WS-C2960-48PST-S Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch Ethernet 48 Ports

Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch is designed to deliver dependable Layer 2 switching with enhanced security, simplified management, and scalable connectivity. Built as part of the Cisco Catalyst Series, this managed network switch supports enterprise-grade performance while maintaining cost efficiency for growing network infrastructures. Its robust architecture makes it suitable for business networks requiring stable Fast Ethernet connectivity with Gigabit uplink expansion.

General Information and Product Identity

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C2960-48PST-S
• Product Line: Catalyst Series
• Series: 2960
• Device Type: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 48 Ethernet Ports

Total Network Port Availability

• Total Network Ports: 50
• Power over Ethernet Enabled Ports: 48
• Standard RJ-45 Network Ports: 2

Detailed Port Specifications

• 48 x Fast Ethernet Ports for workstation and endpoint connectivity
• 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports for high-speed uplinks
• 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots for flexible network growth

Supported Ethernet Standards

• Ethernet Standard: Gigabit Ethernet
• Supported Technologies: 10/100Base-TX and 1000Base-T

Supported Network Layer

• Operating Layer: Layer 2

Expansion Slot Details

• Total Expansion Slots: 2
• Slot Type: SFP
• Shared SFP Slot Availability: Yes
• Number of SFP Slots: 2

Input Voltage and Power Source

• Input Voltage Range: 110 V AC to 220 V AC
• Power Source: Integrated Power Supply

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Managed Switching 

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch belongs to the widely deployed Catalyst 2960 family, a portfolio engineered to deliver enterprise-class Layer 2 switching with enhanced reliability, simplified network management, and consistent performance. This category focuses on fixed-configuration managed switches designed for access-layer deployments, where secure connectivity, predictable throughput, and centralized control are essential. The 2960 Series plays a critical role in campus networks, branch offices, and medium-scale enterprise environments by providing stable Ethernet access for end devices while integrating seamlessly with upstream distribution and core layers.

The Catalyst 2960 managed switch category emphasizes intelligent network services, allowing administrators to implement policy-based controls directly at the access layer. Through integrated Cisco IOS Software features, this class of switches supports traffic prioritization, port-level security, and advanced monitoring capabilities that help organizations maintain network efficiency and compliance. The WS-C2960-48PST-S model extends these strengths with a high-density 48-port Fast Ethernet configuration, optimized for environments requiring broad device connectivity with Power over Ethernet support.

Design Philosophy of the Catalyst 2960 Access Layer

The design approach behind the Catalyst 2960 category centers on delivering deterministic performance at the network edge. Access-layer switches must handle large volumes of user traffic, voice communications, and connected devices without introducing latency or instability. The WS-C2960-48PST-S is structured to meet these demands through a non-blocking switching fabric and robust internal processing capabilities that ensure consistent packet forwarding under load.

This category is also shaped by long-term operational stability. Cisco engineered the Catalyst 2960 Series with enterprise-grade components and mature software to minimize downtime and reduce the frequency of disruptive upgrades. The emphasis on predictable behavior makes this category suitable for organizations that require dependable network access for mission-critical applications, unified communications, and daily business operations.

Port Density and Connectivity Capabilities

48-Port Fast Ethernet Configuration

The WS-C2960-48PST-S features forty-eight Fast Ethernet ports, making it an ideal choice for environments that need to connect a large number of endpoints within a single wiring closet. This port density supports desktops, IP phones, printers, access points, and various network-enabled devices without the need for additional access switches. The category as a whole addresses scalability concerns by offering consistent port availability while maintaining manageable physical footprints.

Fast Ethernet connectivity within this category remains relevant in scenarios where bandwidth requirements are stable and predictable. Many enterprise access deployments continue to rely on Fast Ethernet for user connectivity, particularly in voice-centric or transactional environments. The Catalyst 2960 family ensures that these connections are delivered with enterprise-level reliability and traffic control, rather than the limitations associated with unmanaged or entry-level switches.

Integrated Uplink Options

The Catalyst 2960 managed switch category incorporates dedicated uplink interfaces to facilitate seamless integration with aggregation or distribution switches. These uplinks provide higher-bandwidth pathways for aggregated traffic, ensuring that data from multiple access ports is transmitted efficiently to upstream network layers. In the WS-C2960-48PST-S, uplink flexibility supports optimized traffic flow and helps prevent bottlenecks in multi-switch deployments.

This architectural separation between access ports and uplinks enhances overall network performance and simplifies design planning. Network administrators can segment user traffic from uplink traffic, apply differentiated policies, and maintain consistent throughput across the switching fabric.

Power over Ethernet Capabilities

Supporting Network-Powered Devices

The Catalyst 2960 PoE-enabled category is designed to deliver electrical power alongside data over standard Ethernet cabling. The WS-C2960-48PST-S provides Power over Ethernet functionality that enables direct support for IP telephony systems, wireless access points, and other PoE-compatible devices. This capability reduces the need for separate power infrastructure, streamlining deployments and lowering installation costs.

Power delivery within this category is tightly integrated with Cisco’s intelligent power management features. Administrators can allocate power budgets efficiently, monitor consumption at the port level, and ensure that critical devices receive priority during peak usage. This approach enhances operational control while supporting modern converged network environments.

