Description
Overview of the WS-C2948G-L3 Cisco Catalyst Switch
The WS-C2948G-L3 is a Cisco Catalyst switch that belongs to the 2948G-L3 series. This switch is a Layer 3 switch which means it can perform routing functions. It has 48 Ports and 4 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, as well as a power supply of 150W. It is designed for use in enterprise LAN access and distribution environments. The switch supports Cisco’s EnergyWise technology, which helps lower energy consumption, and also includes advanced security features, Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, and Layer 3 routing features. Additionally, the switch is stackable, allowing for up to 9 switches to be connected for easy management and expansion. The WS-C2948G-L3 is a versatile switch suitable for a wide range of enterprise networking needs where routing capabilities are required.
Understanding Network Switches
A network switch is a device used in computer networks to connect multiple devices. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and forwards data packets between devices within the same network. Switches improve network efficiency by only sending data to the devices that need it, unlike hubs which broadcast data to all connected devices.
Layer 3 Switching
Layer 3 switching involves making routing decisions based on IP addresses. This allows Layer 3 switches to efficiently route data between different networks, making them more versatile than traditional Layer 2 switches. Layer 3 switches combine the functionality of switches and routers into a single device, simplifying network design and management.
Features of Cisco WS-C2948G-L3 Catalyst 2948G
- 48 Ports: This switch has 48 ports, allowing for the connection of numerous devices simultaneously.
- Layer 3 Capabilities: With Layer 3 capabilities, the switch can route data between different networks based on IP addresses.
- Gigabit Ethernet Slots: It comes with 2 slots for Gigabit Ethernet modules, enabling high-speed connections for demanding applications.
- Scalability: The switch is scalable, meaning it can accommodate growing network needs by adding additional modules or switches.
- Management Options: Cisco switches typically offer various management options, including a web interface, command-line interface (CLI), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for monitoring and configuration.
Benefits of Cisco WS-C2948G-L3 Catalyst 2948G
- High Performance: The switch offers high-performance switching capabilities, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer within the network.
- Versatility: Its Layer 3 capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios, from small offices to large enterprise environments.
- Reliability: Cisco is known for producing reliable networking equipment, reducing the likelihood of downtime or performance issues.
- Scalability: The switch can grow with your network, accommodating increased demand for connectivity without the need for a complete overhaul.
- Security: Cisco switches typically come with advanced security features to protect the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Use Cases of Cisco WS-C2948G-L3 Catalyst 2948G
- Enterprise Networks: Large organizations can use this switch to connect numerous devices across multiple departments or locations.
- Data Centers: The high port density and Gigabit Ethernet slots make it suitable for use in data center environments, where high-speed connectivity is essential.
- VoIP Deployments: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) implementations can benefit from the switch’s reliability and quality of service (QoS) features.
- Network Segmentation: Layer 3 capabilities allow for efficient network segmentation, improving performance and security by separating traffic into different VLANs.
- Video Surveillance: The switch can be used in video surveillance setups, providing connectivity for IP cameras and managing video traffic efficiently.
Comparison with Competing Products
When comparing the Cisco WS-C2948G-L3 Catalyst 2948G with competing products, several factors should be considered:
- Performance: How does the switch’s performance compare to similar switches from other manufacturers?
- Features: What features does the Cisco switch offer compared to its competitors? Does it provide any unique capabilities?
- Reliability: Cisco’s reputation for reliability may be a significant factor in the decision-making process.
- Cost: While Cisco switches often come with a higher price tag, they may offer better long-term value in terms of performance and reliability.
Power and cooling considerations
The WS-C2948G-L3 Cisco Catalyst switch has many power and cooling considerations that need to be taken into account when deploying and maintaining the switch:
- Power supply: The switch requires a single power supply, and it can be configured with an optional redundant power supply for added reliability.
- Power consumption: The switch has a maximum power consumption of 140W, and it can be configured with Cisco EnergyWise technology to help lower energy consumption and reduce power costs.
- Cooling: The switch is designed to operate in a temperature range of 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C) and has a built-in cooling fan to dissipate heat.
- Ventilation: Adequate airflow is required to ensure the switch operates within the specified temperature range, and it should be installed in a location with good ventilation to ensure proper cooling.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): The switch does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE), so if you need to power devices like IP phones or wireless access points, you will need to use separate power supplies or PoE injectors.
- Power redundancy: The switch can be configured with a redundant power supply for added reliability.
- Environmental monitoring: The switch has a built-in temperature sensor that can be monitored remotely via SNMP, allowing administrators to track and respond to any changes in temperature.
- Energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE): The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) which can help to reduce power consumption when the switch is not transmitting or receiving data.
Stackable design and stacking capabilities
The WS-C2948G-L3 Cisco Catalyst switch supports a stackable design, which allows multiple switches to be connected to form a single logical unit. This can make it easier to manage and expand the network, as well as provide redundancy and failover capabilities.
- StackWise Technology: The switch supports StackWise technology, which allows up to nine switches to be connected in a stack, providing redundancy and failover capabilities at the stack level.
- Single IP management: When the switches are stacked together, they can be managed as a single unit, simplifying network management and reducing configuration errors.
- Redundant stackwise links: The switch supports redundant stackwise links, which can help to ensure that the stack remains operational even if one of the stackwise links fails.
- Stackwise bandwidth: The switch has a stackwise bandwidth of 80Gbps, which allows for high-speed communication between the switches in the stack.
- Automatic StackWise Configuration: The switch supports automatic StackWise configuration, which allows the switch to automatically detect and configure the stackwise links.
- StackWise failover: The switch supports StackWise failover, which allows for automatic failover in case of a switch failure within the stack.
- Stack-level redundancy: The switch supports stack-level redundancy, which allows for a standby switch to take over the functions of a failed switch, ensuring that network services remain available.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C2948G-L3
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU # WS-C2948G-L3
- Product Model: 2948G-L3
- Product Name: Catalyst 2948G-L3 Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports: 48
- Port/Expansion Slot Details:
- 48 x Fast Ethernet Network
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Media & Performance
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Network Technology:
- 10Base-T
- 100Base-TX
I/O Expansions
- Expansion Slot Type: GBIC
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- Input Voltage:
- 110 V AC
- 220 V AC
In summary, the Cisco WS-C2948G-L3 Catalyst 2948G switch is a versatile and reliable networking solution that offers high performance, scalability, and advanced features. With its 48 ports, Layer 3 capabilities, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, this switch is well-suited for a variety of use cases across different industries. Whether you’re a large enterprise, a data center operator, or an educational institution, the WS-C2948G-L3 switch can help you build a robust and efficient network that meets your needs both now and in the future.
