Description
Product Overview of Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Switch
Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Catalyst 2924 is a type of network switch manufactured by Cisco Systems, a renowned provider of networking equipment and solutions. This particular switch model is designed to facilitate the management and distribution of Ethernet connections within a network infrastructure. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, specifications, and potential applications of the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch, explaining its functionalities in simple terms for better understanding.
Understanding Network Switches
Before we dive into the specifics of the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch, it’s essential to understand the concept of network switches and their role in networking.
A network switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data packets between them. Unlike network hubs, which simply broadcast data to all connected devices, switches intelligently direct data only to the intended recipient, thereby improving network efficiency and performance.
Unveiling of Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Switch
The Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Catalyst 2924 is a layer 3 manageable fast Ethernet switch, meaning it operates at the data link layer (layer 2) and network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model. It offers a total of 28 ports and is equipped with Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) technology, allowing for extended Ethernet connectivity over existing telephone-grade copper wiring. The “XL” designation indicates that this model offers expanded capabilities or enhancements compared to standard versions.
Key Features of Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Switch
- 28 Ports: The Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch provides a total of 28 ports, allowing for the connection of multiple devices such as computers, printers, servers, and other networking equipment.
- Layer 3 Manageability: As a layer 3 switch, the WS-C2924-LRE-XL offers advanced routing capabilities, allowing it to make routing decisions based on IP addresses, thereby improving network efficiency and performance.
- Fast Ethernet: The switch supports Fast Ethernet technology, providing data transfer rates of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) per port, suitable for most standard network applications.
- Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) Technology: LRE technology enables the extension of Ethernet connectivity over longer distances using existing copper wiring, eliminating the need for costly rewiring or infrastructure upgrades.
- Expansion Capabilities: The “XL” designation suggests that this switch may offer expanded capabilities, such as increased port density, enhanced features, or improved performance compared to standard models.
Benefits of Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Switch
- Extended Connectivity: With Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) technology, the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch enables organizations to extend their network reach over existing copper infrastructure, saving time and resources.
- Advanced Management: The layer 3 manageability of the switch allows for more granular control over network routing and configuration, facilitating efficient traffic management and optimization.
- Cost-Effective Solution: By leveraging existing telephone-grade copper wiring for Ethernet connectivity, organizations can avoid the expenses associated with installing new cabling infrastructure, making the WS-C2924-LRE-XL a cost-effective networking solution.
- High Performance: With support for Fast Ethernet and advanced routing capabilities, the switch delivers high performance and throughput, meeting the demands of modern network environments.
Specifications of Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Switch
- Total Ports: 28 ports
- Port Speed: Fast Ethernet (Up to 100 Mbps per port)
- Layer: Layer 3 (Network Layer)
- Technology: Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE)
- Manageability: Layer 3 Manageable
- Expansion: XL (Expanded Capabilities)
Use Cases of Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Switch
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): The Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch is well-suited for SMBs looking to expand their network infrastructure without incurring significant costs. Its support for LRE technology allows for easy integration with existing wiring, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious organizations.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can benefit from the extended reach and advanced management capabilities of the WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch. It can facilitate the deployment of network connections in classrooms, labs, and administrative offices without the need for extensive cabling upgrades.
- Retail Environments: Retail stores and chains can use the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch to connect point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management devices, and back-office equipment. Its layer 3 manageability enables efficient traffic routing and prioritization, ensuring the smooth operation of critical retail applications.
- Remote Offices/Branch Offices (ROBO): Organizations with remote offices or branch locations can deploy the WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch to extend their network connectivity over long distances using existing infrastructure. This simplifies network expansion and maintenance across distributed environments.
Network Flexibility of Ethernet switch
The WS-C2924-LRE-XL Cisco Catalyst 2924 LRE XL switch is a 28-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet switch that provides network flexibility through various features and technologies. Some of the key features include:
- Quality of Service (QoS) – The switch supports QoS, which allows for the prioritization of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- VLANs – The switch supports Virtual LANs (VLANs), which divide the network into separate broadcast domains and improve network security.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) – The switch supports the Spanning Tree Protocol, which eliminates network loops and provides redundant paths in the network.
- Link Aggregation – The switch supports Link Aggregation, which allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link.
- Port Mirroring – The switch supports Port Mirroring, which allows the traffic on one or more ports to be copied and sent to another port for monitoring purposes.
- Quality of Service (QoS) – The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS), which provides a way to prioritize network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- Port Security – The switch supports Port Security, which allows administrators to restrict access to the network by limiting the number of devices that can be connected to a switch port.
High-Speed Networking
The WS-C2924-LRE-XL Cisco Catalyst 2924 LRE XL 28 Ports Switch is designed for high-speed networking. It has 28 Fast Ethernet ports and supports speeds of up to 100 Mbps, making it ideal for connecting a large number of devices to your network. The switch also features a Layer 3 routing engine, which allows for advanced routing and switching capabilities, enabling the efficient distribution of network traffic. Additionally, the switch supports Quality of Service (QoS), which allows for prioritization of different types of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth. The switch also supports various network protocols such as IPv4, IPv6, and TCP/IP, making it easy to integrate into your existing network infrastructure. With its high-speed capabilities, advanced routing and switching capabilities, and support for various network protocols, the WS-C2924-LRE-XL is a reliable and versatile solution for high-speed networking.
Network Expansion and Connectivity
Network expansion refers to the process of adding new devices, users, or connections to an existing network. In the case of the WS-C2924-LRE-XL Cisco Catalyst 2924 LRE XL switch, this can be achieved by adding additional switches to the network or connecting new devices to the switch’s available ports.
Connectivity refers to the ability of devices within a network to communicate with each other. The WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch has 28 ports, which can be used to connect a variety of devices, such as computers, printers, and other network devices. The switch provides reliable and fast data transfer between devices, ensuring that data is transmitted quickly and accurately.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU # WS-C2924-LRE-XL
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 2900
- Product Model: 2924
- Product Name: Catalyst 2924 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: 28 Ports Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 24
- Management Port: Yes
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 4
Media & 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
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Memory
- Standard Memory: 4 MB
- Maximum Memory: 8 MB
- Flash Memory: 4 MB
- Reliability
- MTBF: 135000 Hour
Power Description
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL Catalyst 2924 switch offers a reliable, cost-effective, and high-performance solution for Ethernet connectivity in various networking environments. With its layer 3 manageability, Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) technology, and expanded capabilities, it addresses the needs of SMBs, educational institutions, retail establishments, and distributed enterprises alike. Whether extending network reach, optimizing traffic flow, or reducing infrastructure costs, the WS-C2924-LRE-XL switch serves as a versatile networking solution for organizations seeking reliable connectivity and advanced management capabilities.
