Cisco Catalyst 2960+24PC-S Ethernet Switch

The Cisco Catalyst 2960+24PC-S Ethernet Switch with LAN Base software is a fixed-configuration, standalone intelligent Ethernet device designed to power your business networks with reliability and simplicity. This 24-port switch delivers robust Layer 2 connectivity, PoE+ support for IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points, and straightforward management for rapid deployment in small to mid-size offices, retail environments, or branch locations. With fixed configuration, desktop and rack-mount form, and Cisco IOS features, it combines enterprise-grade performance with energy efficiency and low total cost of ownership.

• Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) on all 24 ports enables you to power IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices directly from the switch, reducing cable clutter and simplifying deployment.

• Fixed-configuration design with LAN Base software delivers reliable Layer 2 switching, VLAN separation, QoS, security features, and straightforward management without the complexity of modular systems.

• 2 x 1-Gigabit SFP uplink ports provide flexible fiber connectivity for aggregation, uplinks to core switches, or connections to servers, ensuring scalable network architectures as your organization grows.

• Compact, energy-efficient form factor suitable for desktop or rack-mount installations, making it an ideal choice for small offices, schools, retail counters, or branch offices seeking dependable performance at a compelling price point.

• Comprehensive security and management features, including 802.1X, ACLs, DHCP snooping, secure remote management, and SNMP support, to protect your network while simplifying day-to-day administration.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 2960+24PC-S

• Ports: 24 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ Ethernet ports with 2 x 1-Gbps SFP uplink ports
• PoE Power Budget: High-capacity PoE budget capable of powering a range of PoE+ devices (IP phones, APs, cameras) without needing a separate power source for each device
• Software: LAN Base image, providing essential Layer 2 switching features, VLANs, QoS, and security capabilities
• MAC Address Table: Robust MAC addressing for efficient frame forwarding and security features
• Quality of Service (QoS): Built-in QoS support to prioritize voice, video, and critical data traffic
• Security: 802.1X authentication, ACLs, DHCP snooping, port security, and other standard defensive mechanisms
• Management: Cisco IOS-based management with CLI and a user-friendly GUI, plus SNMP support for monitoring and automation
• Form Factor: Fixed, standalone switch suitable for desktop deployment or rack mounting in standard equipment racks
• Networking Layers: Layer 2 switching with VLAN capability and basic security and traffic management features
• Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in business environments with durable components and Cisco’s engineering standards
• Energy Efficiency: Power-efficient design aligned with typical PoE deployments to minimize operating costs

How to Install Cisco Catalyst 2960+24PC-S

Installing the Cisco Catalyst 2960+24PC-S is a straightforward process designed to get your network up quickly and securely. Begin with a plan that identifies the devices to be powered by PoE, the VLANs required for traffic separation, and the uplink topology to your core network. Prepare the switch for deployment by choosing a secure location, whether on a desk or mounted in a rack, and ensure appropriate ventilation and access to a trusted power source. Then complete the following steps:

• Unpack and inspect the switch for any physical damage. Confirm you have the 24 PoE+ ports and 2 SFP uplinks as described in the product specifications.
• Connect the power supply and verify that the switch powers on properly. If you plan to run PoE, ensure that your PoE budget aligns with the connected devices' power requirements.
• Connect your network devices to the 24 Ethernet ports. For devices that require fiber, use the SFP uplinks to connect to your core or distribution switches.
• Configure basic device settings: assign a management IP, enable SSH for secure remote access, and set up user accounts with appropriate privileges.
• Define VLANs and assign switch ports to the appropriate VLANs to segment voice, data, and video traffic as needed for optimal performance and security.
• Enable QoS policies to prioritize critical traffic, such as VoIP or video conferencing, ensuring smooth performance even during peak usage.
• Implement security measures such as 802.1X authentication, DHCP snooping, and ACLs to protect endpoints and prevent unauthorized access.
• Test connectivity and performance by connecting sample endpoints, verifying PoE power delivery, and ensuring uplinks are functioning correctly.
• Document the configuration and keep a backup of the initial running configuration for quick recovery or replication in other sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Cisco Catalyst 2960+24PC-S best for? This 24-port PoE+ Ethernet switch is ideal for small to mid-size office environments that need reliable Layer 2 switching, PoE power for IP phones, cameras, and wireless APs, and straightforward management with LAN Base software.
• Does this switch support PoE+ on all ports? Yes, all 24 ports provide PoE+ capability, allowing you to power compatible devices directly from the switch, reducing the need for separate power injectors or adapters.
• What uplink options are available? The switch includes 2 x 1-Gbps SFP uplink ports for fiber connectivity, enabling scalable links to your core network or distribution layer.
• Can I manage this switch remotely? Yes. It supports Cisco IOS management, including CLI and a web-based GUI, as well as SNMP for monitoring and automation. SSH is available for secure remote access.
• What security features are included? The switch provides standard Layer 2 security features such as 802.1X, ACLs, DHCP snooping, and port security to protect endpoints and prevent unauthorized access.
• Is it rack-mountable? The Catalyst 2960+24PC-S is designed for fixed, standalone deployment and can be placed on a desk or mounted in a standard 19-inch rack for centralized provisioning.