The Cisco 2960c Datasheet is a critical document for anyone involved in network infrastructure, from IT professionals to small business owners. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Cisco Catalyst 2960C Series Compact Switches, detailing their features, specifications, and capabilities. Understanding the Cisco 2960c Datasheet empowers you to make informed decisions about network design and deployment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Decoding the Cisco 2960c Datasheet: What It Is and How It's Used
A Cisco 2960c Datasheet is essentially a technical specification document released by Cisco Systems for their 2960C Series of compact network switches. Think of it as the blueprint and instruction manual rolled into one. It details everything you need to know about a specific switch model within the 2960C family. This includes its physical dimensions, power consumption, port types and speeds, supported features like Quality of Service (QoS) and security protocols, and environmental considerations. The importance of this document cannot be overstated, as it serves as the definitive source for verifying compatibility, understanding performance capabilities, and planning network upgrades or installations.
These datasheets are primarily used by network engineers and IT managers during various stages of network lifecycle management. During the planning and design phase, they help in selecting the right switch model for specific needs, considering factors like the number of devices to connect, the required network speed, and the physical space available. For installation and configuration, the datasheet provides crucial information on power requirements, mounting options, and basic operational parameters. Troubleshooting and maintenance also heavily rely on the datasheet to understand the switch's intended behavior and to identify potential issues.
Here's a glimpse into what you'd typically find within a Cisco 2960c Datasheet:
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Hardware Specifications:
- Port Configuration (e.g., 8 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports)
- Uplink Ports (e.g., SFP, SFP+)
- Memory and Flash Storage
- Dimensions and Weight
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Performance Metrics:
- Switching Capacity
- Forwarding Rate
- Latency
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Software Features:
- VLAN Support
- Link Aggregation
- Quality of Service (QoS)
- Security Features (e.g., Port Security, Access Control Lists)
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Environmental and Power:
- Power Consumption
- Operating Temperature and Humidity
- Cooling
For a more structured overview, consider this simplified table often found in datasheets:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Ports | 8 x Gigabit Ethernet |
| Uplink Options | 2 x SFP |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE) | Up to 60W budget (model dependent) |
| Mounting | Desktop or Wall Mountable |
To fully grasp the capabilities and make informed decisions for your network, we highly recommend consulting the official Cisco 2960c Datasheet. It is the most accurate and detailed source of information available.