The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches are standalone fixed-configuration switches that provide Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with LAN services for branch office and mid-size business networks.
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Smart Ethernet Switches are offered in two categories.
- Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series with LAN base software
- Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series with LAN Lite software
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches with LAN Base Software supply intelligent facilities for medium-sized business and commercial section offices and wiring closets. LAN Base software supports enhanced embedded security, including network admission control (NAC), advanced quality of service (QoS), availability, and scalable management to enable new converged applications.
Primary benefits for LAN base software
Connectivity: Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in 8, 24, and 48 port configurations
Power over Ethernet: 24 full PoE ports and 24 port configurations (PoE supports 8 ports)
Advanced services: Layer 2 switching with Layer 2 to 4 intelligent services for the edge of the network
Security: Network security enabled through a wide range of authentication methods, data encryption technologies, and NACs based on users, ports, and MAC addresses.
Advanced Availability: 802.1S / W enables standards-based fault tolerance, load balancing, and fast recovery; Flex Links provides a convergence of fewer than 100 milliseconds; Per VLAN Spanning Tree Plus increases available bandwidth by allowing traffic on redundant links.
QoS: Network control and bandwidth optimization using advanced QoS, granular rate limiting, access control lists (ACLs), and multicast services.
Hardware: Based multicast for efficient voice, video, and data traffic
Administration: Cisco Network Assistant simplifies configuration, updates, and troubleshooting; Smart ports allow quick and easy configuration of Cisco Catalyst smart capabilities; Quick setup is quick and easy via the web page interface
Software updates at no additional charge. Protection against AC power supply failure with external power supply using Cisco Redundant Power System 2300. Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty
Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches with LAN Base software are for users who:
- You want to power PoE devices, including Cisco IP phones, wireless access points, or IP video cameras.
- Expect intelligent services for new converged applications for midsize wiring closets and small branch offices.
- They are interested in smart features and capabilities such as QoS, enhanced security, and availability.
- They want to quickly deploy and easily manage their networks.
Cisco Switch Catalyst 2960 with the LAN Lite software image simplify migration from non-intelligent hubs and unmanaged switches to a fully scalable managed network. Cisco IOS® LAN Lite software provides entry-level security, QoS, and availability capabilities while reducing the network’s total cost of ownership.
Primary benefits LAN bite software
- Layer 2 Fast Ethernet switching in 24 and 48 port configurations
- Security management via SSH, SSL, SNMPv3 and network admission control enabled via 802.1x, MAC authentication bypass, port security
- Availability: 802.1S / W enables standards-based fault tolerance, load balancing, and fast recovery; Per VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST +) increases available bandwidth by allowing traffic on redundant links
- Intelligent QoS with industry-leading mechanisms for marking, classifying and scheduling to deliver superior network performance and multicast services.
- Administration: Cisco Network Assistant simplifies configuration, Cisco IOS software updates, and troubleshooting
- Smart ports allow quick and easy configuration of Cisco Catalyst smart capabilities; Quick setup is quick and easy via the web page interface
- Improved troubleshooting for cable diagnostic and link connectivity problems
- Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty
- Software updates available at no additional charge
Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches with LAN Lite software are for users who:
- They are looking for entry-level QoS and basic connectivity, security, and availability.
- You want to upgrade your network from older unmanaged switches and hubs.
- They want to quickly deploy and easily manage their networks.