Description
Product Overview
The Cisco WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Catalyst 2960-S is a type of network switch. It helps computers and devices in a network to communicate with each other. This particular switch model has 48 ports for connecting devices like computers, printers, and other networking equipment. It’s also manageable, which means it can be controlled and configured to suit the needs of the network.
Understanding Network SwitchesNetwork Switch
A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It acts like a traffic controller, directing data packets to their intended destinations.
Importance of Network Switches
Network switches are essential for facilitating communication between devices in a network. They help improve network performance, enhance security, and enable efficient data transfer.
Features of Cisco WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Catalyst 2960-S48 Ports for Connectivity
This switch comes with 48 ports, allowing numerous devices to connect to the network simultaneously. These ports use RJ-45 connectors, which are common in Ethernet connections.
Manageability
Being manageable means that network administrators can control and configure various aspects of the switch’s operation. This includes setting up security features, managing traffic flow, and monitoring network activity.
Rack-mountable Design
The switch is designed to be mounted on a standard equipment rack, which is common in data centers and server rooms. This allows for easy installation and organization of networking equipment.
Fast Ethernet Capability
The switch supports Fast Ethernet technology, which enables data transfer at speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). This is suitable for most small to medium-sized networks.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) GE Uplink Ports
In addition to the 48 RJ-45 ports, the switch also features four Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) GE uplink ports. These ports provide high-speed connections for linking the switch to other networking devices or the wider internet.
Advantages of Using Cisco WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Catalyst 2960-SScalability
With its large number of ports and uplink options, this switch is highly scalable. It can accommodate growing network requirements without the need for major hardware upgrades.
Enhanced Performance
The Fast Ethernet capability ensures fast data transfer speeds, reducing latency and improving overall network performance. This is crucial for applications that require real-time data processing, such as video streaming or online gaming.
Flexibility
The manageable nature of the switch allows for customization to meet specific network needs. Administrators can configure settings such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), Quality of Service (QoS), and security protocols to optimize network functionality.
Reliability
Cisco is a renowned brand in the networking industry, known for producing high-quality and reliable equipment. The Catalyst 2960-S series switches are built to withstand heavy usage and provide uninterrupted connectivity.
Common Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Catalyst 2960-SSmall to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)
This switch is ideal for SMBs looking to establish or expand their network infrastructure. Its affordability, scalability, and performance make it suitable for various business applications, such as file sharing, email communication, and internet access.
Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities can benefit from deploying this switch to support their educational activities. It can handle the connectivity needs of classrooms, computer labs, administrative offices, and campus-wide networks.
Corporate Offices
Large enterprises with multiple departments and offices can use this switch to create a robust and efficient network environment. It provides the necessary connectivity for employees to collaborate, access shared resources, and communicate effectively.
Advanced Features
The WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Cisco Catalyst 2960-S 48-Ports Manageable Ethernet Switch has the following advanced features:
- StackWise Plus technology for stacking multiple switches together to provide a single, virtual switch with increased scalability and simplified management.
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) to reduce power consumption during periods of low data activity.
- FlexStack Plus for stacking up to 8 switches, providing a single management interface and increased scalability.
- Cisco FlexStack-Plus provides a single configuration file for all switches in the stack and allows for the addition or replacement of a switch with minimal disruption to the network.
- Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features for traffic prioritization and bandwidth management.
- Security features such as DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection to protect against network attacks.
- IPv6 support for next-generation IP networks.
- Advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities with support for OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP protocols.
- Support for Cisco EnergyWise technology for monitoring and controlling energy consumption of network devices.
Power Options and Redundancy
The WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Cisco Catalyst 2960-S 48-Ports Manageable Ethernet Switch has a variety of power options and redundancy features to ensure that it can operate reliably in a variety of environments.
Power Options:
- The switch supports both AC and DC power input options, which allows it to be powered by either an AC power source or a DC power source, depending on the environment.
- The switch also supports Cisco’s EnergyWise technology, which allows the switch to monitor and manage power consumption, and to shut down or power up devices connected to the switch based on predefined policies.
Redundancy:
- The switch supports Cisco’s StackWise technology, which allows multiple switches to be connected in a stack and managed as a single unit. This provides redundancy and high availability as if one switch fails, the others in the stack will take over.
- The switch also supports Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), which allows for redundancy at the network layer.
- The switch supports RSTP, MSTP, and Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (RPVST+), which can help to prevent loops and ensure that the network remains stable in case of link failures.
- The switch supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) which allow multiple physical ports to be combined into one logical link providing redundancy and increased bandwidth.
Features and specifications
The WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Cisco Catalyst 2960-S 48-Ports Manageable Ethernet Switch is a high-performance and feature-rich switch that is well suited for use in enterprise-level networks. Some of its key features and specifications include:
- 48 ports of 10/100/1000 Ethernet, with 4 SFP ports for fiber connectivity
- LAN Base feature set
- IEEE 802.3af and Cisco pre-standard Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- StackWise technology, allows multiple switches to be connected in a stack and managed as a single unit.
- Support for Cisco’s EnergyWise technology, which allows the switch to monitor and manage power consumption
- Support for Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), which allows for redundancy at the network layer.
- Support for RSTP, MSTP, and Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (RPVST+), which can help to prevent loops and ensure that the network remains stable in case of link failures.
- Support for Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) which allow multiple physical ports to be combined into one logical link providing redundancy and increased bandwidth.
- Support for Quality of Service (QoS) features such as traffic shaping and prioritization, which allow administrators to ensure that critical traffic is given priority over less critical traffic.
- Support for security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Secure Shell (SSH)
- Support for advanced management features such as web-based management, SNMP, and RMON.
- Support for Cisco’s SmartOperations, which include Smart Install, Smart Ports, and Auto Smartports to simplify switch deployment and management
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960S-F48TS-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU # WS-C2960S-F48TS-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960-S
- Product Model: 2960S-F48TS-L
- Product Name: Catalyst 2960S-F48TS-L Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Uplink Port: No
- Bypass: No
- Modular: No
- Management Port: No
- USB: Yes
- Stack Port: No
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 48
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology 10/100Base-TX
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 5
- Expansion Slot Type SFP
- Expansion Slot Type Stacking Module
- Shared SFP Slot No
- Number of SFP Slots 4
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable Yes
- Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port No
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960S-F48TS-L Catalyst 2960-S switch is a reliable and versatile networking solution suitable for various environments. Its features, including multiple ports, manageability, fast Ethernet support, and uplink options, make it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to optimize their network infrastructure. Whether for SMBs, educational institutions, or corporate offices, this switch offers scalability, performance, and reliability to meet the demands of modern networking requirements.
