LAN Lite vs LAN Base- Which Cisco IOS edition is better?

The Cisco IOS software is elaborately designed to reduce overall expenditure within business networks, while improving productivity. Take a look as we compare and review two of the more popular Cisco IOS editions: LAN Lite vs. LAN Base.

Cisco boasts the most expansive networking software deployed, worldwide. The Cisco IOS, known in full as the Cisco International Operation System software is responsible for the admirable support, services and overall versatility on enabled Cisco Devices.

According to the makers, this is made possible using integrated cutting edge technology: all of which cut cross a broad hardware support portfolio. There are 4 editions of the Cisco IOS software available. These include the LAN Lite, LAN Base, IP Base and IP service. However, this is not to be confused with Cisco’s networking software systems under which the Cisco IOS, IOS XR, IOS XE and NXOS are classified.

What are the differences between LAN Lite and LAN Base?

LAN Lite vs LAN Base- Comparing the two

Scale of Business

Perhaps the biggest difference between LAN Base and LAN Lite has to be the scale of business each of these is designed to serve. LAN Lite is often incorporated into smaller business operations. This is mostly because the software only supports basic features. Alternatively, the LAN Base feature set is included in Small to Medium sized businesses. For this reason, LAN Based bundled devices a better choice for users running growing businesses, with increasing demands compared to the LAN Lite feature set which offers limited support.

SKU

The Stock keeping unit on these models enabled with LAN Base or LAN Lite feature sets allow users to easily identify said models by Cisco IOS editions very fast.  LAN Base models carry the tag –L while LAN Lite models are tagged-LL. While not a functional feature, this difference in SKU is great review information for users searching for different LAN Base and LAN Lite devices.

Performance

Since LAN Lite bundled devices can only support basic Layer 2 routing, with additional basic QoS, and Security features, said devices can only perform so well. In fact, these devices are only meant to serve entry level networking needs.

LAN Base Bundled devices on the other has are equipped with  enterprise level access, allowing LAN Base switches  offer enhanced support with better QoS, and Layer 2+ Layer 3 switching capabilities.

The difference in performance between these two is quite evident. In fact, LAN Base enabled devices offer access to a wider selection of technologies, many of which are unavailable to LAN Lite enabled devices. Some of these include Ip routing and static routing, advanced QoS among others. LAN Base enabled switching solutions are simply better equipped for a demanding enterprise network. Moreover, they offer scalable management, which is essential for every growing network.

Deployment

LAN Base switches, especially from the 2960 collection are available for more demanding business applications compared to LAN Lite counterpart. Meant for wiring closet and entry level branch office deployment; the LAN Lite feature set ultimately offers basic functionality.

LAN Lite vs LAN Base- A comparison review

LAN Lite

LAN Lite Switches are simple Switching solutions that are valuable in small enterprises that have minimal networking needs. This feature set is designed to provide standard switching capabilities on entry level enterprises.

Features

Cisco enables many of its 2960 models, including the newer generations with the LAN Lite feature set.  While these devices are meant for entry level deployment: they feature great technical support services including scalability and reliability within the network.

LAN Lite Switches are designed specifically for small enterprises with minimal network demands. The software offers support for basic Layer 2 switch. This includes basic security which offers the bare minimum in terms on network security services.

Fundamentally, LAN Lite bundled gadgets are meant to increase the ease of use on networking devices while greatly decreasing the cost of ownership. This is quite befitting considering the feature set is targeted towards entry level operations. They are great transition devices for anyone looking to migrate from unmanaged to managed scalable networks.

Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S

Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S Catalyst 2960 24-port 10/100 Switch

• Cisco Catalyst 2960-24TC-S Managed Ethernet Switch - 24 x 10/100Base-TX, 2 x 10/100/1000Base-T
• Cisco Catalyst 2960-24TC-S Managed Ethernet Switch

Check Price

The Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S is a LAN Lite powered Switch from the Cisco 2960 collection. It features 24 ports for connectivity. These 24 10/100 ports on the Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S allow for Fast Ethernet connectivity without issue. In fact, this model is ideal for wiring closets and small branch office deployment options. These scenarios must be entry level since the Switch cannot handle high demand network operations.

Technically, this model is a Fixed configuration standalone switch.  The accompanying IOS software allows for various entry level security, and QoS. These provide all the basics for a functional Switch. Moreover, this model increases availability on networks for prime performance.

View Price on Amazon

LAN Base

LAN base switches are developed for higher functionality compared to the feature set discussed above. These support more enhanced features and benefits. Many Cisco series are enabled with LAN Base feature sets.

Features

The Cisco 2960 is one of the collections that include Switches with both LAN Base and LAN Lite.  The LAN Base models on the 2960 series include both Fast Ethernet and Giga Ethernet in 10/100 and 10/100/100 pert configurations. Many of these models are suitable for entry level enterprise networks. Others are capable enough for mid market businesses.

Since this feature set allows for basic Layer 3 switching access, with advanced layer 2 access and intelligent LAN services. With LAN Base, networks offer improved reliability, advanced security and enhanced QoS.

Where possible, models capable of Stacking for instance from the 2960X series often feature LAN Base feature set. LAN Base enabled Switches are a great beginners solution in scalable networks.

CiscoWS-C2960-24LT-L

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series WS-C2960-24LT-L Switch with LAN Base Software (24-Port 10/100Mbps, 8 PoE, 2 Gigabit Ports)

• 24 Ethernet 10/100 ports with 8 PoE ports and 2 10/100/1000 TX
• 1 RU fixed-configuration

Check Price

The Cisco 2960 24 LT-L model available with 16 Gbps bandwidth performance intelligent services is a great representation of LAN Base enabled Switches. It features 24 Ethernet ports with 8 offering POE support and 2 offering 10/100/1000TX. Various wire speed Qos including Ingress monitoring, auto Qos and traffic classification help improve network performance within operations.

The switch is designed for optimized energy consumption, and it features IEEE 802.3az efficient energy protocol that cuts down consumption on idle ports. Since the device features extensive management and administration features, it is quite easy to set up and use. Protocols such as DHCP, Local proxy ARP, autonegotiation, IGMP, voice VLAN alongside wizards and templates to help simplify operation further. Security features on this device work together to mitigate threats by offering advanced network security through threat defense,  port based access control lists, multidomain authentication, SPAN and private VLAN.

View price on Amazon

Now, lets compare the Cisco WS-C2960-24TC-S to the CiscoWS-C2960-24LT-L

Conclusion

If you are interested in a LAN Base device, the article above should provide you with everything you need to know on Cisco LAN feature set. Clearly, LAN base is deployed for more advanced level technologies while LAN Lite is reserved for more basic tech.