Description
Product Overview of Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI Catalyst 3550 Switch
The Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI Catalyst 3550 is a type of network switch made by Cisco Systems. It’s designed to help businesses manage their computer networks. This particular model has 24 ports for Ethernet cables, which are used to connect computers, printers, servers, and other devices to the network. Additionally, it has 2 ports for GBIC modules, which can be used to connect to other switches or devices using fiber optic cables. The “DC” in the model name stands for “direct current,” indicating that this switch is designed to be powered by DC power sources. “SMI” stands for “Standard Multilayer Image,” which refers to the software feature set installed on the switch.
Exploring of Cisco Catalyst 3550 Switch Series
Before diving into the specifics of the Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI model, let’s take a broader look at the Catalyst 3550 switch series. The Catalyst 3550 series is a family of switches developed by Cisco for use in enterprise networks. These switches offer a range of features and capabilities to support various network needs.
Key Features of Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI
The Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI Catalyst 3550 switch offers several key features that make it a valuable asset in network management:
- 24 Ethernet Ports: This switch provides 24 ports for connecting devices using Ethernet cables. Ethernet is a common networking technology used in local area networks (LANs).
- 2 GBIC Ports: In addition to the Ethernet ports, this switch includes 2 ports for GBIC modules. GBIC stands for “Gigabit Interface Converter,” and these ports allow for high-speed connections using fiber optic cables.
- Manageable: The Catalyst 3550 switches are manageable, meaning that network administrators can configure and monitor them remotely using management software. This enables efficient network management and troubleshooting.
- DC Power: Unlike some switches that are powered by alternating current (AC), the Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI switch is designed to be powered by direct current (DC). This can be advantageous in certain environments where DC power sources are more readily available or preferred.
- Standard Multilayer Image (SMI): The “SMI” in the model name indicates that this switch is equipped with the Standard Multilayer Image software feature set. This includes a range of networking features and protocols to support various network requirements.
Use Cases of Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI
The Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI Catalyst 3550 switch can be used in various network environments and scenarios. Some common use cases include:
- Enterprise Networks: These switches are well-suited for use in enterprise networks, where they can serve as central components for connecting computers, servers, printers, and other devices.
- Data Centers: In data center environments, where high-speed connectivity and reliable performance are essential, the Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI switch can play a critical role in network infrastructure.
- Telecommunications: Telecommunications companies may deploy these switches in their networks to facilitate the transmission of voice, data, and video services to customers.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can benefit from using these switches to build and manage their campus networks, supporting the connectivity needs of students, faculty, and staff.
- Government Agencies: Government organizations can rely on these switches to establish secure and efficient networks for delivering services and communicating internally.
Benefits of Using Cisco Catalyst 3550 Switches
There are several benefits to using Cisco Catalyst 3550 switches like the WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI model:
- Reliability: Cisco switches are known for their reliability and robustness, helping to ensure uninterrupted network connectivity.
- Scalability: As businesses grow and their network requirements evolve, Cisco switches offer scalability to accommodate expanding network infrastructure needs.
- Security: Cisco switches come equipped with security features to help protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive data and network resources.
- Performance: With support for high-speed connections and advanced networking technologies, Cisco switches deliver excellent performance for demanding applications and workloads.
- Flexibility: Cisco switches offer flexibility in terms of deployment options, configuration settings, and integration with other networking equipment and software.
Key features and benefits
The WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI Cisco Catalyst 3550 24 Ports Ethernet Switch is a Layer 2 switch that provides advanced features and capabilities for enterprise networks. Some key features and benefits of this model include:
- 24 10/100 Ethernet ports: This model has 24 ports that support both 10Mbps and 100Mbps Ethernet speeds, making it ideal for connecting a large number of devices to the network.
- Dual-purpose uplinks: The switch has two uplink ports that can be used for either Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet connections, providing flexibility in terms of network connectivity.
- Cisco IOS Software: The switch runs on Cisco IOS software, which provides a wide range of advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS), VLANs, and security capabilities.
- StackWise technology: The switch supports StackWise technology, which allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single device, simplifying network management and reducing costs.
- Energy-Efficient Ethernet: This model supports Energy-Efficient Ethernet which reduces power consumption during times of low data activity.
- Compact form factor: The switch has a compact form factor and can be rack-mounted, making it ideal for use in data centers and other high-density environments.
- DC power supply: This switch has a DC power supply, making it suitable for use in environments where AC power is not available.
- Enhanced security: This switch supports Enhanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Network Admission Control (NAC) to help protect against unauthorized access and network threats.
Security and Access Control Options
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) – The Cisco Catalyst 3550 supports standard and extended ACLs to control access to network resources. These can be used to block or permit specific types of traffic based on IP address, port number, or other criteria.
- Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) – The 3550 supports AAA for controlling access to the switch and its resources. This includes support for TACACS+ and RADIUS for authentication and authorization, and SNMPv3 for accounting.
- Port Security – The 3550 allows for the configuration of port security, which limits the number of MAC addresses that can be learned on a specific port. This can be used to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.
- VLANs – The 3550 supports the use of VLANs to segment the network into smaller, more secure sub-networks. This allows for better control over access to resources and improved security.
- SSH and HTTPS – The 3550 supports the use of SSH and HTTPS for secure remote management and access to the switch. This provides an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to the switch.
- 802.1x – The 3550 supports the use of 802.1x for port-based access control. This allows the switch to authenticate devices before allowing them to access the network.
- Cisco FlexStack – The 3550 supports the use of Cisco FlexStack, which allows for the stacking of multiple switches for increased performance and ease of management. This also provides an additional layer of security by allowing for the configuration of a single, unified switch security policy.
General Information about this Cisco S-C3550-24-DC-SMI
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU # S-C3550-24-DC-SMI
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3550
- Product Model: 3550-24-DC
- Product Name: Catalyst 3550-24-DC Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 24
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x Fast Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10Base-T
- Network Technology: 10/100Base-TX
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: GBIC
- Number of GBIC Slots: 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management-
- SNMP
- Telnet
- RMON
- CWSI
- CLI-based out-of-band
- embedded CMS
Memory
- Standard Memory: 64 MB
- Flash Memory: 16 MB
Reliability
- MTBF: 183000 Hour
In general, the Cisco WS-C3550-24-DC-SMI Catalyst 3550 switch is a versatile and reliable networking solution suitable for a variety of business and organizational needs. With its combination of Ethernet and GBIC ports, manageable features, DC power support, and Standard Multilayer Image software, this switch offers the performance, flexibility, and security required for modern network environments. Whether deployed in enterprise networks, data centers, educational institutions, or government agencies, Cisco Catalyst 3550 switches play a vital role in enabling connectivity, collaboration, and productivity across organizations.
