Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch: Models, Features & Uses

The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch series have become one of the foundations of the enterprise network infrastructure that have been deployed in many ways successfully delivering both reliability and affordability to organizations of any size. This detailed reference discusses the different types, capabilities and uses of this flexible switching platform that to this date still serves industries all over the UAE and the world.

Knowledge Segment Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch architecture

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch line series reflects the line of fixed-configuration switch complexes in order to ascertain the requirements of changing enterprise networks. The switches offer this core Layer 2 switching functions with enhanced layers of security and are best suited to applications in the access layer of campus networks, branch offices and in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch has architecture which aims at high performance and simplicity in management and deployment. All the models utilize the Cisco well-tested switching technology, which guarantees stable performance and compatibility with the existing network infrastructure.

Main Functionalities and Possibilities

Power Ethernet (PoE) Compliant

As part of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch series, many have PoE support to both IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards. The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series PoE models work with the newest PoE devices such as Cisco IP-Phones and Cisco Aironet WLAN access points that provide up to 15.4W of power per port and any IEEE 802.3af compliant end device.

High-level Security Systems

The issue of security has been given prime concern in contemporary networking, and the Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch family is endowed with superior security features.

These switches have extra functions like 802.1X authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and port security facilities that assist in the protection of the network resources against illegal access and threats.

FlexStack Technology

They enable reliable and secure business operations with lower total cost of ownership through a range of innovative features, including FlexStack, Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), and Cisco Catalyst SmartOperations.

FlexStack technology allows multiple switches to be connected as a single logical unit, simplifying management and providing redundancy for critical network operations.

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch Model Variations

Catalyst 2960-X Series

The 2960-X series represents one of the most popular variants within the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch family. These switches offer enhanced performance and advanced features compared to earlier models. The Cisco hardware architecture delivers the following high-performance IP routing features in the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X and 2960-XR Series Switches.

Key models in this series include:

• C2960X-24PD-L: 24-port switch with PoE+ support
• C2960X-48TS-L: 48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch
• C2960X-24TS-L: 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch
• C2960X-48FPD-L: 48-port switch with full PoE+ capability

Catalyst 2960-S Series

The 2960-S series provides a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. These switches offer essential features for small to medium-sized deployments while maintaining the reliability expected from Cisco networking equipment. The series includes various port configurations to accommodate different network requirements.

Catalyst 2960-XR Series

The 2960-XR series extends the capabilities of the 2960-X platform with additional features and enhanced performance characteristics. These switches support advanced routing protocols and provide increased scalability for growing networks.

Practical Use Cases and Applications

Campus Access Layer Deployment

The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch series excels in campus access layer deployments where reliable connectivity for end-user devices is essential. These switches provide the necessary port density and PoE capabilities to support workstations, IP phones, and wireless access points throughout office environments.

Branch Office Networking

For branch office deployments, the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch offers an ideal combination of features and cost-effectiveness. The switches provide essential connectivity while maintaining centralized management capabilities through network management systems.

Small to Medium Business Networks

Small and medium-sized businesses benefit from the simplified management and robust feature set of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch series. These switches provide enterprise-grade capabilities without the complexity associated with larger switching platforms.