Description
Product Overview of the Cisco WS-C2960PD-8TT-L 8 Ports Switch
Cisco WS-C2960PD-8TT-L Catalyst 2960 is a prominent member of the Catalyst 2960 Series, offering advanced Layer 2 managed networking capabilities. This Ethernet switch is equipped with 8 ports, making it a versatile solution for various networking needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and benefits of the Cisco WS-C2960PD-8TT-L, highlighting its significance in the realm of managed networking.
Understanding the Catalyst 2960 Series
Before diving into the specifics of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L model, let’s explore the Catalyst 2960 Series as a whole. Cisco’s Catalyst switches are renowned for their reliability, performance, and scalability. The 2960 Series, in particular, is designed to meet the demands of modern networking environments, providing a robust foundation for building secure and efficient networks.
Key Features of Cisco WS-C2960PD-8TT-L 8 ports
- Number of Ports: The WS-C2960PD-8TT-L comes with 8 ports, offering ample connectivity options for devices such as computers, printers, and other networked equipment. This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises with moderate networking requirements.
- Layer 2 Managed Switching: The Catalyst 2960 Series is known for its Layer 2 managed switching capabilities. Layer 2 refers to the data link layer of the OSI model, where the switch operates by examining MAC addresses to forward data between devices on the same network. This allows for efficient and intelligent traffic management.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): One of the standout features of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L is its Power over Ethernet support. PoE enables the switch to deliver both data and electrical power to connected devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points. This eliminates the need for separate power sources and simplifies cable management.
- Compact Design: The compact design of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L makes it suitable for environments with limited space. Its form factor, combined with the 8-port configuration, ensures that it can be conveniently deployed in various settings, from small offices to network closets.
- Ease of Management: Cisco switches are known for their user-friendly management interfaces. The WS-C2960PD-8TT-L is no exception, offering intuitive configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tools. Network administrators can easily manage and optimize the switch to meet the specific requirements of their network.
Specifications
Let’s look closer at the technical specifications that make the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L a reliable and efficient networking solution.
- Switching Capacity: The switching capacity of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L is a crucial parameter that determines the amount of data the switch can process. With a substantial switching capacity, this switch can efficiently handle the data traffic within the network.
- Forwarding Rate: The forwarding rate, measured in packets per second (pps), is another critical specification. It indicates the speed at which the switch can forward data frames. A higher forwarding rate ensures swift and responsive network performance.
- PoE Budget: The PoE budget specifies the maximum amount of electrical power that the switch can deliver to PoE-enabled devices. This is a crucial consideration for organizations deploying devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones that rely on PoE for both data and power.
- Security Features: Cisco switches prioritize network security, and the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L is no exception. It includes features such as port security, MAC address filtering, and VLAN support to enhance network security and prevent unauthorized access.
Benefits of WS-C2960PD-8TT-L
- Simplified Network Infrastructure: The PoE capability of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L simplifies the network infrastructure by eliminating the need for separate power sources for connected devices. This not only reduces cable clutter but also enhances the flexibility of device placement within the network.
- Cost-Effective Solution: The 8-port configuration of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L makes it a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized networks. Organizations can scale their network infrastructure without incurring unnecessary expenses on larger switches with more ports than needed.
- Reliable Performance: Cisco switches are synonymous with reliability, and the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L is designed to deliver consistent and reliable performance. Its Layer 2 managed switching capabilities ensure efficient data handling, contributing to a stable and responsive network.
- Scalability: As network requirements evolve, the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L provides scalability to accommodate growing demands. Network administrators can easily expand the network by adding additional switches or devices without compromising on performance.
Use Cases
The versatility of the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L makes it suitable for various use cases across different industries. Here are some common scenarios where this switch can be effectively deployed:
- Small to Medium-Sized Offices: The compact design and 8-port configuration make the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L ideal for small to medium-sized offices where space may be limited. It provides the necessary connectivity for computers, printers, and other essential devices.
- Retail Environments: In retail settings, where a combination of point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and Wi-Fi access points are common, the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L with PoE support simplifies the deployment of these devices, streamlining the overall network infrastructure.
- Education Institutions: Schools and colleges often have diverse networking needs, ranging from computer labs to surveillance systems. The WS-C2960PD-8TT-L can cater to these requirements with its 8-port configuration and PoE capabilities, making it a versatile choice for educational institutions.
Compliant Standards
The WS-C2960PD-8TT-L Cisco Catalyst 2960 8-Ports RJ-45 Layer 2 Ethernet Switch is compliant with several industry standards. These standards help ensure that the switch is interoperable with other network devices and meets certain performance and security requirements.
Some of the compliant standards for this switch include:
- IEEE 802.3: This standard defines the specifications for Ethernet, the most widely used local area network (LAN) technology. The switch is compliant with IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T, IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX, and IEEE 802.3ab 1000BASE-T.
- IEEE 802.3af: This standard defines the specifications for Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows the switch to provide power to connected devices over the Ethernet cable. The switch is compliant with IEEE 802.3af and also supports PoE+.
- IEEE 802.3x: This standard defines the specifications for flow control, which allows the switch to control the flow of data to prevent data loss during periods of high network congestion.
- IEEE 802.1Q: This standard defines the specifications for Virtual LANs (VLANs), which allow for the creation of multiple virtual networks on a single physical infrastructure.
- IEEE 802.1p: This standard defines the specifications for Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize different types of network traffic.
- IEEE 802.1X: This standard defines the specifications for port-based network access control, which allows the switch to authenticate users before granting them access to the network.
- Cisco EnergyWise: This Cisco proprietary technology helps to monitor and manage the power consumption of network devices, thus reducing energy costs.
These standards help ensure that the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L switch is a reliable and secure network solution that can easily integrate with other devices and technologies.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960PD-8TT-L 8 Ports Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960PD-8TT-L
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
- Interface: 8 Ports
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 8
- Uplink Port: Yes
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports: 1
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 8
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 8 x Fast Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
Performance
- 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
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Management
- CLI
- Telnet
- HTTP
- Syslog
- DHCP
- RMON
- IEEE 802.1p QoS
- IEEE 802.1Q VLAN
- SNMP v1, v2, v2c, v3
- Cisco Works LAN Management Solution
Memory
- Standard Memory: 64 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 32 MB
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: Yes
In general, the Cisco WS-C2960PD-8TT-L Catalyst 2960 is a robust and versatile solution for Layer 2 managed networking. Its 8-port configuration, PoE support, and compact design make it well-suited for a variety of applications across different industries. As organizations continue to rely on efficient and secure networking solutions, the WS-C2960PD-8TT-L stands out as a reliable choice that combines performance, scalability, and ease of management. Whether in small offices, retail environments, or educational institutions, this Cisco switch is a valuable asset for building and maintaining modern and responsive networks.
