WS-C2960CX-8TC-L Cisco 8 Ports Ethernet Switch - Manageable

Cisco WS-C2960CX-8TC-L Managed Catalyst Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8TC-L is a high-performance managed Catalyst switch designed to provide reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for modern networks. With a compact design and versatile deployment options, this switch ensures optimized network performance for small to medium-sized enterprises, branch offices, and critical network segments.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: WS-C2960CX-8TC-L
• Device Type: Managed Switch
• Number of Ports: 8 x 10/100/1000 + 2 x Combo SFP
• Enclosure Options: Desktop, Rack-mountable, DIN Rail, Wall-mountable (1U)
• Network Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet

High-Performance Networking

• Forwarding Capacity: 12 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate (64-byte packets): 17.9 Mpps
• Maximum VLANs: 1023 virtual interfaces
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9018 Bytes

Routing and Protocol Support

• Static IP Routing
• RIP Version 1 and 2
• Remote management through SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON 1/2/3/9, Telnet, HTTP, TFTP, and CLI

Comprehensive Feature Set

• BootP and ARP support
• VLAN and Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR)
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid STP
• DHCP Snooping and Access Control Lists (ACL)
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) for link bundling
• Quality of Service (QoS) including Class of Service (CoS) and Weighted Tail Drop (WTD)
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az)
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) and MAC Address Notification
• Fanless design for silent operation
• Shaped Round Robin (SRR) for traffic optimization
• IPv6-ready architecture

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3ab – Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p – VLAN, Spanning Tree, and Traffic Prioritization
• IEEE 802.3x – Flow Control
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) – Link Aggregation
• IEEE 802.1w, 802.1s – Rapid STP and MSTP
• IEEE 802.1x – Network Access Control
• IEEE 802.3ah – Ethernet OAM
• IEEE 802.1ae – MAC Security (MACsec)
• IEEE 802.1ab – Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)
• IEEE 802.3az – Energy Efficient Ethernet

Power and Efficiency

• AC Power Input: 120/230V, 50/60Hz
• Fanless design reduces power consumption and noise
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) reduces energy usage during low traffic periods

Deployment Flexibility

• Desktop placement for small office setups
• 1U Rack installation for server rooms or data centers
• DIN Rail and Wall Mount support for industrial or branch office networks

Security and Network Protection

• Supports ACL for traffic filtering and security enforcement
• DHCP Snooping prevents rogue DHCP servers
• MAC Address Notification for real-time network monitoring
• IPv6 Support ensures modern protocol compatibility

Advanced Traffic Management

• QoS for prioritizing mission-critical applications
• Weighted Tail Drop (WTD) prevents network congestion
• Shaped Round Robin (SRR) for fair bandwidth distribution
• Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) for optimized multicast traffic

Enterprise-Grade Reliability

• Fanless design ensures silent operation in office environments
• Reduces downtime with remote management and monitoring protocols
• Robust IEEE compliance guarantees compatibility with modern network infrastructure

Cisco WS-C2960CX-8TC-L Managed Catalyst Switch 

The Cisco WS-C2960CX-8TC-L is a high-performance, compact managed Ethernet switch designed for enterprise networks, small to medium businesses, and branch office deployments. This 8-port Catalyst switch delivers reliable connectivity, advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, and enhanced security protocols, making it a versatile solution for modern networking environments. Its compact form factor allows for flexible deployment options, including wall-mounting or desktop placement, without compromising network performance or reliability.

Advanced Layer 2 Switching Capabilities

The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L switch offers advanced Layer 2 switching functionalities that ensure efficient network traffic management. It supports VLAN segmentation, allowing administrators to isolate network traffic, optimize bandwidth usage, and improve overall network performance. Features such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) provide redundancy and prevent network loops, ensuring seamless data transmission even in complex topologies.

VLAN Management and Segmentation

VLAN configuration on the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L is straightforward and supports multiple VLAN types. The switch enables network administrators to group devices logically, simplifying network design and enhancing security. By segregating traffic, the switch reduces congestion and enhances network responsiveness for critical applications, such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

Port Configuration and Flexibility

Each of the 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L provides high-speed connectivity with Auto-MDI/MDIX support, eliminating the need for crossover cables. Administrators can configure ports individually or as a group for trunking, link aggregation, or redundancy purposes. The switch also supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings, enabling priority management for latency-sensitive applications and critical business traffic.

Enhanced Layer 3 Functionality

Beyond Layer 2, the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L supports basic Layer 3 routing capabilities, including static routing and Inter-VLAN routing. These features allow the switch to forward traffic between VLANs efficiently, reducing the dependency on external routers and enhancing network performance. The integrated Layer 3 functions are ideal for branch office networks, small enterprise environments, and segmented network deployments where interconnectivity between subnets is required.

