WS-C2960XR-24TD-I: A Comprehensive Guide to the Features, Benefits, and Applications of WS-C2960XR-24TD-I

Are you looking for a powerful and reliable switch for your business network? The Cisco WS-C2960XR-24TD-I could be the perfect solution. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and applications of this switch, along with a detailed review of its technical specifications. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Features
3. Benefits of WS-C2960XR-24TD-I
4. Technical Specifications
5. Applications
6. Comparison with Other Switches
7. Best Practices for WS-C2960XR-24TD-I
8. Troubleshooting Guide
9. Conclusion
10. FAQs

Introduction

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I is a member of the Cisco Catalyst 2960-XR Series switches designed for enterprise-class access and aggregation layers. This switch provides enhanced security, reliability, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for medium to large-sized businesses.

Key Features of WS-C2960XR-24TD-I

The key features of the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch are:

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports with 2 SFP+ uplinks
• Dual-core CPU with 512 MB of memory
• PoE+ support up to 740W
• Redundant power supply support
• Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features
• Support for IPv6 routing and multicast routing
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support
• Flexible NetFlow support

Benefits of WS-C2960XR-24TD-I

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch provides several benefits to businesses, including:

1. Enhanced security: The switch supports advanced security features such as MACsec encryption, TrustSec, and IEEE 802.1X, ensuring secure and reliable communication within the network.
2. High performance: The switch delivers high-speed connectivity and advanced network services, ensuring reliable performance and minimal downtime.
3. Scalability: The switch supports a stacking capability of up to eight switches, providing scalable and flexible deployment options.
4. Energy-efficient: The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), reducing power consumption and operating costs.
5. Redundancy: The switch supports redundant power supplies, ensuring business continuity and minimizing the risk of network downtime.

Technical Specifications of WS-C2960XR-24TD-I

The technical specifications of the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch are:

• Switching capacity: 216 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 71.4 Mpps
• Buffer size: 2 MB
• VLAN IDs: 4096
• MAC address table size: 16K entries
• QoS hardware queues: 8
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 44.5 x 44.8 x 4.5 cm
• Weight: 6.1 kg

Applications

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch is ideal for various applications, including:

1. Enterprise networks: The switch can be used to provide high-speed connectivity and advanced network services to enterprise networks, improving productivity and communication.
2. Data center networks: The switch can be deployed in data center networks to deliver reliable and high-performance connectivity to servers and other network devices.
3. Service provider networks: The switch can be used in service provider networks to provide high-speed connectivity and advanced network services to customers.

Comparison of WS-C2960XR-24TD-I with Other Switches

Compared to other switches in the Catalyst 2960-XR Series, the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I offers enhanced features and capabilities, such as support for IPv6 routing and multicast routing, MACsec encryption, and TrustSec. Please click here to see other switches in the CISCO Catalyst 2960XR Series.

Best Practices for WS-C2960XR-24TD-I

To maximize the performance and reliability of the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch, consider the following best practices:

1. Configure VLANs: Use VLANs to segment your network into logical groups, improving security and performance.
2. Enable Quality of Service (QoS): Configure QoS to prioritize traffic and ensure the smooth operation of critical applications.
3. Use Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): Use LACP to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.
4. Configure redundancy: Configure redundant power supplies and uplinks to minimize the risk of network downtime.
5. Use Stacking: Use stacking to scale your network and simplify management.

Troubleshooting Guide

If you encounter any issues with the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the switch has power and that the power supply is functioning correctly.
2. Check the cables: Check that all cables are connected properly and that they are not damaged.
3. Check the LED indicators: Check the LED indicators on the switch to identify any issues with the ports or the power supply.
4. Check the configuration: Check the switch configuration to ensure that it is correctly configured and that there are no errors.
5. Contact Cisco support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact Cisco support for assistance.

Conclusion

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch is a powerful and reliable option for medium to large-sized businesses. With its advanced features, high performance, and scalability, it can improve the productivity and communication within your network. By following the best practices and troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can ensure the smooth operation of your switch and minimize downtime.

FAQs

1. What is the maximum number of switches that can be stacked with the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch?

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch supports a stacking capability of up to eight switches.

2. Can the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch be used for PoE+?

Yes, the switch supports PoE+ and can provide up to 740W of power.

3. What is the warranty period for the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch?

The switch comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Cisco.

4. Can the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch be used for IPv6 routing?

Yes, the switch supports IPv6 routing and multicast routing.

5. What is the buffer size of the WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch?

The switch has a buffer size of 2 MB. Sources: CISCO Catalyst 2960X and 2960XR Data Sheet

WS-C2960XR-24TD-I vs. WS-C2960XR-24PD-I

WS-C2960XR-24TD-I and WS-C2960XR-24PD-I are two Cisco switches that share many similarities but also have some key differences. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two switches to help you decide which one is best for your organization’s needs.

Similarities

1. Port Configuration: Both switches come with 24 Ethernet ports with a data transfer rate of 1 Gbps.
2. Power Over Ethernet (PoE): Both switches support PoE, allowing them to power devices such as VoIP phones and IP cameras.
3. Energy Efficient Ethernet: Both switches are designed to be energy efficient and are Energy Star certified.
4. Cisco IOS: Both switches are powered by Cisco IOS and support advanced security and management features.

Differences

1. PoE Budget: The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch has a maximum PoE budget of 740W, while the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch has a maximum PoE budget of 370W.
2. Uplink Ports: The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch comes with two 10G SFP+ uplink ports, while the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch comes with two 1G SFP uplink ports.
3. Power Supply: The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch comes with one fixed power supply, while the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch has an optional redundant power supply.
4. Price: The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch is typically more expensive than the WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch due to its higher PoE budget and faster uplink ports.

Which Switch is Right for You?

The WS-C2960XR-24TD-I switch is a good choice for organizations that require a high PoE budget, faster uplink ports, and do not need redundant power supplies. It is ideal for businesses with a large number of power-hungry devices such as access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. The WS-C2960XR-24PD-I switch is a more affordable option for organizations that do not require a high PoE budget or faster uplink ports but need a redundant power supply. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that have a limited number of power-hungry devices and require a reliable switch with advanced management and security features.