Description
Understanding the WS-C2970G-24TS-E Catalyst 2970 Series Managed Switch
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E Catalyst 2970 Series is a prominent member of Cisco’s networking equipment family, renowned for its robust performance and versatile capabilities. In this detailed review, we will delve into the intricate features of this gigabit ethernet-managed switch, providing a comprehensive understanding of its specifications, applications, and benefits.
Overview of Catalyst Gigabits Ethernet Switch
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E belongs to the Catalyst 2970 Series, representing a family of managed switches designed to meet the demands of modern network environments. With its 24 ports Ethernet connectivity and 4 Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) slots, this switch offers a versatile solution for various networking needs.
Ethernet CapabilitiesPort Configuration
The switch boasts 24 ports, providing ample connectivity for devices in a network. These ports support 10/100/1000Base-T, catering to a range of network speeds and ensuring compatibility with different devices.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Slots
The inclusion of 4 SFP slots enhances the switch’s flexibility by enabling the use of different types of SFP modules. This feature is particularly valuable for accommodating diverse networking requirements, such as fiber optic connections.
Management and ControlVLAN IDs Support
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E supports Virtual LANs (VLANs), a crucial feature for network segmentation and management. VLANs enable the creation of isolated networks within a larger infrastructure, enhancing security and optimizing network performance.
Telnet Interface
The switch is equipped with a Telnet interface, a widely used protocol for remote management. This allows administrators to configure and monitor the switch from a distance, streamlining the management process and facilitating efficient network administration.
Layer 4 Capabilities
The switch supports Layer 4 functionalities, adding a level of intelligence to network operations. Layer 4, or the Transport Layer, deals with end-to-end communication and ensures reliable data transfer. By incorporating Layer 4 capabilities, the WS-C2970G-24TS-E contributes to a more robust and efficient network.
Physical ConfigurationTwisted Pair Connectivity
The switch employs Twisted Pair technology for its Ethernet connections. Twisted Pair cables, with their pairs of insulated copper wires, reduce electromagnetic interference, enhancing the reliability of data transmission.
Rack and Wall-Mountable Design
The switch is designed to be versatile in terms of installation. It can be mounted on a rack or a wall, providing flexibility in deployment based on the available space and infrastructure requirements.
Management CapabilitiesManaged Switch Features
Being a managed switch, the WS-C2970G-24TS-E offers advanced management capabilities. This includes the ability to configure settings, monitor performance, and optimize the network for specific requirements. Managed switches are essential in complex networking environments where customization and control are paramount.
ApplicationsDiverse Networking Environments
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E is well-suited for various networking environments. Its combination of port density, SFP slots, VLAN support, and management features makes it adaptable to small to medium-sized businesses, enterprises, and data centers.
Security-Centric Deployments
The support for VLANs enhances the switch’s suitability for security-centric deployments. Isolating sensitive data or specific user groups within dedicated VLANs adds an extra layer of security to the overall network architecture.
Remote Network Management
The inclusion of a Telnet interface facilitates remote network management. This is particularly valuable for organizations with distributed infrastructure or for network administrators who need to manage the network from different locations.
Advanced Features
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E Cisco Catalyst 24-port Ethernet managed switch is a high-performance switching solution that provides advanced features for enterprise and campus networks. Some of the key advanced features of this switch include:
- Quality of Service (QoS) – The switch supports advanced QoS features such as traffic prioritization, congestion management, and rate limiting. This allows network administrators to ensure that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need while controlling the amount of bandwidth used by non-critical applications.
- Security – The switch supports various security features such as IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication, access control lists (ACLs), and private VLANs (PVLANs). This helps to protect the network from unauthorized access and other security threats.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) – The switch supports LACP, which allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link. This increases bandwidth and provides redundancy, ensuring that if one link fails, the others will take over to keep the network running.
- VLANs – The switch supports VLANs, which allow network administrators to segment their networks into smaller, more manageable segments. This improves security and performance by isolating different types of traffic.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) – The switch supports STP, which helps to prevent loops in the network and ensures that there is only one active path between two devices.
