Chapter 1 Product Overview

Front Panel Description

On a per-port basis, you can control whether Catalyst 2960 PoE port automatically provides power when you connect an IP phone or an access point. The device manager, Network Assistant, and the CLI provide two PoE settings for each 10/100 PoE port: Auto and Never.

When you select the Auto setting, the port provides power only if a valid powered device, such as an IEEE 802.3af-compliant powered device, a Cisco pre-standard IP phone, or a Cisco pre-standard Cisco access point, is connected to it. The Auto setting is the default. However, when you select the Never setting, the port does not provide power even if a Cisco IP phone or an access point is connected to it.

Cisco enhanced power negotiation allows some powered devices, such as the Cisco 7970G IP Phone, to operate in high-power mode on Catalyst 2960 PoE switches. The powered device and the switch negotiate through power-negotiation Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) messages for an agreed-upon power-consumption level. The negotiation allows a high-power Cisco powered device that consumes more than 7 W to operate at its highest power mode. The powered device first boots up in low-power mode, consumes less than 7 W, and negotiates to obtain enough power to operate in high-power mode. The device changes to high-power mode only when it receives confirmation from the switch. High-power devices can operate in low-power mode on switches that do not support power-negotiation CDP.

For information about configuring and monitoring PoE ports, see the switch software configuration guide.

You also can connect a Cisco IP Phone or Cisco Aironet Access Point to a Catalyst 2960 PoE switch 10/100 port and to an AC power source for redundant power. The powered device might switch to the AC power source as its primary power source upon being connected to it. In that case, the PoE port becomes the backup power source for the powered device.

If the primary source fails, the second power source becomes the primary power source to the powered device. During the power transfer, an IP phone might reboot or reestablish link with the switch.

For information about Cisco IP Phones and Cisco Aironet Access Points, see the documentation that came with your IP phone or access point.

Many legacy powered devices, including older Cisco IP phones and access points that do not fully support IEEE 802.3af, might not support PoE when connected to the switches by a crossover cable.

SFP Module Slots

The Catalyst 2960 switches (other than those listed) use Gigabit Ethernet SFP modules for Gigabit uplink connections and 100-Megabit SFP modules for 100-Megabit connections to establish fiber-optic connections. These Catalyst 2960 switches do not have an SFP module slot:

Catalyst 2960-24LT-L

Catalyst 2960-24TT-L

Catalyst 2960-48TT-L

Catalyst 2960PD-8TT-L

Catalyst 2960-24-S

The transceiver modules are field-replaceable, providing the uplink interfaces when you insert an SFP module. You can use the SFP modules for Gigabit uplink connections to other switches. You use fiber-optic cables with LC connectors to connect to a fiber-optic SFP module. You use Category 5 or higher cable with RJ-45 connectors to connect to a copper SFP module.

For more information about these SFP modules, see your SFP module documentation or the release notes for your switch software. For more information about cabling requirements, see Appendix A, “Connector and Cable Specifications.”

Catalyst 2960 Switch Hardware Installation Guide

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Cisco Systems 2960 specifications SFP Module Slots

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.