Description
Overview of the Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L 24 Ports Managed Switch
Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L Ethernet Switch is a powerful networking device that offers 24 ports for Ethernet connectivity, along with 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports. The Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 2960 series, which is well-known for its reliability and robust performance. This specific model is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for managing Ethernet connections.
Catalyst
“Catalyst” is a brand within Cisco’s networking product line. Catalyst switches are known for their advanced features and capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of network applications.
24 Ports Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L is equipped with 24 Ethernet ports. Ethernet ports are the physical interfaces on the switch that allow you to connect various devices to the network. In this case, you have 24 ports available for connecting computers, servers, and other networking equipment.
Layer 2
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L is a Layer 2 switch. In networking, devices operate at different layers of the OSI model. Layer 2 is the Data Link Layer, responsible for Ethernet switching, which allows devices on the same network to communicate with each other. The WS-C2960-24TT-L operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, offering features such as VLAN support, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Quality of Service (QoS) for efficient network management.
Manageable
This switch is manageable, which means it can be configured and controlled by network administrators. This is a crucial feature for ensuring that the switch operates according to the specific requirements of your network.
2 Port 1000bt Uplink
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L also comes with two uplink ports that support Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T). Uplink ports are used to connect the switch to other networking devices, like routers or other switches, to extend the network and facilitate communication between different segments.
Now that we’ve broken down the name and components of the Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L, let’s delve deeper into its features and benefits.
Key Features and BenefitsEnhanced Connectivity
With 24 Fast Ethernet ports, the Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L offers abundant connectivity options for your network. This is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need to connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and IP phones.
Gigabit Uplink
The presence of two Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports allows you to connect the switch to high-speed links or to link it with other network switches, providing ample bandwidth for data transfer between switches.
Layer 2 Switching
As a Layer 2 switch, the Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L is designed to efficiently handle Ethernet traffic within a local network. It can perform tasks like MAC address learning, filtering, and forwarding, ensuring devices can communicate seamlessly.
Manageability
The switch is manageable, meaning you can configure and control its operations. This feature is crucial for optimizing the switch’s performance to suit your specific network requirements. It also allows for remote management, simplifying network administration.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Cisco switches often come with advanced QoS features, and the WS-C2960-24TT-L is no exception. Quality of Service mechanisms allow you to prioritize certain types of traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and are not hindered by non-essential traffic.
Security
Cisco switches are known for their security features. The WS-C2960-24TT-L includes various security measures, such as MAC address filtering and port security, which help protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
Reliability
Cisco is renowned for the reliability and durability of its networking equipment. The WS-C2960-24TT-L is no exception. It’s built to withstand the demands of a business environment and provide continuous, uninterrupted network service.
Scalability
For growing businesses, scalability is essential. The Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L can be integrated into larger networks seamlessly. As your business expands, you can add more switches to your network infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency
Cisco has also taken energy efficiency into consideration. The switch is designed to be energy-efficient, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and operating costs.
Use Cases
The Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L is versatile and can be employed in various network setups. Here are some common use cases:
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
For small and medium-sized businesses, this switch is an excellent choice. It provides ample ports for connecting computers, printers, and other devices in an office environment. The manageability and security features are valuable for ensuring a reliable and secure network.
Departmental Networks
In larger organizations, different departments may require their own network segments. The WS-C2960-24TT-L is suitable for creating and managing these departmental networks. The Gigabit uplink ports facilitate communication between switches in different departments.
Remote Management
For remote management, you can use the web-based interface provided by Cisco. This user-friendly interface allows network administrators to configure and monitor the switch without needing in-depth knowledge of command-line configurations. Additionally, the switch supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which enables network monitoring and management software to gather data and manage the switch remotely.
Scalable and Secure Networking
Scalability refers to the ability of a network to grow and adapt to changing demands without compromising performance or security. The WS-C2960-24TT-L Cisco Catalyst Layer 2 switch is designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to easily add more devices to the network as their needs change.
Security is also an important feature of the WS-C2960-24TT-L switch. It includes advanced security features such as VLANs, which allow for segmentation of the network to keep sensitive data separate from less secure data, and access control lists (ACLs), which allow administrators to set granular rules for controlling access to network resources. Additionally, Quality of Service (QoS) can help ensure that critical network traffic is prioritized over less important traffic.
The switch also includes easy management features such as Cisco’s proprietary command-line interface (CLI) and web interface, which allows for easy setup and configuration of the switch.
Power and Management
The WS-C2960-24TT-L Cisco Catalyst Layer 2 switch is powered by an internal power supply, which means that it does not require an external power source to operate. The switch also has a power management feature called Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption when network traffic is low.
The switch can be managed through a variety of methods, including Cisco’s proprietary command-line interface (CLI) and web interface. The CLI allows for detailed configuration of the switch, while the web interface offers a more user-friendly option for those less familiar with command-line interfaces. The switch can also be managed remotely through the use of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Telnet, which allows for management from a remote location.
Additionally, the switch supports Cisco Network Assistant, a free software that allows you to manage multiple Cisco switches and routers from a single graphical user interface. This feature makes it easy to manage multiple switches and routers from a single location, reducing the time and effort required to manage your network.
Security and Quality of Service
The WS-C2960-24TT-L Cisco Catalyst Layer 2 switch includes several security features to protect your network against threats.
One key security feature is VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which allow you to segment your network into different virtual networks. This helps to keep sensitive data separate from less secure data, and can also be used to control access to network resources. Additionally, Access Control Lists (ACLs) can be used to set granular rules for controlling access to network resources, further securing your network.
Another security feature is Port Security, which allows you to configure security on a per-port basis. This feature can be used to limit the number of MAC addresses that can be learned on a port and to specify which MAC addresses are allowed to connect to a port.
Quality of Service (QoS) is also an important feature of the switch. QoS allows you to prioritize network traffic, ensuring that critical network traffic is given priority over less important traffic. This can help to ensure that important applications and services are not impacted by network congestion. The switch also supports Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ) and Low Latency Queuing (LLQ) to further optimize the network traffic.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960-24TT-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Product Model: 2960-24TT
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Fast Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
Performance of Catalyst 2960-24TT Managed Switch
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10Base-T
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L Ethernet switch is a versatile and powerful networking device suitable for a variety of applications. Its 24 Fast Ethernet ports, Gigabit uplink ports, Layer 2 capabilities, and manageability make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, retail environments, and healthcare facilities.
With its robust features, the switch provides enhanced connectivity, security, and reliability. It’s a part of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 series, known for its exceptional performance and quality. Whether you’re setting up a new network or expanding an existing one, the Cisco WS-C2960-24TT-L offers a cost-effective and scalable solution.
While the initial configuration may seem complex, Cisco provides user-friendly interfaces, and there are numerous resources available to assist with setup and management. Additionally, the switch’s remote management capabilities simplify day-to-day operations and troubleshooting.
