Description
Overview of the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
In the dynamic landscape of networking, having a reliable and efficient switch is crucial for seamless data transmission and connectivity. One such device that stands out is the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S, a member of the Catalyst 2960 series. This managed switch is designed to meet the demands of modern networking environments, offering a range of features to support efficient data transfer and connectivity.
Layer 2 Supported
The Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, focusing on data link layer functionality. This layer is responsible for creating a reliable link between two directly connected nodes and ensuring error-free data transfer. By providing Layer 2 support, this 24-port switch facilitates the efficient transmission of data within a local network.
24 Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Fast Ethernet Ports
One of the standout features of this Cisco switch is its inclusion of 24 Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Fast Ethernet ports. PoE technology allows both data and electrical power to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power sources for connected devices. This is particularly advantageous for devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter.
2 Combo Gigabit Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Ports
In addition to the Fast Ethernet ports, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S is equipped with 2 Combo Gigabit SFP ports. These Small Form-Factor Plugable ports offer high-speed Gigabit connectivity and the flexibility to use either copper or fiber-optic cables. This dual-purpose design enhances the versatility of the switch, allowing network administrators to choose the most suitable connection type for their specific requirements.
24 Ports Managed Switch
Being a managed switch, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S provides network administrators with advanced control and monitoring capabilities. The 24 ports can be individually configured and managed, allowing for fine-tuned control over network traffic. This level of management is essential for optimizing network performance, and implementing security measures issues effectively.
High-Performance
The WS-C2960-24PC-S Cisco Catalyst switch is a high-performance switch that is designed to handle a large amount of network traffic. Some of the features that contribute to its high performance include:
- Fast Ethernet ports: All 24 ports on this product support Fast Ethernet speeds of up to 100Mbps, which allows for fast data transfer between devices connected to the switch.
- Switching fabric: The switch has a high-speed switching fabric that can process packets at wire speed, allowing it to handle large amounts of network traffic without any performance degradation.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS, which allows you to prioritize different types of network traffic, such as voice and video, to ensure that they are delivered with the necessary level of performance.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): The switch supports PoE on all its ports, which allows you to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras without the need for additional power supplies.
- CPU, Memory, and Flash: The switch has a powerful CPU, large memory, and flash storage that enables it to run advanced features such as security and network management, allowing for better control and visibility of the network.
All in all, this part is a high-performance switch that is well-suited for use in a digital workplace, where a large number of devices need to be connected and high-bandwidth applications such as voice and video are in use.
Benefits of the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S Catalyst 2960 Series SwitchEnhanced Power Efficiency
With its Power Over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S contributes to enhanced power efficiency in network setups. Devices such as IP cameras and VoIP phones can be powered directly through the Ethernet cable, reducing the need for separate power sources. This not only simplifies installation but also contributes to a more organized and energy-efficient network infrastructure.
Flexibility in Connectivity
The inclusion of 2 Combo Gigabit SFP ports adds a layer of flexibility to the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S. These ports allow for versatile connectivity options, supporting both copper and fiber-optic cables. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to diverse networking requirements, whether it involves connecting high-speed servers with Gigabit links or extending network reach with fiber-optic connections.
Centralized Network Management
As a managed switch, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S empowers network administrators with centralized management capabilities. Each of the 24 ports can be individually configured and monitored, providing granular control over network traffic. This level of management is essential for implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies, ensuring optimal performance for critical applications, and swiftly addressing any network issues that may arise.
Robust Design for Reliability
Cisco is renowned for producing networking equipment with a focus on reliability, and the WS-C2960-24PC-S is no exception. Its sturdy design, coupled with high-quality components, ensures durability and longevity. This reliability is crucial for maintaining a stable network infrastructure, reducing downtime, and minimizing the need for frequent maintenance.
Use Cases for Fast Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S is well-suited for a variety of use cases across different industries. Here are some scenarios where this switch can prove to be invaluable:
Business Networks
In a corporate environment, where a multitude of devices ranging from computers to IP phones and security cameras need to be interconnected, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S provides the necessary features for efficient data transfer and power distribution. Its managed capabilities enable administrators to maintain a secure and well-organized network.
