The Cisco WS-C2960S-48FPS-L is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch from the Catalyst 2960-S Series, designed for businesses and organizations that require high-performance networking with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. It is equipped with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, all of which support PoE to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points (APs), cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices. The switch also includes 4 SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) uplink ports for high-speed fiber connectivity, making it a highly flexible solution for expanding network reach and interconnecting with other devices in the network.
Key Features and Benefits:
1. 48 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with PoE:
- The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L comes with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports that provide high-speed connectivity for workstations, network devices, and critical applications. The PoE feature on all 48 ports eliminates the need for additional power adapters for devices such as IP phones, cameras, and access points, reducing cable clutter and simplifying installation.
2. 4 SFP Uplink Ports:
- The switch is equipped with 4 SFP uplink ports, offering flexibility for fiber-optic connectivity. These uplinks enable high-speed connections to other switches or network segments, providing longer-distance links between buildings or floors and enhancing network scalability.
3. Layer 2 Switching:
- Operating at Layer 2, the WS-C2960S-48FPS-L provides efficient data forwarding based on MAC addresses. It supports features such as VLANs (Virtual LANs) to segment network traffic for better security and management, as well as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent network loops and ensure redundancy.
4. Power over Ethernet (PoE):
- This switch provides 48 PoE-enabled ports, allowing you to power devices directly over the Ethernet cable. This feature simplifies deployment for devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras, without the need for separate power sources. This leads to a more streamlined and cost-effective network infrastructure.
5. Energy Efficient Design:
- Designed with Cisco EnergyWise technology, the WS-C2960S-48FPS-L offers energy-efficient operation. The ability to reduce power consumption without compromising performance makes this switch environmentally friendly and helps organizations reduce energy costs.
6. Network Security Features:
- The switch includes a range of security features to safeguard the network from unauthorized access. These features include Port Security, MAC address filtering, and 802.1X authentication to control access to the network and ensure that only authorized devices can connect.
7. Quality of Service (QoS):
- The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L supports Quality of Service (QoS), which allows for prioritization of network traffic. This ensures that time-sensitive applications such as voice (VoIP) and video conferencing get the required bandwidth, preventing delays and ensuring high-quality communication.
8. Stackable Design:
- With StackWise Plus technology, this switch supports stacking, which allows multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. This feature simplifies the management of larger networks and makes it easier to scale the network as the business grows.
9. Simple and Flexible Management:
- The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L is easy to manage with Cisco’s IOS software. It offers both web-based management and command-line interface (CLI) for configuration and monitoring. Cisco’s management platforms like Cisco Prime Infrastructure provide a centralized way to monitor and manage network health, configuration, and performance.
10. Cost-Effective Solution:
- The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L delivers enterprise-class features at a cost-effective price, making it an excellent choice for businesses that need to power PoE devices, require high-density network ports, and want to ensure reliable network performance without the high costs typically associated with enterprise-grade solutions.
Use Cases:
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): The WS-C2960S-48FPS-L is an ideal choice for SMBs needing a high-density switch that can power PoE devices and handle Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across multiple workstations and devices. It offers a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to simplify network infrastructure and ensure reliable performance.
- Branch Offices and Remote Locations: For businesses with branch offices or remote locations, this switch provides fiber-optic uplink connectivity, enabling fast and secure connections to the main office or other parts of the network. Its PoE functionality also supports easy deployment of devices in remote locations without needing additional power sources.
- Network Expansion: If you’re looking to expand your network by adding more devices or upgrading infrastructure, the WS-C2960S-48FPS-L offers scalability with its stacking capabilities and fiber uplinks. It also simplifies the network setup by providing a single device for powering and connecting multiple devices.
- VoIP and Video Surveillance: This switch is perfect for VoIP deployments and video surveillance networks, as it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for powering IP phones, video cameras, and access points while maintaining high-speed data transmission.
Summary:
The Cisco WS-C2960S-48FPS-L is a 48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE support, designed to provide high-performance and energy-efficient networking for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices. With its 48 PoE-enabled ports, 4 SFP uplink ports, Layer 2 switching, and robust security features, it is an excellent choice for environments that require high-density connectivity, PoE devices, and reliable network performance. It offers scalability, simple management, and energy efficiency, making it an ideal solution for organizations looking to enhance their network infrastructure.
