Description
Understanding the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948 Ethernet Switch
The WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948 Ethernet Switch is a piece of network hardware designed to facilitate the management and distribution of data within a network infrastructure. It features 48 ports capable of supporting various Ethernet speeds, including 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45, making it versatile for different network environments. Additionally, it includes 4 Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) and SFP+ ports, enhancing its connectivity options.
Overview of Ethernet Switches
Before delving into the specifics of the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948, it’s essential to understand the basics of Ethernet switches. An Ethernet switch is a networking device that connects devices together within a local area network (LAN). It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) and makes forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses. Switches enable devices to communicate efficiently by directing traffic only to the intended recipient, unlike hubs that broadcast data to all connected devices.
Key Features of the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948
The WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948 Ethernet Switch offers several features that contribute to its performance and functionality:
- 48 Ports: With 48 ports, the switch can accommodate a large number of devices, such as computers, printers, servers, and other networking equipment.
- Support for Various Ethernet Speeds: The switch supports multiple Ethernet speeds, including 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45, allowing flexibility in connecting devices with different speed requirements.
- Manageability: The WS-C4948-E is manageable, meaning it can be configured and monitored remotely, enabling administrators to control network settings and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
- Layer 4 Capabilities: The switch operates at Layer 4 of the OSI model, providing advanced functionalities such as traffic prioritization based on application type (Quality of Service) and network security features.
- Rack-Mountable Design: The switch is designed to be mounted in a standard equipment rack, optimizing space utilization in data centers and network closets.
- SFP and SFP+ Ports: In addition to the RJ-45 ports, the switch includes 4 Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) and SFP+ ports. SFP and SFP+ modules allow for flexible connectivity options, including fiber-optic connections for extended reach and high-speed data transmission.
Applications of the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948
The WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948 Ethernet Switch finds applications in various networking environments:
- Enterprise Networks: In large organizations, the switch can serve as a backbone device, connecting different departments and facilitating communication between employees and resources.
- Data Centers: The switch is suitable for data center environments where high-performance networking is essential for handling large volumes of data and supporting mission-critical applications.
- Service Provider Networks: Service providers can deploy the WS-C4948-E in their networks to deliver reliable and high-speed connectivity to customers.
- Education Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can use the switch to build robust network infrastructures that support educational and administrative activities.
Benefits of Using the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948
Deploying the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948 Ethernet Switch offers several benefits:
- Scalability: The switch provides scalability to accommodate the growing needs of networks, allowing organizations to expand their infrastructure without significant disruption.
- Performance: With support for high-speed Ethernet and Layer 4 capabilities, the switch delivers excellent performance, ensuring smooth and efficient data transmission.
- Reliability: Built with reliability in mind, the switch is designed to operate continuously without downtime, enhancing the overall stability of the network.
- Flexibility: The inclusion of SFP and SFP+ ports offers flexibility in connectivity options, allowing organizations to choose the most suitable medium for their networking requirements.
- Manageability: Remote management capabilities enable administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch from a centralized location, simplifying network administration tasks.
Maximizing Efficiency and Flexibility
There are several ways to maximize the efficiency and flexibility of the WS-C4948-E Cisco Catalyst 4948 48-port Layer 3 Ethernet switch:
- Utilize advanced routing protocols: The switch supports both IPv4 and IPv6 routing, which allows for efficient and flexible communication between devices on the network.
- Implement Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features allow you to prioritize critical traffic and ensure optimal network performance.
- Utilize security features: The switch includes various security features such as access control lists (ACLs) and denial-of-service (DoS) prevention to protect the network against threats.
- Leverage management and troubleshooting tools: The switch includes a variety of management and troubleshooting tools such as Cisco’s command-line interface (CLI) and web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that make it easy to monitor and maintain the network.
- Use EnergyWise technology: EnergyWise technology helps to reduce energy consumption and costs by allowing the switch to power down or adjust power to devices that are not in use.
- Use VLANs: Utilizing VLANs can help to increase the security and segmentation of the network, allowing for better control and monitoring of different traffic types.
- Use Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to increase the available bandwidth: by bundling several physical links together, LACP can increase the available bandwidth and also provide redundancy.
- Use Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent loops: STP can prevent loops in the network and ensure that only one active path exists between two stations.
Security and Network Management
The WS-C4948-E Cisco Catalyst 4948 48-port Layer 3 Ethernet switch includes several features that can help to secure the network and manage network traffic:
- Access control lists (ACLs): ACLs allow you to define and implement security policies by controlling access to network resources based on the source and destination IP addresses, protocols, and ports.
- Denial-of-service (DoS) prevention: The switch includes DoS prevention features that can protect against common attack types such as SYN floods and ICMP floods.
- Port security: Port security allows you to limit the number of MAC addresses that can be learned on a port, helping to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS allows you to prioritize network traffic and ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): LACP allows you to bundle several physical links together to increase available bandwidth and provide redundancy.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): STP can prevent loops in the network and ensure that only one active path exists between two stations.
- Remote management: The switch includes a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) and Cisco’s command-line interface (CLI) that allows administrators to configure and monitor the switch remotely.
- EnergyWise: EnergyWise technology helps to reduce energy consumption and costs by allowing the switch to power down or adjust power to devices that are not in use.
General Information about Cisco WS-C4948-E 48 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number: WS-C4948-E
- Brand Name: Cisco
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 4900
- Product Model: 4948E
- Product Name: Catalyst 4948E Layer 3 Switch
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces/Ports of Catalyst 4948E Layer 3 Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 48
- Port/Expansion Slot Details:
- 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology Supported:
- Fast Ethernet
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 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
Memory
- Standard Memory: 1 GB
- Memory Technology: SDRAM
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: No
- Input Voltage:
- 110 V AC
- 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In general, the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948 Ethernet Switch is a versatile and high-performance networking device suitable for various applications, including enterprise networks, data centers, service provider networks, and educational institutions. With its robust features, including multiple Ethernet ports, Layer 4 capabilities, and SFP/SFP+ connectivity options, the switch provides scalability, performance, reliability, flexibility, and manageability. By deploying the WS-C4948-E Catalyst 4948, organizations can build resilient and efficient network infrastructures to meet their connectivity needs effectively.
