WS-C2960-8TC-L Cisco Managed Layer 2 Switch with 8 Ports

Cisco WS-C2960-8TC-L Catalyst 2960-8TC Ethernet Switch 

The Cisco WS-C2960-8TC-L is a compact yet powerful 8-port managed Ethernet switch from the renowned Catalyst 2960 series. Designed for small to medium-sized networks, this switch ensures reliable Layer 2 connectivity, high-speed uplink capabilities, and full management flexibility, making it ideal for enterprises seeking efficient network traffic control and seamless integration.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C2960-8TC-L
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 2960
• Device Type: Managed Ethernet Switch

Port Configuration and Expansion

• Total Number of Ports: 8
• RJ-45 Ports: 8 x Fast Ethernet (10/100Base-TX)
• Expansion Slot: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed network growth
• Uplink Port: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet for efficient uplink connectivity

Supported Network and Ethernet Technologies

• Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
• Network Standard: 10/100Base-TX
• Cable Compatibility: Twisted Pair Cabling
• Layer Support: Layer 2 switching for effective traffic management

Comprehensive Management Features

• Managed Switch: Yes, supports full management capabilities
• Management Protocols: Supports SNMP, RMON, CLI, and other industry-standard protocols for seamless network administration
• Configuration Options: Web-based GUI, command-line interface, and remote management support

Power and Environmental Specifications

• PoE Capability: Not supported
• Input Voltage: 110 V AC / 220 V AC
• Energy Efficiency: Optimized power usage for low operational costs

Ideal Use Cases

• Small and medium-sized office networks
• Branch office connectivity
• VLAN segmentation for traffic isolation and security
• Integration into larger enterprise networks as an access switch

Layer 2 Features for Efficient Network Management

• MAC address table for intelligent forwarding
• Support for VLANs for traffic segmentation
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent loops
• Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing critical applications

Cisco WS-C2960-8TC-L Catalyst 8-port Ethernet switch

The Cisco WS-C2960-8TC-L Catalyst 2960-8TC is a compact, high-performance 8-port Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized networks requiring reliable connectivity and advanced management capabilities. As part of the Cisco 2960 Series, this switch offers exceptional stability, security, and energy efficiency, making it suitable for enterprise branch offices, educational institutions, and small businesses seeking a cost-effective networking solution.

Design and Hardware Features

The Catalyst 2960-8TC-L features a robust metal chassis with a compact form factor suitable for desktop or rack-mounted deployment. Each of the 8 Ethernet ports supports Fast Ethernet connectivity, ensuring consistent data transfer and low latency across the network. The switch also includes two uplink ports that provide flexible connectivity options for integrating with higher-layer switches or routers.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

This switch offers a total of 8 10/100 Ethernet ports, designed to accommodate both end devices and networked peripherals. The uplink ports enhance the network's scalability by allowing seamless integration into larger Cisco networking environments. With auto-negotiation and auto-MDIX support, devices can be connected without concerns over cabling mismatches.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Cisco's Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology is integrated into the WS-C2960-8TC-L, reducing power consumption during periods of low network activity. This energy-saving feature aligns with modern green IT practices, lowering operational costs while maintaining optimal network performance.

Software Capabilities and Management

The WS-C2960-8TC-L runs Cisco IOS Software, providing a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 switching features along with limited Layer 3 static routing capabilities. The switch supports advanced network management functions, including Quality of Service (QoS), VLAN segmentation, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to prioritize critical traffic and enhance network security.

VLAN and Network Segmentation

With VLAN support, the Catalyst 2960-8TC allows administrators to segment the network into multiple logical groups. This improves security by isolating sensitive traffic and enhances network efficiency by reducing broadcast domains. The switch supports up to 64 active VLANs, offering flexibility for diverse network architectures.

QoS and Traffic Prioritization

The integrated QoS features enable precise control over data traffic, ensuring that time-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing receive priority treatment. Administrators can configure QoS policies based on port, VLAN, or protocol, enhancing overall network performance and reliability.

Security Features and Compliance

Cisco prioritizes security in the Catalyst 2960-8TC-L with a range of features designed to safeguard network infrastructure. Port security limits access to authorized devices, preventing unauthorized connections. The switch also supports IEEE 802.1X authentication for identity-based network access control, ensuring that only authenticated users can connect.

Access Control and Policy Enforcement

With ACLs and role-based access control, the switch allows administrators to define granular security policies for network traffic. This ensures compliance with organizational security standards and protects sensitive data from potential threats. The switch's support for Secure Shell (SSH) and SNMPv3 protocols further enhances management security by encrypting administrative communications.

Network Reliability and Redundancy

The Catalyst 2960-8TC-L is designed for high reliability, featuring Cisco's proven switch architecture and hardware redundancy mechanisms. Uplink redundancy options allow for failover connections to higher-layer devices, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous network operation even during hardware failures.

Integration with Cisco Networking Ecosystem

As part of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 family, the WS-C2960-8TC-L integrates seamlessly with other Cisco switches, routers, and network management tools. The switch is compatible with Cisco Prime Infrastructure, offering centralized monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting across the enterprise network. This integration simplifies network administration and accelerates deployment in multi-switch environments.

Compatibility and Interoperability

Designed to work with a wide range of Cisco devices, the 2960-8TC-L ensures smooth interoperability across mixed networking environments. It supports standard networking protocols such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), providing robust redundancy and optimal network performance.

Future-Proof Networking

Investing in the Catalyst 2960-8TC-L ensures that networks are prepared for evolving business needs. Its modular design and support for firmware upgrades allow organizations to adopt new features and enhancements without replacing hardware. This longevity maximizes return on investment and simplifies network expansion.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The WS-C2960-8TC-L is suitable for various deployment scenarios, ranging from small office networks to distributed enterprise branches. Its compact size and low power consumption make it ideal for desktop installations, while rack-mounting options accommodate more structured environments. The switch's ability to handle mixed traffic types, including data, voice, and video, makes it versatile for unified communications applications.

Small Business Networks

For small business environments, the 2960-8TC-L offers essential Layer 2 features with ease of deployment. The switch provides a reliable foundation for networked devices, enabling efficient file sharing, Internet access, and IP telephony services.

Branch Offices and Remote Sites

In branch office scenarios, the switch serves as an access layer device connecting multiple endpoints to the corporate network. Its integration with Cisco's management tools ensures consistent configuration and monitoring across all locations, simplifying maintenance and reducing operational overhead.

Educational and Healthcare Facilities

Educational institutions and healthcare facilities benefit from the Catalyst 2960-8TC-L's security and traffic management capabilities. VLAN segmentation, ACLs, and QoS ensure sensitive information, such as student records or patient data, is securely transmitted and prioritized across the network.

Performance and Scalability

The Catalyst 2960-8TC-L delivers reliable performance with wire-speed forwarding, minimal latency, and stable throughput for small to medium-sized networks. While it is designed primarily as an access layer switch, its uplink capabilities and compatibility with larger Cisco switches allow for scalable network topologies.

Stacking and Expandability

Although the WS-C2960-8TC-L does not support Cisco FlexStack stacking modules, it can be integrated into a larger network topology with multiple 2960 series switches connected via uplinks. This allows administrators to expand network capacity while maintaining consistent management and policy enforcement.