WS-C2960CX-8PC-L Cisco Catalyst Managed Switch, 8 Ports Gigabit Ethernet

Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L Catalyst Layer 3 Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L is a high-performance Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet managed switch designed for modern enterprise networks. Equipped with 8 PoE+ ports and advanced management capabilities, this compact and versatile switch ensures reliable connectivity for small to medium-sized deployments.

Key Specifications and Device Features

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: WS-C2960CX-8PC-L
• Device Type: Managed Switch
• Enclosure: Desktop, Rack-mountable, Din Rail Mountable, Wall-mountable 1U
• Network Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet

Port

• 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE+ Ports
• 2 x Combo SFP+ Ports for uplink flexibility
• Total PoE Budget: 124 Watts

Forwarding and Switching Performance

• Forwarding Capacity: 12 Gbps
• Packet Forwarding Rate (64-byte packets): 17.9 Mpps
• Supports up to 1023 Virtual Interfaces (VLANs)
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9018 bytes

Advanced Routing Features

• Routing Protocols: RIP-1, RIP-2, and Static IP Routing
• Support for IPv6 networks ensuring future-proof connectivity

Management and Remote Access

• SNMP Versions: SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, SNMPv3
• Remote Monitoring: RMON1, RMON2, RMON3, RMON9
• Remote Access: Telnet, HTTP, TFTP, CLI

Switch Management Features

• BootP and ARP Support
• VLAN and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Support
• DHCP Snooping and Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP)
• Access Control Lists (ACL) and Quality of Service (QoS)
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az)
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) and MAC Address Notification

Enhanced Network Features

• Shaped Round Robin (SRR) scheduling for traffic fairness
• Weighted Tail Drop (WTD) for congestion management
• Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) for efficient video streaming
• Class of Service (CoS) prioritization for critical applications

Security and Compliance

• IEEE Standards Compliance: 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.3ab, 802.1p
• PoE Standards: IEEE 802.3af/at
• Advanced Security: 802.1x Port-Based Network Access Control
• Link Aggregation (802.3ad LACP) and Rapid Spanning Tree (802.1w)
• LLDP (802.1ab) and MAC Security features

Power and Environmental Details

• AC Input Voltage: 120/230 V
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Fanless design for silent operation and energy efficiency

Deployment Flexibility

• Supports desktop placement for office environments
• Rack-mountable design for data centers
• Din Rail and wall-mount options for industrial setups

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

• Enables multiple VLANs for traffic segmentation
• Provides inter-VLAN routing for efficient packet forwarding
• Supports static and dynamic routing protocols for versatile network design

Optimized Network Performance

• High-speed Gigabit uplinks ensure low-latency data transfer
• Efficient packet handling with up to 17.9 Mpps throughput
• Jumbo frame support for high-performance applications

Energy-Conscious Networking

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliance reduces energy usage during idle periods
• Automatic PoE management ensures optimal power delivery to connected devices

Enterprise and Small Business Environments

• Supports VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points with PoE+
• Compact design fits in limited spaces while offering Layer 3 capabilities
• Remote management allows administrators to configure and monitor networks efficiently

Industrial and Remote Deployments

• Din rail and wall mounting options for industrial sites
• Reliable PoE+ support for devices in remote or harsh environments

Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L Catalyst Layer 3 Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L Catalyst Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet Managed Switch represents a high-performance, compact networking solution designed for modern enterprise environments. This switch delivers reliable connectivity with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, combining advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities with simplified management and robust security features. Ideal for small to medium-sized networks, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L ensures seamless integration into existing infrastructures while supporting future network expansion and evolving application demands.

Advanced Layer 3 Functionality

The Catalyst WS-C2960CX-8PC-L extends beyond traditional Layer 2 switching by offering full Layer 3 routing support. This functionality allows network administrators to segment traffic efficiently, improve network performance, and implement sophisticated routing protocols such as OSPF and EIGRP. By incorporating Layer 3 capabilities, the switch reduces bottlenecks and enhances overall network reliability, particularly in environments where multiple VLANs and inter-VLAN routing are required.

Inter-VLAN Routing Capabilities

The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L provides powerful inter-VLAN routing capabilities that enable seamless communication between multiple virtual LANs. This feature is essential for enterprises with complex network topologies, as it allows for efficient traffic management and reduces the reliance on external routers. Network administrators can define VLAN boundaries, control data flow between VLANs, and ensure optimal bandwidth utilization across the network infrastructure.

Enhanced Multicast Routing

Supporting advanced multicast routing protocols such as PIM-SM and IGMP snooping, the Catalyst WS-C2960CX-8PC-L optimizes the delivery of multicast traffic for applications like video streaming, IP telephony, and collaborative platforms. Efficient multicast routing reduces unnecessary traffic on the network, minimizes latency, and ensures that high-priority data reaches intended recipients promptly. This capability makes the switch highly suitable for organizations deploying real-time communication systems.

Comprehensive Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

Equipped with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L provides robust connectivity for end-user devices, servers, and access points. Each port supports full-duplex operation, enabling simultaneous transmission and reception of data without collisions. The switch also supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), allowing connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras to receive power directly through the network cable. This simplifies cabling infrastructure and reduces deployment costs.

PoE+ Capabilities and Power Management

The integrated PoE+ functionality delivers up to 30 watts per port, sufficient to power high-demand devices without the need for additional power sources. The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L includes intelligent power management features, allowing administrators to allocate and prioritize power to critical devices. Advanced scheduling and monitoring options provide insight into power consumption patterns, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining reliable operation for mission-critical devices.

