Description
Product Overview of the Cisco Catalyst Switch
The Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L is a versatile and reliable switch designed for modern networking needs. Featuring 24 ports with RJ-45 connectors supporting Ethernet connections, manageable features, Layer 2 functionality, rack-mountable design, 1U form factor, and 2 x 10 Gigabit Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) ports, this switch offers flexible connectivity options and efficient management within network infrastructures.
Understanding Switch Ports and Capabilities
Switches like the WS-C2960S-24TD-L are essential networking devices that facilitate multiple devices’ connections within a network. Ports, such as the 24 RJ-45 ports in this switch, enable these connections, providing various Ethernet speeds for diverse devices. Additionally, the SFP+ ports offer higher-speed connections using fiber-optic or high-speed uplink cables.
Features of Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L Catalyst Switch24 Ports with RJ-45 Connectors
The switch offers 24 ports supporting Ethernet connections (RJ-45), allowing multiple devices to connect to the network.
Manageable Features
The switch provides manageable features, allowing administrators to configure and monitor the switch for optimized network performance.
Layer 2 Functionality
Layer 2 capabilities enable the switch to manage and direct data traffic efficiently within the network.
Rack-Mountable Design
Designed for rack installation, optimizing space utilization in data centers or networking setups.
1U Form Factor
The 1U size makes it suitable for standard rack mounting, ensuring compatibility with various rack setups.
2 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ Ports
The inclusion of 2 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports offers higher-speed connectivity options for faster data transfer or high-speed uplink connections.
Importance of Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L Catalyst Switch in Networks
Switches offer several advantages in networking environments:
Enhanced Connectivity
Switches enable efficient and reliable connections between devices within a network, ensuring seamless data transmission.
Efficient Traffic Management
Layer 2 functionality allows the switch to manage and direct data traffic efficiently, optimizing network performance.
Scalability and Flexibility
Switches offer room for expansion and adaptability to evolving network requirements, ensuring scalability.
Benefits of Using Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L Catalyst SwitchDiverse Connectivity Options
With 24 RJ-45 ports and 2 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports, the switch offers various connection choices, accommodating different devices and network types.
Effective Traffic Management
Layer 2 capabilities enhance the switch’s ability to manage and prioritize data traffic for better network performance.
Rack-Mountable Design
The rack-mountable design ensures efficient space utilization and easy integration into existing rack setups.
Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L Catalyst SwitchEnterprise Networks
Ideal for medium to large enterprises, providing reliable connectivity and efficient traffic management in complex network setups.
Data Centers
Suitable for data center environments, facilitating connections between servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
Campus Networks
In educational or corporate campus setups, the switch efficiently handles multiple connections and manages traffic flow.
Managed Switching Features
The WS-C2960S-24TD-L is a Cisco Catalyst Ethernet switch that is designed for use in enterprise network environments. It has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and is a managed switch, meaning that it can be configured and monitored through a web-based interface or a command-line interface.
Managed switching features include:
- VLAN support: allows for segmentation of the network into multiple virtual LANs for improved security and traffic management.
- Quality of Service (QoS): allows for prioritization of certain types of network traffic, such as voice and video, for improved performance.
- Link aggregation: allows for bundling of multiple network ports to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): help prevent loops in the network and allow for fast recovery in case of a link failure.
- Access control lists (ACLs): allow for granular control over network access and can be used to block unauthorized traffic.
- Advanced security features: such as 802.1x port-based authentication, DHCP snooping, and dynamic ARP inspection, help protect the network from various types of attacks.
This switch also supports Cisco EnergyWise technology, which allows you to monitor and manage the energy consumption of network devices.
Security and Compliance
The WS-C2960S-24TD-L Cisco Catalyst Ethernet switch provides a variety of security and compliance features to help protect enterprise networks from unauthorized access and various types of attacks.
Some of the security features include:
- 802.1x port-based authentication: allows for authentication of devices connected to the switch before allowing them access to the network.
- DHCP snooping: helps prevent DHCP spoofing attacks by only allowing DHCP messages from authorized DHCP servers.
- Dynamic ARP inspection: helps prevent ARP spoofing attacks by validating ARP messages and blocking those that fail validation.
- Port security: allows for restricting access to specific ports on the switch, limiting the number of MAC addresses that can be learned on a port, and specifying the type of traffic that is allowed on a port.
- Storm control: helps protect the network from broadcast, multicast, and unicast storm attacks.
- Quality of Service (QoS): allows for prioritization of certain types of network traffic, such as voice and video, for improved performance.
In addition to security features, the WS-C2960S-24TD-L also supports Cisco TrustSec technology, which enables secure access and identity-based security across the network and also helps with compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX.
It also supports advanced security features like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to provide secure network access, Cisco Secure Access Control System (ACS) for centralized authentication, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure for network management.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960S-24TD-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series 2960
- Product Name: Catalyst WS-C2960S-24TD-L Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance of Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions of Switch Module
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: Stacking Module
- Expansion Slot Type: XFP
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Memory:
- Standard Memory: 128 MB
Power Description:
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960S-24TD-L Catalyst Switch, featuring 24 RJ-45 ports supporting Ethernet connections, manageable features, Layer 2 functionality, rack-mountable design, 1U form factor, and 2 x 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports, stands as a versatile and efficient networking solution. Its diverse connectivity options, effective traffic management, and rack-mountable design make it suitable for diverse networking environments, including enterprise networks, data centers, and campus setups. Cisco’s commitment to reliable and scalable networking solutions positions the Catalyst 2960 switch as an essential component in modern networking infrastructures.
