Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L Catalyst 2960-X 48 Ports Layer 2 Refurbished

In the ever-evolving world of networking, Cisco has been a leading name for decades, providing reliable and efficient solutions to businesses worldwide. One of their key offerings is the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, a Catalyst 2960-X 48 Ports Layer 2 Ethernet Switch. This article will delve into the details of this product, breaking down its features, capabilities, and benefits, and providing valuable insights for businesses and IT professionals looking for a high-quality network switch.

Before we dive into the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, it's essential to understand the role of network switches in the modern business environment. Network switches are integral components in computer networks, responsible for connecting devices and facilitating data communication. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of data within an organization. In a world driven by technology and data, having a reliable network switch is fundamental to the success of any business.

Cisco's Catalyst 2960-X Series is well-regarded in the networking industry for its high performance, advanced features, and robust security. It is a popular choice for organizations of all sizes due to its flexibility and scalability. The WS-C2960X-48LPS-L is a member of this series, specifically designed for Layer 2 Ethernet switching.

Layer 2 switching, often referred to as data link layer switching, is a fundamental part of network architecture. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, where devices are identified by their Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. Layer 2 switches use MAC addresses to determine how to forward data frames within a local area network (LAN).

Now, let's take an in-depth look at the key features of the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L. These features make it a standout choice in the world of Layer 2 Ethernet switches.

• Port Density and Configuration: The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L is equipped with 48 Ethernet ports, making it suitable for medium to large-sized networks. These ports can be configured for various purposes, such as data, voice, or video traffic. Additionally, the switch provides two SFP+ uplink ports, enabling high-speed connections to other network devices.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: This switch offers Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, which means it can deliver power to connected devices like IP phones, cameras, and access points through the Ethernet cable. With a total PoE budget of 370W, it can power a significant number of devices, reducing the need for separate power sources and simplifying network infrastructure.
• Redundant Power Supply: Business continuity is a top priority for organizations. The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L addresses this concern with its support for a redundant power supply. This feature ensures that the switch remains operational even if one power source fails, reducing downtime and potential data loss.
• Robust Security: Security is a paramount concern in today's digital landscape. Cisco has integrated advanced security features into the WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, including:
• 802.1X Authentication: This provides port-based access control, allowing only authorized devices to connect to the network.
• MAC Address Notification: The switch can notify the network administrator when a new device is connected, helping to prevent unauthorized access.
• Port Security: This feature allows administrators to restrict the number of MAC addresses allowed per port, enhancing network security.
• Energy-Efficient Design: The Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It includes features like the Cisco EnergyWise technology, which helps reduce energy consumption by monitoring and controlling the power usage of connected devices.
• High Performance: The WS-C2960X-48LPS-L is powered by a dual-core CPU, which ensures fast data processing and low latency. This is crucial for networks where high performance is essential, such as video streaming and real-time applications.
• Flexible Management Options: Cisco offers various management options for this switch. It can be managed through a web-based interface, a command-line interface (CLI), or via Cisco's Prime Infrastructure network management tool, providing flexibility and convenience for network administrators.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Quality of Service is essential for ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary network resources. This switch supports QoS features, allowing you to prioritize traffic based on specific requirements, ensuring a better user experience for your applications and services.

Now that we've explored the features of the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, let's examine some common use cases where this Layer 2 Ethernet switch can be highly beneficial.

• Enterprise Networks: Large enterprises often require a network switch that can handle a substantial number of devices and offer advanced security features. The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, with its 48 ports and robust security options, is an ideal choice for such organizations.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities require reliable and secure network infrastructure to support the growing number of connected devices used for both administrative and educational purposes. This switch's PoE support is particularly valuable for powering IP phones and Wi-Fi access points.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely heavily on network connectivity for electronic health records, communication systems, and medical devices. The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L ensures a reliable and secure network environment, which is critical in healthcare settings.
• Retail Environments: Retail stores need a network infrastructure that can support point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and customer Wi-Fi. The switch's PoE capabilities, along with its energy-efficient design, make it a good fit for retail environments.
• Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs): Even smaller businesses can benefit from the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L. Its scalability and security features can cater to the networking needs of SMBs as they grow and expand.

Benefits of Choosing the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L offers several advantages that make it a standout choice in the world of Layer 2 Ethernet switches. Let's delve into these benefits in more detail.

• Reliability: Cisco is synonymous with network reliability, and the Catalyst 2960-X Series lives up to that reputation. The WS-C2960X-48LPS-L is designed to operate 24/7 with minimal downtime. Its redundant power supply and robust security features contribute to its overall reliability.
• Scalability: As businesses grow, their networking needs change. The WS-C2960X-48LPS-L is highly scalable, allowing businesses to add more devices and expand their networks without the need for a complete overhaul.
• Enhanced Security: Security is a top priority for any network, and this switch's advanced security features, such as 802.1X authentication and port security, help protect against unauthorized access and potential security threats.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): PoE support is a significant benefit, as it simplifies the deployment of devices like IP cameras, phones, and access points by eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing cable clutter.
• Energy Efficiency: The switch's energy-efficient design not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with environmentally friendly practices. The Cisco EnergyWise technology ensures that power is used optimally, contributing to a greener IT infrastructure.
• High Performance: The dual-core CPU and advanced hardware ensure that data is processed quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for networks with high data traffic or real-time applications.
• Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features help prioritize critical traffic, ensuring that important applications perform optimally, even in network congestion situations.

Considerations When Implementing the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L

While the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L offers a plethora of benefits, it's important to consider some key factors when implementing this switch in your network.

