Cisco Catalyst 2950 series switches

Overview

Fixed-installation line-rate fast Ethernet desktop switch Cisco Catalyst 2950 series for LAN) provides excellent performance and functionality. These independent, 10/100 adaptive switches provide enhanced service quality QoS) and multicast management features, all of which are provided by the easy-to-use, Web-based Cisco Cluster Management Suite CMS) and integrate Cisco IOS software for management. Cisco Catalyst 10/100 copper Gigabit with 1000/2950 BaseT uplinks provides ideal solutions for medium-sized companies and Enterprise Branch Offices, to enable them to upgrade from Fast Ethernet to a higher-performance gigabit Ethernet trunk using existing 5-class copper lines.

The Catalyst 2950 series includes the Catalyst 2950T-24, 2950-24, 2950-12, and 2950C-24 switches. The Catalyst 2950-24 switch has 24 10/100 ports; 2950-12 has 12 10/100 ports; 2950T-24 has 24 10/100 ports and 2 fixed 10/100/1000 BaseT uplink ports; 2950C-24 has 24 10/100 ports and 2 fixed 100 BaseFX uplink ports. Each switch occupies a cabinet unit RU) so that they can be conveniently configured to the desktop and installed in the wiring room figure 1 ).

Figure 1 Catalyst 2950 Series 10/100/1000 vswitches

Connect a terminal workstation to a LAN with line rate performance

Because the Catalyst 2950 has a 4.4 Gbps switching backplane and a data throughput of up to Gbps, it can provide wire speed connection performance on each port when connecting the terminal workstation and the user to the company's LAN.

The Catalyst 2950 switch supports performance enhancement features such as Fast EtherChannel Fast Ethernet channel) and GigabitEtherChannel Gigabit Ethernet channel) technology, A maximum of 4 Gbps high-performance bandwidth can be provided between a Catalyst 2950 switch, router, and server.

Port LAN to gigabit speed

Now, middle-end market customers who are still using copper wire Category 5 Non-shielded cables in the building) have the right solution to upgrade their LAN to gigabit speed. Catalyst 2950T-24 has two fixed 10/100/1000 BaseT copper Gigabit Ethernet ports for desktop connections, and 24 10/100 ports. In this way, medium-scale companies can upgrade their LAN to a higher-performance gigabit Ethernet, and the cost increase per port is not large.

When connected to the new Catalyst 3550-12T multi-layer Gigabit Ethernet switch, the Catalyst 2950T-24 switch provides an integrated copper Gigabit Ethernet solution for medium market customers who need to upgrade their fast Ethernet trunk.

Excellent Service Quality

The Catalyst 2950 series provides excellent LAN edge QoS, Which is unmatched in the industry. All Catalyst 2950 vswitches support two modes of multiclass classification. A mode is based on the IEEE 802.1p standard and complies with the Access Point Service Level CoS) value and distributes data packets to appropriate queues. In the second mode, data packets are reclassified Based on the default CoS value assigned to the access port by the network administrator. If the arriving frame does not have a CoS value (for example, an untagged frame), The ipvst2950 switch classifies each port based on the default CoS value assigned by the network administrator.

Once data frames are classified or reclassified using the two modes mentioned above, they are allocated to the most appropriate output queue. The Catalyst 2950 switch supports four output queues, making it easier for network administrators to differentiate and target priorities for various LAN traffic applications. Strict priority allocation ensures that time-sensitive applications, such as voice, always use high-speed paths when switching structures. In addition, the weighted cyclic WRR (weighted cyclic WRR) policy can also ensure that low-priority loads are not configured by the network administrator.

These features enable network administrators to take critical tasks and time-sensitive traffic, such as ERPOracle, SAP, etc.), voice IP phone traffic) and CAD/CAM, higher priority than low-time sensitive applications such as FTP or e-mailSMTP.

Implement multicast management using IGMP listening

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Listening allows the switch to "listen" to conversations between hosts and routers. When the host sends a multicast group IGMP request, the switch attaches the host port number to the group Destination Address GDA) list. Similarly, when the switch hears an IGMP exit request, it moves the host port number from the entry of the content addressing memory CAM table.

By supporting hardware IGMP listening and implementing IGMP listening configuration through the Cisco cluster management suite, the Catalyst 2950 vswitch provides excellent performance and ease of use when controlling and managing LAN multicast applications.

