Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L 8 Port PoE 2960CX Switch

Overview

1. Port Configuration

• 8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with PoE+: The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L features 8 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports, all of which support Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). This capability allows the switch to deliver power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras over the same cables used for data transmission. Each port can provide up to 30W of power, with a total available power budget of 124W. This feature reduces the need for additional power supplies and cabling, simplifying the deployment of powered devices.
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports: The switch includes 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports that can be used to connect to other network devices or to extend the network. These uplink ports provide flexibility in network design, allowing for high-speed connections to core switches, routers, or other parts of the network infrastructure.

2. Compact and Fanless Design

• Space-Saving Form Factor: The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L has a compact design, making it ideal for deployments where space is at a premium. Its small size allows it to be mounted in a variety of locations, including under desks, on walls, or in tight spaces that might not accommodate standard-sized network equipment.
• Fanless Operation: The switch is designed to operate without internal fans, ensuring silent operation. This is particularly beneficial in environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, such as offices, libraries, or retail spaces. The fanless design also reduces the maintenance requirements associated with moving parts.

3. Performance and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: With a switching capacity of 20 Gbps, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L can handle a substantial amount of network traffic, ensuring smooth data flow and minimizing bottlenecks. This capacity is adequate for typical small to medium-sized network applications, including data, voice, and video traffic.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch has a forwarding rate of 14.88 million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets. This rate supports efficient packet handling, reducing latency and ensuring that network performance remains high even under heavy traffic conditions.

4. Security Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): The switch supports ACLs, which provide a means of filtering traffic based on a set of defined criteria such as IP addresses, protocols, and ports. This enhances network security by controlling which devices and traffic types can access certain parts of the network, thereby preventing unauthorized access.
• 802.1X Network Access Control: This feature provides port-based access control, ensuring that only authenticated users and devices can connect to the network. It is a crucial security measure for protecting network integrity and preventing unauthorized access, particularly in public or shared environments.
• Secure Management: The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L supports secure management protocols like SSH (Secure Shell) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), which encrypt the data transmitted during network management activities. This ensures that sensitive information, such as configuration details and passwords, is protected from interception and tampering.

5. Quality of Service (QoS)

• Advanced QoS Features: The switch offers advanced QoS capabilities, allowing administrators to prioritize traffic based on its type and importance. This is essential for ensuring that critical applications, such as VoIP and video conferencing, receive sufficient bandwidth and low latency, thereby maintaining high service quality.

6. Energy Efficiency

• Cisco EnergyWise Technology: The switch supports Cisco EnergyWise, a technology that helps manage and reduce the energy consumption of network devices. This feature enables the monitoring and control of power usage across the network, contributing to lower operational costs and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.

7. Management and Monitoring

• Cisco Network Assistant: This switch is compatible with Cisco Network Assistant, a software tool that simplifies network management tasks. It provides an intuitive graphical user interface for configuring, managing, and monitoring Cisco devices, making it easier for network administrators to maintain the network.
• Command Line Interface (CLI): For more detailed control and customization, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L also supports a CLI, which offers extensive command-based configuration options. This is useful for advanced users who need precise control over network settings.

8. Physical and Environmental Specifications

• Dimensions and Weight: The switch’s compact dimensions (1.75 x 10.6 x 9.4 inches or 4.45 x 26.9 x 23.9 cm) and light weight (7.2 lbs or 3.27 kg) make it easy to install in a variety of environments. Its form factor is particularly suitable for space-constrained areas.
• Operating Environment: Designed to operate in temperatures ranging from 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C) and humidity levels from 10% to 95% (non-condensing), the switch can function reliably in most indoor environments, from office spaces to industrial settings.

9. Warranty and Support

• Cisco Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty: The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L comes with a limited lifetime hardware warranty, which includes hardware replacement and 90 days of Cisco software support. For extended support options, Cisco offers services like Smart Net Total Care, which provides 24/7 technical assistance, advanced hardware replacement, and proactive diagnostics.

10. Use Cases and Applications

The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L is ideal for a range of applications, including:

• Small to Medium-Sized Offices: Its compact design and PoE+ support make it perfect for environments where space and power availability are limited.
• Retail and Hospitality: Silent operation and secure management features make it suitable for public-facing environments where aesthetics and security are important.
• Educational Institutions: The switch’s advanced QoS, security, and management features make it ideal for classrooms and campus environments where multiple services (data, voice, video) are required.