Operational Efficiency Through Centralized Power Management

Centralized PoE management is a defining characteristic of the Catalyst 2960 managed switch category. By controlling power distribution directly from the switch, organizations can implement energy-efficient policies and simplify troubleshooting. The WS-C2960-48PST-S supports consistent power delivery across all ports, contributing to stable device operation and reduced maintenance overhead.

Layer 2 Switching Features and Intelligence

Advanced VLAN and Traffic Segmentation

The Cisco Catalyst 2960 category delivers comprehensive Virtual LAN support, allowing networks to be logically segmented for security, performance, and organizational clarity. VLAN capabilities enable administrators to separate voice traffic from data traffic, isolate departments, or enforce compliance requirements without additional hardware. The WS-C2960-48PST-S supports extensive VLAN configurations that align with enterprise network design standards.

Traffic segmentation within this category enhances both security and performance by limiting broadcast domains and reducing unnecessary traffic propagation. This design contributes to improved network stability, especially in environments with high endpoint density.

Quality of Service for Predictable Performance

Quality of Service is a core feature set within the Catalyst 2960 managed switch category. The WS-C2960-48PST-S enables administrators to prioritize latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video, ensuring consistent user experiences even during periods of congestion. Traffic classification and queuing mechanisms operate directly at the access layer, where many performance issues originate.

This category’s QoS implementation supports granular control, allowing policies to be applied per port or per traffic type. Such flexibility is critical in unified communications environments where voice clarity and call reliability depend on effective prioritization.

Security Framework and Access Control

Port-Level Security Enforcement

Security is a defining attribute of the Catalyst 2960 Series. The WS-C2960-48PST-S supports comprehensive port security features that restrict unauthorized access at the network edge. Administrators can define acceptable devices on each port, limit the number of connected endpoints, and automatically respond to security violations.

This category’s emphasis on access-layer security helps organizations mitigate risks associated with rogue devices and unauthorized connections. By enforcing policies directly on the switch, network administrators reduce reliance on external security appliances for basic access control.

Integration with Authentication and Authorization Systems

The Catalyst 2960 managed switch category integrates with centralized authentication services, enabling identity-based access control. Support for industry-standard authentication protocols allows organizations to enforce user-specific policies and maintain detailed audit trails. The WS-C2960-48PST-S plays a vital role in enforcing these controls at the point of network entry.

Management and Operational Simplicity

Cisco IOS Software and Management Interfaces

The WS-C2960-48PST-S operates on Cisco IOS Software, providing a consistent management experience across the Catalyst portfolio. This category benefits from mature command-line tools, web-based interfaces, and compatibility with Cisco network management platforms. Administrators can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot switches using familiar workflows, reducing training requirements and operational complexity.

Centralized management capabilities allow multiple Catalyst 2960 switches to be monitored and maintained efficiently. This approach is particularly valuable in distributed environments where consistent configuration and visibility are essential.

Reliability and Enterprise-Grade Build Quality

Hardware Stability and Longevity

The Catalyst 2960 managed switch category is engineered for continuous operation in demanding enterprise environments. The WS-C2960-48PST-S features robust hardware design, efficient cooling, and components selected for long service life. These characteristics contribute to reduced failure rates and lower total cost of ownership over time.

Reliability at the access layer is essential because failures directly affect end users. The Catalyst 2960 Series addresses this requirement by emphasizing consistent performance and predictable behavior under sustained workloads.

Software Maturity and Feature Consistency

Software stability is another defining factor of this category. Cisco IOS releases for the Catalyst 2960 Series are extensively tested, ensuring feature consistency and minimizing unexpected behavior. The WS-C2960-48PST-S benefits from a well-established software ecosystem that supports incremental upgrades and long-term maintenance strategies.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Case Alignment

Enterprise Campus and Branch Networks

The WS-C2960-48PST-S is well suited for enterprise campus environments where large numbers of users require secure and reliable network access. The Catalyst 2960 category supports standardized access-layer designs, enabling consistent policy enforcement across multiple buildings or locations.

In branch office deployments, this category provides sufficient port density and PoE support to accommodate local users, IP phones, and wireless infrastructure, all within a single managed switch.

Educational, Healthcare, and Commercial Facilities

The Catalyst 2960 managed switch category is frequently deployed in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial buildings where dependable connectivity and centralized control are critical. The WS-C2960-48PST-S supports diverse device types and usage patterns, making it adaptable to environments with varying performance and security requirements.

Scalability and Network Growth Support

Supporting Incremental Expansion

The Catalyst 2960 Series is designed to accommodate network growth without disruptive redesigns. The WS-C2960-48PST-S provides ample port capacity and uplink flexibility, allowing organizations to scale user connectivity while maintaining consistent management practices.

This scalability ensures that investments in the Catalyst 2960 category remain relevant as organizational needs evolve, supporting gradual expansion rather than forced replacement.

Interoperability Within Cisco Ecosystems

The WS-C2960-48PST-S integrates seamlessly with other Cisco networking products, reinforcing the value of a unified infrastructure. This category supports standardized protocols and management frameworks, enabling smooth interoperability with routers, wireless controllers, and higher-layer switches.