WS-C2960-24LT-L Cisco Catalyst Ethernet Switch (24 Ports)

Product Overview

The Cisco WS-C2960-24LT-L Catalyst Managed Switch is a reliable and enterprise-grade networking solution designed to enhance LAN performance. Built by Cisco Systems, Inc., this Ethernet switch delivers stable connectivity, efficient power management, and flexible deployment for business networks.

General Product Information

• Brand: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Model / SKU: WS-C2960-24LT-L
• Product Series: Cisco Catalyst 2960
• Device Type: Managed Ethernet Network Switch

Key Features and Capabilities

Designed for scalability and security, the Catalyst C2960-24LT-L switch supports fast Ethernet connectivity with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, making it ideal for IP phones, access points, and edge devices.

Port Configuration

• 16 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX LAN ports
• 8 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX PoE-enabled ports
• 2 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit uplink ports

Network Performance

• Fast Ethernet support for dependable data transfer
• Integrated PoE for simplified device deployment
• Managed switching for enhanced control and monitoring

Power and Electrical Specifications

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Supported
• Input Voltage: 110V AC / 220V AC
• Voltage Range: 100V AC to 240V AC

Physical Design

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960-24LT-L is engineered for easy integration into standard network racks, offering a compact yet robust form factor suitable for professional IT environments.

Form Factor

• Rack-mountable design
• Space-efficient enterprise hardware

Dimensions

• Height: 1.73 inches
• Width: 17.50 inches
• Depth: 13 inches

Unpacking the Cisco WS-C2960-24LT-L: Model Designation and Core Position

The alphanumeric designation "WS-C2960-24LT-L" precisely defines the switch's capabilities. "WS" indicates a Wiring Closet Switch, "C2960" places it in the Catalyst 2960 series, "24" confirms the 24 10/100 Ethernet ports, "LT" signifies the enhanced "LAN Lite" software image with advanced Layer 3 static routing capabilities, and the final "L" denotes a fanless, silent operation design. This specific configuration positions the 2960-24LT-L as an ideal solution for noise-sensitive environments like open-plan offices, classrooms, healthcare front desks, or retail point-of-sale areas, where reliable, intelligent switching is required without the acoustic disruption of cooling fans.

Technical Specifications and Hardware Architecture

Understanding the hardware foundation is key to appreciating the switch's capabilities and suitable deployment scenarios.

Port Configuration and Uplink Flexibility

The switch is built around 24 auto-sensing 10/100BASE-T Ethernet ports. Each port supports features like auto-negotiation and Auto-MDIX, simplifying cable connections. A critical component of its design is the inclusion of two dedicated 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports. These high-speed ports are essential for aggregating traffic from the 24 Fast Ethernet ports and connecting to the network core or servers without creating a bandwidth bottleneck, ensuring smooth data flow upstream.

Performance and Switching Fabric

With a forwarding bandwidth of up to 6.5 Gbps and a packet forwarding rate of approximately 4.7 Mpps (million packets per second), the 2960-24LT-L is engineered to handle traffic from multiple connected devices efficiently. The integrated switching fabric is non-blocking for its port configuration, meaning all ports can forward traffic at wire speed simultaneously under full duplex operation, preventing internal congestion.

Hardware Reliability Features

Fanless, Solid-State Design

The absence of moving parts (fans) significantly enhances the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), a critical metric for operational longevity. This design reduces points of failure, dust intake, and energy consumption related to cooling.

Power Supply and Energy Efficiency

The switch incorporates a fixed internal AC power supply. While not offering redundant power options, its inherent reliability is high. It also supports Cisco's EnergyWise technology, allowing for granular power management of connected devices (like IP phones and wireless access points) based on policy, time of day, or power priority, contributing to lower operational expenses and a greener IT footprint.

Intelligent Software and Management Capabilities

As a "Managed" switch, the WS-C2960-24LT-L runs Cisco IOS Software, providing a deep and familiar set of configuration, monitoring, and security tools.

Cisco IOS "LAN Lite" Software Image (SI)

The "LT" in the model name refers to the LAN Lite software image. This image provides a powerful subset of features from the full IOS, including essential Layer 3 "Lite" functionality. This allows the switch to perform static routing and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) routing. This capability enables network administrators to create multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) for segmentation and have the switch route traffic between them, eliminating the need for an external router for inter-VLAN communication in smaller deployments and improving performance by keeping local traffic local.

