Cisco SG 300 Vs. Cisco 2960X- Which affordable network solution is better?
The Cisco 300 and Cisco 2960 are some of Cisco’s most affordable Switch series, both of which offer great capabilities at budget friendly costs. Take a look as we compare the SG 300 and 2960X for further insight.
When looking to buy a great switch, it is important to do your research. This is because many buyers opt for Switch options with integrated advanced technologies, many of which are not suited to serve smaller enterprises. Since these often get quite expensive: it is only right that small to Midsized businesses invest in affordable, but efficient networking devices.
In this comparison review, we take on two of Cisco’s affordable yet reliable Switch Series. If you are interested in either of these affordable networking solutions, continue on to the SG 300 vs. 2960X. You will find extensive information on what each series has to offer, with an included model review from each of these collections.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Cisco SG 300 and the Cisco 2960X?
Cisco SG 300 |
Cisco 2960X |
|
Family |
Small to Midsized business series SMB |
Catalyst series |
Stacking |
TrueStacking |
Yes, FlexStacking, Flex Stacking Plus technology |
Layer Switching |
Basic L3 switch |
Enterprise class L2, with some L3 |
Management tools |
Web based, SNMP MIPS |
CNA |
Interface |
Textview CLI |
IOS CLI |
Cisco SG 300 Vs. Cisco 2960X- How do these compare?
Configuration
Cisco’s IOS CLI, the command Line Interface in full is the primary interface on which users can access, monitor and maintain their Cisco Switch. The 2960X series is equipped with this function and accommodates convenient management over this interface. Cisco SG 300 models takes a different approach and features TextView CLI instead of the traditional CLI. This makes the SG 300 more convenient to manage compared to the 2960X. Understandably, users accustomed to using the standard CLI for configuration will be unbothered by this.
Business application
The SMB SG 300 from the Small to midsized business collection is designed to cater to smaller business networks including entry level enterprises. However, the 2960X series is dedicated to deliver enterprise class switching for branch or campus applications. This makes the 2960X a more efficient switch over a large scale, when compared to the SG 300 which is designed for small operation.
Stacking
Using FlexStack technologies, users can stack 2960X switches to form a single functional unit. Stacking allows for unified management and operation of your network switches as one device. Management and administration on stacked devices is very convenient and easy. While the SG 300 supports true stacking, the 2960X features more complex stacking technologies allowing for better stacking capabilities with better performance as unified front.
Cisco SG 300 Vs. Cisco 2960X- A comparison review
Cisco SG 300
The SMB 300 series is a collection of Fixed configuration Managed Ethernet switches. Cisco developed the SG 300 as part of the Cisco 300 Series of switches, equipped with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity ports. These devices available in multiple languages are a highly efficient network solution for many business class operations. The models on this collection are designed to provide security within your operation with great management features and overall improved performance.
Features
Part of the Cisco Small Business line portfolio of solutions, the Cisco 300 is made with a wide selection of features and tools, all of which serve to form a strong network foundation. The easy to use nature of these devices ensures more efficiency and productivity is encouraged within enterprises’ work forces.
These switching solutions encourage flexibility within the operation allowing for easy traffic management with improvement in availability on the network. Device managing tools integrated on to SG 300 models allow for quick set up, with easy configuration and overall use. These ensure you spend less time and effort to install, configure or even manage the network.
Various Integrated advanced management capabilities allow for intensive traffic control within business networks. Said devices are backed by strong security features, all of which ar dedicated to protect information within the network.
Many deployment potions are available to Cisco 300, allows different business application. Some of the deployment scenarios possible with these include desktop connectivity, Wireless connectivity, Unified communication and secure guest connectivity. Additional Power Over Ethernet support, available on models with up to 28 GE ports, reduces the cost of installment by simplifying deployment technology.
SG 300-28P
- Cisco SG 300-28P (SRW2024P-K9-NA) 28-Port Gigabit PoE Managed Switch
The Cisco sg 300 28 port switch features 24 POE ports and 4 additional uplink modules. It offers a frame rate of 41.67 Mpps and a switching capacity of 56 Gbps. It is designed for increased ease of use, and features multiple protocols and options for seamless interaction. Moreover, it features a large number of wizards and configuration options to help users minimize setup times even without experience.
Included on the SG 300-28P are Smart Installation, Smartports and autonegotiation which eliminate the need forneed to reconfigure your switch with new additions. This switch can work well as a standalone unit, but it is also compatible with other models in the series. It offers true integration, with multiple switches controlled through a single platform.
The model also offers dual imaging, which supports upgrades without any interruption to output. This switch offers multiple security aspects, with external coverage through protocols such as plug protection and built in coverage provided by a comprehensive threat defense protocol.
Cisco 2960X
The 2960X series is a fixed configuration series of stackable Gigabit Ethernet Switches. This line features fully managed Switching solutions designed to deliver device on boarding with various deployment applications over enterprise class networks.
Features
Operational simplicity and operational efficiency are the hall mark of the Cisco 2960 Collection. These models include various tools that allow decreased cost of ownership with improved scalability, and integrated intelligence services. Other benefits associated with the 2960X features include the Ease of use the 2960X models offer.
Among these include management features that allow users to set u and utilize the Switching devices. In fact, the collection includes intelligent power manager, switch management devices and other switch and network management tools for ease of use purposes.
Stacking on these devices is made possible with the Cisco FlexStack nad Flexastack Plus technologies which a maximum 8 stacking limit.
Cisco C2960X-48LPS
- Memory storage capacity: 512.0
- LAN Lite models have reduced functionality and scalability for small deployments with basic requirements.
The Cisco C2960X-48LPS is a 48 port switch which offers POE and UPOE support. It combines a bandwidth performance of 108 Gbps with a forwarding rate of 107.1 Mpps. It also features a dual field power supply and enhanced resiliency and redundancy. The model will connect seamlessly with multiple compatible switches.
It includes tools such as autonegotiation, Smart Install and Smartports to help automatically configure your connection to match your needs. It is designed for increased ease of use, with a variety of features set up to help streamline different services. The model combines Stacking technology with other features to deliver streamline output and consumption. Moreover, this model features a cross link ether , Access Control Lists, BDU guard, SPAN, and 802.1X which enhance user protection. It is very easy to set up and use, with automated protocols and features helping users configure their ideal profile. Provisions made for intelligent management tools and an integrated security system to help enhance user protection and overall experience.
Now let’s compare the SG 300-28P to the Cisco C2960X-48LPS
SG 300-28P |
Cisco C2960X-48LPS |
|
Forwarding rate |
41.67 Mpps |
107.1 Mpps |
Bandwidth performance |
40 Gbps |
108 Gbps |
Stacking |
– |
Yes, With FlexStack technology |
Threat defense and mitigation with Optimized power consumption |
√ |
√ |
Conclusion
When compared to the 2960X, it is easy to dismiss the SG 300 as the lower tier switch. However, both of these switching solutions have a lot to offer in terms of capabilities and features, you simply need to figure out the best application/deployment scenario for the respective switches.
