
Cisco’s WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch is designed with user-friendly management features. Its interface allows for easy configuration and monitoring, making it suitable for both experienced IT professionals and those newer to network management.
Energy Efficiency
Cisco places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, and the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I is no exception. With advanced features like Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and automatic power shutoff during periods of inactivity, this switch helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs.
Network Management and Security Features
The WS-C2960XR-24PD-I Cisco Catalyst switch provides a range of network management and security features to help administrators monitor and secure their networks. Some of the key management and security features of this switch include:
- SNMP and syslog support: The switch supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and syslog, which can be used to monitor and manage network devices and traffic.
- Cisco Network Assistant: The switch can be managed using the Cisco Network Assistant software, which provides a graphical interface for managing network devices.
- VLAN support: The switch supports Virtual LAN (VLAN) technology, which can be used to segment a network into separate broadcast domains, improving security and manageability.
- Access control lists: The switch supports access control lists (ACLs), which can be used to control which devices or traffic are allowed or denied access to the network.
- Port security: The switch supports port security, which can be used to restrict access to the network based on MAC addresses or other criteria.
- Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) support: The switch supports SSH and SSL, which can be used to secure remote management sessions and prevent unauthorized access.
- DHCP snooping: The switch supports DHCP snooping, which can be used to prevent rogue DHCP servers from distributing incorrect or malicious IP addresses.
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) relay: The switch supports DHCP relay, which can be used to forward DHCP requests from devices on one VLAN to a DHCP server on another VLAN.
Scalable and Reliable Networking
The WS-C2960XR-24PD-I Cisco Catalyst 24 Ports Managed Ethernet Switch is a high-performance networking solution that offers scalability and reliability for businesses of all sizes. This switch is designed to provide a secure, reliable, and high-speed network connection for enterprise-level applications.
One of the main features of this switch is its scalability. It has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be expanded to 48 ports with the use of Cisco’s FlexStack-Plus stacking technology. This allows businesses to easily scale their network as their needs grow without having to purchase additional switches.
In addition, the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I is a managed switch, which means that it can be configured to meet the specific needs of the business. It offers a range of advanced features, such as Quality of Service (QoS), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) support, which help optimize network performance and security.
This switch is also designed for high reliability. It has a dual redundant power supply, which ensures that the network remains up and running even in the event of a power failure. It also has a fanless design, which helps reduce noise and increases reliability by eliminating a potential point of failure.
Applications of 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch finds application in various scenarios due to its versatile features. Here are some common use cases:
Enterprise Networks
In large enterprises with diverse networking needs, the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I serves as a reliable backbone for connecting numerous devices. Its Layer 3 capabilities enable efficient routing, and the multitude of ports and expansion slots cater to the demands of a growing business.
Data Centers
For data centers handling extensive data processing and storage, the switch’s 10 Gigabit Ethernet support and expansion slots prove invaluable. The ability to scale the network seamlessly makes it suitable for evolving data center requirements.
Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs)
SMBs benefit from the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I’s balance of performance and scalability. The switch’s ease of management is particularly advantageous for businesses with limited IT resources, providing a cost-effective yet robust networking solution.
Layer 3 Routing Capabilities
The WS-C2960XR-24PD-I Cisco Catalyst switch provides limited Layer 3 routing capabilities, including static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) v1 and v2. However, this switch is primarily designed as a Layer 2 switch and does not support more advanced routing protocols such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) or Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).
The static routing feature allows administrators to manually configure routes between different networks. This can be useful for small networks with a limited number of devices, but it can become difficult to manage as the network grows in size.
RIP is a distance-vector routing protocol that can be used to dynamically exchange routing information between neighboring routers. RIP is easy to configure and can be useful for small networks, but it can be slow to converge and may not scale well to larger networks.
It’s important to note that while the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch does provide some Layer 3 routing capabilities, it is primarily designed as a Layer 2 switch and may not be suitable for more complex routing requirements. If advanced routing capabilities are needed, a dedicated Layer 3 switch or router should be considered.
General Information for the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24PD-I Ethernet Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C2960XR-24PD-I
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960-XR
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Technical Information
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Bypass: No
- Modular: No
- Management Port: Yes
- USB: Yes
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports: 12
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
Performance
- Switching Capacity: 216 Gbps
- Forwarding Performance: 95.2 Mpps
Capacity
- Virtual Interfaces (VLANs): 1023
- Jumbo Frame Support: 9216
- Max Units in a Stack: 8
Routing Protocol
- OSPF, RIP-1, RIP-2, HSRP, VRRP, PIM-SM, PIM-DM, PIM-SSM, Policy-based Routing (PBR), RIPng
Remote Management Protocol
- SNMP 1, SNMP 2, RMON 1, RMON 2, RMON 3, RMON 9, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, HTTP, SSH, CLI
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
- Number of SFP+ Slots: 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Features
- Layer 2 Switching, Auto-negotiation, ARP Support, CISCO Fast EtherChannel, VLAN Support, Auto-uplink (Auto MDI/MDI-X), IGMP Snooping, Broadcast Storm Control, IPv6 Support, Multicast Storm Control, Unicast Storm Control, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) Support, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) Support, DHCP Snooping, Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) Support, Port Aggregation Protocol (PAGP) Support, Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) Support, Access Control List (ACL) Support, Quality of Service (QoS), RADIUS Support, MLD Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), Uni-directional Link Detection (UDLD), Shaped Round Robin (SRR), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), Layer 3 Load Balancing, Per-VLAN Rapid Spanning Tree (PVRST), Energy Efficient Ethernet, Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR), Strict Priority Queuing (SPQ), Class of Service (CoS)
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1s, IEEE 802.3ah, IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP), IEEE 802.3at, IEEE 802.3az
Memory
- Standard Memory: 512 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 128 MB
Power Description
- Power Device: Internal Power Supply – Hot-plug
- Installed Qty: 1 (installed) / 2 (max)
- Power Redundancy: Yes
- Power Redundancy Scheme: 1+1
- Power Provided: 640 Watt
- Voltage Required: AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Outline, the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24PD-I Catalyst Layer 3 Switch stands out as a robust networking solution with a comprehensive set of features. Its Layer 3 capabilities, port configurations, expansion slots, and manageability make it a versatile choice for businesses seeking reliable and scalable network infrastructure. The switch’s adherence to industry standards and Cisco’s reputation for quality further solidify its position as a compelling option in the competitive networking market. Whether used in small to medium-sized enterprises or larger corporate environments, the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24PD-I delivers the performance and flexibility required for modern networking challenges.