• Network Design: Before integrating the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, it's crucial to assess your network design and layout. Determine how this switch fits into your overall network architecture and where it will be placed.
• Power Requirements: Ensure that you have the necessary power infrastructure to support this switch, especially if you plan to make full use of its PoE capabilities. Consider factors like backup power sources to prevent unexpected outages.
• Configuration: Properly configuring the switch is essential to optimize its performance. It's advisable to have a skilled network administrator handle the initial setup to ensure all features are configured correctly.
• Budget: While the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L is feature-rich, it's also important to align your budget with your network needs. Evaluate whether the features offered by this switch are in line with your organization's requirements.

Comparing the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L with Competing Products

To make an informed decision, it's beneficial to compare the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L with similar products from other manufacturers. Here, we'll provide a brief comparison to illustrate how it stacks up against the competition.

• Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L vs. HP ProCurve 2530-48G-PoE+ Switch: The HP ProCurve 2530-48G-PoE+ Switch is a competing product with similar features. However, the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L stands out with its redundant power supply and advanced security features.
• Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L vs. Juniper EX2200-48P-4G: The Juniper EX2200-48P-4G is another contender. While it offers PoE capabilities, the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L takes the lead in terms of overall features and scalability.
• Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L vs. Dell PowerConnect 5548P: The Dell PowerConnect 5548P is a noteworthy alternative. However, the Cisco switch's energy-efficient design and extensive security features set it apart from the competition.

Security Features in Catalyst 2960-X switch

The WS-C2960X-48LPS-L Cisco Catalyst 2960-X switch provides several security features to help protect your network from unauthorized access and data breaches. Some of these features include:

• Port Security: The switch can restrict access to ports based on MAC address, limiting the number of devices that can connect to the network.
• 802.1X Authentication: This feature provides user authentication for devices connecting to the network, ensuring that only authorized users are allowed to access the network.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs are used to control traffic flow by permitting or denying packets based on a set of rules.
• Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol: SSH is used to provide secure remote access to the switch for configuration and management purposes.
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Snooping: This feature prevents unauthorized DHCP servers from providing IP addresses to devices on the network.
• IP Source Guard: This feature ensures that only valid IP addresses are used on the network, preventing the use of spoofed or fraudulent IP addresses.
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption: SSL provides secure communications between the switch and management stations, protecting against eavesdropping and tampering.
• Private VLANs: Private VLANs are used to isolate traffic between devices on the same VLAN, preventing unauthorized access and data leakage.
• Multidomain Authentication: This feature provides authentication for devices connecting to multiple VLANs, ensuring that each VLAN has its own security policies.
• Network Admission Control (NAC): NAC ensures that only compliant devices are allowed to connect to the network, protecting against viruses, worms, and other malware.

Multicast Routing Configuration

Multicast routing configuration in the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X switch involves enabling multicast routing and configuring multicast protocols, such as Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM), to route multicast traffic.

Here are the general steps to configure multicast routing in the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X switch:

• Enable multicast routing: Enter the global configuration mode and use the "ip multicast-routing" command to enable multicast routing.
• Configure PIM: Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) is used to route multicast traffic. You can configure PIM in two modes: Sparse Mode (SM) or Dense Mode (DM). To configure PIM-SM, use the "ip pim sparse-mode" command in the interface configuration mode. To configure PIM-DM, use the "ip pim dense-mode" command.
• Configure multicast groups: Multicast groups are used to identify a group of hosts that are interested in receiving the same multicast traffic. Use the "ip igmp join-group" command to configure the multicast group in the interface configuration mode.
• Configure the RP: In a PIM-SM network, you need to configure the Rendezvous Point (RP) to enable multicast traffic to be delivered to all members of a multicast group. Use the "ip pim rp-address" command to configure the RP.
• Verify multicast routing: Use the "show ip route" command to verify multicast routing.

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960X-48LPS-L
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Product Series: 2960-X
• Product Type: Ethernet Switch

• Total Number of Network Ports 48
• Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 48
• Port/Expansion Slot Details: 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
• Port/Expansion Slot Details: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot

• Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T

• Number of Total Expansion Slots: 5
• Expansion Slot Type: SFP
• Expansion Slot Type: Stacking Module

• PoE (RJ-45) Port: Yes
• Input Voltage: 110 V AC
• Input Voltage: 220 V AC

• SNMP 1, RMON 1, RMON 2, RMON 3, RMON 9, Telnet,
• SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, HTTP, TFTP, SSH, CLI

Network & Communication

• Layer Supported: 2

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 802.3ae, IEEE 802.1s, IEEE 802.1ae, IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP),
• IEEE 802.3at, IEEE 802.3az, IEEE 802.1AX

Miscellaneous

• MTBF: 276,870 hours

Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature: 23 °F
• Max Operating Temperature: 113 °F
• Humidity Range Operating: 10 - 95% (non-condensing)
• Min Storage Temperature -13 °F
• Max Storage Temperature: 158 °F
• Humidity Range Storage: 10 - 95% (non-condensing)

In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L Catalyst 2960-X 48 Ports Layer 2 Ethernet Switch is a versatile and powerful networking device suitable for a wide range of applications. With its 48 ports, PoE capabilities, Layer 2 features, and support for advanced technologies like multigigabit, this switch is a reliable choice for businesses of various sizes.

Whether you're a small business looking to enhance your network infrastructure or a larger organization seeking to upgrade your network, the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L offers the features and capabilities required to meet your networking needs. Cisco's reputation for quality and innovation, combined with the switch's robust feature set, makes it a competitive choice in the networking market.

As you consider your networking requirements and plan for the future, the WS-C2960X-48LPS-L should be a strong contender on your list of potential networking solutions. Its scalability, energy efficiency, and redundancy options make it a valuable asset in building a resilient and efficient network. When you invest in the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPS-L, you're investing in the future of your network, with the assurance of Cisco's reputation and support behind you.