Static Routing and Inter-VLAN Connectivity

With static routing support, the switch enables fixed path routing for specific traffic flows, providing predictable network behavior and improved reliability. Inter-VLAN routing ensures devices across different VLANs can communicate securely and efficiently, eliminating bottlenecks in multi-departmental or multi-segment network architectures.

Optimized Performance with Hardware Switching

The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L leverages Cisco's hardware-based switching engine to deliver low-latency packet forwarding. The hardware acceleration ensures that even during periods of high network traffic, performance remains stable and predictable. This capability is essential for businesses relying on real-time data transfer, VoIP communication, and other critical network services.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Energy Efficiency

This Catalyst switch provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) support on select models, enabling connected devices such as IP phones, access points, and security cameras to receive power directly through Ethernet cables. PoE simplifies network installations by eliminating the need for separate power supplies for endpoints, reducing cabling complexity and deployment costs.

Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L incorporates Energy-Efficient Ethernet technology to minimize power consumption during periods of low network activity. EEE dynamically adjusts power usage on a per-port basis, lowering energy costs and contributing to environmentally sustainable operations. This feature is particularly beneficial in large-scale deployments or branch offices seeking to optimize operational expenses without compromising network performance.

Environmental and Thermal Management

The compact design of the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L ensures efficient airflow and heat dissipation, maintaining optimal operating temperatures even in confined spaces. Cisco's integrated thermal management features prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of the switch, making it a reliable solution for long-term deployment in varied environments.

Security and Network Protection

Security is a core component of the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L. The switch supports a wide range of security protocols, including IEEE 802.1X port-based access control, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and IP Source Guard. These measures protect the network from unauthorized access, spoofing attacks, and other potential security threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data across the network.

Access Control and Authentication

Port security settings allow administrators to define which devices are allowed to connect to specific switch ports. With 802.1X authentication, only verified users and devices gain access to the network, preventing unauthorized connections. This level of control is essential in environments with sensitive data or strict compliance requirements.

Advanced Threat Mitigation

The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L includes features such as Dynamic ARP Inspection, which helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, and IP Source Guard, which blocks traffic from untrusted IP addresses. These security layers work together to create a robust defense mechanism against common network threats, providing peace of mind to IT administrators and business owners.

Integrated Management and Monitoring Tools

Cisco's management ecosystem simplifies network monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L supports Cisco Network Assistant, Cisco DNA Center, and Web-based GUI management, enabling administrators to quickly deploy, monitor, and maintain the network. Comprehensive SNMP support allows integration with third-party network monitoring systems, providing a holistic view of network health and performance.

Scalability and Deployment Flexibility

The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L is designed to grow with your network. Whether deployed in a small office, branch office, or as part of a larger enterprise network, its stacking and uplink capabilities ensure seamless integration with additional switches. Cisco’s FlexStack-Plus technology enables stackable deployment, providing centralized management and simplified scalability.

Flexible Uplink Options

Equipped with multiple Gigabit and 10-Gigabit uplink ports, the switch ensures high-speed connectivity to core network infrastructure or other aggregation points. These uplinks provide redundancy, fault tolerance, and future-proofing for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Compact Form Factor and Deployment Versatility

The compact, fanless design allows deployment in noise-sensitive environments, such as offices, classrooms, or retail spaces. The ability to wall-mount or place on a desktop provides unmatched flexibility, making it a practical solution for locations with limited rack space or unique deployment requirements.

Reliability and Cisco Quality Assurance

As part of the Cisco Catalyst family, the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L inherits industry-leading reliability, long-term support, and compatibility with a wide range of Cisco networking products. Rigorous quality control ensures consistent performance and minimal downtime, helping organizations maintain uninterrupted operations and maximize productivity.

Use Cases and Applications

The WS-C2960CX-8TC-L is suitable for a variety of network scenarios. In small to medium-sized offices, it provides reliable connectivity for desktops, IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras. In branch office environments, it enables secure VLAN segmentation and inter-VLAN routing. Retail environments benefit from PoE support for point-of-sale systems and security devices, while educational institutions can leverage its compact form factor and quiet operation in classrooms and labs.

Business and Enterprise Applications

For enterprise networks, the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L functions as an access-layer switch, connecting end-user devices to the broader corporate network. Advanced QoS ensures mission-critical traffic, such as video conferencing and real-time communications, is prioritized over less time-sensitive data. Static routing and VLAN segmentation improve traffic flow and network performance across multiple departments.

Branch Office and Remote Deployment

In branch office scenarios, this switch minimizes the need for additional routers and reduces operational complexity. Its small footprint and low power consumption make it ideal for locations with limited IT infrastructure, while still providing full-featured management, monitoring, and security capabilities expected from enterprise-grade equipment.

Educational and Institutional Networks

Educational networks benefit from the WS-C2960CX-8TC-L’s quiet, fanless operation, flexible deployment options, and easy management. VLAN segmentation allows separate networks for students, staff, and administrative functions, ensuring secure and efficient data flow without interference between departments.