Description
Understanding the WS-C2950T-48-SI Catalyst 2950 Switch
Introduction: The WS-C2950T-48-SI Catalyst 2950 is a significant player in the realm of networking, offering a robust solution for businesses seeking reliable and efficient network management. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into its key features, advantages, performance metrics, and various use cases and applications.
Key Features of Cisco WS-C2950T-48-SI 48-Port Ethernet Switch48 Ports for Enhanced Connectivity
- The WS-C2950T-48-SI boasts 48 ports, providing ample connectivity for devices such as computers, printers, and other networked devices.
- This feature is particularly beneficial for medium to large-sized businesses, where a multitude of devices need to be seamlessly integrated into the network.
100 Megabits Per Second (Mbps) Speed
- The switch supports a speed of 100 Mbps, ensuring efficient data transfer and network performance.
- This speed is ideal for applications that demand moderate bandwidth, making it suitable for a wide range of business environments.
Twisted Pair Layer 2 Fast Ethernet
- The inclusion of Twisted Pair Layer 2 Fast Ethernet technology enhances data transmission reliability and minimizes interference.
- This feature is especially critical for maintaining a stable and secure network connection, particularly in environments with potential signal disturbances.
Manageable Switch
- The switch is equipped with management capabilities, allowing administrators to configure and monitor the network.
- This feature simplifies network administration tasks, enabling efficient troubleshooting and optimization of network performance.
10/100Base-TX
- Supporting both 10Base-T and 100Base-TX standards, the switch accommodates a variety of network devices with different speed requirements.
- This flexibility ensures compatibility with a diverse range of equipment, contributing to the switch’s versatility.
2-Ports 10/100/1000 Uplink
- The inclusion of 2 uplink ports with 10/100/1000 Mbps speed allows for high-speed connections to other network devices or the internet.
- These uplink ports facilitate the integration of high-bandwidth applications and ensure smooth data flow in and out of the network.
Standard Image
- The switch comes with a standard image, providing a baseline set of features and capabilities.
- This ensures that users have essential functionalities readily available while also allowing for future upgrades or customization based on specific needs.
Advantages of 48 Ports Switch
- Scalability:
- The switch’s 48 ports and uplink options offer scalability, making it suitable for businesses experiencing growth in their network infrastructure.
- This scalability ensures that the switch can adapt to increasing demands without the need for a complete overhaul of the network.
- Versatility:
- With support for various network standards and speeds, the WS-C2950T-48-SI is versatile, accommodating a wide array of devices and applications.
- This versatility is particularly advantageous in dynamic business environments where technology needs may evolve over time.
- Reliability:
- The Twisted Pair Layer 2 Fast Ethernet technology enhances the reliability of data transmission, reducing the likelihood of network disruptions.
- Businesses can depend on the switch for consistent and stable network performance, critical for seamless operations.
- Ease of Management:
- The switch’s manageable features simplify network administration tasks, making it user-friendly for IT professionals.
- This ease of management contributes to operational efficiency, allowing administrators to focus on optimizing the network rather than dealing with complex configurations.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
- The WS-C2950T-48-SI provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to establish or upgrade their network infrastructure.
- Its combination of features and performance at a reasonable price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious organizations.
Performance
- Data Transfer Speed:
- The switch’s 100 Mbps speed ensures fast data transfer within the local network.
- This performance level is suitable for general business applications, facilitating efficient communication and data sharing among connected devices.
- Uplink Performance:
- The 2 uplink ports with 10/100/1000 Mbps speed enhance overall network performance, especially when connecting to other high-speed devices or the internet.
- This capability is crucial for businesses with demanding network requirements, such as those relying on bandwidth-intensive applications.
- Low Latency:
- The switch is designed to minimize latency, ensuring quick response times for data transfer and communication between devices.
- Low latency is essential for real-time applications, video conferencing, and other time-sensitive processes, making the switch suitable for diverse business needs.
