Cisco WS-C2960XR-48TD-I Catalyst

Cisco WS-C2960XR-48TD-I Catalyst Switch – Complete Overview and Advanced Specs

The Cisco WS-C2960XR-48TD-I Catalyst switch is a high-performance, enterprise-grade network switch designed for business environments requiring advanced security, flexibility, and high availability. As part of the powerful Cisco Catalyst 2960-XR Series, this model supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, delivering secure and scalable network access for enterprise campuses and branch offices.

High Availability and Redundancy

This 48-port Gigabit Ethernet switch is equipped with dual field-replaceable power supply options, ensuring power redundancy and uninterrupted network performance in critical business environments. By default, it comes with one power supply, but a second one can be added to minimize the risk of power failure. Integrated cooling fans also provide efficient thermal management, extending the hardware lifecycle and ensuring stability under heavy traffic loads.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

Powered by Cisco’s IP Lite software image, the WS-C2960XR-48TD-I brings Layer 3 routing functionality to the access layer. Supported protocols include RIP, RIPng, OSPF stub routing, EIGRP stub routing, HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol), and VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol). These Layer 3 features allow for intelligent traffic routing and improve network resilience and segmentation.

Flexible Uplinks with 10G SFP+

This switch includes two integrated 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports, enabling high-speed connectivity to distribution or core switches, significantly boosting network backbone throughput. With support for both fiber and copper SFP+ transceivers, businesses can tailor their infrastructure for long-distance or short-range deployment needs.

Full Support for Cisco Network Plug and Play

Cisco WS-C2960XR-48TD-I fully supports Plug and Play (PnP) provisioning using Cisco DNA Center or APIC-EM. This makes network deployment faster and more cost-effective. Automated device onboarding, zero-touch configuration, and centralized network management simplify IT operations and reduce provisioning time.

Scalability with Stackable Architecture

The Cisco 2960XR Series switches are stackable up to 8 units using FlexStack-Plus modules. This allows network administrators to manage multiple switches as one logical switch, increasing bandwidth, simplifying configuration, and enhancing failover capabilities across multiple access points.

Network Visibility and Control

With support for Flexible NetFlow and NetFlow Lite, administrators gain in-depth visibility into network traffic patterns and behavior. NetFlow Lite enables sampling of specific packet flows and exports them in standard NetFlow v9 format for real-time analysis. This is critical for identifying anomalies, security threats, and bandwidth hogs within the enterprise.

Application Visibility and Performance Optimization

The WS-C2960XR-48TD-I offers Cisco Application Visibility and Control (AVC), which classifies applications using deep packet inspection and optimizes traffic flow based on business priorities. It supports QoS policies, congestion avoidance, and bandwidth allocation to ensure critical applications perform optimally under all conditions.

Robust Security and Access Control

For modern enterprise needs, security is paramount. This switch integrates 802.1X port-based access control, DHCP snooping, IP source guard, and dynamic ARP inspection to protect against spoofing and unauthorized access. Combined with Secure Shell (SSH), SNMPv3, and role-based CLI access, it offers a comprehensive security suite for protected deployments.

Energy Efficiency and Smart Power Management

Cisco’s EnergyWise technology allows businesses to monitor and manage energy consumption across their infrastructure. This model is ENERGY STAR® certified and offers low power consumption while delivering high performance, making it ideal for businesses committed to green IT strategies.

Ideal Use Cases

• Enterprise campus access layer switch
• Branch office aggregation point
• Secure high-performance network edge
• Managed IT environments with Layer 3 needs

Technical Specifications

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports
• Uplinks: 2 x 10G SFP+ ports
• Image: Cisco IP Lite
• Stacking: Supports FlexStack-Plus modules (up to 8 switches)
• Power Supply: One installed (supports dual)
• Cooling: Integrated internal fans
• Dimensions: 44.5 x 445 x 279.4 mm
• Weight: Approx. 4.5 kg
• Management: Web GUI, CLI, SNMP, Cisco DNA Center
• Security: 802.1X, ACLs, SSH, DHCP Snooping, DAI

Conclusion

In summary, the Cisco WS-C2960XR-48TD-I Catalyst Switch is a robust, reliable, and scalable networking solution engineered for businesses that demand performance, security, and long-term flexibility. Its advanced Layer 3 capabilities, modular power redundancy, application visibility, and energy-efficient design make it one of the best access layer switches for modern enterprise infrastructure. Whether you’re managing a growing network or reinforcing your current architecture, this switch is a future-ready investment.

For more in-depth technical documents, please refer to the Cisco official documentation.