The Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S is a 24-port PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch from the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series, designed to provide Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and support for PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus). This model is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable, cost-effective solution for powering network devices while providing fast and secure data transfer.
Key Features and Benefits:
1. 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports:
- The WS-C2960-24PC-S offers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing high-speed network connectivity for a wide range of devices. These ports can handle heavy traffic loads, making the switch suitable for both enterprise environments and small office networks.
2. Power over Ethernet (PoE+):
- The switch supports PoE+ (802.3at), enabling it to deliver power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras directly through the Ethernet cable. This reduces the need for separate power supplies and simplifies installation by using a single cable for both data and power.
3. Layer 2 Switching:
- The WS-C2960-24PC-S is a Layer 2 switch, which means it focuses on forwarding traffic based on MAC addresses. It offers essential features such as VLAN support, MAC address filtering, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), allowing for network segmentation, security, and redundancy.
4. Energy Efficient Design:
- The WS-C2960-24PC-S is designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilizing features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption during periods of low traffic. This makes it more cost-effective to operate while reducing its overall environmental impact.
5. Easy to Manage:
- The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series switches, including the WS-C2960-24PC-S, support Cisco’s Web-based GUI for simplified configuration and management. In addition, they also support Cisco IOS for advanced features and more granular control, making it easier for network administrators to configure, monitor, and maintain the network.
6. Security Features:
- The WS-C2960-24PC-S provides robust security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and 802.1X authentication, which ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the network. These features help protect the network from unauthorized access and attacks.
7. Fixed Configuration:
- As a fixed-configuration switch, the WS-C2960-24PC-S is simple to deploy and manage, making it an excellent choice for businesses that require a plug-and-play solution without the complexity of configuring modular hardware. It provides a stable and reliable network environment with minimal setup required.
8. Stackable with Flexibility:
- The WS-C2960-24PC-S can be easily integrated into a larger network by stacking with other Catalyst 2960 Series switches, providing increased scalability and flexibility as the network grows. This makes it a good choice for businesses that anticipate future growth.
9. QoS (Quality of Service):
- The switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, allowing administrators to prioritize network traffic for latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing. This ensures that critical applications receive the bandwidth and low latency they require for optimal performance.
Use Cases:
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: The WS-C2960-24PC-S is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need reliable PoE connectivity for devices such as wireless access points, security cameras, and IP phones, while offering basic Layer 2 network management capabilities.
- Branch Offices: For businesses with remote or branch offices, the WS-C2960-24PC-S provides a scalable, easy-to-manage solution that integrates well into the company’s wider network, with support for both local and remote device management.
- IP Telephony and Video Surveillance: Thanks to its PoE+ capabilities, the WS-C2960-24PC-S is a great solution for environments where IP phones and IP cameras need to be powered via the same Ethernet connection, simplifying the installation and reducing the need for additional power adapters.
- Network Expansion: If a business needs to expand its network, the WS-C2960-24PC-S can serve as a great building block. Its stacking capabilities allow the network to grow seamlessly while maintaining a consistent level of performance and management.
Summary:
The Cisco WS-C2960-24PC-S is a 24-port PoE+ switch that offers Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, Layer 2 switching, and energy-efficient design. With support for Power over Ethernet (PoE+), it is ideal for powering network devices such as IP phones and wireless access points, simplifying deployment by reducing the need for separate power supplies. This switch is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses or branch offices that require reliable network connectivity and basic management features. Its ease of use, combined with essential security features and Cisco’s Web-based GUI, ensures that network administrators can efficiently manage their network infrastructure.
