1. Port Configuration

The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L is equipped with:

• 24 Fast Ethernet 10/100 Ports: These ports provide standard Ethernet speeds of 10/100 Mbps, suitable for connecting a range of devices such as computers, IP phones, and wireless access points.
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports: The switch includes 2 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports. These can be used to connect to other switches or core network devices, supporting high-speed data transfers and network backbone integration.
• 24 PoE Ports: The 24 Fast Ethernet ports support Power over Ethernet (PoE), providing power to connected devices like IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points. This capability simplifies the deployment of network devices by eliminating the need for separate power supplies.

2. Performance and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L has a switching capacity of 12.8 Gbps. This capacity is adequate for small to medium-sized networks, allowing for the efficient handling of data traffic.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch can process data at a forwarding rate of 9.5 million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets. This ensures that the switch can efficiently manage data flows, reducing delays and improving overall network performance.

3. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

• PoE Power Budget: The switch has a total PoE power budget of 370W. This budget allows the switch to power multiple PoE-enabled devices simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial in environments that require extensive use of IP phones or security cameras.
• PoE Standards Supported: The switch supports both IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standards, providing flexibility in powering devices that may require different levels of power.

4. Network Security Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L includes ACLs that provide fine-grained control over the data traffic entering and leaving the network. ACLs are essential for network security, helping to prevent unauthorized access and mitigating the risk of attacks.
• 802.1X Network Access Control: This feature ensures that only authenticated devices and users can access the network, providing an additional layer of security by preventing unauthorized devices from connecting.
• Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): These protocols are used for secure, encrypted communication with the switch, protecting management sessions from being intercepted or tampered with.

5. Energy Efficiency

• Cisco EnergyWise Technology: The switch supports Cisco EnergyWise technology, which helps in managing and reducing the energy consumption of the network. This feature can lead to significant cost savings and supports corporate sustainability efforts by optimizing energy usage based on device activity and network demands.

6. Quality of Service (QoS)

• Advanced QoS Features: The switch offers advanced QoS capabilities, including traffic classification, prioritization, and scheduling. These features are critical for maintaining the performance of latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video communications, ensuring they receive the appropriate bandwidth and priority.

7. Management and Monitoring

• Cisco Network Assistant: This software provides a simple and intuitive interface for managing Cisco switches, making it easier to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network. It is particularly useful for administrators who manage multiple switches and need a unified tool for network management.
• Command Line Interface (CLI): For more detailed and advanced configuration, the switch provides a CLI, which allows administrators to fully customize and control the switch’s settings and operations.

8. Physical and Environmental Specifications

• Form Factor: The WS-C2960S-F24PS-L has a 1U rack-mountable form factor, which is standard for network switches, allowing for easy installation in network racks and data center environments.
• Operating Environment: The switch is designed to operate in a temperature range of 32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C) and a relative humidity range of 10% to 95% (non-condensing). These specifications ensure reliable performance under typical indoor conditions.

9. Warranty and Support

• Cisco Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty: The switch comes with a limited lifetime hardware warranty, which includes hardware replacement and 90 days of Cisco software support. For additional peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, organizations can opt for Cisco’s Smart Net Total Care service.