Description
More Information on the Switch
- The WS-C2960S-24TS-L Cisco Catalyst switch is a managed, stackable Ethernet switch designed for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as enterprise branch offices. It offers a range of features to help improve network efficiency, traffic management, and security.
- The switch has 24 ports of Gigabit Ethernet, which can be used to connect devices such as servers, PCs, and wireless access points to the network. It also supports Cisco’s StackWise technology, which allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single unit, providing flexibility and resiliency to the network.
- The switch also has advanced networking capabilities such as VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for increased network efficiency and improved traffic management. It also supports Cisco’s EnergyWise technology, which allows for power management and monitoring of connected devices. Additionally, it has advanced security features such as Cisco Flexible NetFlow and Cisco TrustSec for network segmentation and secure access.
- The WS-C2960S-24TS-L Cisco Catalyst switch is easy to set up and manage, with a user-friendly web interface and support for Cisco’s Network Assistant software. This makes it a great choice for organizations that want to improve their network performance and security without the need for a dedicated IT staff.
Features and BenefitsHigh Port Count
The Cisco WS-C2960S-24TS-L comes with 24 ports, making it suitable for medium to large-sized network setups. This high port count allows you to connect numerous devices, such as computers, printers, servers, and other networked equipment.
Gigabit Speed
The switch supports data transfer rates of 10/100/1000 megabits per second (Mbps) on each port. This means it’s compatible with both standard Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) devices. Gigabit Ethernet provides significantly faster data transfer speeds, which is essential for modern data-intensive applications.
Manageable Configuration
Being a manageable switch, the Cisco WS-C2960S-24TS-L offers administrators greater control over network operations. This control includes features like virtual LAN (VLAN) support, quality of service (QoS) settings, and network monitoring. It allows network administrators to optimize network performance and security.
Rack Mountable Design
The rack-mountable design of this switch is ideal for data centers and server rooms. You can easily install it in a standard equipment rack, saving space and ensuring a neat and organized setup. Rack-mounted switches are especially valuable in environments where space is at a premium.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Ports
The inclusion of four SFP ports provides flexibility in connecting the switch to other network devices using fiber-optic connections. SFP ports are commonly used for long-distance connections and can help extend the reach of your network.
LAN Base Feature Set
The LAN Base feature set of this switch offers advanced networking capabilities. These may include features such as enhanced security, improved traffic management, and advanced routing. It’s suitable for networks that require robust and reliable performance.
Maximizing Network Performance
Maximizing the network performance of a WS-C2960S-24TS-L Cisco Catalyst switch involves utilizing a combination of features and technologies to optimize network efficiency and ensure that important traffic is delivered promptly.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Configuring QoS on the switch allows you to prioritize different types of network traffic, such as voice, video, or data traffic, based on their importance. This ensures that important traffic is delivered with minimal delay, even during periods of high network utilization.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): LACP allows you to bundle multiple physical ports together to form a single logical link, providing increased bandwidth and redundancy. In case one link fails, traffic can still be transferred via the other links, which helps to prevent network downtime.
- Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs): VLANs allow you to segment your network into different logical networks, each with its own security and access policies. This improves network security by isolating different types of traffic and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Flow control: Flow control enables the switch to buffer packets during periods of high traffic, which helps to prevent network congestion and ensure that packets are delivered promptly.
- StackWise Technology: StackWise technology allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single unit, providing flexibility and resiliency to the network. This allows for an increase in the available ports and redundancy to the network.
- Monitor and analyze network traffic: Use tools such as Cisco Flexible NetFlow to monitor and analyze network traffic, providing insight into network usage and identifying potential security threats. This way you can adjust the network settings to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues.
Network Management and Security Features
The WS-C2960S-24TS-L Cisco Catalyst switch offers several network management and security features to help you manage and secure your network:
Network Management
- Web-based GUI and command-line interface (CLI) for easy switch configuration and management.
- Cisco Network Assistant software for simplified network management and configuration.
- Cisco EnergyWise technology for power management and monitoring of connected devices.
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support for monitoring and managing the switch remotely.
Security
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) for controlling access to network resources based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Cisco Flexible NetFlow for detailed monitoring and analysis of network traffic, providing insight into network usage and identifying potential security threats.
- Cisco TrustSec for network segmentation and secure access, allowing you to create secure zones within your network and control access to network resources based on user identity.
- Advanced security features such as 802.1X authentication and DHCP snooping, help protect against unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
- STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) and RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) protect against loops in the network.
Cisco Quality and Reliability
Cisco is known for its quality and reliability in the networking industry. Choosing a Cisco switch means investing in a product with a strong track record of performance and durability.
Energy-Efficient Design
Cisco has made efforts to design its switches with energy efficiency in mind. The Cisco WS-C2960S-24TS-L may include features like energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) and smart power management, helping to reduce power consumption and operational costs.
Scalability
With its advanced features and high port count, this switch is scalable to accommodate the growth of your network. You can add more devices and expand your network infrastructure as needed.
Compatibility
This Cisco switch is compatible with various network devices and protocols, ensuring it can seamlessly integrate into your existing network infrastructure. It supports a wide range of networking standards, making it versatile for different applications.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2960S-24TS-L
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960S-24TS-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2960
- Type: Networking
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Technical Information 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 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance of Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions for Rack Mountable Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 5
- Expansion Slot Type SFP
- Expansion Slot Type Stacking Module
- Number of SFP Slots 4
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management-DHCP
- QoS
- VLAN
- SNMP v1, v2, v3
- Syslog
- CLI
- RMON
- CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution
Memory
- Standard Memory: 128 MB
- Memory Technology DRAM
- Flash Memory 64 MB
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-C2960S-24TS-L Catalyst 2960S Ethernet switch is a robust and versatile networking solution that offers high performance, energy efficiency, and a range of advanced features. Its compatibility with various devices, ease of management, and scalability make it a valuable asset for businesses and organizations looking to optimize their local area network infrastructure.
Whether you’re building a network for a small office, managing a sprawling campus, or seeking to improve the performance of your data center, the Cisco WS-C2960S-24TS-L is a reliable and feature-rich choice. Its reputation for quality, ongoing support, and regular updates further reinforce its position as a trusted networking solution within the Cisco Catalyst 2960S series.