Use Cases and Applications
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs):
- The WS-C2950T-48-SI is well-suited for SMBs looking for a reliable and cost-effective networking solution.
- Its scalability allows SMBs to start with a manageable network infrastructure and expand as their business grows.
- Office Environments:
- In office settings, the switch can efficiently handle the networking needs of various devices, including computers, printers, and VoIP phones.
- The manageable features make it easy for IT administrators to oversee and optimize the network for smooth day-to-day operations.
- Educational Institutions:
- Schools and universities can benefit from the switch’s versatility, accommodating a large number of devices typically found in educational environments.
- The switch’s reliability ensures uninterrupted connectivity, supporting both administrative and educational activities.
- Retail Environments:
- Retail businesses with multiple point-of-sale terminals, inventory systems, and security cameras can leverage the switch’s scalability and performance.
- The switch’s cost-effectiveness is an additional advantage for retailers operating on tight budgets.
- Remote Offices:
- The switch is suitable for establishing and managing network connections in remote offices.
- Its manageable features enable IT teams to monitor and troubleshoot network issues from a central location, minimizing the need for on-site support.
Power and Innovation of 48 Ports Managed Switch
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) – The WS-C2950T-48-SI switch supports PoE, allowing for the power of connected devices to be supplied through the Ethernet cable. This feature improves the flexibility and scalability of the network as it eliminates the need for additional power outlets.
- Quality of Service (QoS) – The switch supports QoS, allowing for prioritization of network traffic based on different criteria. This improves network performance by ensuring critical applications receive the necessary resources.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) – The switch supports LACP, allowing for the creation of link aggregation groups for increased bandwidth and redundancy. This improves network performance by increasing available bandwidth and providing redundancy for network connections.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) – The switch supports ACLs, providing granular control over network access and security. This improves network security by allowing for the creation of specific policies to control network access.
- Network Management – The switch supports various network management features, including SNMP, Syslog, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure for centralized management and monitoring of the network. This allows for efficient management of the switch and the network as a whole.
- Automation – The switch supports various automation features like Python scripts, REST APIs, and Ansible playbooks for automating network management tasks. This improves network efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and reducing the need for manual configuration.
- Security features – The switch has various security features like SSH, SSL, and Radius/TACACS+ for secure access and authentication to the switch. This improves network security by providing secure access to the switch and the network.
- High Performance – The switch has high-performance capabilities with 48 ports of 10/100Mbps and 2 ports of 10/100/1000Mbps. This allows for high-speed data transfer and efficient network performance.
- Energy Efficient – The switch is designed to be energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on power costs.
- Innovation – The switch is designed with Cisco’s latest technology and innovation, providing advanced features and scalability for data center networks. This allows for efficient management and security of the network while providing high performance and flexibility.
General Information of the Cisco 48 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C2950T-48-SI
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2950
- Product Model: 2950T-48
- Product Name: Catalyst 2950T-48 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for Catalyst 2950T-48 Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 48
- Port/Expansion Slot Details:
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- 48 x Fast Ethernet Network
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology:
- 10Base-T
- 10/100/1000Base-T
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management:
- Command-line interface (CLI)
- SNMPv3
- Web browser management
- Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS) is Web software embedded in the switch
- CiscoWorks
- RMON groups
- RTTMON
Memory
- Standard Memory: 16 MB
- Flash Memory: 8 MB
Reliability
- MTBF: 268,876 Hours
Power Description
- Input Voltage:
- 110 V AC
- 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In short, the WS-C2950T-48-SI Catalyst 2950 switch offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective networking infrastructure. With its diverse features, user-friendly management capabilities, and a broad range of applications, this switch caters to the connectivity needs of various industries. Whether used in small offices, educational institutions, retail environments, or remote offices, the WS-C2950T-48-SI stands out as a versatile and dependable networking solution. As technology continues to advance, this switch provides a solid foundation for building and expanding network infrastructures to meet the evolving demands of businesses in the digital age.
