10/100 Ports

Chapter 1 Product Overview

Front Panel Description

Catalyst 2960-8TC-L Catalyst 2960G-8TC -L Switches

The console ports for the Catalyst 2960-8TC-L and Catalyst 2960G-8TC-L switches (Figure 1-13and Figure 1-14) are on the front panels. The switches also have a dual-purpose port that can use either an RJ-45 connector or an SFP module, but not both. Use the software to set the connector type for these ports.

For more information on the dual-purpose port, see the “Dual-Purpose Port” section on page 1-11. For more information on the console port, see the “Console Port” section on page 1-19.

Figure 1-13		Catalyst 2960-8TC-L Switch Front Panel
									Catalyst 2960 Series
SYST	CONSOLE	1x	2x	3x	4x	5x	6x	7x	8x
SYST	CONSOLE
STAT
DPLX
SPD										157822
									1
MODE

	1					2			3

1	Console port			3	Dual-purpose port
2	10/100/100 ports
Figure 1-14			Catalyst 2960G-8TC-L Switch Front Panel
									Catalyst 2960G Series
SYST		CONSOLE	1x	2x	3x	4x	5x	6x	7x
SYST		CONSOLE
STAT
DPLX										200046
SPD
									1
	MODE

		1				2			3

Console port

3 Dual-purpose port

10/100/1000 ports

You can set the 10/100 ports to operate at 10 or 100 Mb/s in full-duplex or half-duplex mode. You can also set these ports for speed and duplex autonegotiation. The default setting is autonegotiate. When the port is set to autonegotiate, it senses the speed and duplex settings of the attached device and advertises its own capabilities. If the connected device also supports autonegotiation, the switch port negotiates the best connection (that is, the fastest line speed that both devices support and full-duplex transmission if the attached device supports it) and configures itself accordingly. In all cases, the attached device must be within 328 feet (100 meters).

100BASE-TX traffic requires a Category 5 or higher cable. 10BASE-T traffic can use Category 3 or Category 4 cables.

When you connect the switch to workstations, servers, routers, and Cisco IP Phones, be sure that the cable is a straight-through cable. When you connect the switch to switches or hubs, use a crossover cable. Pinouts for the cables are described in Appendix A, “Connector and Cable Specifications.”

Catalyst 2960 Switch Hardware Installation Guide

1-8	OL-7075-05

2960 specifications

Cisco Systems 2960 series switches are a prominent solution in the networking landscape, known for their reliability, scalability, and feature-rich offerings. Ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises, these switches provide a robust foundation for network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and connectivity.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 2960 series is its Layer 2 switching capabilities. The switches support multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), allowing network administrators to segment traffic efficiently and enhance security protocols. This is crucial in modern networks where managing traffic and isolating sensitive information is a priority.

The Cisco 2960 series also incorporates advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, enabling the prioritization of critical applications and services. This functionality ensures that time-sensitive data, such as voice and video traffic, maintains a high quality of service even in congested networks. With support for IEEE 802.1p and DSCP marking, administrators can fine-tune their network performance to meet specific organizational needs.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is another significant characteristic of the Cisco 2960 series. This feature allows switches to deliver electrical power alongside data over Ethernet cables to devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras. With PoE, organizations can reduce clutter from power cables and increase deployment flexibility for various devices.

In terms of security, the Cisco 2960 series is equipped with a range of integrated security features. The switch supports port security, 802.1X authentication, and Access Control Lists (ACLs), providing robust defenses against unauthorized access and potential network vulnerabilities. These security measures are essential for protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Moreover, the Cisco 2960 series offers enhanced network management capabilities with Cisco's Intelligent Network Services. This includes support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Cisco Prime, and Embedded Event Manager (EEM), allowing for efficient monitoring, troubleshooting, and policy enforcement across the network.

Additionally, the Cisco 2960 switches provide various models and configurations, catering to different networking needs. Options include models with varying port densities, uplink configurations, and stacking capabilities, making it easy for organizations to choose solutions that align perfectly with their requirements.

In summary, the Cisco 2960 series is a versatile and essential component of modern networking environments. Its advanced features, including Layer 2 support, QoS, PoE, robust security, and diverse management tools, make it an excellent choice for organizations looking to build a strong and secure network infrastructure.

Catalyst 2960-8TC-L Catalyst 2960G-8TC -L Switches

Console port

Dual-purpose port

10/100/100 ports

Console port

3 Dual-purpose port

10/100/1000 ports

10/100 Ports

2960 specifications