- SNMP and RMON – The switch supports SNMP and RMON, which allow network administrators to monitor and manage the switch remotely.
- Cisco IOS Software – The switch runs on Cisco IOS software, which provides a wide range of features and capabilities. It allows administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch and the network through a variety of interfaces, including the command-line interface (CLI) and the web-based interface.
Scalable and Secure Networking
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E Cisco Catalyst 24-port Ethernet managed switch provides scalable and secure networking capabilities for enterprise and campus networks. Some of the key features that contribute to scalable and secure networking include:
- VLANs – The switch supports VLANs, which allow network administrators to segment their networks into smaller, more manageable segments. This improves security and performance by isolating different types of traffic and creating virtual networks.
- Quality of Service (QoS) – The switch supports advanced QoS features such as traffic prioritization, congestion management, and rate limiting. This allows network administrators to ensure that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need while controlling the amount of bandwidth used by non-critical applications.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) – The switch supports LACP, which allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link. This increases bandwidth and provides redundancy, ensuring that if one link fails, the others will take over to keep the network running.
- Security – The switch supports various security features such as IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication, access control lists (ACLs), and private VLANs (PVLANs). This helps to protect the network from unauthorized access and other security threats.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) – The switch supports STP, which helps to prevent loops in the network and ensures that there is only one active path between two devices.
- Cisco IOS Software – The switch runs on Cisco IOS software, which provides a wide range of features and capabilities. It allows administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch and the network through a variety of interfaces, including the command-line interface (CLI) and the web-based interface.
- Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) – The switch supports VRRP, which allows multiple routers to work together to present the virtual IP address of a single virtual router. This increases the availability and reliability of the network.
Interface Provided for Digital Workplace
The WS-C2970G-24TS-E Cisco Catalyst 2970 switch provides several interfaces that can be used to connect devices in a digital workplace environment.
First, the switch has 24 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, which can be used to connect devices such as computers, servers, and printers. These ports support automatic speed and duplex negotiation, so devices can connect at the highest possible speed.
Additionally, the switch has one SFP-based Gigabit Ethernet uplink port, which can be used to connect to other switches or routers in a larger network. These ports support a variety of SFP transceiver modules, allowing for connections over copper or fiber optic cable.
The switch also has a web-based management interface that allows you to easily configure and monitor the switch. This can be accessed via a web browser and it includes features such as port configuration, VLAN management, and QoS settings, making it easy to manage the network.
The switch also supports Cisco StackWise technology, which allows multiple 2970 switches to be connected to provide additional ports and increased network scalability, this can be beneficial in the case of an expanding digital workplace, where you have to add more devices to the network.
All these interfaces can be used to connect various digital devices, including computers, servers, printers, IP phones, wireless access points, and other networking equipment in a digital workplace environment. The switch’s support for advanced security and QoS features can help to ensure that the network is secure and that devices can communicate effectively, improving the overall user experience in the digital workplace.
General Information of the WS-C2970G-24TS-E
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C2970G-24TS-E
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2970
- Product Name: Catalyst C2970G-24TS Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 24 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 28
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance of Catalyst C2970G-24TS Managed Switch
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10Base-T
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 4
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Number of SFP Slots: 4
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 4
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management- CLI
- 4000 VLAN IDs are supported
- TFTP
- DNS
- NTP
- Cisco CMS Software provides an easy-to-use, Web-based management interface through a standard Web browser
- CiscoWorks
- Telnet interface support
Memory
- Standard Memory: 128 MB
- Flash Memory: 16 MB
Reliability
- MTBF: 163222 Hour
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In general, the WS-C2970G-24TS-E Catalyst 2970 Series Managed Switch emerges as a versatile and feature-rich solution for modern networking needs. Its combination of port options, SFP slots, VLAN support, Telnet interface, Layer 4 capabilities, and flexible installation options positions it as a valuable asset in the realm of network infrastructure. Whether deployed in small businesses, large enterprises, or data centers, this managed switch offers the tools and features necessary for efficient, secure, and scalable network operations.
