Description
Product Overview
The Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L Catalyst 2960X Series switch is a powerful networking device designed to meet the demands of modern businesses. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features and specifications of this switch to help you understand how it can benefit your network infrastructure.
WS-C2960X-24PS-L is part of the Catalyst 2960X Series, which is known for its reliability and high-performance networking capabilities. Let’s break down the key features and specifications of this switch.
Upgrade Your Network with the Catalyst Switch Module
The WS-C2960X-24PS-L is a 24-port Ethernet-managed switch module manufactured by Cisco. It is designed to upgrade your network by providing advanced features such as better security, improved performance, and increased scalability. Here are some details about the WS-C2960X-24PS-L that make it an excellent choice for upgrading your network:
- Port Density: The WS-C2960X-24PS-L has 24 Ethernet ports, providing ample capacity to connect a large number of devices to the network.
- PoE Support: This switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing you to power compatible devices such as VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras directly from the switch.
- Advanced Security: The WS-C2960X-24PS-L provides advanced security features such as Network Admission Control (NAC), which allows you to control access to your network and enforce security policies.
- Advanced QoS: This switch supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features such as traffic prioritization, which allows you to prioritize critical traffic such as voice and video.
- Enhanced Performance: The WS-C2960X-24PS-L provides enhanced performance features such as Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, which allows you to transfer data at speeds of up to 1Gbps.
- Advanced Management: This switch provides advanced management features such as a web-based management interface, SNMP support, and Cisco Network Assistant, which allows you to manage the switch and monitor your network more efficiently.
Use Cases
Let’s explore some common scenarios in which the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L switch can be effectively deployed.
- Office Networks For businesses of all sizes, this switch can serve as the central hub for connecting computers, printers, IP phones, and other devices in an office environment. The Power Over Ethernet (PoE) feature is particularly beneficial for powering IP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points.
- Data Centers In data center environments, where space is at a premium, the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L’s 1U design is a major advantage. It can be mounted in server racks alongside servers, storage devices, and other networking equipment, contributing to efficient space utilization.
- Educational Institutions Educational institutions often have diverse networking needs. This switch can accommodate a large number of connections, making it suitable for classrooms, computer labs, and administrative offices. The manageable features are valuable for network administrators looking to maintain control over network traffic and security.
- Healthcare Facilities In healthcare settings, where reliable and efficient communication is crucial, the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L can be used to connect various medical devices, workstations, and administrative systems. The PoE capability is particularly useful for powering medical equipment and IP phones.
- Retail Environments Retail businesses can benefit from the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L by using it to connect point-of-sale (POS) systems, security cameras, and inventory management systems. The Power Over Ethernet (PoE) support simplifies the setup and maintenance of these devices.
- Remote Locations For businesses with remote locations or branch offices, the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L can serve as a reliable and manageable network switch. Its 1U rack-mountable design ensures that it can be deployed in various environments, even those with space constraints.
Efficiently Connect Your Devices
The WS-C2960X-24PS-L Cisco Catalyst switch is a managed switch designed to efficiently connect your devices within a network. It has 24 Ethernet ports and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to provide power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras.
Here are some key features of the WS-C2960X-24PS-L Cisco Catalyst switch that make it an efficient choice for connecting devices:
- PoE+ Support: The switch supports PoE+ which means it can provide up to 30 watts of power to connected devices. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for devices, reducing clutter and simplifying cable management.
- Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports QoS, allowing you to prioritize traffic and ensure critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth.
- Energy Efficiency: The switch supports Cisco EnergyWise technology which monitors and controls power consumption of connected devices, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint.
- Advanced Security: The switch supports advanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping, and Port Security to protect against unauthorized access and ensure data privacy.
- Easy Management: The switch can be easily managed through a web-based interface, command-line interface (CLI), or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), providing flexible options for network administrators.
Benefits of Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L
Now that we’ve covered the switch’s specifications, let’s explore the key benefits it offers to businesses and network administrators.
- Enhanced Connectivity With 24 RJ-45 ports, the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L provides extensive connectivity options for your devices. Whether it’s connecting workstations, servers, or networked appliances, you have plenty of ports to keep your network running smoothly.
- Simplified Power Management The Power Over Ethernet (PoE) feature simplifies power management by delivering power and data over the same Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power sources and reduces cable clutter, making your network setup more organized and efficient.
- Network Optimization The manageable nature of this switch allows network administrators to fine-tune and optimize their network settings. This includes features like Quality of Service (QoS) settings, VLAN configuration, and security protocols. With these controls, you can ensure that your network operates at peak performance and remains secure.
- Reliable Layer 2 Operation Operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model, this switch efficiently handles data link layer functions. This ensures that devices on your network can communicate seamlessly, leading to improved data transfer and network stability.
- Space-Efficient Design The 1U rack-mountable design of the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L maximizes space utilization in server rooms and data centers. It can be easily installed alongside other networking equipment, helping you make the most of your available space.
- Flexible Expansion Options The 4 SFP+ expansion slots provide versatility in connecting to various types of networks, including fiber-optic connections. This flexibility allows you to adapt your network to changing needs and technologies.
PoE Technology: Simplifying Network Deployment
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that has revolutionized the way network devices are powered and connected. In the context of the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L switch, PoE plays a pivotal role in simplifying network deployment and maintenance. Here are some of the key aspects of PoE technology and its benefits:
How PoE Works
PoE technology enables electrical power to be transmitted alongside data signals over standard Ethernet cables. This is achieved by modulating the electrical power onto the cable at the power source (the PoE switch) and demodulating it at the powered device end (e.g., IP phone or camera). The power is carried over the same copper wires used for data transmission, and the powered devices are designed to extract the power while ignoring it for data purposes.
General Information about this Cisco SFP Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2960X-24PS-L
- Product Line Catalyst
- Product Series 2960-X
- Type: Networking
- Product Type Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports 24
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports 24
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 4 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- PoE Type PoE+
- Type of Connector RJ-45
- Interface Port Type Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
- PoE Power 30 W
- Port Type 1000Base-T
- Interface Type Console
- Type of Connector Mini-USB Type B
- Type of Connector Type B
- Type of Connector Type A
- Interface Port Type Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX
- Port Type 1000Base-TX
Performance of Catalyst 2960-X Managed Switch
- Media Type Supported Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology 10/100/1000Base-T
- MTBF 324,280 hours
I/O Expansions of Gigabit Ethernet Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 4
- Expansion Slot Type SFP
- Type of Connector SFP (mini-GBIC)
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 2
- Communication Rate 80 Gbps
- Type of Connectivity Wired
Management & Protocols
- Stackable: Stackable
- Manageable Yes
Power Description
- PoE Power: 370 W
- PoE (RJ-45) Port Yes
- Input Voltage 110 V AC
- Input Voltage 220 V AC
- Frequency Required 50/60 Hz
- Power Compatability AC 120/230 V
- Redundant Power: Optional
- Power Supply Type: Internal
Miscellaneous
- Green Compliant Yes
- Green Compliance Certificate/Authority RoHS
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L Catalyst 2960X Series switch is a versatile and powerful networking device with a range of features designed to meet the needs of modern businesses. With 24 RJ-45 ports, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) support, manageability, Layer 2 capabilities, a rack-mountable 1U design, and 4 SFP+ expansion slots, it offers a comprehensive solution for various networking scenarios.
Whether you’re setting up a network in an office, data center, educational institution, healthcare facility, retail environment, or remote location, the Cisco WS-C2960X-24PS-L provides the connectivity, manageability, and flexibility needed to ensure your network operates efficiently and reliably.