Cisco Cluster Management Suite

Cisco Cluster Management Kit CMS) is a set of Web-based software embedded into Catalyst 2950, 3350-12 T, 3500XL, 2900XL, and 1900 switches. Using Cisco switch cluster technology, users can access CMS using any standard Web browser, A single IP address can be used to manage up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 2950, 3550-12 T, 3500XL, 2900XL, and 2900 switches, regardless of their geographical location relationship. CMS provides an integrated management interface for all Cisco IOS functions and firmware management, providing a powerful graphical user interface GUI for administrators) tools to conveniently monitor and manage their local networks.

CMS supports various standard options and configurations, and provides various levels of scalability to meet customer needs. The cluster connection options for the Catalyst 2950 switch include Ethernet, fast Ethernet, fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet connections. Because it is not technically limited by dedicated stack modules or stack cables, CMS extends the traditional cluster domain out of a single wiring room and enables users to mix and match network interconnection, to meet specific management, performance, and cost requirements.

A Catalyst 2950 switch can be configured as a command or a member switch in a Cisco switch cluster. The command switch acts as a single IP address management point and generates all management commands issued by the Administrator. A command switch can contain up to 15 member switches connected to any media. In addition, CMS allows the network administrator to allocate backup or redundant command switches. When the master command switch fails, the system takes control management tasks.

Enhanced security, management, and integrated Cisco IOS features

Cisco Catalyst 2950 series switches have several unusual features to improve network performance, manageability, and security. Network administrators can configure up to 64 virtual VLAN VLANs for each vswitch) to achieve higher data security and enhanced LAN performance. This ensures that data packets are transmitted only to the workstation in a specific VLAN, which is equivalent to creating a virtual firewall between ports in the network, thus reducing Broadcast Transmission. A VLAN trunk can be created from any port using the standard 802.1Q VLAN trunk structure. Each VLAN spanning tree (PVST +) allows users to establish redundant uplink links and allocate traffic loads through multiple links. These are all implemented through standard Spanning Tree Protocol STP. In addition, Cisco's Uplink Fast Uplink technology also ensures immediate transmission to the secondary Uplink, far better than the traditional collection time of 30 to 60 seconds. This is another enhancement of STP.

With the Catalyst 2950 switch, network administrators can achieve high levels of port and console security performance. Media Access Control MAC) address-based port-level security can prevent unauthorized workstation access to the switch. In addition, you can create access permissions for static and dynamic addresses to provide administrators with powerful control over network access. The multi-layer access security of the vswitch console prevents unauthorized users from accessing or changing the vswitch configuration. The Access Control System of the Terminal Access Controller is TACACS +. The access control of a large number of network devices can be centrally coordinated.

Features and key advantages

Excellent Performance

• Each port includes the line speed and non-blocking performance of Gigabit ports.
• The 8.8Gbps switching structure and a transmission rate of up to 6.6 million packets per second can ensure the maximum throughput, even for applications with the highest performance requirements.
• 12-or 24 10 BaseT/100BaseTX adaptive ports. Each port can provide a maximum bandwidth of Mbps for a single user, server, or working group, and can fully support applications with demanding bandwidth requirements.
• The Catalyst 2950T-24 has two built-in Gigabit Ethernet 100 BaseT ports, which can be constructed between a Gigabit Ethernet trunk, a Gigabit Ethernet server, or a switch using an existing category 5 cable, provides a collection bandwidth of up to 4 Gbps and a distance of up to 100 meters.
• The Catalyst 2950-24 switch has two multi-mode 100 BaseFX) optical fiber uplink links, providing up to mbps bandwidth at a distance of 2 km.
• The 8 Mb shared memory structure is designed to eliminate packet congestion and minimize packet loss. Therefore, it can provide better overall performance when the multicast and broadcast traffic is high, at the same time, the maximum possible throughput is ensured.
• 16 mb dram and 8 MB of on-board flash memory can facilitate future upgrades to maximize user investment.
• Bandwidth convergence using the fast Ethernet channel and Gigabit Ethernet channel technology can improve fault tolerance, and provide up to 4 Gbps of collection bandwidth between vswitches, routers, and servers.
• Each port uses a VLAN trunk Based on the 802.1Q standard. Each switch carries 64 VLANs with 64 Spanning Tree PVST +) instances.
• Supports super multicast management for hardware IGMP listening.
• Supports dynamic VLANs that are to be used in the future.
• VTP pruning plan for future use ).

QoS

• Data frames can be reclassified Based on the 802.1 p CoS value or the default CoS value specified by the network administrator for each port.
• On the hardware, each output port supports four queues.
• The WRR queue algorithm ensures that low-priority ports are not ignored.
• Strict priority settings ensure that time-sensitive applications such as voice can always use Quick paths in the switching structure.

