β Is the switch really tested and functional?
Yes, absolutely. Each Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch is rigorously tested in our workshop before shipment. We check the system boot, the operation of all Ethernet ports, PoE functionality, Gigabit and SFP uplink ports, as well as access to the management interface. The equipment is delivered ready to use with a 30-day warranty for your peace of mind.
β What is the difference between PoE ports and standard ports?
The 48 ports of this Cisco switch all support Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology according to the IEEE 802.3af standard. This means that each port can provide up to 15.4W of power in addition to network connectivity. This feature allows for direct powering of Cisco IP phones, network surveillance cameras, WiFi access points, and other PoE-compatible devices without requiring a separate power supply for each device.
β What are the uplink ports and SFP slots used for?
The 2 Gigabit 10/100/1000 uplink ports allow you to connect the switch to your backbone infrastructure, servers, or another high-speed switch (up to 1000 Mbps). The 2 SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) slots accept transceiver modules for fiber optic connections, useful for long-distance or inter-building links. These uplink ports offer higher bandwidth than standard Fast Ethernet ports.
β Are the rack cable and mounting accessories included?
The switch comes with its standard power cord. Rack mount kits and the RJ45 console cable for initial configuration may be included depending on availability. We recommend contacting us before purchase if you need specific accessories. SFP modules for fiber optics are not included and must be ordered separately according to your needs.
β What version of Cisco IOS software is installed?
This WS-C2960-48PST-S model is equipped with Cisco's LAN Lite Image software. This version offers essential features for most SMB deployments: static VLANs, spanning tree, port security, basic QoS, and SNMP management. For the exact version of the installed firmware or for any questions regarding advanced software features, feel free to contact us.
β Is this switch compatible with equipment from other brands?
Yes, the Cisco Catalyst 2960 complies with all IEEE network standards (802.3, 802.3af for PoE, 802.1Q for VLAN). It will work perfectly with networking equipment from other manufacturers that comply with these industry standards. However, some advanced proprietary Cisco features (like CDP, VTP in server mode) will only be available with other Cisco equipment in your network infrastructure.
β What is the power consumption of this switch?
Power consumption depends on the use of PoE. Without connected PoE devices, the switch consumes about 60-80W. With intensive PoE usage on multiple ports, consumption can reach a maximum of 450W (including the PoE budget of 370W). The built-in power supply automatically adjusts to the demand of connected devices for optimal energy efficiency.
β How to configure the switch for first use?
The Cisco Catalyst 2960 can be configured in several ways: via the Web interface (by connecting to the default IP address), via the CLI command line by connecting a console cable to the designated RJ45 port, or via SNMP-compatible network management software. The basic initial configuration (IP address, VLAN, security) is described in the Cisco documentation available for free on the official website. For beginners, the Web configuration wizard greatly simplifies the commissioning process.
β What is the difference between this model and the WS-C2960-48PST-L?
The main difference lies in the software version (feature set). The "-S" model has the LAN Lite software, while the "-L" model has the LAN Base software that offers additional features like limited inter-VLAN routing and advanced QoS capabilities. For most medium-sized enterprise deployments, the LAN Lite feature set of the "-S" model is more than sufficient and offers excellent value for money.
β Does the switch generate a lot of noise?
The Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960-48PST-S is equipped with fans for active cooling. The noise level remains moderate and acceptable for an office environment or a technical room. The fans automatically adjust their speed based on temperature and PoE load, which helps maintain a reasonable noise level under normal usage conditions. However, for an open space installation, we recommend placing it in a network cabinet or a dedicated room.
