In-Depth Technical Analysis and Pricing of Cisco WS-C2960X-48TD-L Switch

1. Product Overview

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48TD-L is a cornerstone in Cisco’s Catalyst 2960-X series, designed to deliver enterprise-class Layer 2 switching with advanced Layer 3 features. Engineered for medium to large enterprise networks, this fixed-configuration switch offers a robust, scalable, and secure platform optimized for high-density access deployments. The device supports 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with two 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplinks, providing a seamless blend of high throughput and low latency for demanding network environments.

Built on Cisco’s proven IOS XE software architecture, the WS-C2960X-48TD-L integrates advanced security, energy efficiency, and simplified management capabilities. It is ideal for campus access layers, branch offices, and wiring closets where reliability and performance are paramount. The switch supports Cisco FlexStack-Plus technology, enabling stacking of up to eight units with a combined bandwidth of 80 Gbps, facilitating simplified management and scalability.

This model is part of Cisco’s commitment to energy-efficient networking, incorporating Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and intelligent power management features to reduce operational costs without compromising performance. The WS-C2960X-48TD-L is also designed with enhanced QoS and multicast capabilities, making it suitable for converged networks supporting voice, video, and data traffic.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Specifications

The WS-C2960X-48TD-L features a fixed form factor with 48 RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps ports and 2 dual-purpose uplink ports supporting either 1G/10G SFP+ modules. The switch supports wire-speed forwarding on all ports with a switching capacity of 216 Gbps and a forwarding rate of up to 107.1 Mpps (million packets per second).

• Switching Capacity: 216 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 107.1 Mpps
• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet + 2 x 1G/10G SFP+ uplinks
• Stacking: FlexStack-Plus up to 8 units, 80 Gbps stack bandwidth
• MAC Address Table Size: 16,000 entries
• Switching Fabric: Non-blocking architecture
• Buffer Memory: 1.5 MB packet buffer
• Power Supply: Internal redundant power supply options available
• Dimensions: 44.5 x 44.5 x 4.4 cm (17.5 x 17.5 x 1.75 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)

2.2 Software and Protocol Support

The WS-C2960X-48TD-L runs Cisco IOS XE LAN Base image, providing a rich feature set for Layer 2 switching with limited Layer 3 static routing capabilities. It supports advanced protocols and features including:

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP (RSTP), and Multiple STP (MSTP)
• VLAN support up to 255 VLANs simultaneously
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for port channeling
• Quality of Service (QoS) with classification, marking, and policing
• Multicast protocols: IGMP snooping, MLD snooping
• Security features: 802.1X authentication, DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard
• IPv4 static routing and limited IPv6 support
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliant
• SNMP v1/v2c/v3 for network management

2.3 Environmental and Compliance Specifications

The WS-C2960X-48TD-L is designed to operate in typical enterprise environments with the following parameters:

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
• Power Consumption: Approximately 60W under typical load
• Compliance: UL, CE, FCC Class A, RoHS, WEEE

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 High-Density Gigabit Access

With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the WS-C2960X-48TD-L provides high-density access connectivity for enterprise users, IP phones, wireless access points, and other network devices. The dual 10G SFP+ uplinks enable aggregation to core switches or data center infrastructure with high bandwidth and low latency.

3.2 FlexStack-Plus Stacking Technology

Cisco FlexStack-Plus technology allows up to eight switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. This stacking capability simplifies network management, increases redundancy, and provides high availability with a stack bandwidth of 80 Gbps. The stack master automatically manages configuration and firmware upgrades across all stack members.

3.3 Advanced Security Features

Security is paramount in modern networks, and the WS-C2960X-48TD