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

1. Product Overview

The Cisco WS-C2960X-48LPD-L is a high-performance, enterprise-class fixed-configuration Layer 2 switch from Cisco’s Catalyst 2960-X series. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern enterprise networks, this switch offers a robust combination of scalability, security, and energy efficiency. It is engineered to provide seamless connectivity for mid-sized to large campus networks, branch offices, and wiring closets, supporting a wide range of applications including voice, video, and data.

As part of the Catalyst 2960-X family, the WS-C2960X-48LPD-L integrates advanced hardware and software features that enable network administrators to optimize performance, simplify management, and reduce operational costs. The device supports Cisco’s IOS Software with LAN Base feature set, providing essential Layer 2 switching capabilities with limited Layer 3 static routing functionalities.

The “48LPD” suffix denotes a 48-port configuration with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) capabilities, delivering up to 740W of power budget to support a wide array of PoE-enabled devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. The “L” in the model number indicates the LAN Base software image, which is tailored for fundamental enterprise switching requirements.

2. Product Specifications

2.1 Hardware Architecture

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L is built on Cisco’s fixed-configuration hardware platform featuring 48 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports and 4 dual-purpose uplink ports (SFP or 1G RJ-45). The switch chassis supports a compact 1RU form factor, optimized for rack mounting in standard 19-inch racks.

The switch is powered by a highly efficient internal power supply unit (PSU) capable of delivering up to 740W of PoE+ power budget, enabling simultaneous powering of multiple high-demand devices. The device supports Cisco EnergyWise technology to optimize power consumption dynamically.

2.2 Performance and Capacity

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L switch delivers a switching capacity of 216 Gbps and a forwarding rate of up to 107.1 Mpps (million packets per second), ensuring low latency and high throughput for demanding network environments. The device supports a MAC address table size of 16,000 entries and a Layer 2 forwarding rate optimized for enterprise traffic patterns.

The switch supports up to 1024 VLANs, enabling extensive network segmentation and traffic isolation. It also supports 256 static routes and limited Layer 3 static routing capabilities, which are sufficient for basic inter-VLAN routing in small to medium-sized deployments.

2.3 Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L supports IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard, delivering up to 30W per port. The total PoE power budget of 740W allows powering of multiple high-consumption devices simultaneously. This capability is critical for converged networks where IP telephony, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras require reliable power delivery over Ethernet cabling.

The switch intelligently manages power allocation per port, supporting features such as PoE power scheduling and prioritization to optimize energy usage and ensure critical devices remain powered during power constraints.

2.4 Software and Protocol Support

Running Cisco IOS LAN Base software, the WS-C2960X-48LPD-L supports essential Layer 2 switching protocols including IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) variants such as Rapid PVST+, and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for port channeling. The switch also supports Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic such as voice and video.

Security features include 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, and DHCP Snooping to protect against common Layer 2 attacks. The device supports SNMP for network management and monitoring, as well as Cisco’s Smart Install feature for zero-touch deployment.

2.5 Physical and Environmental Specifications

The switch measures approximately 44.5 cm (17.5 inches) in width, 28 cm (11 inches) in depth, and 4.4 cm (1.73 inches) in height, fitting into a standard 1RU rack space. It weighs approximately 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs).

Operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 45°C, with storage temperature from -40°C to 70°C. The device supports an operating humidity range of 10% to 90% non-condensing. These environmental tolerances make it suitable for typical data center and wiring closet environments.

3. Features and Benefits

3.1 Advanced Enterprise-Class Switching

The WS-C2960X-48LPD-L delivers enterprise-grade switching capabilities with a focus on reliability, scalability, and security. Its 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high-density connectivity for end-user devices, while the 4 uplink ports enable flexible network expansion and aggregation.

The switch’s hardware architecture supports wire-speed forwarding, ensuring minimal latency and jitter for real-time applications such as voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing.

3.2 Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Support

With a substantial PoE+ power budget of 740W, the WS-C2960X-48LPD-L can power a wide range of devices without requiring additional power infrastructure. This reduces deployment complexity and cost, especially in environments with numerous IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras.
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