Description
Product Outline of the Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 is a 24-port, stackable, layer 2 switch that is part of the Cisco Catalyst 2950SX series. It is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices. The switch supports a variety of LAN protocols including IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3z, and IEEE 802.3x. The
24-port switch provides a non-blocking architecture that allows for high-speed data transfer and supports both 10/100Mbps and 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) speeds on all ports. It also supports Quality of Service (QoS) features such as traffic prioritization and congestion management to ensure that critical network traffic is handled efficiently.
Gigabit Ethernet Ports
In addition to the 24 Fast Ethernet ports, the Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 features 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Gigabit Ethernet provides even higher data transfer rates, offering speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. These Gigabit Ethernet ports are especially useful for connecting to other high-speed networking devices or for uplinking to a larger network.
Twisted Pair and Multi-Mode Fiber Optic Support
The switch is compatible with twisted pair cables for standard Ethernet connections and multi-mode fiber optic cables for Gigabit Ethernet connections. This flexibility in cabling options allows for versatile network setups based on the specific needs of the environment.
Managed Fast Ethernet
One of the standout features of the Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 is its support for Fast Ethernet. Fast Ethernet is a standard that allows for data transmission at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps). This makes the switch ideal for scenarios where high-speed data transfer is crucial, such as in businesses or educational institutions.
Managed Switch Capabilities
As a managed switch, the Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 offers a range of features that contribute to efficient network management. These include:
- Virtual LANs (VLANs): VLANs allow network administrators to logically segment the switch into multiple virtual networks, enhancing network efficiency and security.
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features prioritize certain types of data traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): STP prevents loops in the network by dynamically blocking redundant paths, ensuring a stable and reliable network.
Robust Design and Build Quality
Cisco is renowned for producing reliable and durable networking equipment, and the WS-C2950SX-24 is no exception. The switch is built to withstand the demands of continuous operation in a variety of environments. Its robust design ensures longevity and minimizes the risk of hardware failures.
Advantages of Using Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 Catalyst
Now that we’ve explored the key features of the Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 Catalyst, let’s delve into the specific advantages that make this switch a preferred choice for many organizations.
Enhanced Network Performance
The Gigabit Ethernet support, combined with Fast Ethernet ports, contributes to enhanced network performance. The switch’s ability to handle large volumes of data ensures that network users experience minimal latency and enjoy a smooth and efficient data transfer process.
Versatility in Connectivity
The WS-C2950SX-24’s support for both twisted pair and fiber optic connectivity options provides versatility to network administrators. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt the switch to their specific infrastructure requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios.
Scalability
With 24 ports available, the WS-C2950SX-24 offers scalability for growing networks. Organizations can easily expand their network infrastructure by adding more devices without compromising on performance. This scalability feature is particularly beneficial for businesses experiencing growth and evolving networking needs.
Remote Management Capabilities
As a managed switch, the WS-C2950SX-24 allows for remote configuration and monitoring. This feature is invaluable for network administrators who need to efficiently manage network issues without physically being present at the switch’s location. The switch supports various management protocols, providing a seamless experience for administrators.
Cost-Effective Solution
The Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 Catalyst provides a cost-effective solution for organizations seeking high-performance networking equipment without breaking the bank. Its competitive pricing, coupled with the reliability and longevity associated with the Cisco brand, makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious businesses.
Benefits and Features of Catalyst Switch
The WS-C2950SX-24 is a Cisco Catalyst switch with 24 Ethernet ports. Some of its key features include:
- Layer 2 switching: The switch supports a variety of LAN protocols, allowing it to perform Layer 2 switching and forwarding of Ethernet frames.
- Stackable: The switch can be stacked with other Cisco Catalyst 2950SX switches to form a single, logical unit with increased port density and higher availability.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS features such as traffic prioritization and congestion management to ensure that critical network traffic is handled efficiently.
- Security: The switch supports various security features such as access control lists (ACLs) and port security to help protect the network from unauthorized access.
- Management: The switch can be managed through a command-line interface (CLI) or through a web-based management interface, which allows for easy configuration and monitoring of the switch.
Some of the benefits of the WS-C2950SX-24 include:
- Scalability: The stackable design allows for easy expansion of the network as needed.
- Reliability: The switch supports features such as hot-swappable power supplies and fans, which increase the availability of the switch and reduce downtime.
- Easy management: The switch can be managed through a web interface, which simplifies configuration and monitoring tasks.
- Security: With the support of various security features, the switch helps to protect the network from unauthorized access.
- QoS: The switch supports QoS features, which helps to ensure that critical network traffic is handled efficiently and effectively.
High-Performance
The Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 is considered a high-performance switch due to several factors:
- Non-blocking architecture: The switch has a non-blocking architecture which allows for high-speed data transfer. This means that all ports on the switch can operate at full-duplex, allowing for maximum network bandwidth.
- High port density: The switch has 24 Ethernet ports, providing a high port density which allows for more devices to be connected to the network, reducing the need for additional switches.
- Gigabit Ethernet support: The switch supports both 10/100Mbps and 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) speeds on all ports, which allows for faster data transfer and improved network performance.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS features such as traffic prioritization and congestion management which ensures that critical network traffic is handled efficiently and effectively, which improves network performance.
- Stackable design: The switch can be stacked with other Cisco Catalyst 2950SX switches to form a single, logical unit with increased port density and higher availability. This allows for easy expansion of the network as needed and improves network performance.
- High Availability: The switch supports features such as hot-swappable power supplies and fans which increases the availability of the switch and reduces downtime.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 Ethernet Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C2950SX-24
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2900
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Number of MT-RJ Ports: 2
Port/Expansion Slot Details
- 24 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
Performance of Layer 2 Catalyst 2900 Switch
- Media Type: Supported Twisted Pair
- Media Type: Supported Optical Fiber
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard Category: 5
- Fiber Mode Supported: Multi-mode
Network Technologies
- 10Base-T
- 100Base-TX
- 1000Base-SX
Memory
- Standard Memory: 16 MB
- Flash Memory: 8 MB
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-C2950SX-24 Catalyst 2950 is a versatile and reliable managed switch that caters to the networking needs of businesses and organizations. With its 24 ports, support for Fast Ethernet standards, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and compatibility with multi-mode fiber optics, it offers a comprehensive solution for diverse network setups. The switch’s managed capabilities empower administrators to have greater control over their networks, leading to improved performance, security, and overall efficiency. Whether used in small offices, medium-sized enterprises, or as part of a larger network infrastructure, the Cisco WS-C2950SX-24 stands out as a dependable choice in the realm of networking equipment.
