WS-C2924-LRE-XL Cisco Ethernet Switch (28-Port)

Product Overview

The Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL is a robust and scalable 28-port Ethernet switch designed for enterprise-grade networking environments. As part of the trusted Cisco Catalyst family, this switch delivers reliable performance, efficient management, and flexible connectivity for growing networks.

Manufacturer and Model Details

• Brand: Cisco Systems
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 2900 Series
• Model Number: 2924
• Part Number / SKU: WS-C2924-LRE-XL
• Device Type: 28-Port Ethernet Network Switch

Port Configuration and Connectivity

Total Port Capacity

This Cisco Ethernet switch comes equipped with a total of 24 network ports, making it suitable for small to medium-sized business networks that require dependable connectivity.

Management and Expansion Interfaces

• Dedicated management port for simplified network administration
• Four additional RJ-45 ports to support extended integration
• Optimized layout for organized cable management

Media Support and Network Performance

Supported Cabling and Media Types

The switch supports twisted pair media, ensuring consistent and stable data transmission across the network.

Twisted Pair Cable Standards

• Compatible with Category 5 (Cat5) Ethernet cables
• Ideal for fast and efficient data communication

Ethernet and Protocol Capabilities

• Fast Ethernet technology for enhanced throughput
• Supports 10Base-T and 10/100Base-TX networking standards
• Flexible protocol support for diverse network setups

Network Layer and Routing Features

Layer 3 Support

The Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL supports Layer 3 functionality, enabling advanced routing features and improved traffic management for complex network infrastructures.

Manageability and Control

Advanced Management Features

This fully manageable Cisco switch allows administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network remotely, improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

Memory and Storage Specifications

System Memory

• Standard RAM: 4 MB for stable operation
• Maximum RAM: Expandable up to 8 MB for improved performance

Flash Memory

Includes 4 MB of flash memory for secure firmware storage and configuration management.

Reliability and Power Features

Operational Reliability

• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 135,000 hours
• Designed for long-term, continuous operation

Power Supply and Voltage Compatibility

• Supports 110V AC and 220V AC input voltage
• Built-in power supply for streamlined installation
• Optional redundant power supply for enhanced fault tolerance

Key Technical Specifications of the WS-C2924-LRE-XL

This switch is architected for robustness and flexibility in demanding LRE deployments. It features 24 fixed LRE ports, each capable of delivering data, voice, and video services to LRE Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) devices. Complementing these are two dedicated 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet uplink ports for connecting to the network core or server infrastructure, and two additional ports that support either 100BASE-FX fiber uplinks or serve as a redundant power supply connection, providing critical deployment flexibility. With a backplane capacity of 10 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 7.5 Mpps, it was designed to handle substantial throughput for its era. The switch operates on the mature, feature-rich Cisco IOS Software, bringing enterprise-class intelligence to the network edge.

Primary Use Cases and Deployment Environments

The unique value proposition of the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL aligns perfectly with specific, challenging deployment scenarios. Its ability to leverage in-place wiring makes it a cost-effective and rapid-deployment champion.

Hospitality and Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU)

In hotels, resorts, apartment complexes, and condominiums, installing new Ethernet drops to every room is enormously disruptive and expensive. The WS-C2924-LRE-XL allows property owners to deliver secure, high-speed internet access, IPTV, and VoIP phone services using the existing telephone wiring in each suite. This enables a competitive amenity package without major construction, preserving building aesthetics and minimizing guest disturbance.

Legacy Campus and Education Networks

Older university buildings, corporate campuses, and government facilities often feature thick walls, historic designations, and asbestos, making cable runs difficult or illegal. This Cisco LRE switch allows IT departments to interconnect buildings or extend LAN access to remote classrooms, offices, and laboratories over already-installed copper infrastructure, effectively future-proofing the campus without the fiber budget.

