Description
Product Overview
The Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L is a versatile and manageable Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized networks. Featuring 8 ports supporting 10Base-T RJ-45 connections, Layer 2 functionality, rack-mountable, wall-mountable, and desktop options, this switch provides flexibility in deployment and efficient network management.
Understanding Switch Ports and Layer 2 Functionality
Switches like the WS-C2960G-8TC-L facilitate connections between devices in a network. The 8 ports on this switch support Ethernet connections, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously. Additionally, Layer 2 functionality involves data forwarding based on MAC addresses, enhancing network efficiency.
Features of Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L Catalyst 2960 Switch8 Ports with 10Base-T RJ-45
The switch offers 8 ports supporting 10Base-T RJ-45 connections for device connectivity within the network.
Layer 2 Functionality
Layer 2 capabilities enable efficient data transmission based on MAC addresses, enhancing network performance.
Rack-mountable, Wall Mountable, and Desktop Options
Versatile deployment options allow for placement in rack setups, mounted on walls, or placed on desktops as needed.
Importance of Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L Catalyst 2960 Switch in Networks
Switches offer several advantages in network environments:
Device Connectivity
Switches enable multiple devices to connect and communicate within a network, ensuring seamless data transmission.
Efficient Data Forwarding
Layer 2 functionality allows the switch to efficiently forward data based on MAC addresses, optimizing network performance.
Flexibility in Deployment
Versatile deployment options provide flexibility in positioning the switch based on space and networking requirements.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L Catalyst 2960 SwitchMultiple Connectivity Ports
With 8 RJ-45 ports, the switch accommodates various devices, ensuring efficient network connectivity.
Efficient Data Routing
Layer 2 capabilities facilitate efficient data transmission, contributing to smoother network operations.
Versatile Deployment Options
The switch’s flexibility in mounting options allows for tailored placement in various networking setups.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L Catalyst 2960 SwitchSmall to Medium-Sized Businesses
Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses needing a manageable and efficient switch for their network infrastructure.
Home Offices and Small Networks
Suitable for home office setups or small networks, providing reliable connectivity and simple management.
Remote Work Environments
In remote work setups, this switch enables efficient communication and data transmission among devices.
More Information about Catalyst Switch
The WS-C2960G-8TC-L is a managed Ethernet switch that belongs to the Cisco Catalyst 2960-G series. It has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and is designed to provide a reliable network foundation for small to medium-sized businesses, enterprise branches, and campus environments.
Some of the key features of the WS-C2960G-8TC-L include:
- Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports with support for Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows the switch to power devices such as IP phones and wireless access points over the Ethernet cables.
- StackWise technology, allows the switch to be stacked with other compatible Cisco Catalyst 2960-G series switches to form a single logical unit, providing increased scalability and ease of management.
- Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow you to prioritize different types of network traffic, ensuring that mission-critical applications and services receive the necessary bandwidth and network resources.
- Enhanced security features, including access control lists (ACLs), Cisco TrustSec, and IEEE 802.1X authentication, to help protect against network threats and unauthorized access.
The WS-C2960G-8TC-L is a managed switch, meaning that it can be configured and managed using a web-based interface or a command-line interface (CLI). This allows you to customize the settings and features of the switch to meet the specific needs of your network.
Security Features
The WS-C2960G-8TC-L Cisco 8-Ports Ethernet Managed Switch is equipped with several security features to protect the network and its devices from unauthorized access. Here are some of the key security features of this switch:
- Port security: The WS-C2960G-8TC-L can be configured to restrict access to individual switch ports based on the MAC address of the connected device. This prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the network through unused ports on the switch.
- VLANs: The switch supports VLANs, which enable network administrators to segment the network into different virtual LANs. This provides an additional layer of security by isolating network traffic between different groups of devices.
- Access control lists (ACLs): The switch supports ACLs, which allow administrators to define rules that determine which network traffic is allowed and which is blocked. This enables administrators to control access to the network and prevent unauthorized access.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) root guard: STP root guard prevents unauthorized devices from becoming the root bridge in an STP network. This ensures that only authorized devices can control the network topology.
- Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): The switch supports SSH and SSL, which provide secure remote management and configuration of the switch.
- DHCP snooping: The switch supports DHCP snooping, which enables the switch to inspect DHCP traffic and filter out DHCP packets with incorrect or unauthorized IP addresses. This prevents rogue DHCP servers from distributing incorrect IP addresses to devices on the network.
Management and Configuration
The WS-C2960G-8TC-L Cisco 8-Ports Ethernet Managed Switch can be managed and configured through a variety of methods, including:
- Command Line Interface (CLI): The switch can be configured using the CLI, which provides access to all of the switch’s configuration options. This method of configuration is typically used by experienced network administrators who are familiar with the command line.
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): The switch can be managed using SNMP, which provides a way to monitor and configure the switch remotely. This method of configuration is typically used by network administrators who want to manage multiple switches from a central location.
- Web User Interface (WebUI): The switch can be managed and configured using a WebUI, which provides a graphical user interface for accessing the switch’s configuration options. This method of configuration is typically used by network administrators who are less familiar with the command line.
- Cisco Network Assistant: The switch can be managed and configured using the Cisco Network Assistant, which is a free software application that provides a centralized management interface for Cisco switches. This method of configuration is typically used by network administrators who want an easy-to-use graphical user interface for managing their switches.
Some of the key configuration options for the WS-C2960G-8TC-L include:
- VLANs: The switch supports VLANs, which allow network administrators to segment the network into different virtual LANs. This enables network administrators to control access to the network and prevent unauthorized access.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS, which enables network administrators to prioritize network traffic based on its importance. This ensures that critical network traffic, such as voice and video, is given priority over less important traffic.
- Link aggregation: The switch supports link aggregation, which enables network administrators to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link. This provides increased bandwidth and redundancy for network devices.
- Port security: The switch supports port security, which enables network administrators to restrict access to individual switch ports based on the MAC address of the connected device. This prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the network through unused ports on the switch.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960G-8TC-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Product Model: 2960G-8TC
- Product Name: Catalyst 2960G-8TC Managed Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports of 8-Ports Switch
- Uplink Port Yes
- Total Number of Network Ports: 8-Ports
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 7 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 1 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 1 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance for Managed Switch
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions of Ethernet Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 1
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP(Small Form-factor Pluggable)
- Shared SFP Slot: Yes
- Number of SFP Slots: 1
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Miscellaneous
- Additional Information: LAN Base Image installed
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L Catalyst 2960 Switch, equipped with 8 ports supporting 10Base-T RJ-45 connections, Layer 2 functionality, and versatile deployment options, stands as an adaptable and manageable solution for network setups. Its multiple connectivity ports, efficient data routing, and flexible deployment choices make it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, home offices, and remote work environments. Cisco’s commitment to reliable and manageable networking solutions positions the Catalyst 2960 switch as a valuable asset in diverse network infrastructures.
