WS-C2960XR-24TD-I Cisco Layer3 Switch 10 Gigabit Ethernet Rack-Mountable

Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I is a high-performance, enterprise-grade Catalyst switch designed to deliver reliable Layer 3 switching, advanced routing intelligence, and scalable network expansion. Built for modern business infrastructures, this manageable twisted pair switch supports stacking, robust security controls, and optimized traffic handling, making it ideal for access-layer deployments in campus, branch, and enterprise environments.

General Device Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C2960XR-24TD-I
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Switch Type: 24-Port Layer 3 Ethernet Switch
• Stacking Capability: Stackable up to multiple units

Physical Design and Form Factor

• Enclosure Type: Desktop and rack-mountable
• Rack Height: 1U form factor
• Designed for continuous enterprise operation

Ethernet and Uplink Interfaces

• 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 2 x SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed fiber connections

Additional Management and Expansion Interfaces

• 1 x USB Type-A port
• 1 x USB Type-B port
• 1 x RJ-45 console port
• 1 x Dedicated RJ-45 management LAN interface

High-Speed Throughput and Forwarding

• Switching Capacity: Up to 216 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 95.2 million packets per second (Mpps)

VLAN and Frame Handling Capabilities

• Supports up to 1023 virtual LAN interfaces
• Jumbo frame support up to 9216 bytes
• Enhanced segmentation for improved traffic control

Stacking and Scalability

• Maximum stack size: Up to 8 switches
• Simplified management across stacked devices
• Improved redundancy and bandwidth aggregation

Advanced Routing Capabilities

• OSPF for dynamic routing
• RIP v1 and RIP v2
• RIPng for IPv6 environments
• Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
• HSRP and VRRP for gateway redundancy

Multicast Routing Support

• PIM Sparse Mode (PIM-SM)
• PIM Dense Mode (PIM-DM)
• PIM Source-Specific Multicast (PIM-SSM)

Comprehensive Network Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• RMON levels 1, 2, 3, and 9
• Secure Shell (SSH) and Telnet access
• HTTP-based management
• Command Line Interface (CLI)

Authentication and Access Control Methods

• SSH-based secure access
• RADIUS authentication
• TACACS+ centralized control

Integrated Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features

• Advanced Layer 2 switching functionality
• Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
• DHCP Snooping
• Unidirectional Link Detection (UDLD)

Spanning Tree and Link Aggregation Technologies

• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
• Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
• Per-VLAN Rapid Spanning Tree (PVRST)
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP)

Quality of Service and Traffic Control

• Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization
• Class of Service (CoS)
• Strict Priority Queuing (SPQ)
• Shaped Round Robin (SRR)
• Layer 3 load balancing

Green Networking Technologies

• Energy Efficient Ethernet support
• Optimized power consumption during low traffic

Supported IEEE Standards

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3z
• IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging
• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1W, 802.1S Spanning Tree
• IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet
• IEEE 802.1AB LLDP

Processing and Memory Specifications

• Processor: ARM-based CPU running at 600 MHz
• System Memory: 512 MB RAM
• Flash Storage: 128 MB

Status and Diagnostic Indicators

• Port status LEDs
• Link and activity indicators
• Port speed and duplex mode indicators
• System health status lights

Internal Power Architecture

• Internal power supply unit
• Hot-plug capable design
• Installed quantity: 1 power supply
• Maximum supported: 2 power supplies

Power Redundancy and Electrical Requirements

• Power redundancy supported with 1+1 scheme
• Total power output: 250 Watts
• Input voltage: AC 120/230 V
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz

Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I Catalyst Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I 24 Ports Manageable Catalyst Twisted Pair Switch belongs to the Cisco Catalyst 2960-XR Series, a product family designed to deliver enterprise-grade Layer 2 switching with advanced reliability, scalability, and energy efficiency. This category focuses on fixed-configuration managed Ethernet switches engineered for access-layer deployments in enterprise campuses, branch offices, industrial networks, and service provider environments. Devices in this category emphasize long operational life, enhanced environmental tolerance, and intelligent network control, making them suitable for organizations that require dependable connectivity combined with centralized management capabilities.

The 2960-XR category is positioned to support modern network architectures where stability, security, and simplified operations are critical. These switches integrate advanced Cisco IOS Software features, allowing network administrators to maintain consistent policies, optimize traffic flows, and enhance network visibility across distributed infrastructures. The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I model represents a balanced configuration within this category, combining copper Ethernet access with high-speed uplink flexibility.

Enterprise Access Layer Switching Capabilities

Switches within the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category are purpose-built for access-layer connectivity, providing secure and efficient network access for end devices such as workstations, IP phones, wireless access points, industrial controllers, and surveillance systems. The access layer is a critical component of hierarchical network design, and this category addresses the need for predictable performance, low latency, and consistent policy enforcement.

The managed nature of these switches allows administrators to implement VLAN segmentation, quality of service prioritization, and port-level security without relying on external appliances. This ensures that traffic originating from the network edge is properly classified, controlled, and forwarded to aggregation and core layers with minimal overhead. The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category supports deterministic behavior that is essential for voice, video, and time-sensitive applications.

Layer 2 Intelligence and Traffic Management

Layer 2 switching remains fundamental for many enterprise and industrial environments, and this category emphasizes advanced Layer 2 intelligence to optimize network efficiency. Features such as MAC address learning, spanning tree enhancements, and loop prevention mechanisms contribute to stable network operations. The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category supports rapid convergence, minimizing downtime during topology changes or link failures.

Traffic management capabilities within this category allow precise handling of data flows. Administrators can define traffic classes and prioritize critical applications, ensuring consistent user experience even during peak utilization periods. These characteristics make the category suitable for converged networks where data, voice, and video share the same infrastructure.

