WS-C2924-XL-EN Cisco Catalyst Ethernet Switch 24 Ports

Product Overview

The Cisco WS-C2924-XL-EN Catalyst Ethernet Switch is a dependable Layer 2 networking device designed to deliver stable and efficient connectivity for small to medium-sized business networks. With its stackable design and Fast Ethernet support, this Cisco Catalyst switch helps improve network performance, scalability, and manageability.

Manufacturer and Model Details

Brand and Identification

• Brand: Cisco
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 2900
• Model: 2924
• Part Number / SKU: WS-C2924-XL-EN

Product Name and Type

• Official Name: Catalyst 2924 Stackable Ethernet Switch
• Device Type: Ethernet Network Switch

Interface and Port Configuration

Total Port Availability

• Total Network Ports: 24 Ethernet ports
• RJ-45 Ports: 24 Fast Ethernet connections
• Stack Port Support: Yes, for enhanced scalability

Port Specifications

• 24 x Fast Ethernet network interfaces
• Designed for reliable wired LAN connectivity

Performance and Networking Capabilities

Ethernet and Network Technology

• Ethernet Standard: Fast Ethernet
• Network Technology: 10/100Base-TX

Layer Support

• Supported OSI Layer: Layer 2 switching
• Optimized for efficient data forwarding and traffic management

Management Features and Protocols

Advanced Manageability

• Manageable: Yes
• Ideal for administrators seeking control and visibility over the network

Supported Management Tools

• CiscoWorks2000 LAN Management Suite (LMS)
• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
• Remote Monitoring (RMON)
• HTTP-based management
• Telnet access

Power Specifications

Power Requirements

• Input Voltage: 110 V AC / 220 V AC
• Power Source: Integrated power supply

Redundancy and Reliability

• Redundant Power Supply: Supported
• Ensures continuous operation and improved uptime

Architectural Overview and Hardware Specifications

The WS-C2924-XL-EN is a fixed-configuration, standalone switch that embodies the classic Catalyst 2900XL series design philosophy: simplicity, reliability, and Layer 2 functionality. Its architecture is built around a purpose-built ASIC delivering wire-speed performance on all ports, a significant advantage at the time of its release.

Core Hardware Components

The physical build of the switch is characterized by its rugged, desktop or rack-mountable steel chassis. The internal components are designed for sustained operation, featuring a single power supply and a cooling fan assembly. The heart of the system is its switching fabric, capable of handling aggregate throughput sufficient for its 24 10/100 Mbps ports.

Port Configuration and Backplane

The switch offers 24 auto-sensing 10Base-T/100Base-TX RJ-45 Ethernet ports. Each port negotiates duplex and speed automatically, simplifying connectivity for heterogeneous devices. A key hardware specification is its 3.2 Gbps shared switching bus backplane. This architecture allows for simultaneous switching across all ports at wire speed, preventing internal bottlenecks for typical traffic patterns.

Expansion and Uplink Capabilities

For network uplinks or connectivity to other switches, the WS-C2924-XL-EN features two dedicated expansion slots. These slots support a variety of optional uplink modules, such as:

100BASE-FX MT-RJ fiber modules for longer-distance copper escape.1000BASE-X GBIC modules for Gigabit Ethernet uplink capability (requiring specific, supported GBICs).
Additional 10/100 copper ports for further density.

This modularity provided network designers with flexibility in connecting the workgroup switch to the network backbone.

Software Features and Layer 2 Capabilities

The "EN" in the model designation signifies the "Enhanced" software image, which includes a robust set of Layer 2 switching features and basic management protocols. The switch runs Cisco's IOS software, providing a familiar command-line interface (CLI) for configuration and management.

VLAN and Spanning Tree Protocol Support

VLAN (Virtual LAN) support is comprehensive, allowing administrators to segment the network logically for security and broadcast control. The switch supports IEEE 802.1Q trunking for carrying multiple VLANs across a single uplink port. For network loop prevention and redundancy, it implements the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), specifically IEEE 802.1D. Advanced STP features like PortFast and UplinkFast were available to accelerate convergence in access-layer deployments.

