Description
Product Overview of Cisco Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE Catalyst 2950ST-24-LRE is an Ethernet switch designed and manufactured by Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking solutions. This particular model is known for its 24 ports and is specifically engineered for Long Reach Ethernet (LRE) connectivity. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, specifications, benefits, and applications of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE, providing a detailed overview suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Understanding Cisco Catalyst Switches
Before delving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE, it’s essential to grasp the concept of a Catalyst switch. Cisco Catalyst switches are a series of networking devices designed to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). These switches facilitate the efficient transmission of data between devices by intelligently managing traffic flow.
Unveiling of Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE
The Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE belongs to the Catalyst 2950 Series of switches, which are renowned for their reliability, performance, and flexibility. The “24” in the model number signifies the number of ports available on the switch, making it suitable for small to medium-sized networks requiring multiple connections.
Key Features of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE
- Long Reach Ethernet (LRE) Technology: One of the standout features of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE is its support for Long Reach Ethernet technology. LRE enables the transmission of Ethernet data over standard twisted pair copper wiring at greater distances compared to traditional Ethernet standards, making it ideal for deployments where extending Ethernet connectivity over long distances is necessary.
- 24 Ports: With 24 ports available, this switch offers ample connectivity options for various devices such as computers, printers, servers, and IP phones within a network.
- Rack Mountable Design: The rack-mountable form factor of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE allows for easy installation in standard network racks, optimizing space utilization in data centers or network closets.
- Twisted Pair Connectivity: The switch supports twisted pair copper cabling, which is a common and cost-effective medium for network connectivity. This ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure while providing reliable data transmission.
- Scalability: The Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE is designed with scalability in mind, allowing for seamless expansion of the network as business needs grow. Additional switches can be added and interconnected to accommodate larger network deployments.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Support: QoS features prioritize network traffic based on predefined criteria, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and latency requirements for optimal performance.
- Security Features: The switch incorporates various security mechanisms to safeguard the network against unauthorized access, including access control lists (ACLs), port security, and IEEE 802.1X authentication.
- Layer 2 Switching Capabilities: As a Layer 2 switch, the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, facilitating the efficient forwarding of Ethernet frames between connected devices.
Applications of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE
The Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE finds wide-ranging applications across different industries and environments due to its versatile features and robust performance. Some common use cases include:
- Enterprise Networks: In large enterprises, the switch can serve as a backbone infrastructure component, connecting various departments, floors, or buildings within the organization.
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs with modest networking requirements can benefit from the affordability and reliability of the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE, enabling them to establish a stable network infrastructure without breaking the bank.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities often deploy such switches to support their educational activities, including online learning platforms, administrative systems, and campus-wide connectivity for students and faculty.
- Telecommunication Providers: Telecommunication companies leverage switches like the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE in their network infrastructure to deliver high-speed Internet, voice, and video services to residential and business customers.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on robust networking equipment to support electronic medical records (EMRs), medical imaging systems, and communication tools essential for delivering quality patient care.
- Retail Environments: Retail chains and outlets utilize these switches to connect point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management solutions, and customer-facing applications, ensuring smooth operations and efficient customer service.
Features and Benefits of Catalyst Switch
The WS-C2950ST-24-LRE Cisco Catalyst switch is a 24-port switch that offers a range of features and benefits, including:
- Fast Ethernet connectivity: The switch supports speeds of up to 100 Mbps on each port, providing fast and reliable network connections.
- Layer 2 switching: The switch provides basic Layer 2 switching capabilities, such as MAC address filtering and VLAN support.
- Stackable design: The switch can be stacked with other Cisco Catalyst switches, allowing for easy expansion and management of large networks.
- Energy-efficient: The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) which helps to reduce power consumption.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS features that allow for the prioritization of different types of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- Security features: The switch supports security features such as port security and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to help protect your network from unauthorized access.
- Easy to manage: The switch can be managed using Cisco’s web-based management interface, making it easy to configure and monitor the switch.
- Long Reach Ethernet (LRE): The switch supports LRE technology which allows to extension of Ethernet connections over existing telephone-grade copper cabling beyond the traditional 100m limit.
Efficient Network Management of 2950 Series Switch
The WS-C2950ST-24-LRE Cisco Catalyst Ethernet 24 Ports Switch is a powerful network management tool that allows administrators to efficiently manage and monitor their network. This switch is equipped with a variety of features that make it easy to configure and manage, including:
- Cisco IOS software: The switch is powered by Cisco’s IOS software, which provides a user-friendly interface for configuring and monitoring the switch. This software also allows for advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and security.
- Web-based management: The switch can be managed remotely through a web interface, making it easy for administrators to access and configure the switch from anywhere on the network.
- SNMP support: The switch supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which allows for easy monitoring and management of the switch through third-party network management tools.
- VLAN support: The switch supports Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which allows administrators to segment their network into different logical groups. This feature increases network security and improves network performance.
- Port mirroring: The switch supports port mirroring, which allows administrators to monitor network traffic by copying it to a designated port for analysis.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): The switch supports LACP, which allows administrators to bundle multiple physical links together to form a single logical link. This feature increases network performance and redundancy.
Management and Security
Management:
- The WS-C2950ST-24-LRE Cisco Catalyst Ethernet switch can be managed through a web interface or a command-line interface (CLI) using Telnet or SSH.
- The switch also supports SNMP for remote management and monitoring.
- The switch can be configured with a management IP address, allowing for easy access and control.
- The switch also supports Cisco Works software for advanced management and monitoring.
Security:
- The WS-C2950ST-24-LRE Cisco Catalyst Ethernet switch supports various security features such as access control lists (ACLs) and Virtual LANs (VLANs) to segment and secure network traffic.
- The switch also supports port security to limit the number of MAC addresses that can be connected to a specific port.
- The switch supports 802.1x authentication to ensure that only authorized devices can access the network.
- The switch also supports SSH and Telnet encryption to secure remote management access.
- The switch can also be configured with a password to prevent unauthorized access to the management interface.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU # WS-C2950ST-24-LRE
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2950
- Product Model: 2950ST-24
- Product Name: Catalyst 2950ST-24 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- LRE Port: Yes
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Port/Expansion Slot: Details 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- Port/Expansion Slot: Details 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Number of SFP Slots: 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable Yes
- Management-
- Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS) Software
- Web browser
- SNMP
- CiscoWorks
- RMON
- RMON 1
- RMON 2
- SNMP 1
- SNMP 2
- SNMP 2c
- SNMP 3
- Telnet
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2950ST-24-LRE Catalyst 2950ST-24-LRE Ethernet Switch offers a comprehensive solution for establishing reliable and high-performance network connectivity in various environments. With its Long Reach Ethernet capabilities, versatile features, and robust design, it addresses the evolving needs of modern networks while providing scalability, security, and ease of deployment. Whether deployed in enterprise networks, SMBs, educational institutions, or other settings, this switch serves as a foundational element for building efficient and resilient network infrastructures.
