CISCO Catalyst 2960S WS-C2960S-24PD-L 24 GigE PoE 2x10G SFP + LAN Base Switch

Overview

1. Port Configuration

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L is equipped with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps). These ports provide high-speed connectivity to end-user devices such as computers, printers, IP phones, and access points. The Gigabit speed ensures efficient handling of network traffic, making it suitable for data-intensive applications and services.
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports: The switch features 4 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, which are used to connect the switch to other network devices, such as core switches or routers. These uplink ports allow for high-speed connections and provide flexibility in network design. The uplink ports can be configured as either standard Ethernet ports or Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) slots, accommodating both copper and fiber connections.

2. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

• PoE and PoE+ Support: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L supports both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). This feature enables the switch to deliver power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and network cameras over the same Ethernet cables used for data transmission.
• Power Budget: The switch provides a total PoE power budget of 370 watts. This power budget is distributed across the 24 Ethernet ports, allowing the switch to support a wide range of powered devices. Each port can provide up to 30 watts of power, which is sufficient for most PoE+ devices.

3. Performance and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L has a switching capacity of 64 Gbps. This high switching capacity ensures that the switch can handle a substantial amount of network traffic efficiently, reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks and maintaining smooth data flow across the network.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch offers a forwarding rate of 47.6 million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets. This high forwarding rate supports quick processing of data packets, minimizing latency and ensuring that applications requiring real-time data, such as VoIP and video conferencing, perform optimally.

4. Quality of Service (QoS)

• Advanced QoS Features: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L includes advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, such as traffic classification, prioritization, and policing. These features are essential for managing network traffic and ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and priority. QoS helps maintain high service quality and prevents network congestion.

5. Security Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): The switch supports both standard and extended Access Control Lists (ACLs). ACLs are used to filter and control network traffic based on criteria such as IP addresses, protocols, and ports. This capability enhances network security by restricting access to specific network resources and preventing unauthorized traffic.
• 802.1X Network Access Control: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L supports 802.1X authentication, which provides port-based network access control. This feature ensures that only authenticated and authorized devices and users can connect to the network, adding an extra layer of security and protecting against unauthorized access.
• Secure Management: The switch supports secure management protocols such as Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These protocols encrypt management data during transmission, ensuring that sensitive information, such as configuration details and administrative access, is protected from interception and tampering.

6. Management and Monitoring

• Cisco Network Assistant: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L is compatible with Cisco Network Assistant, a software tool that simplifies the management and configuration of Cisco network devices. The tool provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing, configuring, and monitoring the switch, making it easier for administrators to maintain the network.
• Command Line Interface (CLI): For advanced configuration and control, the switch offers a Command Line Interface (CLI). The CLI allows network administrators to perform detailed configurations and automate tasks, providing greater flexibility and control over the switch’s settings.

7. Energy Efficiency

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): The WS-C2960S-24PD-L supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), a technology that reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity. By dynamically adjusting power levels, the switch helps lower energy costs and supports environmentally friendly practices without compromising performance.

8. Physical and Environmental Specifications

• Dimensions and Weight: The switch has a 1U rack-mountable form factor, with dimensions of 1.73 x 17.5 x 9.3 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 23.6 cm) and weighs approximately 9.1 lbs (4.1 kg). This compact size makes it suitable for installation in standard network racks, optimizing space in network closets or server rooms.
• Operating Temperature: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L operates effectively within a temperature range of 32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C). This range allows the switch to function reliably in typical indoor environments, including offices, data centers, and other controlled settings.
• Storage Temperature: The switch can be stored in temperatures ranging from -13 to 158°F (-25 to 70°C), providing flexibility for different storage conditions before deployment.
• Relative Humidity: The switch is designed to operate in relative humidity levels of 10% to 95% (non-condensing) and can be stored in the same humidity range. This tolerance ensures reliable performance in a variety of environmental conditions.

9. Warranty and Support

• Cisco Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty: The WS-C2960S-24PD-L comes with a limited lifetime hardware warranty, which covers hardware replacement and includes 90 days of Cisco software support. This warranty provides assurance that the hardware will be supported throughout its operational life.
• Cisco Smart Net Total Care: For extended support, businesses can opt for Cisco Smart Net Total Care, which offers 24/7 technical assistance, advanced hardware replacement, and proactive network diagnostics. This support helps ensure network reliability and minimizes downtime by providing comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting services.

10. Applications and Use Cases

The WS-C2960S-24PD-L is suitable for various network environments and applications, including:

• Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: Its robust feature set, including PoE support, advanced QoS, and security features, makes it ideal for businesses that require reliable and high-performance network connectivity.
• Branch Offices: The switch is well-suited for branch office deployments, where it can provide efficient and secure connectivity for end-user devices and support network expansion.
• Enterprise Access Layer: It can serve as an access layer switch in enterprise networks, providing reliable connectivity and supporting a range of network services.