WS-C2960-24-S Cisco Catalyst Ethernet Switch (24-Port)

Cisco WS-C2960-24-S Technical Specifications and Features

The Cisco WS-C2960-24-S is a Layer 2 managed Ethernet switch that provides 24 10/100 (Fast Ethernet) ports and a dual-purpose uplink port. This uplink can function as either a 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet) copper port or as a Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) slot for fiber optic connectivity, offering crucial flexibility for connecting to network backbones or servers. It operates as a "LAN Lite" software image switch, providing a comprehensive but foundational feature set tailored for essential network control.

Core Hardware Architecture and Performance

Built on Cisco's proven ASIC technology, the WS-C2960-24-S delivers wire-speed performance on all ports, ensuring that network bottlenecks are minimized at the access layer. Its switching capacity is designed to handle the aggregate throughput of all its ports simultaneously, which is vital for busy office environments.

Port Configuration and Uplink Strategy

The 24 Fast Ethernet ports are ideal for connecting end-user devices, where gigabit speeds are not always a necessity for standard office applications. The strategic value lies in its dual-purpose uplink.

Copper Gigabit Uplink

Using a standard RJ-45 connector, this provides a simple, cost-effective 1 Gbps connection to a core switch or server, significantly reducing congestion compared to a Fast Ethernet uplink.

Fiber Optic SFP Uplink

This allows for long-distance connections (up to kilometers depending on the SFP module) to other network equipment in a separate wiring closet or building. It also provides electrical isolation, protecting the switch from surges or ground loops, and is essential for noisy industrial environments.

Power and Design

The switch features a fixed internal power supply and a fanless design for silent operation, making it suitable for deployments in open offices, classrooms, or retail spaces where noise is a concern. Its durable, metal rack-mountable form factor ensures reliable operation in standard office conditions.

Software Features and Management Capabilities

The "S" in WS-C2960-24-S denotes the LAN Lite software image. This feature set is the cornerstone of its value as a managed switch.

VLAN (Virtual LAN) Support

A fundamental feature for network segmentation and security. Administrators can logically separate departments (e.g., Finance, HR, Guest Wi-Fi) onto different VLANs, preventing unauthorized access between networks and containing broadcast traffic to improve performance.

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

Specifically, Rapid PVST+ (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus) is supported. This protocol prevents network loops in redundant switch topologies, ensuring a loop-free logical path while allowing for backup links to become active automatically if a primary link fails, thus enhancing network availability.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Basic QoS features allow for the classification and prioritization of network traffic. This is critical for converged networks where delay-sensitive applications like Voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing share the infrastructure with standard data traffic. The switch can trust QoS markings from Cisco IP Phones and prioritize that traffic to ensure clear, uninterrupted calls.

Security Features

Beyond VLAN segregation, the WS-C2960-24-S includes several key security mechanisms.

Port Security

Allows administrators to restrict a switch port to a specific MAC address or a limited number of MAC addresses. This prevents unauthorized devices from being plugged into the network and gaining access.

802.1X Network Access Control

Provides identity-based network access using an authentication server (like RADIUS). Devices must submit valid credentials before being granted network access, a robust method for securing both wired and wireless access.

ACLs (Access Control Lists)

Basic ACLs can be implemented to filter traffic based on IP address and protocol, providing an additional layer of control over what traffic is permitted to flow through the switch.

Management Interfaces

The switch can be configured and monitored through multiple methods:

Cisco CLI (Command-Line Interface)

Accessed via console cable or Telnet/SSH. This is the traditional, powerful method preferred by network engineers for precise control.

Cisco Network Assistant (CNA)

A free, GUI-based management tool that provides a simplified view for configuring and monitoring a small group of switches.

Web Browser (HTTP/HTTPS) Interface

An embedded web server offers a device-specific graphical interface for basic setup and monitoring, ideal for administrators less familiar with the CLI.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

Enables integration with broader network management systems (NMS) like SolarWinds or PRTG for centralized monitoring, alerting, and performance tracking.

Ideal Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco WS-C2960-24-S is not a one-size-fits-all switch but excels in specific scenarios where its combination of Fast Ethernet access ports, managed features, and flexible uplink is perfectly matched to the environment's needs.

Small to Medium-Sized Business (SMB) Core/Edge Switching

For SMBs with up to ~50 users, this switch can often serve as the core network switch, connecting all end-user devices and providing the uplink to the firewall/router for internet access. Its management features allow the business to implement secure departmental segmentation and prioritize VoIP traffic.

Enterprise Branch Office or Remote Site

In a distributed enterprise, branch offices require reliable, managed connectivity. The WS-C2960-24-S is an excellent, cost-effective choice for these locations, providing local switching with security policies pushed from headquarters. The fiber SFP uplink is particularly valuable for connecting back to the main office over a leased line or dark fiber.

Voice over IP (VoIP) Ready Networks

With its robust QoS and ability to power Cisco IP Phones via Power over Ethernet (PoE is not available on the -S model; PoE models are separate), it is a cornerstone for converged networks. The switch can ensure voice traffic is always prioritized, guaranteeing call quality even when the network is under heavy data load.

Educational Environments and Classrooms

Its silent, fanless operation makes it suitable for mounting in a classroom. Teachers' computers, student lab PCs, and a projector can all be connected, with the ability to create a separate VLAN for student devices to restrict access to administrative resources.

Important Considerations and Comparisons

When evaluating the Cisco WS-C2960-24-S, it is crucial to understand its position relative to other models and technologies to make an informed purchasing decision.

WS-C2960-24-S vs. WS-C2960-24TT-L

The "TT-L" model comes with the "LAN Base" software image, which includes advanced features like static Layer 3 routing for inter-VLAN routing, Enhanced Layer 2 features, and more comprehensive security options. The "S" (LAN Lite) model is more basic but often sufficient for pure Layer 2 access switching.

Fast Ethernet vs. Gigabit Ethernet Access Ports

This is the most significant consideration. The 24 Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports may be a limiting factor in modern environments where user devices, backup systems, and network-attached storage (NAS) commonly have gigabit network interfaces. For general office web and email use, it may be adequate, but for file-intensive work, a switch with all Gigabit Access ports (like the Cisco 2960G or 2960X series) is a more future-proof choice.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Availability

The WS-C2960-24-S does not provide Power over Ethernet. If you need to power devices like Cisco IP Phones, wireless access points, or surveillance cameras directly from the switch ports, you must consider a PoE-capable model from the 2960 series (e.g., WS-C2960-24PC-L, WS-C2960-48PST-L).

Migration Path and Modern Alternatives

For organizations requiring new-purchase warranty, support, and modern features, Cisco has introduced successor series that build upon the 2960's legacy.

Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series

The direct spiritual successor for the SMB and branch office. It offers similar form factors and management styles but with modern hardware: all Gigabit Ethernet ports, optional Multi-Gigabit uplinks, improved energy efficiency, and a current software image with ongoing updates. Models like the C1000-24T-4G-L provide a clear upgrade path.

Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

Part of Cisco's software-defined access (SD-Access) capable portfolio, the 9200 series is the next-generation enterprise access switch. It offers significant advancements in programmability, security (with Encrypted Traffic Analytics), and network assurance. This is the recommended path for enterprises looking to modernize their infrastructure.