Cisco WS-C2960S-48FPS-L 48 Port PoE+ Gigabit Network Switch

The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 2960-S series, which is known for its advanced features designed to meet the needs of enterprise and medium-sized business networks.

1. Port Configuration

• 48 Fast Ethernet Ports: This switch is equipped with 48 Fast Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports, offering high-speed connectivity for a large number of devices such as computers, IP phones, and wireless access points.
• Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+): All 48 ports support PoE+, adhering to the IEEE 802.3at standard. This feature allows the switch to deliver up to 30W per port, providing sufficient power for devices like advanced wireless access points and video IP phones, in addition to standard PoE devices.

2. Uplink Options

• 4 Gigabit Ethernet SFP Uplink Ports: The switch includes four Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports for Gigabit Ethernet uplinks. These ports offer flexible and high-speed connectivity options for linking to other switches or network devices, facilitating network scalability and performance.

3. Performance and Capacity

• Switching Bandwidth: The switch provides a switching bandwidth of 176 Gbps, ensuring that it can handle high traffic volumes efficiently.
• Forwarding Rate: With a forwarding rate of 77.4 million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets, the switch is capable of processing large volumes of data with minimal latency, supporting high-performance network operations.

4. Stacking Capabilities

• FlexStack Technology: The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L supports Cisco FlexStack stacking technology, allowing up to four switches to be interconnected into a single logical unit. This provides simplified management and enhanced scalability, as well as improved redundancy and resiliency.

5. Hardware and Design

• Rack-Mountable: The switch is designed to be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack, which is ideal for data centres and network closets. Its 1RU (rack unit) form factor ensures efficient use of space.
• Fan Design: The switch is equipped with fans for cooling, ensuring optimal performance and reliability even in high-density deployment scenarios.

6. Software and Features

• Cisco IOS Software: The switch runs on Cisco IOS Software, delivering a robust set of features for network management, security, and performance optimization. Features include VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), Access Control Lists (ACLs), and more.
• Security Features: The switch supports advanced security features such as port security, 802.1x authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and IP Source Guard, which help protect the network from various threats and unauthorized access.
• Energy Efficiency: Cisco EnergyWise technology is integrated into the switch, enabling the monitoring and management of power consumption to reduce operational costs and support green IT initiatives.

7. Management and Configuration

• Web-Based Interface: The switch includes a user-friendly web interface for straightforward configuration and management, making it accessible to network administrators with varying levels of expertise.
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): For advanced users, the switch supports a comprehensive CLI, offering greater control and flexibility for managing the network.
• Cisco Network Assistant (CNA): This intuitive software tool allows for the centralized management of multiple Cisco devices, simplifying tasks such as deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting.

8. Reliability and Support

• Robust Hardware: The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L is built with high-quality components, ensuring durability and long-term reliability to maintain consistent network performance.
• Cisco SMARTnet Services: The switch can be supported by Cisco SMARTnet services, which provide access to expert technical support, hardware replacement options, and software updates, ensuring peace of mind and operational continuity.

9. Use Cases

• Enterprise Networks: Ideal for large enterprise networks requiring high port density, PoE+ support, and robust security features.
• Medium-Sized Businesses: Suitable for growing businesses looking for scalable and reliable network solutions.
• Educational Institutions: Perfect for schools, colleges, and universities needing to connect a variety of devices while ensuring secure and efficient network operations.