Cisco WS-C2960X-48FPS-L Catalyst

Cisco WS-C2960X-48FPS-L Catalyst 2960-X Series Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48FPS-L is a stackable Gigabit Ethernet switch from Cisco’s Catalyst 2960-X series, offering 48 PoE+ ports and advanced Layer 2 networking capabilities. Designed for enterprise-level access layer deployments, this switch provides high availability, energy efficiency, scalability, and robust security features that support modern enterprise and campus networks.

With support for Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), it can deliver up to 740W of total PoE budget, powering endpoints such as VoIP phones, access points, and IP cameras. StackWise-2960 technology allows up to nine switches to be stacked and managed as one logical unit, simplifying administration and increasing scalability.

Key Features of Cisco WS-C2960X-48FPS-L

• 48 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ Ethernet Ports: Each port can provide up to 30W for connected devices, supporting IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standards.
• 4 x 1G SFP Uplink Ports: Ideal for fiber uplinks to core or distribution switches.
• Switching Capacity: Up to 216 Gbps (full duplex) switching capacity ensures high-speed data processing.
• StackWise-2960 Support: Enables stacking of up to 9 switches for simplified scalability and centralized management.
• Power Redundancy: Supports dual redundant, modular power supplies for increased reliability (optional external RPS).
• Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and Cisco EnergyWise help reduce power consumption across the network.
• Security: Includes 802.1x authentication, port security, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and more.
• CPU: APM86392 dual-core 600 MHz processor
• Memory: 512MB RAM and 128MB Flash

Technical Specifications

Enhanced Security and Network Intelligence

The WS-C2960X-48FPS-L provides a secure access platform with a broad range of security protocols and technologies, including:

• 802.1x Port-Based Authentication
• Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
• IP Source Guard and DHCP Snooping
• Private VLANs and MAC address filtering

These features prevent unauthorized access, mitigate spoofing attacks, and segment traffic for security-sensitive environments.

High Availability and Redundancy

This switch is designed for 24/7 enterprise uptime. It supports:

• Redundant Power Systems (RPS2300)
• Stacking with StackWise for failover
• Loop prevention protocols like STP, RSTP, and MSTP
• Link aggregation and port redundancy

Energy Management & Green Networking

Thanks to Cisco’s EnergyWise and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), the switch intelligently manages power usage and minimizes energy waste, making it a sustainable solution for organizations aiming to lower their carbon footprint.

Licensing and Software Support

• License: LAN Base IOS
• Optional Licenses: ENERGY-MGT-100-K9, EW-DO-100-DE
• Supported Features: Layer 2 switching, QoS, VLANs, RSPAN, SNMP, NetFlow-Lite

Ideal Use Cases

• Enterprise Access Layer Switch: For powering access points, IP phones, and workstations.
• Campus Networks: Where high density and PoE+ are essential.
• Retail and Healthcare Facilities: Require secure, always-on connectivity.
• Education Institutions: Power classrooms with centralized management.

Comparative Advantage

Compared to its predecessors like the WS-C2960S-48FPS-L, the 2960X model provides:

• Better stacking scalability
• Improved energy efficiency
• Higher switching bandwidth
• Faster CPU and increased memory

FAQs – Cisco WS-C2960X-48FPS-L

• Q: Can this switch power all 48 ports at full PoE+?
  A: No, the 740W PoE budget allows full 30W on up to 24 ports, or standard 15.4W on all 48 ports simultaneously.
• Q: Does it support Layer 3 routing?
  A: This model runs LAN Base IOS which supports basic static routing. For advanced routing, IP Base or IP Services licenses are required (on different models).
• Q: Can I upgrade the memory?
  A: No, memory and flash are fixed and not user-upgradable.
• Q: How is it managed?
  A: It can be managed via CLI (SSH, Telnet, Console), Cisco Network Assistant, or SNMP.

Useful Links

• Official Cisco WS-C2960X-48FPS-L Datasheet
• Cisco WS-C3750X-48PF-L Catalyst
• Cisco WS-C2960S-24TS-L Catalyst
• More Cisco Catalyst Switches