Ethernet and Fiber Cables, Link Status | Cisco Systems 2960 specification

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting

Diagnosing Problems

Ethernet and Fiber Cables

Make sure that you have the correct cable type for the connection:

•For Ethernet, use Category 3 copper cable for 10 Mb/s unshielded twisted pair (UTP) connections. Use either Category 5, Category 5e, or Category 6 UTP for 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mb/s connections.

•For fiber-optic connectors, verify that you have the correct cable for the distance and port type. Make sure that the ports on the connected device match and that they use the same type of encoding, optical frequency, and fiber type. For more information about cabling, see Appendix A, “Connector and Cable Specifications.”

•For copper connections, determine if a crossover cable was used when a straight-through cable was required or the reverse. Enable auto-MDIX on the switch, or replace the cable.

Link Status

Verify that both sides have link. A single broken wire or one shutdown port can cause one side to show link, but the other side does not have link.

A link LED does not guarantee that the cable is fully functional. The cable might have encountered physical stress that causes it to function at a marginal level. If the link light for the port does not come on:

•Connect the cable from the switch to a known, good device.

•Make sure that both ends of the cable are connected to the correct ports.

•Verify that both devices have power.

•Verify that you are using the correct cable type. See Appendix A, “Connector and Cable Specifications.” for more information.

•Look for loose connections. Sometimes a cable appears to be seated, but is not. Disconnect and then reconnect the cable.

Transceiver Module Port Issues

Use only Cisco small form-factor (SFP) modules on the switch. Each Cisco module has an internal serial EEPROM that is encoded with security information. This encoding provides a way for Cisco to identify and validate that the module meets the requirements for the switch. Look for these items:

•Bad or incorrect SFP module. Exchange the suspect module with a known, good module. Verify that this module supports this platform. See the “Features” section on page 1-1for a list of supported SFP modules.

•Use the show interfaces privileged EXEC command to verify the port or module error-disabled, disabled, or shutdown status. Re-enable the port if necessary.

•Make sure that all you have properly cleaned and securely connected all fiber-optic connections.

Port and Interface Settings

An obvious but sometimes overlooked cause of port connectivity failure is a disabled port. Verify that the port or interface is not disabled or for some reason powered off. If a port or interface is manually shut down on one or the other side of the link, the link does not come up until you re-enable the port.

Catalyst 2960 Switch Hardware Installation Guide

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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.