Description
Product Overview of the Cisco Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C2955T-12 is a manageable Layer 4 Ethernet switch designed to provide efficient and reliable network connectivity. With 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections and 2 Fast Ethernet uplink ports, this rack-mountable switch caters to small to medium-sized network setups.
The WS-C2955T-12 Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch is a managed Layer 4 switch, meaning it can perform advanced routing and traffic management based on Layer 4 (transport layer) information such as port and protocol. It has 12 Fast Ethernet ports, which support 100Mbps of data transfer rate. It is rack-mountable, making it suitable for installation in a standard equipment rack.
The switch can be managed through a web interface or the command-line interface (CLI) using Cisco’s proprietary iOS software. It provides a wide range of features for network management, security, and reliability. It supports wire-speed performance and has redundant power supplies for added 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.
Understanding Ethernet Switches and Their Functions
Ethernet switches serve as central points in a network, facilitating data transfer between multiple devices. The WS-C2955T-12, being an Ethernet switch, allows devices within a network to communicate with each other, ensuring smooth and secure data flow.
Features of Cisco WS-C2955T-12 Ethernet Switch12 Ports of 10/100Base-TX Connectivity
The switch offers 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections, allowing devices to connect at varying speeds.
2 Fast Ethernet Uplink Ports
Additional Fast Ethernet uplink ports enable high-speed connections to other switches or network devices.
Layer 4 Functionality
Layer 4 capabilities provide the switch with enhanced routing and management features.
Importance of Layer 4 Switching in Networking
Layer 4 switching offers advanced capabilities in networking environments:
Improved Traffic Management
Layer 4 switches can manage traffic based on various factors, enhancing network efficiency.
Enhanced Security Features
These switches can apply security policies at a deeper level, ensuring robust protection.
Greater Control Over Network Traffic
Layer 4 switches offer administrators more control over how data moves within the network.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2955T-12 Ethernet SwitchVersatile Connectivity Options
With multiple 10/100Base-TX ports and Fast Ethernet uplink ports, the switch provides various connectivity choices for devices.
Efficient Data Transfer
The inclusion of Fast Ethernet uplink ports ensures high-speed data transfer between switches or network devices.
Manageable Features
The switch’s Layer 4 functionality allows for enhanced management and control over network traffic.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2955T-12 Ethernet SwitchSmall Office Networks
Ideal for small office setups, offering essential connectivity and manageable features for day-to-day operations.
Educational Institutions
Suitable for educational environments where reliable network connectivity is crucial for students and staff.
Retail or Small Business Networks
Useful for retail stores or small businesses requiring a reliable and manageable network for their operations
Performance and Reliability
The WS-C2955T-12 Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch is designed to deliver high performance and reliability in enterprise network environments. The switch provides up to 48Gbps of switching capacity and supports wire-speed performance on all ports. It also supports advanced traffic management features such as Quality of Service (QoS) and access control lists (ACLs) to help ensure that critical network traffic is prioritized and secure.
In terms of reliability, the switch has several features that contribute to its ability to maintain uptime and availability. It supports Cisco’s Redundant Power System (RPS) for providing power redundancy, which can help prevent network downtime in case of power supply failure. The switch also supports Cisco’s StackWise technology, which allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single logical unit, providing redundancy and increased scalability. Additionally, the switch is designed with a robust, rack-mountable metal housing, which can help protect it against physical damage.
Compliant Standards
The model Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch is compliant with several industry standards that ensure compatibility and interoperability with other networking equipment. Some of the compliant standards are:
- IEEE 802.3: This standard defines the physical layer and data link layer of Ethernet networks. The switch is compliant with IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet) and IEEE 802.3z (Gigabit Ethernet) standards.
- IEEE 802.1D: This standard defines the spanning tree protocol (STP) which allows the switch to prevent loops in the network when multiple paths to a destination exist.
- IEEE 802.1Q: This standard defines virtual LANs (VLANs) which allow the switch to segment the network into multiple virtual networks, providing isolation and security.
- IEEE 802.1p: This standard defines quality of service (QoS) which allows the switch to prioritize different types of traffic based on their importance.
- IEEE 802.1x: This standard defines port-based network access control which allows the switch to authenticate users before granting them access to the network.
- SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standard protocol used for network management. The switch supports SNMP v1, v2c, and v3, allowing it to be managed and monitored by network management systems.
- RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol)
- MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol)
By being compliant with these standards, the WS-C2955T-12 Cisco Catalyst 2955T 12-port switch can be easily integrated into existing networks and can communicate with other equipment that conforms to these standards.
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 Ethernet Switch, equipped with 12 ports supporting 10/100Base-TX connections, 2 Fast Ethernet uplink ports, and Layer 4 functionality, stands as an efficient and manageable networking solution. Its versatility, efficient data transfer capabilities, and suitability for various environments make it an ideal choice for small office networks, educational institutions, and small businesses. Cisco’s commitment to providing reliable networking solutions positions the WS-C2955T-12 as a valuable component for establishing and managing essential network infrastructures.
