Chapter 3 Switch Installation (8-Port Switches)

Preparing for Installation

Humidity around the switch must not exceed 85 percent.

Altitude at the installation site must not be greater than 10,000 feet (3,049 meters).

The bottom of the switch might be hot to the touch if the switch is operating at its maximum temperature 113°F (45°C) and is in an environment that exceeds normal room temperature (such as in a closet, in a cabinet, or in a closed or multirack assembly).

Do not place any items on the top of the switch.

Do not stack switches or place switches side-by-side unless they are separated on all sides by at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of clearance from each other.

Allow at least 1.75 inches (4 cm) of clearance above each switch in the rack.

Do not wall-mount the switch with its front panel facing up or sideways. According to safety regulations, wall-mount the switch with its front panel facing down to prevent airflow restriction and to provide easier access to the cables.

Clearance to the switch front and rear panels meets these conditions

You can easily read the front-panel indicators.

Access to ports is sufficient for unrestricted cabling.

The AC power cord can reach from the AC power outlet to the connector on the switch rear panel.

Cabling is away from sources of electrical noise, such as radios, power lines, and fluorescent lighting fixtures. Make sure the cabling is safely away from other devices that might damage the cables.

For 10/100/1000 ports, cable lengths from the switch to connected devices must be 328 feet (100 meters).

The cables meet the specifications in Table A-1 on page A-5, which lists the cable specifications for 1000BASE-X and 100BASE-X small form-factor (SFP) modules available for the Catalyst 2960 switch.

When you use shorter lengths of single-mode fiber-optic cable, you might need to insert an inline optical attenuator in the link to avoid overloading the receiver.

When the fiber-optic cable span is less than 15.43 miles (25 km), you should insert a 5-decibel (dB) or 10-dB inline optical attenuator between the fiber-optic cable plant and the receiving port on the 1000BASE-ZX SFP module at each end of the link.

Equipment That You Supply

This section is specific to the Catalyst 2960 8-port switches. For information applicable to the other Catalyst 2960 switches, see Chapter 2, “Switch Installation (24- and 48-Port Switches).”

You need this equipment to install the switch:

Number-2 Phillips screwdriver

Drill with a #27 drill bit (0.144-inch [3.7 mm])

Catalyst 2960 Switch Hardware Installation Guide

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Cisco Systems 2960 specifications Equipment That You Supply

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.