Description
Product Overview of Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch is a type of networking device made by Cisco. It’s designed to help connect various devices in a network. This switch is especially good for businesses or organizations that need a reliable and efficient way to manage their network connections.
Understanding Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switches
Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches are a series of network switches produced by Cisco Systems, a leading company in networking solutions. These switches are known for their reliability, security features, and scalability. They are widely used in small to medium-sized businesses, as well as in large enterprises.
Key Features of Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch
- 24 Ports: This switch has 24 ports, which means it can connect up to 24 devices to the network.
- Fast Ethernet: The switch supports Fast Ethernet, which allows for high-speed data transfer between devices.
- Network Manageability: It’s manageable, meaning that network administrators can configure and monitor the switch to ensure optimal performance.
- Layer 2 Support: This switch supports Layer 2 networking, which deals with switching packets within the same network.
- Twisted Pair: The switch uses twisted pair cables for connectivity, a common and cost-effective type of network cabling.
Importance of Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch plays a crucial role in network infrastructure for several reasons:
- Connectivity: It provides a reliable way to connect multiple devices within a network, enabling communication and data exchange.
- Management: With its manageability features, network administrators can configure settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
- Speed: The support for Fast Ethernet ensures fast data transfer speeds, essential for modern networking needs.
- Scalability: Businesses can expand their network infrastructure by adding more devices and utilizing additional ports on the switch as needed.
- Security: Cisco switches come with built-in security features to protect the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Applications of Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch can be used in various settings and industries, including:
- Small Businesses: Small businesses can use this switch to connect computers, printers, servers, and other devices to their network.
- Schools and Universities: Educational institutions can benefit from the switch to provide network connectivity for students, faculty, and staff.
- Enterprises: Large companies can use multiple Cisco switches to create complex network infrastructures to support their operations.
- Data Centers: In data centers, Cisco switches help manage the flow of data between servers, storage devices, and other network components.
Setting Up Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch
Setting up the Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch involves several steps:
- Physical Installation: Place the switch in a suitable location with proper ventilation and access to power outlets.
- Connectivity: Use twisted pair cables to connect devices to the switch’s ports. Ensure that cables are properly inserted and securely connected.
- Configuration: Access the switch’s management interface using a web browser or command-line interface. Configure network settings such as IP addresses, VLANs, and port settings as needed.
- Testing: Verify connectivity by testing network connections between devices connected to the switch. Troubleshoot any issues that arise during testing.
- Documentation: Document the switch’s configuration settings and network topology for future reference.
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch
Common issues with the Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch include:
- Connection Problems: Check cables and ensure devices are properly connected to the switch’s ports.
- Configuration Errors: Review the switch’s configuration settings for any errors or inconsistencies.
- Performance Issues: Monitor network traffic and performance metrics to identify bottlenecks or other issues affecting performance.
- Security Concerns: Ensure that security features are properly configured to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
Energy Efficiency and Green Features of Ethernet Switch
The WS-C2960-24TC-S Cisco Catalyst 2960 is a managed Ethernet switch with 24 ports. It has energy efficiency and green features such as:
- Energy Detect: Automatically detects the length of connected cables and adjusts power usage accordingly
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): Reduces power consumption during periods of low network utilization
- Power Saving: Automatically powers down inactive ports to reduce power consumption
- Fanless design: Does not require fans, reducing power consumption and noise levels.
- Cisco EnergyWise technology: A feature that enables the switch to monitor and report energy usage of connected devices.
- IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support: This standard reduces power consumption during periods of low network utilization by putting the interfaces in a low-power idle state. It is an older model and it’s not available for purchase from Cisco anymore.
Compatibility with Cisco IOS Software
The WS-C2960-24TC-S Cisco Catalyst 2960 is compatible with Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) software. Cisco IOS is the software that runs on Cisco network devices such as routers, switches, and wireless access points. It provides a command-line interface (CLI) for configuring and managing the device, as well as a variety of features such as:
- Routing protocols: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, etc.
- Switching protocols: VLAN, VTP, STP, etc.
- Network security: Access control lists, firewall, VPN, etc.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritizing different types of network traffic.
- Management and monitoring: SNMP, NetFlow, etc.
It’s worth noting that the WS-C2960-24TC-S is an older model and not all the features and functionality of the current IOS version are available for it, so it’s important to check the compatibility with the IOS version and feature set before upgrading or implementing new features.
Quality of Service (QoS) Support
The WS-C2960-24TC-S Cisco Catalyst 2960 supports Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize different types of network traffic. QoS is used to manage and control network traffic by prioritizing certain types of data over others. This ensures that critical traffic, such as real-time voice and video, is given priority over less critical traffic like file transfers.
The WS-C2960-24TC-S supports a variety of QoS features such as:
- Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ): Allows you to assign different priorities to different traffic types based on their IP addresses, protocols, or ports.
- Low-Latency Queuing (LLQ): Gives priority to real-time traffic such as voice and video, while still allowing non-real-time traffic to pass through.
- Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED): This method helps prevent network congestion by randomly dropping packets that are deemed less important.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) : Can be used to identify and mark certain types of traffic for QoS.
It’s worth noting that the WS-C2960-24TC-S is an older model and not all the features and functionality of the current IOS version are available for it, so it’s important to check the compatibility with the IOS version and feature set before upgrading or implementing new features.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU # WS-C2960-24TC-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Product Model: 2960-24TC-S
- Product Name: Catalyst 2960-24TC-S Managed Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces / Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot: Details 24 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology 10Base-T
- 100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Number of SFP Slots: 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Power Source: Power Supply
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switch is a versatile and reliable networking device suitable for various applications. With its fast Ethernet support, manageability features, and robust security, it provides a solid foundation for building efficient and secure networks. Whether used in small businesses, educational institutions, or large enterprises, this switch offers the performance and scalability needed to meet the demands of modern networking environments. By understanding its features, applications, and installation procedures, network administrators can effectively deploy and manage Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 Switches to support their organization’s connectivity needs.
