The Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960X-48SFP-L is a highly reliable, stackable Layer 2 switch designed for enterprise campus and branch access networks. As part of the Cisco 2960-X Series, this switch delivers advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities tailored for high-performance environments requiring secure, scalable, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
1. VLAN Support
The WS-C2960X-48SFP-L offers comprehensive VLAN capabilities, supporting up to 1,024 VLANs and VLAN trunking. This allows network administrators to segment networks efficiently for better traffic management and security.
2. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
The switch supports various forms of STP, including IEEE 802.1D (classic STP), 802.1w (Rapid STP), and 802.1s (Multiple STP). These protocols prevent Layer 2 loops and ensure a robust and redundant network topology.
3. Link Aggregation (EtherChannel)
With Cisco EtherChannel, multiple physical links can be combined into a single logical link. This not only increases bandwidth but also provides redundancy in case of a link failure.
4. MAC Address Table Management
The switch can support thousands of MAC addresses, providing fast Layer 2 forwarding decisions. The dynamic MAC learning and aging features help maintain optimal performance and security.
5. Port Security
Port security on the WS-C2960X-48SFP-L allows network administrators to restrict access based on MAC addresses. It helps prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.
6. Storm Control
This feature mitigates the impact of broadcast, multicast, or unicast storms on network performance. Administrators can define thresholds to limit traffic types that might cause congestion.
7. Quality of Service (QoS)
Even as a Layer 2 switch, the WS-C2960X-48SFP-L includes advanced QoS features to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic, ensuring a consistent user experience for VoIP, video, and critical apps.
8. IGMP Snooping
The switch uses Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping to manage multicast traffic efficiently. It ensures that multicast traffic only reaches the intended recipients.
9. FlexStack-Plus Support
Though primarily a Layer 2 switch, the WS-C2960X-48SFP-L supports FlexStack-Plus technology, allowing multiple switches to be managed as a single unit—simplifying operations and enhancing Layer 2 scalability.
10. Cisco IOS Software Features
The switch runs Cisco IOS and includes features like BPDU Guard, Loop Guard, Root Guard, and UDLD, which help detect and prevent potential misconfigurations or security threats at Layer 2.
Conclusion
The Cisco WS-C2960X-48SFP-L is not just a Gigabit switch with 48 SFP ports—it's a powerhouse of Layer 2 networking functionality. From VLAN segmentation and link aggregation to robust security and traffic management, it delivers everything an enterprise needs for a stable and secure access-layer network.
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