WS-C2960S-F24PS-L Cisco Catalyst 24-Port Managed Switch

Cisco WS-C2960S-F24PS-L Catalyst 24-Port Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960S-F24PS-L is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed to meet the demands of modern network environments. Part of the renowned Catalyst 2960-S Series, this switch delivers reliable connectivity, scalable features, and advanced management capabilities suitable for enterprises, small businesses, and campus networks.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: WS-C2960S-F24PS-L
• Product Type: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Series: Catalyst 2960-S
• Product Line: Catalyst

Port and Connectivity

• Total Network Ports: 24 RJ-45 Ethernet ports
• PoE+ Ports: 24 ports capable of Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
• USB Ports: Available for additional network management functions
• Expansion Slots:
  • 2 x Gigabit Ethernet SFP expansion slots
  • 1 x Additional expansion slot for future upgrades

Ethernet and Media Support

• Supported Media Types: Twisted pair cabling
• Network Technology: 10/100Base-TX for fast and reliable data transfer

Performance and Layer Features

• Supported Network Layer: Layer 2 switching
• Manageable: Yes, offering full network control and configuration

Expansion Options

• Number of Expansion Slots: 3
• Slot Types:
  • SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable)
  • Stacking Module
• Number of SFP Slots: 2, enabling fiber connectivity for extended network reach

Network Management and Protocol Support

• Full SNMP support for remote monitoring
• VLAN configuration for network segmentation
• QoS (Quality of Service) for optimized traffic handling
• CLI, web-based, and Cisco Network Assistant management interfaces

Power and Energy Features

• PoE (RJ-45) Support: PoE+ on all 24 ports for powering IP devices such as phones, cameras, and access points
• Power Source: Integrated power supply ensuring reliable operation
• Energy-efficient Ethernet technology reduces operational costs

Advanced Security and Reliability

• Port security to prevent unauthorized device access
• 802.1X authentication for secure network entry
• Storm control and DHCP snooping to prevent network disruptions

Cisco WS-C2960S-F24PS-L Catalyst 24 Ports Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960S-F24PS-L Catalyst 24 Ports Managed Switch is a high-performance network device designed for enterprise-class networking environments. It delivers robust Layer 2 switching capabilities while providing advanced features for scalability, security, and energy efficiency. As part of Cisco's renowned Catalyst 2960-S series, this switch is ideal for organizations seeking reliable connectivity and streamlined network management across multiple departments or locations.

Key Features and Functionalities

The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L model offers an extensive set of features designed to meet the demands of modern network infrastructures. It supports 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring seamless data transfer and low latency for high-volume network traffic. Additionally, the switch incorporates four dual-purpose uplink ports that support both SFP and 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections, allowing for flexible deployment options.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

This model is equipped with enhanced PoE capabilities, providing up to 370W of power across all ports. The PoE functionality enables direct powering of connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras without the need for separate power sources. The PoE management options allow administrators to control power allocation efficiently, optimizing energy use while maintaining reliable device performance.

Energy Efficiency and Green Features

Cisco has integrated energy-saving technologies into the WS-C2960S-F24PS-L switch to reduce operational costs. The switch leverages Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standards, minimizing power consumption during periods of low data activity. Automatic power management on idle ports and optimized fan speed control further contribute to energy conservation, making it a sustainable choice for modern enterprises.

Advanced Layer 2 Switching

The switch delivers comprehensive Layer 2 functionality, including support for VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), and advanced traffic management. VLAN capabilities allow network administrators to segment traffic logically, improving security and reducing congestion. QoS features ensure that critical applications such as voice and video receive prioritized bandwidth, resulting in smoother and more reliable performance for latency-sensitive operations.

Network Security and Access Control

Security is a core aspect of the WS-C2960S-F24PS-L switch. The device supports 802.1X network access control, enabling authentication of devices before they can connect to the network. Advanced features such as DHCP snooping, IP source guard, and dynamic ARP inspection help prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential attacks. These security measures provide enterprise-level protection for sensitive data and critical applications.

Scalability and Stackable Options

The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L supports Cisco FlexStack-Plus technology, allowing multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. Stackable switches simplify network expansion and streamline management by providing centralized control over multiple devices. This feature ensures scalability, enabling businesses to grow their network infrastructure without the complexity of managing individual switches separately.

Reliable Connectivity for Business Applications

The Catalyst 24 Ports Managed Switch ensures reliable connectivity for critical business applications. With support for uninterrupted data transfer, the device is suitable for environments with high traffic demands such as office networks, campus networks, and data centers. Features like Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) prevent network loops and maintain uninterrupted communication even in redundant topologies.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

As a member of the Catalyst series, the WS-C2960S-F24PS-L integrates seamlessly with other Cisco networking products, including routers, wireless controllers, and security appliances. This integration provides consistent policy enforcement, simplified configuration, and centralized management across the entire network. The compatibility with Cisco's software-defined networking solutions enhances operational efficiency and enables organizations to adopt advanced networking strategies with minimal disruption.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The switch is designed for diverse deployment scenarios, from small-to-medium enterprise networks to large campus environments. Its 24-port configuration makes it suitable for wiring closets, departmental networks, and edge-of-network installations. With PoE support, it can power IP telephony systems, access points, and security cameras, consolidating multiple devices onto a single infrastructure. The switch's combination of performance, reliability, and energy efficiency ensures optimal network operation in both wired and hybrid environments.

High Availability and Redundancy Features

High availability is a critical requirement for enterprise networks, and the WS-C2960S-F24PS-L delivers with features such as redundant uplinks, rapid failover, and stack resiliency. The switch's ability to recover quickly from failures ensures minimal disruption and maintains network continuity for essential applications. Administrators can implement redundancy protocols such as Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to further enhance network reliability.

Performance and Reliability

The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L is engineered for high performance, delivering low latency and high throughput across all 24 ports. The switch can handle large volumes of simultaneous connections, making it suitable for modern enterprise applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services. Its robust hardware design ensures consistent operation under heavy workloads, while the intelligent traffic management features optimize network efficiency.