Description
Product Overview of the Cisco Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L is an Ethernet switch designed for compact and efficient networking solutions. With 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports for network connectivity and 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, this manageable switch supports various networking needs. It operates at Layer 2, allowing for effective traffic management, and offers multiple mounting options for versatile deployment.
Understanding Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches are fundamental devices in computer networks that connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and servers, allowing them to communicate and share data. They manage data traffic within a network by directing packets to their intended destinations.
Features of Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Ethernet Switch8 Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports
With 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch allows multiple devices to connect to the network at high speeds, facilitating rapid data transfer.
2 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports
The 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports provide connectivity to higher-level networks or other switches, enabling network expansion or interconnection.
Manageable Functionality
The switch offers manageable features, allowing network administrators to monitor, configure, and control network operations for optimized performance.
Layer 2 Support
Operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model, the switch manages data traffic effectively within the local network, offering efficient traffic handling and security.
Importance of Ethernet Switches in Networking
Ethernet switches offer several advantages in networking environments:
Enhanced Connectivity
Switches provide multiple ports for connecting various devices, ensuring seamless communication within the network.
Efficient Traffic Management
Operating at Layer 2, switches efficiently manage data traffic, reducing network congestion and optimizing performance.
Scalability and Flexibility
With manageable features and uplink ports, switches facilitate network expansion and interconnection with other devices or networks.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Ethernet SwitchHigh-Speed Connectivity
The Gigabit Ethernet ports provide fast data transfer rates, suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications and data exchange.
Manageability for Control
Manageable features enable network administrators to monitor and configure network settings, ensuring efficient operations.
Versatile Deployment Options
With desktop, rack-mountable, and wall-mountable options, this switch offers flexibility in deployment according to space and network requirements.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Ethernet SwitchSmall to Medium-Sized Offices
Ideal for small to medium-sized office setups, this switch supports multiple devices and provides efficient network connectivity.
Remote or Branch Offices
In remote or branch office environments requiring compact and manageable networking solutions, this switch offers reliable connectivity.
Home Networks
For home networks needing robust connectivity and manageable features, this switch serves as an efficient networking solution.
High Performance of Switch Module
The WS-C2960CG-8TC-L is a switch produced by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is a Catalyst switch, which means that it is part of Cisco’s line of enterprise-grade networking equipment. As a managed switch, it can be configured and managed remotely using a network management protocol such as SNMP.
In terms of performance, This Product is a Fast Ethernet switch, meaning that it supports data transfer speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) on each port. It has 8 ports, which can be used to connect devices such as computers, servers, and other networking equipment. The switch also supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow you to prioritize certain types of network traffic for improved performance.
In terms of physical design, the “L” in the model name indicates that the switch has a compact, fixed-configuration design. It is designed for use in small and medium-sized business networks and is typically used to connect devices within a single wiring closet or small network area.
More information on the 2960-C Series Switch
The WS-C2960CG-8TC-L is a Fast Ethernet switch produced by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is a managed switch, which means that it can be configured and managed remotely using a network management protocol such as SNMP. As a managed switch, it is compatible with a wide range of devices and protocols, including devices that support Ethernet and Fast Ethernet standards.
In terms of connectivity, This Model has 8 Fast Ethernet ports, which can be used to connect devices such as computers, servers, and other networking equipment. It is designed for use in small and medium-sized business networks and is typically used to connect devices within a single wiring closet or small network area. The switch also supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow you to prioritize certain types of network traffic for improved performance.
Resiliency and High Availability
The Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960CG-8TC-L 8 Ports Managed Switch is a fixed-configuration, Layer 2 switch that provides resiliency and high availability through the use of several features such as:
- Redundant Power Supply: The switch has an optional redundant power supply that can provide power to the switch in case of a primary power supply failure.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): These protocols help to prevent loops in the network and ensure that only one active path exists between two devices, providing fast convergence in case of a link failure.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): This protocol allows for the creation of link aggregation groups, which can provide redundancy and increased bandwidth.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS, which allows for the prioritization of different types of traffic, ensuring that critical traffic is not impacted by non-critical traffic during periods of high congestion.
- Remote Management: The switch can be managed remotely, allowing for troubleshooting and configuration changes to be made without the need for physical access to the device.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960CG-8TC-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960-C
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch-8 Port
Interfaces/Ports for 8 Ports Managed Switch
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 8
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 8 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- Total Number of Network Ports 10
Performance of Ethernet Switch
- Ethernet Technology Gigabit Ethernet
- Media Type Supported Twisted Pair
- Network Technology 10/100/1000Base-T
Features
- DHCP support, auto-negotiation, BOOTP support, ARP support, VLAN support, auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), IGMP snooping, Syslog support, DiffServ support, Broadcast Storm Control, IPv6 support, Multicast Storm Control, Unicast Storm Control, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support, DHCP snooping, Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) support, Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) support, Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) support, Access Control List (ACL) support, Quality of Service (QoS), Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), STP Root Guard, Uni-Directional Link Detection (UDLD), fanless, DHCP relay, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN)
Compliant Standards:
- IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1s, IEEE 802.1ae, IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP)
Network and Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Routing Protocol: RIP-1, RIP-2
-
Remote Management Protocol: SNMP
1, SNMP 2, RMON 1, RMON 2, RMON 3, RMON 9, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, HTTP, CLI - Manageable Yes
Power Description
- Power Device: Internal
power supply - Input Voltage 220 V AC
- Input Voltage 110 V AC
Authentication Method:
- Kerberos, Secure Shell (SSH), RADIUS, TACACS+
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces: 10 x 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T – RJ-45 1 x USB Type A ¦ 1 x console – mini-USB Type B management ¦ 1 x RS-232 – RJ-45 management ¦ 2 x SFP (mini-GBIC)
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included: Cisco IOS LAN Base
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature: 23 °F
- Max Operating Temperature: 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 5 – 95% (non-condensing)
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Catalyst 2960C Compact Ethernet Switch, featuring 8 Gigabit Ethernet network ports, 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, manageability, and versatile mounting options, offers an efficient and versatile networking solution. Whether deployed in office setups, remote branches, or home networks, this switch provides high-speed connectivity, manageability, and flexibility, catering to various networking needs and contributing to seamless network operations.