High-Performance Switching Fabric

The switch is built with a high-performance switching fabric that ensures low latency and consistent throughput across all ports. With wire-speed forwarding and support for jumbo frames, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L efficiently handles large data transfers and high-volume traffic. This ensures that latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services operate without disruption or performance degradation.

Scalable and Flexible Deployment Options

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L is designed for flexible deployment in various network topologies, including access, distribution, and small branch office environments. Its compact form factor allows for desktop placement or rack mounting, making it ideal for locations with space constraints. The switch supports stacking technology, enabling multiple units to be managed as a single logical device, thereby simplifying administration and expanding network capacity without significant infrastructure changes.

Stacking for Simplified Management

Through Cisco FlexStack-Plus technology, multiple WS-C2960CX-8PC-L switches can be interconnected and managed as one logical entity. This approach simplifies configuration, monitoring, and maintenance tasks while providing redundancy and high availability. Administrators benefit from unified management, reduced complexity, and the ability to scale the network by adding additional switches without disrupting existing operations.

Robust Security Features

Security is a cornerstone of the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L design, offering multiple layers of protection to safeguard network infrastructure and sensitive data. The switch includes advanced features such as IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, access control lists, and DHCP snooping, providing granular control over user and device access. By implementing these security measures, organizations can prevent unauthorized access, reduce the risk of network breaches, and maintain compliance with industry standards.

Network Access Control

The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L leverages IEEE 802.1X authentication to enforce strict access policies on connected devices. This ensures that only authorized users and devices can access the network, preventing rogue devices from compromising security. Coupled with VLAN assignment and dynamic port security, the switch offers comprehensive control over user access, enhancing overall network integrity.

Threat Mitigation and Data Protection

Integrated security features such as DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and IP Source Guard help mitigate common network threats, including spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks. These capabilities protect sensitive data while ensuring uninterrupted network performance. The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L also supports encrypted management protocols, including SSH and SNMPv3, providing secure communication channels for network monitoring and configuration.

Intelligent Network Management

Efficient network management is critical for reducing operational complexity and ensuring optimal performance. The Catalyst WS-C2960CX-8PC-L offers comprehensive management capabilities through Cisco’s intuitive interfaces and protocols. Administrators can utilize Cisco Network Assistant or Command-Line Interface (CLI) tools to monitor network health, configure switches, and troubleshoot issues with minimal downtime. Centralized management simplifies the deployment and maintenance of multiple devices within an enterprise environment.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L Catalyst switch is engineered with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating technologies that reduce power consumption while maintaining high performance. The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent PoE scheduling, allowing devices to receive power only when needed. This results in significant cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint for enterprise networks.

Low Power Consumption Design

With a compact, fanless design and optimized circuitry, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L minimizes energy usage without compromising network performance. Its intelligent power allocation features ensure that each connected device receives only the required power, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure. These features make it an ideal solution for organizations committed to sustainable and eco-friendly networking practices.

Environmentally Friendly Materials and Compliance

Cisco emphasizes environmentally responsible design in the Catalyst 2960CX series, utilizing recyclable materials and adhering to global regulatory standards. Compliance with standards such as RoHS and WEEE ensures that the switch meets environmental and safety requirements, making it suitable for deployment in regions with strict environmental regulations.

Reliability and High Availability

The Catalyst WS-C2960CX-8PC-L is built for mission-critical applications, providing robust reliability and high availability to ensure continuous network operations. Redundant power options, advanced stacking capabilities, and resilient hardware components contribute to a dependable networking solution that minimizes downtime and maintains business continuity.

Redundant Power Supply Options

The switch supports optional redundant power supplies, which provide continuous operation in case of primary power failure. This feature is essential for environments where network uptime is crucial, such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and financial institutions. By ensuring uninterrupted power, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L mitigates the risk of network disruptions and data loss.

Failover and Recovery Mechanisms

Integrated failover mechanisms allow the switch to recover rapidly from hardware or software failures. Stacking technology ensures that if one unit fails, traffic can be rerouted through remaining switches, maintaining network performance and minimizing service interruptions. These high-availability features make the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L a reliable choice for critical enterprise networks.

Ideal Use Cases and Applications

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8PC-L is suitable for a wide range of applications, including branch offices, small to medium-sized enterprise networks, and campus access layers. Its combination of Layer 3 routing, PoE+ support, advanced security features, and energy efficiency makes it ideal for scenarios such as IP telephony, wireless access point connectivity, video surveillance, and secure data communications.

Small to Medium Enterprise Networks

In small and medium enterprise deployments, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L provides scalable and manageable network infrastructure capable of supporting multiple devices and VLANs. Its Layer 3 capabilities reduce the need for additional routers, simplifying network architecture and improving overall performance. The switch’s compact size and quiet operation allow for deployment in office environments without disrupting daily activities.

Branch Office and Remote Site Connectivity

For branch offices and remote sites, the WS-C2960CX-8PC-L offers reliable, secure, and high-performance network access. PoE+ capabilities eliminate the need for separate power sources for IP phones and wireless access points, simplifying deployment and reducing installation costs. Advanced security features ensure data integrity and compliance, making the switch an ideal solution for distributed enterprise networks.

VoIP and Wireless Access Integration

The switch’s PoE+ support and QoS capabilities make it particularly well-suited for VoIP and wireless access deployments. Prioritization of voice traffic ensures clear and uninterrupted communication, while efficient bandwidth management supports high-performance wireless networks. The WS-C2960CX-8PC-L enables seamless integration of unified communication solutions and wireless infrastructure, enhancing overall productivity and user experience.