Description
Product Overview
The Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L is a compact Ethernet switch designed to deliver high-performance networking capabilities in a small form factor. With 8 Gigabit Ethernet network ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, this switch provides efficient connectivity and manageability for various networking needs. It’s designed to be desktop, rack-mountable, or wall-mountable, offering versatility in deployment.
Understanding Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches are devices used in networking to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). They facilitate data transfer among connected devices by receiving, processing, and forwarding data packets efficiently.
Features of Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Catalyst 2960C Switch8 Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports
The switch features 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering high-speed connections for devices within the network.
2 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports
In addition to the network ports, it includes 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports for connecting to other network devices or higher-level network infrastructure.
Manageability
The switch is manageable, allowing administrators to configure and monitor network settings for optimal performance.
Versatile Mounting Options
It can be used as a desktop device, mounted in a rack, or even installed on a wall, offering flexibility in deployment.
Importance of Compact Ethernet Switches in Networking
Compact Ethernet switches offer several advantages in networking environments:
Space-Efficient Design
Compact switches, like the Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L, provide high-performance networking capabilities in a small footprint, ideal for space-constrained environments.
Scalability and Connectivity
Despite their compact size, these switches offer multiple ports and uplink options, allowing for easy expansion and connectivity within the network.
Versatility in Deployment
The ability to be mounted in different ways enables flexibility in deployment, catering to various network setup requirements.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Catalyst 2960C SwitchEfficient Network Connectivity
With its Gigabit Ethernet ports, the switch ensures high-speed and reliable connections for devices within the network.
Expandability with Uplink Ports
The inclusion of uplink ports provides options for connecting to other network devices or higher-level networking infrastructure, allowing for network expansion.
Flexible Deployment Options
Its ability to be placed on a desktop, rack-mounted, or wall-mounted offers adaptability in different networking environments.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Catalyst 2960C SwitchSmall Business Networks
In small offices or business setups, this switch provides efficient networking capabilities while conserving space.
Home Networking
For home networks requiring reliable connectivity with limited space, this compact switch offers an ideal solution.
Remote Work Environments
In remote work scenarios or temporary setups, this switch’s versatile deployment options accommodate various networking needs.
Features and Benefits
The WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Cisco Catalyst Managed Switch is an enterprise-grade network switch designed to meet the requirements of small and medium-sized businesses. Here are some of the features and benefits of this switch:
- Eight Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The switch has eight Gigabit Ethernet ports that provide high-speed connectivity to the network.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Four of the eight ports support PoE, which means that they can power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras directly from the switch, without the need for separate power supplies.
- Managed Switch: The switch is managed, which means that it can be configured and monitored using a web interface or a command-line interface (CLI). This allows for greater control over the network and enables the IT team to optimize the performance of the switch.
- VLAN Support: The switch supports VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which allow the network to be segmented into smaller, more manageable networks. This can improve network performance and security.
- QoS Support: The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS), which allows the IT team to prioritize traffic based on the application or service. This can ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth, while non-critical traffic is throttled.
- Energy-Efficient: The switch is designed to be energy-efficient and includes features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and Cisco EnergyWise, which can reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs.
- Compact Design: The switch has a compact design that allows it to be easily deployed in small spaces, such as a wiring closet or a branch office.
Resiliency and High Availability of Catalyst Switch
The WS-C2960CG-8TC-L Cisco Catalyst switch is a managed switch with 8 ports. It is designed to be resilient and provide high availability in network environments. Some of the key features that contribute to its resiliency and high availability include:
- Redundant Power Supply: The switch has a redundant power supply option that can provide continued operation in the event of a power supply failure.
- StackWise Plus Technology: This technology allows for up to 8 switches to be stacked together for increased reliability and scalability.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): LACP allows for the bundling of multiple physical links to form a single logical link, providing increased bandwidth and redundancy.
- Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): RSTP provides rapid recovery from failed links in a network, allowing for rapid reconvergence of the network topology.
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features allow for the prioritization of different types of network traffic, ensuring that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
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 with its 8 Gigabit Ethernet network ports, 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, manageability, and versatile deployment options presents a compact yet powerful networking solution. Whether used in small business networks, home setups, or remote work environments, this switch offers efficient connectivity, scalability, and flexibility, catering to diverse networking requirements and enhancing overall network performance.