Quality of Service (QoS) and Multicast Handling

Basic QoS is supported through IEEE 802.1p Class of Service (CoS) prioritization. The switch can classify traffic based on Layer 2 CoS values and place it into one of four egress queues, enabling prioritization of delay-sensitive traffic like voice. For multicast traffic, it employs Cisco Group Management Protocol (CGMP) to manage multicast packet flooding, efficiently directing multimedia streams only to interested hosts.

Management and Security Features

Manageability was a strong suit for the 2900XL series. Options included:

CLI: Accessed via console port or Telnet.
Web Browser Interface: A graphical, Java-based interface for basic configuration.
SNMP: Support for versions 1, 2c, and 3 for integration with network management systems like CiscoWorks.
Security: Features include port security (limiting MAC addresses per port), RADIUS/TACACS+ for administrative access authentication, and broadcast storm control.

Deployment Scenarios and Historical Context

The Cisco WS-C2924-XL-EN was engineered for specific network roles, primarily at the access layer. Understanding its intended use helps clarify its place in network history and potential legacy applications today.

Classic Access Layer Workhorse

Its primary deployment was in wiring closets, connecting end-user devices such as desktop PCs, printers, and IP phones. The 10/100 Mbps speed was perfectly aligned with the NICs (Network Interface Cards) of the era. Departments or small branch offices could leverage a single 2924-XL-EN switch to provide switched connectivity for their entire staff, a major upgrade from hub-based collision domains.

Backbone Uplink Strategies

When deployed as an access switch, the dual expansion slots were typically used to connect to distribution layer switches. A common configuration involved using a 100BASE-FX fiber uplink for connectivity to a main wiring closet, providing electrical isolation and longer reach. Later, as Gigabit Ethernet became more prevalent, upgrading to a 1000BASE-SX GBIC allowed the 2924 to feed into a Gigabit backbone, preventing the uplink from becoming a bottleneck for aggregated user traffic.

Modern Legacy and Niche Applications

While not suited for modern data centers or bandwidth-intensive applications, this switch category finds life in several niche scenarios:

Lab and Training Environments: Its full IOS CLI makes it an excellent, low-cost tool for individuals studying for Cisco certifications (e.g., CCNA) to gain hands-on experience with VLANs, STP, and switch configuration.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS): In some isolated OT (Operational Technology) networks, where 10/100 Mbps is sufficient and environmental conditions are controlled, these rugged switches may still control legacy machinery.
Dedicated Legacy Networks: For networks running older, proprietary protocols or equipment that requires a stable, unchanging environment, a known entity like the 2924-XL-EN can be a deliberate choice.

Critical Considerations for Modern Use

Deploying or maintaining a Cisco WS-C2924-XL-EN in any capacity today requires a clear-eyed assessment of its limitations and risks.

End-of-Life Status and Security Implications

Cisco declared the 2900XL series end-of-life over a decade ago. This means:

No Software Updates: The last version of IOS for this platform contains unpatched, publicly known vulnerabilities. It is defenseless against modern network-based attacks targeting its protocols or management interfaces.
No Hardware Support: Cisco and partners no longer provide technical support or replacement parts.
Obsolete Encryption & Protocols: It may only support weak SSH versions or deprecated SNMP communities, posing a significant security risk if connected to a modern network.

Performance Limitations in a Gigabit World

In an era where 1 Gbps to the desktop is standard and 10 Gbps is common for uplinks, the 10/100 Mbps ports and maximum 1 Gbps uplink capability are severe constraints. The switch cannot handle high-bandwidth applications, large file transfers, or modern IP video surveillance streams effectively. Its small MAC address table size and limited buffer memory can be overwhelmed in denser environments.

Power Consumption and Noise

Compared to modern, energy-efficient switches with advanced power-saving features (like Energy Efficient Ethernet), the 2924-XL-EN consumes more power per port. Its active cooling fan, while reliable, can be noticeably loud, making it unsuitable for open office environments where newer switches are often fanless.