United States
Q
What are Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switches used for?
A
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switches deliver reliable, fixed-configuration Layer 2 connectivity for enterprise access networks, enabling efficient traffic handling and simplified administration.
Q
What is the difference between Catalyst 2960-S and Catalyst 2960-X models?
A
The 2960-S series offers Fast Ethernet and Gigabit downlinks, while the 2960-X series adds enhanced stacking, higher performance, and optional Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+).
Q
Do Catalyst 2960 Switches support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
A
Yes, select Catalyst 2960-X and 2960-XR models support PoE and PoE+ to power IP phones, wireless access points, and other endpoints on the same Ethernet cable.
Q
How do I stack Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switches?
A
Use Cisco FlexStack modules and stacking cables on supported 2960-X/2960-XR models to create a single logical switch with up to 8 units and 320 Gbps stacking bandwidth.
Q
Are Catalyst 2960 Switches Layer 2 or Layer 3 devices?
A
Catalyst 2960 Switches are primarily Layer 2 devices supporting VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol, and basic static routing (limited Layer 3 Lite on 2960-X/2960-XR).
Q
What is the maximum switching capacity of a Catalyst 2960 Switch?
A
Depending on the model, Catalyst 2960 Switches offer up to 176 Gbps of switching capacity and up to 88 Mpps forwarding rate for wire-speed performance.
Q
How many Ethernet ports do Catalyst 2960 models provide?
A
Catalyst 2960 Switches are available in 8, 12, 24, and 48 port configurations, with optional 10 Gigabit uplinks on selected 2960-X/2960-XR models.
Q
Which software license is required for advanced features on Catalyst 2960?
A
Catalyst 2960-X and 2960-XR use LAN Base or LAN Lite Cisco IOS Software licenses; LAN Base unlocks advanced QoS, security, and simple IPv6 routing.
Q
How do I configure VLANs on a Catalyst 2960 Switch?
A
Enter global configuration mode, use the 'vlan [vlan-id]' command to create a VLAN, then assign ports with 'interface range', 'switchport mode access', and 'switchport access vlan'.
Q
What is the typical power consumption of a Catalyst 2960 Switch?
A
Power consumption varies by model; a 48-port Gigabit PoE+ 2960-X consumes up to 370 W under full load, while non-PoE models typically draw less than 50 W.
Q
Are Catalyst 2960 Switches compatible with Cisco DNA Center?
A
Yes, Catalyst 2960-X and 2960-XR switch models integrate with Cisco DNA Center for network automation, assurance, and policy-based management.
Q
What warranty covers Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switches?
A
Cisco provides a Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty for Catalyst 2960 Switches, including next-business-day replacement for eligible devices.
Q
How can I upgrade the IOS image on a Catalyst 2960 Switch?
A
Transfer the new IOS image to the switch via TFTP or USB, update the boot variable in configuration mode, and reload the switch to apply the new image.
Q
What is the end-of-life (EoL) status for Catalyst 2960 Switches?
A
Cisco announced EoL for legacy 2960 models with support through 2025; 2960-X/2960-XR will be supported until 2027, after which migration to newer series is recommended.
Q
Can I replace a Catalyst 2960 with a Catalyst 9200 series switch?
A
Yes, Cisco Catalyst 9200 series switches offer a direct upgrade path with enhanced performance, security, and full Cisco DNA capabilities for 2960 deployments.
Q
What security features do Catalyst 2960 Switches offer?
A
Catalyst 2960 Switches support 802.1X port-based authentication, dynamic ARP inspection, DHCP snooping, port security, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) for robust network protection.
