Cisco 2960L vs. Cisco 2960X – Which is the better new generation Switch series?
If you are interested in a critical review of the 2960l and the 2960X, both by Cisco: then this is just the lace for you. Here is Cisco 2960L vs. Cisco 2960X with more.
Cisco 2960L and 2960X are part of the evolving 2960 family of switches. While they are built on the same foundation, these series have many differences in terms of product highlights and overall capabilities.
Below is an elaborate comparison review of both new generation 2960 series. In this, we are going to review both collections: looking closely at some of the integral features available on each respective Switch series. Moreover, we will compare some of the features and capabilities as we try to establish which of these is truly better. Take a look.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Cisco 2960L and Cisco 2960X?
Cisco 2960L |
Cisco 2960X |
|
Ports |
8-16-24-48 Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet ports, with PoE capabilities |
24-48GE ports, with PoE |
Stacking |
No, virtual stacking/ Clustering |
Yes |
Layer Networking Access |
Basic L2/L3 Access and functionality |
Basic L2/advanced L3 Access and functionality |
Noiseless operation |
Yes |
No |
Power redundancy |
No |
Yes |
Cisco 2960L vs. Cisco 2960X- How these two compare
Performance and features
The Cisco 2960 outdoes the Cisco 2960L in many instances, with respect to performance. The series features a wider selection of functionalities unavailable on the Cisco 2960L. For instance, Unlike the Cisco 2960S which is limited to basic Layer2 and Layer 3 functionality, the Cisco 2960X features advanced layer 3 and layer 2 access, availing more advanced features and switching capabilities on to the network.
Stacking
The 2960X using the FlexStacking feature allows for stacking of up to 8 other switches to form a single functional unit. With this, control and management on the network can be exercised over a single functional unit/ stack. The Cisco 2960 is incapable of stacking, but only forms virtual stacks. Stacking eases management and administration tasks, making the 2960X an easier to operate option: on the compared to the 2960L.
Deign
While there are multiple design differences between the Cisco 2960Xand the 2960L, the most conspicuous one has to be the fan less deign across all the Cisco 2960L models. This allows users to run a noiseless operation, unlike the fan models available on the Cisco 2960X series which integrates fans into some of the models’ designs.
Cisco 2960L vs. Cisco 2960X –A comparison review
Cisco 2960L
The Cisco 2960L features a selection of Smart Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switches. It includes a series of simple devices that are easy to deploy and offer extensive management over the switches and the network. In fact, these switches allow for LAN access over various business applications.
Features
Cisco designed the 2960L with various performance and security capabilities. These in tandem with other 2960L hardware and software functions help deliver Layer 2 access. Moreover, basic Layer 3 switching capabilities son these models allow for static routing,
Interestingly, these devices are powered by an improved Cisco IOS LAN Lite software. This collection features a fan less design, which is great for minimal power consumption with reduced noise while running. Designed for operational simplicity, the Cisco 2960L includes many management tools, deployment options and energy efficiency features. With these, users can easily set up, access and even mange their operations. Integrated features such as the Superior CLIs allow for intensive network management and administration. With this, users can easily troubleshot or monitor their business networks.
If you are conscious about power consumption within your operation or are simply invested in reducing power consumption costs: this series offers a myriad of energy efficiency within networks.
Moving on to the connection ports available, users can access these models over 8-16-24-48 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Moreover, these devices feature Power over Ethernet and intelligent POE+ capabilities which ensure users can access intelligent power management and flexible power allocation within the network.
Cisco WS-C2960L-48PS
- ETHERNET PORT CONFIGURATION: 48 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 4 1G SFP uplink ports
- POWER: Power budget of 370W with Perpetual PoE+ support for uninterrupted power to PoE devices, even in...
The 48 port Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960L-48PS offers POE and UPOE support, with two additional SFP ports. Said model features a command line interface and Text View to help users customize their configurations to meet their needs. The 2960L switch is designed for increased ease of use, and supports multiple protocols and settings. It offers web-UI management and a range of other wizards to help set up and use your switch.
Moreover, it includes autonegotiation, autosecure, DHCP, ARP, IMGP and a variety of VLAN services to suit different user needs. The model is designed for optimal power consumption. Various energy efficiency Ethernet technology; EnergyWise, loop detection and smart operation work together to optimize consumption levels on this model.
Additionally, it features smart troubleshooting, smart install and smart ports which enhance the ease of use while detecting and automatically configuring new switches. It enhances overall security by offering a range of features and protocols to curb different risks.
Cisco 2960X
The Cisco 2960X is among the most popular series of Switches on the Cisco Catalyst 2000 collection. This line is designed for branch and campus deployment application and comes with an elaborate range of features and capabilities. While the collection includes 2960X and 2960 XR models, this review only focuses on the 2960X models.
Features
Technically the modes on this line are fixed configuration, fully managed and stackable enterprise class switches. They are enabled with various tools to ensure operational efficiency and simplicity through the network.
Various intelligence services included on the 2960 collection are dedicated to improve management, administration and overall performance. Among these improvements include application visibility with network reliability and resilience. Enhanced QoS contribute to the intelligence service provision with exceptional traffic management operations.
Speaking of management, many features and tools are integrated to deliver easy switch, network, and lifecycle management. Security features on this series are set up to ensure limited access from unauthorized users in addition to threat mitigation on business operations. Stacking on 2960x models is made possible with Cisco’s Flex Plus technology. Using the Flex-Stack Module, users can enable stacking on 2960X models with a maximum 8 units on a stack. Moreover, the FlexStack Extended feature ensures stacking outside the wiring closet.
Energy conscious businesses can rely on these devices which are enabled with power saving and power efficiency tools and features. In fact, intelligent power management ensures flexible allocation of power to all ports.
Other benefits that come with the Cisco 2960X include the Layer 3 functionality with which these gadgets are enabled. These allow for load balancing an overall improvement in scalability, policy routing, among other routing operations.
WS-C2960X-48LPS
- Memory storage capacity: 512.0
- LAN Lite models have reduced functionality and scalability for small deployments with basic requirements.
The Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960X-48LPS features 48 10/100/1000 base-T POE ports which support UPOE. The model also features 4 fixed SFP uplinks with a special POE+ power support. It facilitates seamless device management thanks to a web-UI but it can also connect through an over-the-air Bluetooth pairing, USB console access, a command line interface or a simple network protocol (SNMP).
While the scanner doesn’t offer dual redundant power supply, it supports expansion and features a built in power supply option. Moreover, it features 108 Gbps bandwidth performance and a 107.1 Mpps forwarding rate. The switch is designed for operational simplicity and it supports multiple frameworks for increased ease of use. It offers autonegotiation, DTP, LACP, PAgP, SDM, NTP alongside several other protocols to enhance user experience. Multiple resiliency and redundancy features available help to prevent network outages and optimize power consumption levels.
Now let’s compare the Cisco WS-C2960L-48PS to the WS-C2960X-48LPS
WS-C2960L-48PS |
WS-C2960X-48LPS |
|
Number of ports |
48 |
48 |
Stacking |
√ (Clustering ) |
√ (True Stacking) |
Integrated security with Energy efficient Ethernet |
√ |
√ (With power redundancy RPS) |
Operation simplicity protocols |
√ |
√ |
Conclusion
A the end of the day, both the 2960L and 2960X are very well featured Switch series. The 2960X may contain more advanced functions like the stacking technology, but if not applied correctly, none of these
