WS-C2960-24TC-S

Key Features of Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S:

1. 24 Fast Ethernet Ports:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S provides 24 Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbps). These ports are commonly used in environments where gigabit speeds are not critical, or where devices with Fast Ethernet capabilities are still prevalent (e.g., legacy equipment, printers, or older computers).
   • While the Fast Ethernet ports are not as fast as Gigabit Ethernet, they are still suitable for most basic office setups or branch office scenarios that do not require high bandwidth.

2. 2 Gigabit SFP Uplink Ports:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S includes 2 Gigabit SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) uplink ports. These allow for fiber-optic connections, which provide a higher bandwidth link for uplink connections between switches or to upstream devices such as routers or core switches.
   • These fiber-optic links are useful for connecting to remote sites or for providing higher-speed connections across distances greater than what copper cables can support.

3. Layer 2 Switching:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S primarily operates as a Layer 2 switch, which means it focuses on switching Ethernet frames within the same local network (VLAN).
   • It supports standard Layer 2 features like:
     • VLANs (Virtual LANs): Can create and manage VLANs to logically segment traffic and improve security and performance.
     • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Prevents network loops by detecting redundant paths and blocking them.
     • Link Aggregation: Combines multiple physical links into one logical link to provide higher bandwidth and redundancy.

4. Cisco IOS Software:

   • The switch runs Cisco IOS, which provides various network management, security, and monitoring features.
   • Cisco IOS allows for centralized control of the network and simplifies configuration and management of networking devices.

5. Enhanced Security Features:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S includes several built-in security features to help protect your network, such as:
     • Port Security: Controls which devices can connect to specific ports based on MAC address.
     • 802.1X Authentication: Implements port-based access control to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing the network.
     • Access Control Lists (ACLs): Filters traffic based on criteria such as IP address, port, and protocol.

6. Energy-Efficient Design:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S has been designed to be energy efficient, which helps reduce power consumption when traffic is low.
   • This is beneficial for lowering operational costs, especially in large deployments where multiple devices need to be powered on 24/7.

7. Stackable:

   • While the WS-C2960-24TC-S does not support StackPower or StackWise stacking like some other higher-end Catalyst switches, it is still stackable in the sense that multiple devices can be connected to each other for redundancy and bandwidth aggregation.
   • However, it does not have the same level of stacking flexibility as other models in the Catalyst 2960 series.

8. Fixed Configuration:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S is a fixed-configuration switch, meaning the ports are not modular, and you cannot add more ports or change the port types (e.g., adding more Gigabit Ethernet ports or SFP ports).
   • This fixed configuration makes it an excellent solution for small to medium-sized businesses or specific departments that require a set amount of ports for their network.

9. Quality of Service (QoS):

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S supports QoS features, which prioritize network traffic to ensure critical applications like voice and video get the necessary bandwidth and low latency.
   • This is useful in environments where voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, or other real-time services are in use.

Hardware Specifications of Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S:

• Ports:
  • 24 x Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbps)
  • 2 x Gigabit SFP uplink ports (for fiber-optic connections)
• Switching Capacity: 8.8 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 6.5 million packets per second (mpps)
• Power Consumption: Typically 28.5W (without any additional PoE needs)
• Cooling: Internal fan for cooling.
• Form Factor: 1U (Rackmount, 19-inch wide)
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches (44 x 445 x 267 mm)
• Weight: 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)

Use Cases for Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S:

1. Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise Networks:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need an affordable Layer 2 switch for connecting office devices like computers, printers, and phones.
   • With 24 Fast Ethernet ports, it’s suitable for environments where high-speed Gigabit Ethernet is not necessary, or where older devices are still in use.

2. Branch Offices:

   • It is ideal for branch offices that need a reliable, cost-effective switch to provide network connectivity to a number of devices and connect back to a main office or data center via the Gigabit SFP uplink ports.

3. Network Access Layer:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S is typically used as an access layer switch, connecting end devices to the network and providing network access to user workstations and devices.

4. Edge Switching for Data Centers:

   • In larger network environments, this switch can be used as an edge switch that connects servers and other network devices to the core network. The Gigabit SFP ports allow for faster connections to higher-level core switches or routers.

5. Retail and Education Environments:

   • The WS-C2960-24TC-S can be used in retail or educational settings where you need to provide network connectivity to multiple devices in classrooms, offices, or other spaces.

6. Legacy Networks:

   • In legacy network setups, where devices do not support Gigabit Ethernet speeds, the Fast Ethernet ports are a more suitable option, providing a cost-effective solution without needing to upgrade every device.