Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S Port 10/100 PoE + 2 Gigabit SFP Managed Switch

Overview

1. Port Configuration

• 24 Fast Ethernet Ports: The WS-C2960+24PC-S is equipped with 24 Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbps). These ports allow for the connection of devices such as computers, printers, and IP phones. While Fast Ethernet provides a slower speed compared to Gigabit Ethernet, it remains suitable for many standard network tasks and smaller networks where gigabit speeds are not necessary.
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports: The switch includes 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports (10/100/1000 Mbps). These uplink ports provide high-speed connectivity to other network devices like routers, switches, or firewalls. The gigabit uplink ports enable faster data transfer between switches or to higher-speed network segments, improving overall network performance and scalability.

2. Performance and Capacity

• Switching Bandwidth: The WS-C2960+24PC-S has a switching bandwidth of 16 Gbps. This bandwidth capacity supports efficient data transfer across the network and helps prevent congestion by managing the data traffic effectively. A high switching bandwidth ensures that the switch can handle multiple connections and data streams without significant performance degradation.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch supports a forwarding rate of up to 4.8 million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets. This forwarding rate indicates the switch’s ability to process and forward a high volume of network packets quickly. A higher forwarding rate contributes to lower latency and smoother network performance, especially in environments with high traffic loads.

3. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

• PoE Support: The WS-C2960+24PC-S supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) on all 24 Fast Ethernet ports. PoE allows the switch to deliver electrical power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and network cameras through the Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for these devices, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter.
• Total PoE Power Budget: The switch provides a total PoE power budget of 370 watts. This power budget ensures that all connected PoE devices can receive adequate power for operation. It supports a variety of PoE devices and configurations, making it versatile for different network setups.

4. Hardware and Design

• Rack-Mountable: The WS-C2960+24PC-S is designed to be rack-mounted with a 1RU (rack unit) form factor. This compact design allows the switch to fit into standard 19-inch racks or network enclosures, making it suitable for deployment in data centers or network closets where space is at a premium.
• Fan Design: The switch features internal cooling fans that ensure proper ventilation and maintain optimal operating temperatures. Effective cooling helps prevent overheating and ensures the switch operates reliably even under heavy network loads. The internal fan design contributes to a quieter operation compared to external fan solutions.

5. Software and Features

• Cisco IOS Software: The WS-C2960+24PC-S runs on Cisco IOS Software, a widely used network operating system known for its stability and extensive feature set. Cisco IOS provides a range of functionalities for network management, including VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), Access Control Lists (ACLs), and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). These features help in configuring, monitoring, and securing the network effectively.
• Cisco EnergyWise: The switch includes Cisco EnergyWise technology, which helps in managing and reducing power consumption across the network. This feature enables network administrators to monitor energy usage and implement power-saving policies, contributing to lower operational costs and a more environmentally friendly network operation.

6. Management and Configuration

• Web-Based Interface: The WS-C2960+24PC-S comes with a web-based management interface, providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for configuring and monitoring the switch. This interface simplifies the management tasks by allowing administrators to perform configuration changes, monitor network status, and troubleshoot issues through an intuitive browser-based interface.
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): For more advanced configuration and diagnostics, the switch offers a Command-Line Interface (CLI). The CLI provides detailed control over the switch’s settings and allows for complex configurations and troubleshooting by experienced network administrators.
• Cisco Configuration Professional (CCP): The switch is compatible with Cisco Configuration Professional, a tool that offers a graphical interface for configuring and managing Cisco network devices. CCP provides an easy-to-use environment with configuration wizards and management features, facilitating the deployment and management of network devices.

7. Reliability and Support

• Robust Hardware: The WS-C2960+24PC-S is built with high-quality components to ensure durability and reliability. The robust hardware design helps in minimizing the risk of hardware failures and supports continuous network operation.
• Cisco SMARTnet Services: The switch can be covered by Cisco SMARTnet services, which provide access to technical support, hardware replacement options, and software updates. SMARTnet services help in maintaining operational continuity and addressing any issues that may arise quickly and effectively.

8. Use Cases

• Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: The WS-C2960+24PC-S is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that require reliable network connectivity with PoE support. Its port density and features make it ideal for providing network access to a variety of devices in an office environment.
• Branch Offices: The switch is also suitable for branch office deployments where high-speed connectivity and PoE capabilities are needed. Its compact design and efficient performance make it a good fit for remote or satellite office locations.
• Educational Institutions: The WS-C2960+24PC-S is effective in educational settings, such as classrooms and administrative areas, where multiple devices need to be connected. Its PoE support and management features make it a versatile solution for educational environments.