Comprehensive VLAN Support

The switch supports IEEE 802.1Q trunking and a full range of VLANs (up to 255, with 1005 simultaneous active VLANs). This allows for logical segmentation of networks by department, function, or security requirement, enhancing security, broadcast control, and network management.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Traffic Prioritization

To ensure critical applications like voice and video perform flawlessly, the switch offers robust QoS. It classifies traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 information, then can queue, prioritize, and throttle traffic accordingly. This is vital for deploying Voice over IP (VoIP) phones directly from the switch ports, guaranteeing voice packets are prioritized over general web traffic.

Security and Access Control Features

Network security starts at the access edge. The 2960-24LT-L includes a suite of security tools:

Port Security: Limits MAC addresses per port to prevent unauthorized device access.
802.1X Authentication: Provides network access control using a RADIUS server, requiring user or device credentials before granting network access.
ACLs (Access Control Lists): Supports standard and extended IP ACLs for filtering traffic based on source/destination IP, protocol, and port.
DHCP Snooping: Prevents rogue DHCP server attacks by validating DHCP messages.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI): Mitigates ARP spoofing attacks by validating ARP packets.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The characteristics of the WS-C2960-24LT-L make it a versatile choice for several common network environments.

Enterprise Branch Office or Small Business Core

For a small office with up to 24 wired users, this switch can act as the core networking device. Its Layer 3 Lite functionality allows the creation of separate VLANs for staff, guests, and servers, with routing between them. The Gigabit uplinks can connect to a firewall/router for internet access and a NAS device for local file storage.

Quiet Environments: Healthcare, Libraries, and Offices

The fanless operation is its standout feature for noise-sensitive settings. In a clinic, it can connect medical devices, nursing stations, and IP phones silently. In a library or open-office, it provides connectivity without adding to ambient noise pollution.

Retail Point-of-Sale (POS) and Hospitality

In a retail setting, the switch can connect multiple POS terminals, inventory scanners, and label printers reliably. Robust QoS ensures credit card transactions are prioritized, and port security locks down each device. In hospitality, it can manage back-office operations and digital signage.

Edge Switch in a Larger Hierarchical Network

Within a larger campus or enterprise network, the 2960-24LT-L excels as an access layer switch. It connects end-user devices (computers, phones, printers), applies security and QoS policies, and uplinks via its Gigabit ports to distribution layer switches (like Catalyst 3650 or 3850 series). Its manageability ensures compliance with corporate network policies.

Management and Configuration Options

Administrators have multiple pathways to configure and monitor the switch, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

The industry-standard Cisco IOS CLI, accessible via console port, Telnet, or SSH, offers the most powerful and granular control over all switch functions. It is the preferred method for experienced network engineers for scripting, bulk configuration, and detailed troubleshooting.

Cisco Network Assistant (CNA) and Prime Infrastructure

Cisco Network Assistant is a free, PC-based GUI management tool designed for small to medium-sized networks. It provides a simplified graphical view of the network, wizard-based configuration for common tasks (like VLANs and QoS), and monitoring dashboards, making management more approachable.

Web-based (HTTP/HTTPS) Interface

The switch also includes an embedded web interface for basic configuration and monitoring. While not as feature-rich as the CLI or CNA, it offers a quick, intuitive way to check status, perform simple configurations, and view statistics without specialized software.

SNMP and Network Management Systems

Full SNMP (v1, v2c, and v3) support allows integration with enterprise network management systems (NMS) like Cisco Prime Infrastructure, SolarWinds, or LibreNMS. This enables centralized monitoring, alerting, performance tracking, and inventory management across the entire network infrastructure.

Comparison and Considerations

When selecting an access switch, it's important to understand where the 2960-24LT-L fits relative to other models.

2960-24LT-L vs. 2960-24TC-L

The popular 2960-24TC-L model features two dual-purpose uplinks (which can be used as either Gigabit Ethernet or SFP fiber ports), offering fiber connectivity options for longer distances. The 24LT-L, with its fixed copper Gigabit uplinks, is more cost-focused and suited for purely copper-based cabling plants.

2960 Series vs. 2960-X/XR Series

The newer 2960-X series offers significant hardware upgrades: higher port density with Gigabit access ports, modular uplinks with 10 Gigabit capability, enhanced stacking technology, and higher performance. The 2960-24LT-L remains a compelling choice where Fast Ethernet ports are sufficient, budget is constrained, and advanced features like stacking are not required.