Cisco WS-C2960G-24TC-L 24-Port Gig Ethernet Switch Catalyst 2960G Series

Overview

1. Port Configuration

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The WS-C2960G-24TC-L includes 24 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports offer high-speed connectivity for end devices such as computers, servers, IP phones, and printers. The Gigabit speed ensures that data-intensive applications, such as video streaming and large file transfers, can be handled efficiently, providing sufficient bandwidth for each connected device.
• 4 Dual-Purpose Uplink Ports: The switch features 4 dual-purpose uplink ports, which can be configured as either 10/100/1000 Ethernet RJ-45 ports or Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) slots. This flexibility allows network administrators to choose between using copper or fiber uplinks, depending on the specific requirements of the network, such as distance and bandwidth needs.

2. Performance and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: With a switching capacity of 32 Gbps, the WS-C2960G-24TC-L can handle a significant amount of traffic, ensuring efficient data transfer across all ports. This capacity supports the simultaneous handling of high-volume data flows, which is crucial for maintaining network performance during peak usage times.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch has a forwarding rate of 38.7 million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets. This high forwarding rate ensures that data packets are processed quickly, minimizing latency and supporting the smooth operation of applications that require real-time data, such as voice and video communication.

3. Quality of Service (QoS)

• Advanced QoS Features: The WS-C2960G-24TC-L provides advanced QoS capabilities, which include traffic classification, prioritization, and policing. These features are essential for managing network traffic, ensuring that critical services, such as VoIP or streaming media, receive the appropriate bandwidth and priority. QoS ensures optimal performance and helps prevent network congestion and delays, particularly in networks with diverse data traffic types.

4. Security Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): The switch supports both standard and extended ACLs, which are used to filter network traffic and control access to network resources. ACLs enhance security by allowing administrators to define rules that permit or deny traffic based on various criteria, such as IP address, protocol, and port number.
• 802.1X Network Access Control: This feature provides port-based network access control, allowing only authenticated users and devices to connect to the network. It is a key security measure for preventing unauthorized access, particularly in environments with strict security requirements.
• Secure Management: The WS-C2960G-24TC-L supports secure management protocols like Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which encrypt management data during transmission. This ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials and configuration details, is protected from eavesdropping and tampering.

5. Management and Monitoring

• Cisco Network Assistant: This switch is compatible with Cisco Network Assistant, a software tool that simplifies the management of Cisco network devices. It provides a graphical interface for configuring, managing, and monitoring the switch, making it accessible even for administrators with limited technical expertise.
• Command Line Interface (CLI): For advanced users, the switch offers a CLI, which provides granular control over configuration settings and allows for the automation of repetitive tasks through scripting. This is a valuable feature for network administrators who require detailed customization and control over their network devices.

6. Energy Efficiency

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): The WS-C2960G-24TC-L incorporates EEE, a technology designed to reduce power consumption during periods of low network activity. By adjusting power levels dynamically, the switch helps to lower energy costs and supports sustainable business practices without compromising performance.

7. Physical and Environmental Specifications

• Compact Form Factor: The switch has a 1U rack-mountable form factor, which is standard in network equipment racks. This compact size allows it to be easily integrated into existing network infrastructure without requiring additional space.
• Operating Environment: The WS-C2960G-24TC-L is designed to operate within a temperature range of 32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C) and can function effectively in environments with relative humidity levels between 10% and 95% (non-condensing). These specifications ensure that the switch can perform reliably in a variety of indoor settings, including office buildings, retail spaces, and data centers.

8. Warranty and Support

• Cisco Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty: The switch comes with a limited lifetime hardware warranty, which covers hardware replacement and includes 90 days of Cisco software support. This warranty provides peace of mind to businesses, ensuring support for hardware issues that may arise.
• Cisco Smart Net Total Care: For extended support, businesses can opt for Cisco Smart Net Total Care, which offers 24/7 technical support, advanced hardware replacement, and proactive network diagnostics. This service enhances network reliability and helps prevent downtime by providing timely support and maintenance.

9. Applications and Use Cases

The WS-C2960G-24TC-L is suited for a wide range of applications, including:

• Small to Medium-Sized Business Networks: Its comprehensive feature set, including advanced QoS, security, and management capabilities, makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to build or expand their network infrastructure.
• Branch Offices: The switch’s flexibility and ease of management make it ideal for branch office deployments, where centralized control and consistent policy enforcement are important.
• Enterprise Access: It serves well as an access layer switch in enterprise networks, providing reliable and secure connectivity to end-user devices.