Description
More Specifications
The Cisco WS-C2955T-12 is a member of the Catalyst 2955T series, designed to provide reliable and manageable Ethernet connectivity. With 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections and 2 additional Fast Ethernet uplink ports, this rack-mountable switch is ideal for small to medium-sized networks requiring efficient and scalable network solutions.
The model Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch is a managed Layer 4 switch that is designed for use in enterprise and data center environments. It is rack-mountable, which makes it suitable for installation in a standard equipment rack. The switch supports 12 ports, which can be configured for fast Ethernet (100Mbps) or Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps) connectivity. It can be managed through a web interface or the command-line interface (CLI) using Cisco’s proprietary iOS software.
The switch has advanced routing and traffic management capabilities based on Layer 4 (transport layer) information such as port and protocol. This allows for a high level of control over the flow of traffic through the network and helps to ensure efficient use of bandwidth. In terms of performance and reliability, the WS-C2955T-12 is capable of wire-speed performance and has several features to ensure uptime and availability, such as redundant power supplies and Cisco StackWise technology that allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single entity. It also includes security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and IEEE 802.1x authentication to protect against unauthorized access and malicious activity.
Understanding Cisco Catalyst 2955T Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst switches are integral components in networking, serving as reliable devices for connecting multiple computers within a network. The 2955T series, to which the WS-C2955T-12 belongs, is known for its manageable features, making it suitable for various networking environments.
Features of Cisco WS-C2955T-12 Ethernet Switch12 Ports Supporting 10/100Base-TX
The WS-C2955T-12 provides 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections, allowing devices to communicate over the network at Fast Ethernet speeds.
2 Fast Ethernet Uplink Ports
With 2 Fast Ethernet uplink ports, the switch allows for high-speed connections to other network devices or uplink to the core network.
Manageable Layer 4 Switch
The switch features Layer 4 functionality, enabling it to manage and direct data traffic efficiently within the network.
Rack-Mountable Design
Designed for rack installation, the switch optimizes space utilization in data centers or networking setups.
Importance of Layer 4 Switching in Network Environments
Layer 4 switching offers several advantages in networking environments:
Efficient Traffic Management
Layer 4 functionality allows the switch to manage and prioritize data traffic based on information at the transport layer, optimizing network performance.
Application Recognition
The switch can recognize and prioritize specific applications, ensuring critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2955T-12 Ethernet SwitchScalable Connectivity
With 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections, the switch provides scalable connectivity options for multiple devices within the network.
High-Speed Uplink
The inclusion of 2 Fast Ethernet uplink ports enables high-speed connections to other network devices or uplink to the core network.
Manageable Features
The switch’s manageable features enhance its functionality, allowing administrators to configure and monitor the switch for optimized network performance.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2955T-12 Ethernet SwitchSmall to Medium-Sized Networks
Ideal for small to medium-sized networks requiring efficient and scalable Ethernet connectivity with manageable features.
Office Environments
Suitable for office settings where a reliable and manageable switch is needed to connect computers and other network devices.
Network Expansions
Useful for expanding network connectivity by adding additional ports to accommodate growing network requirements.
Exceptional Performance
The WS-C2955T-12 Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch is a high-performance and reliable network switch. It uses Cisco’s proprietary iOS software, which provides a wide range of features for network management and security. The switch is capable of wire-speed performance, meaning it can process data at the maximum speed that the network ports are capable of. This allows for maximum throughput and minimal latency, making it suitable for use in high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming and online gaming.
In terms of reliability, the model has several features that help ensure uptime and availability. It supports redundant power supplies, which provide an additional layer of protection against power failures. Additionally, it has a feature called Cisco StackWise technology that allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single entity, providing redundancy and failover in case of a switch failure.
The switch also includes security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and IEEE 802.1x authentication to protect against unauthorized access and malicious activity.
Compliant Standards
The model Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch is compliant with several industry standards. These include:
- IEEE 802.3: The IEEE 802.3 standard defines the physical layer and media access control (MAC) specifications for Ethernet. The WS-C2955T-12 is compliant with IEEE 802.3u for Fast Ethernet and IEEE 802.3ab for Gigabit Ethernet.
- IEEE 802.3x: This standard defines the flow control mechanisms for Ethernet, which help prevent data loss during periods of high network traffic.
- IEEE 802.1D: This standard defines the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) which is used to prevent network loops by determining which paths in the network are active and which are in a standby mode.
- IEEE 802.1p: This standard defines a priority scheme for Ethernet frames, which allows for the creation of Quality of Service (QoS) policies.
- IEEE 802.1Q: This standard defines Virtual LANs (VLANs) which allow for the creation of multiple logical networks within a single physical network.
- IEEE 802.1x: This standard defines the port-based network access control protocol, which provides a secure method of authenticating and controlling network access based on the identity of a device or user.
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3: This standard defines the Simple Network Management Protocol, which is used to monitor and manage network devices.
- RSTP, MSTP: Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol are Cisco proprietary alternatives to IEEE 802.1D STP which provides faster convergence and increased scalability.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2955T-12
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU#: WS-C2955T-12
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2955
- Product Model: 2955T-12
- Product Name: Catalyst 2955T-12 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces / Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 12
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 12
- Port/Expansion Slot Details:
- 12 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 4
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management Features:
- Telnet
- Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS) Software
- Web browser support
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for network management
- Remote Monitoring (RMON) software agent supporting history, statistics, alarms, and events
- Remote SPAN (RSPAN)
- Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)
- Network Timing Protocol (NTP)
Memory
- Flash Memory: 16 MB
Reliability
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): 235,022 hours
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC, 220 V AC
- Power Source: AC Adapter
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In short, the Cisco WS-C2955T-12, part of the Catalyst 2955T series, featuring 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections, 2 Fast Ethernet uplink ports, Layer 4 functionality, and a rack-mountable design stands as a versatile and efficient networking solution. Its scalable connectivity, high-speed uplink options, manageable features, and suitability for various applications make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized networks, office environments, and network expansions. Cisco’s commitment to reliable and scalable networking solutions positions the WS-C2955T-12 as an essential component in modern networking infrastructures.