Industrial and Harsh Environments

Manufacturing plants, warehouses, and utility stations span large areas where Ethernet distance limits are a constant hurdle. The extended reach of the WS-C2924-LRE-XL is ideal for connecting security cameras, access control systems, environmental sensors, and PLCs across the facility using durable, often shielded, existing industrial wiring.

Architecture and Integration in Modern Networks

While a legacy device, understanding its integration pattern is crucial for successful deployment. The Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL typically operates as an access layer switch, aggregating traffic from end-user LRE CPE devices.

Network Topology with LRE Components

A complete LRE solution involves several components. The WS-C2924-LRE-XL acts as the central LRE Headend. At the remote location, a Cisco LRE CPE device (like a router or bridge) connects to the switch over the long copper line. The CPE then provides a standard Ethernet port to connect a user's computer, IP phone, or other device. The switch's uplink ports (10/100TX or 100FX) connect back to the distribution or core layer of the network, ensuring data can flow to the internet and other network resources.

Power Considerations: Cisco LRE Power Pod

The WS-C2924-LRE-XL requires a specific power subsystem to support the demanding LRE line drivers. It uses a proprietary Cisco LRE Power Pod, a large external power supply that connects to the dedicated port on the switch's rear. This design isolates high-power components and provides the necessary energy for signals traveling thousands of feet. Understanding this unique power requirement is essential for installation planning and spares inventory.

Features and Capabilities of the Cisco IOS Software

Running on the classic Cisco IOS, this switch delivers more than just connectivity; it provides intelligent network services essential for manageability, security, and performance.

VLAN and QoS for Segmented, Intelligent Networks

The switch supports comprehensive IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, allowing administrators to segment traffic from different departments, customers, or services (e.g., separating guest internet from property management systems in a hotel). Coupled with robust Quality of Service (QoS) features, it can prioritize latency-sensitive traffic like VoIP or video streams over standard web browsing, ensuring a high-quality user experience even on shared bandwidth.

Security and Management Protocols

For network resilience, it supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent loops. Security features include port security to limit MAC address access, TACACS+ for centralized authentication of management access, and SNMP for comprehensive monitoring. Access Control Lists (ACLs) provide basic traffic filtering capabilities, adding a layer of security at the access edge.

Reliability Features

While not a modular chassis, the WS-C2924-LRE-XL was built for reliability in decentralized deployments. Its design emphasizes consistent operation, and when paired with an optional redundant power supply connected to the dedicated RPS port, it can achieve a higher level of uptime for critical remote locations.

Considerations for Modern Deployment and Legacy Integration

Evaluating the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL today requires a pragmatic view of its role in a contemporary technology landscape.

End-of-Life Status and Support Implications

It is critical to note that the Cisco WS-C2924-LRE-XL is a long-end-of-life (EoL) and end-of-support (EoS) product. Cisco no longer provides hardware support, warranty service, or software updates. This makes it suitable primarily for maintaining existing, stable deployments or for very specific new projects where its unique LRE capability is the only viable solution and the risk of hardware failure is mitigated with spare units.

Performance Relative to Modern Standards

With maximum port speeds of 15 Mbps for LRE and 100 Mbps for uplinks, this switch operates at speeds far below modern Gigabit Ethernet and multi-Gig standards. It is not intended for bandwidth-intensive applications like 4K video streaming or large file transfers. Its value is purely in providing basic, reliable connectivity over extraordinary distances where no other wired Ethernet solution can reach.

Alternative and Successor Technologies

The broader market has addressed long-distance connectivity with other technologies. Fiber optics have become more affordable. Ethernet over Coaxial (MoCA) is popular in MDUs. Carrier-grade DSL technologies (VDSL, G.fast) are used by service providers. Modern Ethernet Extenders can sometimes achieve similar goals over single pairs. However, for a pure, self-contained enterprise solution using Cisco's integrated management and feature set on voice-grade wire, the WS-C2924-LRE-XL platform remains a historically significant and occasionally still-useful tool.