Description
Overview of Cisco the WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 4948E-F Ethernet Switch
The WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 4948E-F Ethernet Switch is a powerful networking device designed to facilitate high-speed data transfer and efficient management of network traffic. With its 48 ports supporting 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 connections, along with additional 4x SFP and SFP+ ports, this switch offers versatility and scalability for various network environments. In this guide, we will delve into the features, functionality, and benefits of the WS-C4948E-F switch.
Understanding Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches are essential components in computer networks, enabling devices within the network to communicate with each other by forwarding data packets to their intended destinations. The WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 4948E-F is a Layer 3 manageable switch, meaning it operates at the network layer of the OSI model, providing advanced routing capabilities in addition to basic switching functions.
Key Features of the WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 48 Ports Manageable Switch
- 48 Ports of 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45: The WS-C4948E-F switch offers 48 ports supporting Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, allowing for high-speed data transfer between devices within the network.
- 4x SFP and SFP+ Ports: In addition to the RJ-45 ports, this switch features four Small Form-factor pluggable (SFP) and SFP+ ports, which provide flexibility for connecting to fiber optic or other high-speed networking technologies.
- Layer 3 Functionality: As a Layer 3 switch, the WS-C4948E-F supports advanced routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, allowing for efficient routing of traffic between different network segments.
- Rack-mountable Design: The switch is designed to be mounted in standard network racks, saving valuable space in data center environments.
- Manageability: With comprehensive management features, including a web-based interface, command-line interface (CLI), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support, the WS-C4948E-F offers administrators the tools they need to configure and monitor the network effectively.
- Redundancy and High Availability: The switch supports features such as Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) and Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), ensuring minimal downtime in the event of a hardware failure or network outage.
Applications of the WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 4948E-F Switch
- Enterprise Networks: The WS-C4948E-F is well-suited for medium to large enterprise networks, providing high-performance connectivity for workstations, servers, and other network devices.
- Data Centers: In data center environments where high bandwidth and low latency are crucial, this switch can serve as a backbone switch, connecting servers and storage systems with high-speed links.
- Service Provider Networks: Service providers can utilize the WS-C4948E-F in their infrastructure to deliver reliable and scalable network services to their customers.
Manageability Features
The WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 4948E-F is designed with manageability in mind. Administrators can easily configure and monitor the switch through a variety of management interfaces. This includes a web-based interface, command-line interface (CLI), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support. These features empower network administrators with the tools needed to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues effectively.
Layer 3 Capabilities
Layer 3 switches operate at the network layer of the OSI model, providing routing capabilities in addition to standard Layer 2 switching. The WS-C4948E-F’s Layer 3 capabilities enable it to make routing decisions based on IP addresses, enhancing network efficiency and flexibility. This makes it suitable for environments where inter-VLAN routing and advanced IP services are required.
Rack-mountable Design
The rack-mountable design of the WS-C4948E-F adds to its versatility, allowing for easy integration into standard network racks. This feature is essential for organizations with limited space or those aiming to maintain a neat and organized networking infrastructure. The switch’s form factor ensures it can be seamlessly incorporated into existing rack setups.
Inclusion of 4x SFP and SFP+ Ports
To further enhance its connectivity options, the WS-C4948E-F comes equipped with 4x Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) and SFP+ ports. These ports support a variety of optical and copper interfaces, providing flexibility in connecting to different types of network equipment. SFP+ ports specifically offer higher data rates, making them suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications.
Maximizing Network Performance of Catalyst Switch
The Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F switch is a high-performance, high-density switch that is designed to maximize network performance. It features 48 Ethernet ports and advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS), Access Control Lists (ACLs), and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to help optimize network traffic and ensure that critical applications and services have the bandwidth they need.
One key feature of the 4948E-F is its ability to perform advanced QoS, which allows for the prioritization of different types of traffic. This ensures that critical applications, such as voice and video, are given priority over less critical traffic, such as file transfers or web browsing. This helps to prevent network congestion and ensure that critical services are always available.
Another important feature of the 4948E-F is its use of ACLs, which allow for the control and management of network traffic. This allows for the creation of granular access control policies, which can help to ensure that only authorized users and devices have access to specific network resources. This helps to improve security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Finally, the 4948E-F also supports LACP, which allows for the creation of link aggregations. This allows multiple physical links to be grouped together, creating a single logical link that provides increased bandwidth and improved fault tolerance. This helps to ensure that critical services have the bandwidth they need, even in the event of a link failure.
Simplifying Network Maintenance
The Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F switch is a high-performance, low-latency, Ethernet switch designed for use in data center and enterprise environments. It features 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a high-performance ASIC, and a variety of advanced features for network monitoring and management.
One of the key features of the WS-C4948E-F switch is its simplified network maintenance. The switch is equipped with a variety of tools and technologies that make it easy to monitor, troubleshoot, and manage the network. These include:
- Cisco IOS Software: The switch is powered by Cisco’s industry-leading IOS software, which provides a wide range of features and functionality for network management and monitoring.
- Remote management: The switch can be managed remotely using a variety of tools, including Telnet, SSH, SNMP, and web-based management interfaces.
- Network monitoring: The switch provides a variety of tools and features for monitoring network performance, including SNMP, RMON, and NetFlow.
- Automatic failover: The switch supports automatic failover in the event of a failure, ensuring that the network remains up and running even in the event of a hardware or software failure.
- Flexible stacking: The switch supports flexible stacking, allowing multiple switches to be connected for increased scalability and redundancy.
General Information of the Catalyst 48 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C4948E-F
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 4900
- Product Model: 4948E-F
- Product Name: Catalyst 4948E-F Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 48 Ports Managed Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- 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
- Ethernet Technology:
- 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: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management Features:
- Command Line Interface
- NetFlow-Lite
- RMON
- DHCP
- QoS
- VLAN
Memory
- Standard Memory: 1 GB
- Memory Technology: SDRAM
Power Description
- Input Voltage:
- 220 V AC
- 110 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In summary, the WS-C4948E-F Catalyst 4948E-F Ethernet Switch offers a robust solution for building high-performance networks that require fast and reliable connectivity. With its versatile port configuration, advanced routing capabilities, and comprehensive management features, this switch is well-suited for a variety of applications, from enterprise networks to data centers and service provider environments. By understanding its features and functionality, network administrators can leverage the WS-C4948E-F to create efficient and scalable network infrastructures that meet the demands of today’s digital landscape.
