C H A P T E R 1

Product Overview

The Catalyst 2960 switch—also referred to as the switch—is an Ethernet switch to which you can connect devices such as workstations, Cisco Wireless Access Points, Cisco IP Phones, and other network devices including servers, routers, and other switches. This chapter provides a functional overview of the Catalyst 2960 switch. These topics are included:

•Features, page 1-1

•Front Panel Description, page 1-3

•Rear Panel Description, page 1-17

•Management Options, page 1-20

Features

You can deploy the 24- and 48-port Catalyst 2960 switches as backbone switches, aggregating 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T Ethernet traffic from other network devices. The 8-port Catalyst 2960 compact switches provide the same Ethernet connectivity, but you can deploy these switches outside of the traditional wiring closet environment, such as in office workspaces and classrooms. See the switch software configuration guide for deployment examples.

Table 1-1describes the switch model features.

Table 1-1

Catalyst 2960 Switch Model Descriptions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supported

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switch Model

 

Software Image

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalyst 2960-24-S

LAN-Lite

24

10/100BASE-TX Ethernet ports (no RPS port or small form-factor

 

 

 

 

pluggable [SFP] module slot)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalyst 2960-24TC-S

LAN-Lite

24

10/100BASE-TX Ethernet ports and 2 dual-purpose ports

 

 

 

 

(2 10/100/1000BASE-T copper ports and 2 SFP module slots);

 

 

 

 

(no RPS port)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalyst 2960-48TC-S

LAN-Lite

48

10/100BASE-TX Ethernet ports and 2 dual-purpose ports (no RPS port)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalyst 2960-24PC-L

LAN-Base

24

10/100BASE-TX Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports and 2 dual-purpose

 

 

 

 

ports

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalyst 2960-24LT-L

LAN-Base

24 10/100BASE-TX ports, 8 of which are PoE, and 2 10/100/1000 ports (no

 

 

 

 

SFP module slot)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalyst 2960 Switch Hardware Installation Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OL-7075-05

 

 

 

 

 

1-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems 2960 specifications Product Overview, Features
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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.
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