Surveillance Systems
The PoE functionality of this switch makes it an ideal choice for surveillance systems. By providing power to IP cameras through the Ethernet cable, the need for separate power sources at each camera location is eliminated. This simplifies installation and maintenance, making it an attractive solution for building robust video surveillance networks.
Voice over IP (VoIP) Implementations
VoIP systems rely on stable and high-quality network connections. The Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S, with its PoE capabilities, ensures that VoIP phones receive both data and power seamlessly. This is essential for maintaining clear and uninterrupted communication within an organization.
Educational Institutions
In educational settings, where a large number of computers, printers, and other devices are interconnected, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S can provide the necessary network infrastructure. Its managed features allow for the implementation of access control and security measures, ensuring a safe and controlled networking environment.
Resiliency and High Availability
The WS-C2960-24PC-S Cisco Catalyst switch is designed to provide resiliency and high availability for your network. Some of the features that contribute to this include:
- Redundant Power Supplies: The switch supports the use of redundant power supplies, which ensures that the switch will continue to operate even if one of the power supplies fails.
- Hot-swappable power supplies: This means that the power supplies can be replaced without having to power down the switch, which minimizes the amount of downtime that your network experiences.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): LACP allows you to bundle multiple physical ports together to form a single logical link, which provides redundancy and increased bandwidth. This way, if one of the physical links goes down, traffic can be automatically routed over the remaining links to keep the network up and running.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): STP helps to prevent network loops by identifying redundant paths and shutting down the less optimal path. This ensures that there is always a loop-free path for network traffic to flow, even if a link failure occurs.
- Advanced security features: the switch has advanced security features that can help prevent network downtime due to security breaches.
All in all, this Model is a switch that is designed to provide high availability and resiliency for your network, which helps to ensure that your devices and applications are always connected and available.
Reliability
The WS-C2960-24PC-S Cisco Catalyst switch is designed to provide high reliability for your network. Some of the features that contribute to this include:
- Hardware-based forwarding: The switch uses hardware-based forwarding, which offloads packet processing from the CPU to specialized ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), this results in a more efficient use of resources and increased reliability.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS, which allows you to prioritize different types of network traffic, such as voice and video, to ensure that they are delivered with the necessary level of performance.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): The switch supports PoE on all its ports, which allows you to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras without the need for additional power supplies. This can help to increase reliability by reducing the number of potential points of failure in your network.
- Advanced security features: The switch has advanced security features that can help prevent network downtime due to security breaches, such as firewalls, access control, and intrusion detection/prevention.
- Regular software updates: Regular software updates can help to ensure that the switch’s firmware is up-to-date and free from known vulnerabilities.
- Durable design: The switch has been designed to withstand the rigors of normal operation, including dust, humidity, and temperature extremes.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S Ethernet Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C2960-24PC-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Technical Information for 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Fast Ethernet Network
- Total Number of Network Ports: 26
Performance of Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100Base-TX
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Miscellaneous
- Green Compliance Certificate/Authority: RoHS-5
- Green Compliant: Yes
Remote Management Protocol
- Facilitates remote management through various protocols such as SNMP 1, RMON 1, RMON 2, RMON 3, RMON 9, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, HTTP, HTTPS, and SSH-2.
Communication Mode
- Supports both Half-duplex and Full-duplex communication modes, offering flexibility based on networking needs.
Features
- Boasting features like Layer 2 Switching, Auto-sensing per device, DHCP Support, Power over Ethernet (PoE), Auto-negotiation, VLAN Support, Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), IGMP Snooping, DHCP Snooping, and Quality of Service (QoS).
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC & 220 V AC
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: Yes
In general, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S Catalyst 2960-24PC-S managed switch stands out as a reliable, feature-rich solution for businesses seeking to enhance their network infrastructure. With its Layer 2 support, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) capability, Fast Ethernet ports, Combo Gigabit SFP interfaces, and a host of management and security features, this switch offers a comprehensive solution for various networking needs. Its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of management make it a valuable asset for small businesses, enterprises, and organizations looking to build a resilient and high-performance network. Whether you’re upgrading an existing network or implementing a new one, the Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S proves to be a versatile and powerful choice, ensuring a solid foundation for efficient and secure communication within your organization.
