Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960L-16PS-LL Ethernet Switch

Overview

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960L-16PS-LL is part of the Cisco Catalyst 2960-L Series, designed for simplicity, efficiency, and reliability in enterprise network environments. This switch provides a robust feature set that is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices, offering enhanced security, management capabilities, and performance.

Detailed and Descriptive Overview of WS-C2960L-16PS-LL

1. Form Factor and Physical Design

• Compact Form Factor: The WS-C2960L-16PS-LL is designed to be a compact, 1U rack-mountable switch. Its compact size allows it to be easily installed in standard 19-inch racks, saving space in network cabinets and data centers.
• Durable Construction: Built with a sturdy metal chassis, this switch is engineered to withstand the rigors of enterprise environments, ensuring long-term reliability and durability.

2. Port Configuration and Power over Ethernet (PoE)

• Ethernet Ports:
  • 16 Fast Ethernet Ports: The switch is equipped with 16 Fast Ethernet (10/100) ports, providing ample connectivity for end-user devices such as computers, IP phones, and printers.
• PoE Capability:
  • PoE Support: The switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) on all 16 ports, allowing it to power devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled devices directly through the network cables. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies, simplifying the network setup.
  • PoE Budget: With a total PoE power budget of 120W, the switch can support multiple PoE devices simultaneously, making it ideal for offices that require extensive PoE deployment.

3. Uplink Ports

• Gigabit Uplink Ports:
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) Uplink Ports: These uplink ports provide high-speed connectivity to other switches, routers, or network cores, ensuring efficient data transfer and network expansion capabilities.
  • Flexibility in Network Design: The gigabit uplinks allow for greater flexibility in designing the network, enabling higher bandwidth connections to critical network segments.

4. Performance and Scalability

• Switching Capacity and Throughput:
  • Switching Capacity: The WS-C2960L-16PS-LL has a switching capacity of 18 Gbps, which allows it to handle moderate traffic loads effectively, ensuring smooth data flow and low latency for connected devices.
  • Forwarding Rate: With a forwarding rate of 13.3 Mpps (million packets per second), the switch can efficiently process and forward data packets, ensuring optimal network performance.
• Scalability:
  • Port Density: The 16 Fast Ethernet ports provide sufficient connectivity for small to medium-sized networks, making it suitable for growing enterprises and branch offices.
  • Network Expansion: The two gigabit uplink ports enable easy network expansion by connecting to additional switches or higher-tier network devices, accommodating future growth.

5. Advanced Networking Features

• Security Features:
  • Port Security: The switch supports port security features, which allow network administrators to control access to the network by limiting the number of devices that can connect to each port. This helps prevent unauthorized access and enhances network security.
  • 802.1X Authentication: 802.1X port-based authentication provides secure network access control by requiring devices to authenticate before gaining network access, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect to the network.
• Quality of Service (QoS):
  • QoS Features: The WS-C2960L-16PS-LL includes basic QoS capabilities to prioritize network traffic. This ensures that critical applications, such as voice and video, receive the necessary bandwidth for smooth operation.

6. Management and Configuration

• Cisco IOS Software:
  • Operating System: The switch runs on Cisco IOS LAN Lite software, providing a user-friendly command-line interface (CLI) for configuration and management. The LAN Lite feature set offers essential Layer 2 features for small to medium-sized networks.
• Web-Based Management:
  • GUI Management: In addition to CLI, the switch offers a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) for easy configuration and monitoring. This intuitive interface simplifies network management tasks, making it accessible to administrators with varying levels of expertise.

7. Reliability and Redundancy

• Power Supplies and Cooling:
  • Fixed Internal Power Supply: The switch is equipped with a fixed internal power supply, providing a reliable power source for continuous operation. The integrated power supply design reduces maintenance and simplifies installation.
  • Cooling: The switch includes internal cooling mechanisms to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Proper cooling ensures consistent performance and prevents overheating.

8. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

• Energy Efficiency:
  • Energy-Efficient Design: The WS-C2960L-16PS-LL is designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping reduce power consumption and operational costs. The switch incorporates features to minimize energy usage while maintaining performance.
  • Cisco EnergyWise: Supports Cisco EnergyWise technology, which helps monitor and manage energy usage across network devices, contributing to a more sustainable network environment.
• Environmental Specifications:
  • Operating Temperature: The switch operates within a temperature range of 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C), making it suitable for typical office and network room environments.
  • Operating Humidity: Designed to function in environments with 10% to 90% non-condensing humidity, accommodating a range of indoor conditions.

9. Use Cases and Applications

• Enterprise Networks:
  • Office Networks: Ideal for small to medium-sized office networks where PoE is required for devices like IP phones and wireless access points. The WS-C2960L-16PS-LL offers reliable performance and connectivity for a wide range of end-user devices.
  • Edge Deployments: Suitable for edge deployments in enterprise environments where essential features and moderate port density are required. The switch provides the necessary connectivity and management capabilities for edge network segments.
• Branch Offices:
  • Branch Deployments: Perfect for branch office setups that need a cost-effective and reliable switch with PoE support. The WS-C2960L-16PS-LL offers a straightforward solution for connecting multiple devices in remote locations.