24-Port Twisted Pair Ethernet Configuration

The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category includes switches equipped with 24 twisted pair Ethernet ports, designed to accommodate a wide range of endpoint connections. This port density aligns with common access-layer requirements, enabling efficient connectivity for small to medium-sized workgroups, production floors, or remote facilities. Twisted pair copper interfaces remain widely adopted due to their cost-effectiveness, reliability, and compatibility with existing cabling infrastructures.

The category supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds over copper, ensuring that connected devices can take advantage of high-throughput data transfer without introducing bottlenecks at the access layer. This capability is essential for modern applications that demand fast response times and consistent bandwidth availability.

Uplink Flexibility and Network Expansion

In addition to access ports, the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category provides high-speed uplink options designed to connect the access layer to distribution or aggregation switches. This uplink flexibility supports scalable network designs, allowing organizations to expand their infrastructure without redesigning the entire topology. High-capacity uplinks reduce congestion and maintain performance as the number of connected devices grows.

The availability of multiple uplink types within this category enables compatibility with diverse network architectures. Organizations can deploy these switches in fiber-based backbones or copper-based aggregation environments, depending on distance, performance, and budget requirements.

Industrial and Extended Temperature Design

A defining characteristic of the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category is its suitability for extended temperature and industrial-grade deployments. Unlike standard office switches, this category is engineered to operate reliably in environments with wider temperature ranges, increased vibration, and challenging physical conditions. This makes the category ideal for manufacturing facilities, transportation hubs, utility networks, and outdoor enclosures.

The industrial design approach ensures long-term durability and consistent performance even in non-climate-controlled settings. Components are selected to withstand environmental stress, reducing the risk of hardware failure and minimizing maintenance requirements. This focus on resilience aligns with industries where network downtime can result in operational disruption or safety risks.

Long Lifecycle and Operational Stability

Switches in this category are designed with extended product lifecycles in mind. Organizations deploying the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category benefit from predictable hardware availability and long-term software support. This stability is especially important for industrial and critical infrastructure environments where frequent hardware refresh cycles are impractical.

The long lifecycle strategy also supports consistent configuration management and operational familiarity. Network teams can standardize on a single platform across multiple sites, simplifying training, documentation, and troubleshooting processes.

Advanced Network Security Features

Security is a core consideration within the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category. Managed Catalyst switches in this class provide comprehensive security controls at the network edge, helping organizations protect against unauthorized access, malware propagation, and internal threats. By enforcing security policies directly on switch ports, this category reduces reliance on downstream security appliances.

Port-based authentication, access control mechanisms, and traffic inspection features work together to ensure that only trusted devices and users can access network resources. These capabilities are particularly valuable in environments with shared infrastructure or where compliance requirements mandate strict access controls.

Segmentation and Policy Enforcement

The ability to segment network traffic is a defining attribute of this category. Virtual LAN configurations allow administrators to logically separate users, devices, and applications while maintaining a shared physical infrastructure. This segmentation improves security, enhances performance, and simplifies network management.

Policy enforcement features within the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category ensure that segmentation rules are consistently applied across all access ports. This consistency reduces configuration errors and supports scalable deployments across multiple locations.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Networking

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for enterprise and industrial networks, and the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category addresses this requirement through intelligent power management features. These switches are designed to optimize power consumption without compromising performance, helping organizations reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Advanced power-saving technologies adjust energy usage based on link status, traffic levels, and device connectivity. By minimizing unnecessary power draw, this category supports sustainable IT initiatives while maintaining reliable network operations.

Smart Power Monitoring and Control

Power monitoring capabilities within this category provide visibility into energy usage at the device and port levels. Network administrators can analyze consumption patterns and identify opportunities for optimization. This level of insight supports informed decision-making and aligns with broader organizational energy management strategies.

Intelligent control mechanisms ensure that power resources are allocated efficiently, contributing to reduced heat output and extended hardware lifespan. These characteristics are particularly beneficial in densely deployed access-layer environments.

Cisco IOS Software and Centralized Management

The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category leverages Cisco IOS Software to deliver a consistent and feature-rich management experience. This operating system provides a familiar interface for network professionals and integrates seamlessly with Cisco management platforms. Centralized management capabilities simplify configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting across distributed networks.

Automation and programmability features within this category enable streamlined operations and faster deployment of network changes. By reducing manual configuration tasks, organizations can improve efficiency and minimize the risk of human error.

Scalability and Network Growth Support

Scalability is a key consideration for organizations planning future network expansion, and the Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category is designed to accommodate growth without sacrificing performance or manageability. The combination of fixed port density and high-speed uplinks allows these switches to integrate seamlessly into evolving network topologies.

As organizations add users, devices, or applications, this category provides the foundation needed to support increased demand. The predictable performance characteristics and robust feature set ensure that network growth does not compromise service quality.

Integration with Hierarchical Network Architectures

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category aligns with established hierarchical network design principles, enabling clear separation between access, distribution, and core layers. This architectural compatibility simplifies planning and supports best practices for performance, security, and fault tolerance.

By integrating smoothly with upstream Catalyst switches and routers, this category enables cohesive end-to-end network solutions that can scale across campuses, industrial sites, and distributed enterprises.

Use Cases Across Enterprise and Industrial Environments

The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I category addresses a wide range of deployment scenarios. In enterprise campuses, these switches provide reliable access connectivity for employees, guests, and IoT devices. In industrial settings, they support machine-to-machine communication, process automation, and real-time monitoring systems.

Transportation, utilities, and public sector organizations also benefit from the resilience and extended operating conditions supported by this category. The ability to deploy managed switching in challenging environments expands network reach while maintaining centralized control and security.