WS-C2960X-48LPD-L Cisco Catalyst 2960-X 48-Ports Ethernet Switch

Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L Catalyst 48-Port Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L is a high-performance Catalyst 2960-X Ethernet switch designed for modern enterprise networks. Offering 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE+), this stackable managed switch ensures reliable connectivity, advanced security, and efficient traffic management for medium to large network environments.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C2960X-48LPD-L
• Device Type: Managed Stackable Switch with 48 Ports

Form Factor and Physical Enclosure

• Enclosure Type: Desktop, Rack-Mountable 1U
• Compact design suitable for server racks or desktop deployments

Network Ports

• 48 × 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports supporting PoE+
• 2 × SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed fiber connections

Power Over Ethernet Capabilities

• PoE Standard: IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)
• Total PoE Budget: 370 W
• Enables power delivery to connected IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points

Switching and Forwarding Metrics

• Switching Capacity: 216 Gbps
• Forwarding Performance: 130.9 Mpps
• Supports up to 1023 virtual LANs (VLANs)
• Jumbo frame support up to 9216 bytes for optimized large-packet transmission

Advanced Network Management

• Remote management via SNMP v1/v2/v3, Telnet, SSH, HTTP, and CLI
• RMON support for traffic monitoring (1, 2, 3, 9 groups)
• Enables seamless configuration and network troubleshooting

Layer 2 Switching and Traffic Optimization

• Layer 2 Ethernet switching for reliable local area network performance
• Auto-negotiation and ARP support for automatic link configuration
• VLAN segmentation for enhanced network organization and security
• Support for Cisco Fast EtherChannel and Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP)

Enhanced Network Stability and Security

• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
• DHCP Snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
• Broadcast, multicast, and unicast storm control to prevent network congestion
• Access Control List (ACL) support and RADIUS authentication

Traffic Prioritization and Quality of Service

• Quality of Service (QoS) with Strict Priority Queuing (SPQ) and Class of Service (CoS)
• Shaped Round Robin (SRR) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for traffic optimization
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) and Per-VLAN Rapid Spanning Tree (PVRST) support

Energy Efficiency and Advanced Protocols

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) for reduced power consumption
• Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) for optimized multicast traffic
• Uni-directional Link Detection (UDLD) to prevent network loops

Standards and Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3ab, 802.3x, 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3az
• IEEE 802.1d (STP), 802.1w (RSTP), 802.1s (MSTP), 802.1q (VLAN tagging), 802.1p (QoS)
• IEEE 802.1x for network access control and IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP) for device discovery
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) for link aggregation

Power Supply and Energy Details

• AC Input: 120/230 V, 50/60 Hz
• Energy-efficient design to minimize operational costs
• Supports redundant power supply configurations in stacked deployments

Enterprise Networks

• Large-scale LAN deployments with high port density requirements
• Integration with IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points
• Secure and scalable network design for offices, campuses, and data centers

Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L Catalyst 2960-X Ethernet Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L Catalyst 2960-X series switch is a high-performance managed Ethernet device designed to deliver advanced connectivity, energy efficiency, and robust network security for enterprise and mid-sized business networks. With 48 high-speed Ethernet ports, this switch enables seamless integration of multiple devices while supporting comprehensive Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 functionalities. The device is engineered to optimize network performance, reduce operational costs, and simplify management across complex IT infrastructures.

Advanced Connectivity Features

The Cisco Catalyst 2960-X 48-port Ethernet switch provides extensive connectivity options, supporting both standard and advanced network deployments. Its 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports allow rapid data transmission for multiple connected devices, while the additional uplink ports ensure high-speed aggregation with core network components. The switch incorporates intelligent traffic management capabilities, ensuring that data flows efficiently without congestion, making it suitable for environments requiring low latency and high reliability.

Scalable Network Design

With the WS-C2960X-48LPD-L, network scalability is a central feature. The device supports Cisco StackWise technology, enabling multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a single unit. This stackable architecture facilitates network expansion without the need for complex configuration changes, providing a flexible solution that grows alongside organizational needs. IT administrators can add or replace switches within the stack without causing downtime, enhancing overall network availability.

Enhanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L model delivers enhanced PoE functionality, allowing it to provide power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras directly through the Ethernet cables. With high PoE power budget support, this switch ensures that even high-demand devices receive consistent and reliable power, reducing the need for separate electrical wiring and simplifying network deployment.

