The Cisco Catalyst 2960 series of switches is used to create computing networks of various levels of complexity. These are affordable and functional devices. As part of this review, the WS-C2960-24-S model is considered. Her delivery list, detailed technical specifications and recommendations regarding possible use cases will be given.
Equipment
A fairly wide scope of delivery for this Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch. Its description indicates the presence of the following components in this list:
- Router
- Power cable for the implementation of power supply network device.
- A disk with software for configuring the switch. It also has a copy of the documentation for this router and recommendations for its operation.
- One interface wire.
- A set of documentation, which consists of a warranty card and a small user manual.
The delivery list of WS-C2960-24-S is sufficient. In addition to everything previously listed during the configuration of this router, you will need a personal computer and a twisted-pair cable. These two items are sold separately.
Specifications
The characteristics of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch of this model are as follows:
- 24 RJ-45 ports for creating a computer network based on a wire such as twisted pair. Data can be transmitted either in half-duplex or bidirectional mode.
- The power consumption of the switch does not exceed 30 watts.
- Supply voltage 220 volts.
- The power supply has an integrated design.
- The amount of RAM is 64 megabytes. For normal and stable operation of this device, this is quite enough. The capacity of the internal drive is limited to 32 megabytes.
- PoE technology is not supported by this router. Therefore, using such a switch to implement IP-telephony is impractical.
The Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch in question is running the Cisco IOS operating system. It is optimized for use in a variety of switches. This is a very stable and reliable software.
Usage Recommendations
This router model has advanced technical parameters. Therefore, it is not practical to use it when creating small computer networks. As a rule, such LANs include no more than 7 personal computers and this switch model in this case will be underloaded.
Also, more than 23 computing devices to such a router are physically impossible for the reason that it has only 24 ports. One of them is used to connect to the Internet.
Therefore, WS-C2960-24-S is recommended for use in cases where the number of computers on the network is 20-23. In this mode, it is most optimal to use the device in question.
Cost
Since the Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch belongs to the category of mid-range routers, its price is corresponding. Such devices may not be initially available. The cost of such a communicator today is 30,000-32,000 rubles. Moreover, this is one of the most affordable routers of this line. Devices with more ports are even more expensive. But taking into account the previously given technical parameters, such a cost is fully justified. Moreover, it is a high-quality and reliable router.
Reviews
The Cisco Catalyst 2960 X 24 switch has only one significant drawback - the lack of hardware support for PoE. That is, when using this device in a computer network, the use of IP-telephony devices is much more complicated. If you use external power supplies, then their normal operation will also not cause problems.
The pluses include reliability, energy efficiency, excellent equipment, affordable cost and the ability to configure using the WEB interface. In addition, this router has a compact design and a power supply is integrated in its case.
Conclusion
This review covered the Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch labeled WS-C2960-24-S. This is a typical router of this manufacturer, which is designed to create a middle-class LAN. It has practically no significant disadvantages and there are a number of significant and important advantages. Therefore, such equipment finds more and more application in the implementation of various computer networks that belong to this niche.