Ease of use and Installation

• Cisco CMS allows network administrators to manage up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 2950, 3550-12 T, 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and 1900 switches using any standard Web browser through a single IP address, no matter where they are located. That is to say, the switch does not need to be in the same wiring room.
• Comprehensive backward compatibility ensures that all Catalyst 3500 XL, Catalyst 2900 XL, or Catalyst 1900 switches can be managed along with Catalyst 2950 using Cisco CMS.
• The cluster software upgrade feature enables users to automatically upgrade system software on a group of Catalyst 3550-12 T, Catalyst 2950, Catalyst 3500 XL, and Catalyst 2900 XL switches.
• The adaptive function of each port detects the speed of the connected device and automatically configures the port. Select 10-, 100-, or-Mbps to work, you can easily configure vswitches in a 10-, 100-, or-Baset hybrid environment.
• Coordinates all ports and automatically selects half-duplex or full-duplex transmission modes to optimize bandwidth allocation.
• The default configuration in flash memory ensures that the vswitch can quickly connect to the network and transmit data traffic with minimal user intervention.

Integrated Cisco IOS exchange Solution

• Bandwidth convergence through the fast Ethernet channel and Gigabit Ethernet channel technology can enhance Fault Tolerance capabilities and provide a maximum bandwidth of 4 Gbps.
• The broadcast storm control capability of each port can prevent the failure of the terminal workstation using broadcast storm to reduce the overall performance of the system.
• Command line interface (CLI) is supported. common interfaces and command sets for Catalyst switches and Cisco routers can be provided.
• Cisco Discovery Protocol CDP) enables the CiscoWorks network management workstation to automatically discover switches in the network topology.

Super management capability

• Cisco CMS allows network administrators to manage up to 16 interconnected Catalyst 2950, 3550-12 T, 3500 XL, 2900 XL, and 1900 switches through a single IP address and any standard browser, no matter where they are located. That is to say, the switch does not need to be placed in the same wiring room.
• The switch cluster software upgrade allows the network administrator to upgrade the system software of up to 16 switches through an easy-to-use Cisco CMS interface or a separate CLI command.
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Telnet interfaces provide comprehensive in-band management capabilities. At the same time, the CLI-based management console provides detailed out-of-band management capabilities.
• CiscoWorks Windows network management software, which is based on each port and each vswitch, provides effective management capabilities and provides a common management interface for Cisco routers, switches, and hubs.
• Built-in remote monitoring of RMON) software agents support four types of RMON group history, statistics, alarms, and events), enhancing traffic management, monitoring, and analysis capabilities.
• Switch Port analysis SPAN) the port uses a network analyzer or RMON detector to monitor the traffic of a single port.
• Automatic Configuration: You can use a network root server to automatically install and configure multiple switches in the network, which simplifies the configuration of switches.
• Domain Name Service (DNS) uses the User-Defined device name for IP Address Resolution.
• Small File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) reduces the cost of management software, which can be downloaded and upgraded from a centralized location.
• Network Timing protocol (NTP) provides a precise and stable time standard for all vswitches in the intranet.
• Generate tree root protection STRG) to prevent edge devices from being controlled by network administrators and become an STP root node.
• Status, full/half duplex, 10 BaseT/100 BaseTX/1000BaseT multi-function LED indication for each port, which is used together with the system, RPS, and bandwidth LEDs, A comprehensive and convenient visual management system.

Security and Redundancy

• Supports future use of IEEE 802.1x ).
• The Cisco fast uplink Technology ensures fast fault recovery with a typical value less than 3 seconds), making the overall network performance more stable and reliable.
• The edge of a dedicated VLAN provides security and isolation between ports of the switch. It also ensures that voice traffic is directly transmitted from the entry point to the collection device through the Virtual Channel, instead of being located on other unrelated ports.
• MAC-based port-level security prevents unauthorized workstation access to the switch.
• The address learning mode selected by the user simplifies the configuration and enhances security.
• The support of IEEE 802.1D STP for redundant trunk connections and non-loop networks simplifies the network configuration process and improves the fault tolerance capability.
• Support for Cisco redundant power system 300RPS300), with a built-in backup power supply up to six units, improving fault tolerance and normal network working time.
• Multi-level security for console access prevents unauthorized users from modifying switch configurations.
• Supports centralized control over the vswitch through TACACS + authentication to prevent unauthorized users from changing the configuration. (End)