Comprehensive Security and Access Control

Security is a crucial aspect of modern network infrastructure, and the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X series addresses this with a range of built-in protective features. The switch supports advanced authentication mechanisms, including 802.1X port-based access control, enabling secure connection of devices to the network. Additionally, features such as dynamic ARP inspection, IP source guard, and DHCP snooping safeguard the network against malicious attacks and unauthorized access attempts, ensuring data integrity and user privacy.

Intelligent Network Management

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L is equipped with robust management tools that simplify network administration and monitoring. Through the Cisco Network Assistant and Cisco DNA Center, administrators can efficiently configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network devices. Real-time visibility into port status, traffic patterns, and error statistics allows proactive network maintenance, minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency. The switch also supports automated software updates and configuration backups, streamlining IT management tasks.

Energy Efficiency and Green Networking

Energy conservation is a defining feature of the Catalyst 2960-X series. The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L includes Cisco EnergyWise technology, which monitors and controls power consumption across the network. By intelligently adjusting power levels based on usage, the switch reduces energy costs while maintaining optimal performance. Its low-heat design and fan efficiency improvements contribute to reduced cooling requirements, making it an environmentally friendly option for organizations seeking sustainable IT solutions.

Performance and Reliability

Designed for high-performance enterprise networks, the Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L ensures reliable connectivity under demanding conditions. Its hardware architecture supports wire-speed forwarding, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput across all ports. The switch's redundant power supply options and fan modules provide enhanced reliability, ensuring uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments. In addition, the device supports Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize voice, video, and data traffic for consistent user experience.

Layer 2 and Basic Layer 3 Functionality

The Catalyst 2960-X series delivers comprehensive Layer 2 switching capabilities including VLAN support, spanning tree protocol, and link aggregation, ensuring flexible network segmentation and redundancy. Its basic Layer 3 features allow routing between VLANs, providing simplified traffic management and inter-network communication. These capabilities make the WS-C2960X-48LPD-L suitable for both access-layer and aggregation-layer deployments in enterprise networks.

Deployment Flexibility

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L switch is engineered to support a variety of deployment scenarios. It is ideal for enterprise campus networks, branch offices, and high-density wiring closets. The compact form factor allows for rack-mounting in standard 19-inch enclosures, while the fanless design option ensures quiet operation in office environments. The switch's compatibility with Cisco's comprehensive portfolio of network devices enables seamless integration into existing infrastructure.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

The Cisco Catalyst 2960-X series includes sophisticated troubleshooting tools to quickly identify and resolve network issues. Features such as Smart Call Home, syslog logging, and embedded event manager assist IT teams in proactive network monitoring. Automated diagnostics and predictive failure analysis reduce network downtime and enhance operational efficiency. This proactive approach ensures minimal disruption to business operations and consistent service delivery.

Software and Feature Set

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L runs on Cisco IOS Software, offering a reliable and feature-rich operating environment. The device supports advanced features such as IPv6 routing, multicast management, and enhanced security protocols. Regular software updates from Cisco ensure that the switch remains current with evolving network standards and security requirements. The flexibility to configure advanced network services empowers organizations to implement sophisticated networking solutions with minimal complexity.

Industry Compliance and Standards

The Catalyst 2960-X series adheres to industry standards for networking, ensuring compatibility and interoperability with other vendor equipment. Compliance with IEEE standards, including 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, and 802.3at, guarantees reliable data transmission and PoE support. Environmental standards compliance further ensures that the device meets global requirements for energy efficiency and safety, making it a responsible choice for international deployments.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L switch integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s broader ecosystem, including wireless access points, routers, and network management platforms. This integration enhances network visibility, simplifies policy enforcement, and enables centralized control over multiple network devices. Organizations can leverage Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) to implement automation, analytics, and security policies across the entire network for optimized performance and simplified management.

Use Cases in Enterprise Environments

The Catalyst 2960-X 48-port switch is suited for diverse enterprise applications, including high-density access layer deployment, VoIP networks, wireless LAN support, and video conferencing infrastructure. Its high PoE power budget and advanced QoS capabilities make it ideal for powering IP devices while maintaining consistent network performance. By deploying WS-C2960X-48LPD-L switches, organizations can achieve reliable, scalable, and secure network connectivity tailored to modern business demands.

Future-Proof Networking

With its modular design, advanced feature set, and compatibility with Cisco innovations, the WS-C2960X-48LPD-L provides a future-ready solution for evolving network requirements. Its support for advanced security protocols, scalable stackable architecture, and energy-efficient operation ensures long-term viability and reduced total cost of ownership. Organizations adopting this switch benefit from a robust foundation for their network infrastructure that can accommodate growth and technological advancements.