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Configuring a strong and efficient network: The right net swap in buy to preserve a network. Cisco has two of the most common switches businesses need, its Catalyst 2960X and 2960XR series. Yet choosing between these can be a bit tricky, as they both have the same features but offer different configurations. In this post, we will explore the Cisco Catalyst 2960X vs 2960XR series in detail, compare their vital differences and assist you in making the right choice for your networking requirements.
Cisco Catalyst 2960X and 2960XR Series Overview
Cisco Catalyst 2960X and 2960XR are enterprise class switches small to medium sized businesses. And, they’re a member of the Catalyst family from Cisco, also by far, one of the more popular series, and for good reason with known and trusted reliability, simplicity of configuration, and a broad suite of features.
Cisco Catalyst 2960X Series: The 2960X is a fixed-configuration access switch. It can provide dense Ethernet connectivity to the network while being energy-efficient with advanced network monitoring and security capabilities. Commonly used in branch office and enterprise edge networking, the 2960X series supports up to 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Cisco Catalyst 2960XR Series: The 2960XR is an enhancement of the 2960X with functions that provide improved scalability and redundancy. It is optimized for larger and more resource heavy network workloads, with increased PoE, redundant power supplies, and fan trays. The 2960XR series is designed for branch and remote networks where high availability and scalability is essential.
Comparison Between Cisco Catalyst 2960X and 2960XR Series
| Factor | Cisco Catalyst 2960X | Cisco Catalyst 2960XR |
| 1. Port Density | Up to 48 ports (1G Ethernet) | Up to 48 ports (1G Ethernet) with additional flexibility in port density |
| 2. Uplink Options | 4 SFP+ uplinks | 4 SFP+ uplinks, with better stacking flexibility |
| 3. Power Supply Options | Fixed power supply (non-redundant) | Dual redundant power supplies for higher availability |
| 4. Stacking Technology | Cisco StackWise and StackPower support | Cisco StackWise Plus with more flexible stacking options |
| 5. Form Factor | 1U or 2U depending on model | 1U or 2U with redundancy features for critical environments |
| 6. Power over Ethernet (PoE) | PoE, PoE+ | PoE, PoE+, PoE++ (Higher PoE for demanding devices) |
| 7. Software Options | Runs LAN Base software, suitable for small-medium businesses | Runs LAN Base software, with more scalability for larger environments |
| 8. Performance Comparison | Excellent performance for standard access layer applications | Enhanced performance with improved traffic handling and redundant features |
| 9. Management and Automation | Basic management options with SNMP, CLI, and web interface | Advanced management features with better automation, SNMP, and centralized control |
| 10. Accessibility & Redundancy | Good redundancy with power supply failover | Higher redundancy with dual fans and power supplies for mission-critical setups |
Port Density
2960X: Comes up to 48 ports, 1G and 10G uplink.
2960XR: Essentially the same thing as the 2960X, but with some higher port density options and more various uplink choices for the larger network.
Uplink Options
2960X: 4 SFP+ uplinks (Uplinks: High-speed uplink connectivity to other network devices.).
2960XR: Same SFP+ uplinks, but provides more stacking options for larger network environments.
Power Supply Options
2960X: Fixed power supply, the main applicable to enterprise applications.
2960XR - Comes with a redundant power supply that allows for greater reliability since it provides power to the second unit in case the first one goes down.
Stacking Technology
2960X: Supports StackPower and Cisco StackWise, where 8 switches can be stacked and managed.
2960XR: Supports stackwise technology but be a more flexible adaptive stacking arch afterward have longer stacking distances between the units stacked.
Form Factor
2960X: Normally available 1U or 2U form factors based on ports.
2960XR: It has a similar form factor, but 2960XR is optimized for higher availability deployments with optional redundant fan trays and power supplies.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
2960X; with PoE and PoE+ support for power delivery to devices such as phones and cameras.
2960XR: Supports PoE, PoE+, and even higher power classifications such as poE++ which makes it more reasonable for connecting access points and IP camera environments with high needs.
Software Options
2960X: Supports Cisco's basic LAN Base software—this provides basic network features such as QoS, security and monitoring.
2960XR: The 2960 does everything the LAN Base software does, but the 2960XR offers advanced features for redundancy, security, and scalability.
Comparison of Performance
2960X: Best performance for standard networking needs, for branch offices and small business 2960X: Depth: 3.4, Height: 1.7, Width: 17.5, Weight: 6.9, Data Transfer Speed: 14.88 Gbit/s 2970X: High-performance, for data-driven applications, good for campus applications
2960XR: Provides higher overall performance, supporting greater traffic loads and more resource-intensive applications due to its additional hardware and software capabilities.
Management and Automation
2960X: Cisco's simple network management protocol (SNMP) and support for Cisco Prime for network management.
2960XR: Has improved in even more network management, with better control of automation and provisioning for even easier management at scale.
Accessibility and Redundancy
2960X: Good redundancy features, including power supply failover and hardware redundancy
Model 2960XR: -Dual fan tray and dual power supply redundancy designed to provide additional options for increased availability and reliability in mission-critical environments.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
The Cisco Catalyst 2960X Series Review:
Pros: 2960X series users love these switches for their reliability, effortless deployment, and energy efficiency. Many small to medium businesses are impressed by the user-friendly nature of the product, covering its management interface and seamless integration with other Cisco devices.
Limitations: A few of users have pointed out that the port density and stringent stacking options can restrict scalability as organizations expand.
Cisco Catalyst 2960XR Series Review
Strengths: Reviewers were impressed by the 2960XR series' high-performance infrastructure, strong redundancy, and scalability. Larger companies and remote offices will be drawn to the boosted stacking interoperability and higher PoE support.
Strengths: The main strengths is that it has a higher price than the 2960X, so business level budget will have it in mind.
Real-World Examples and Use Cases
Case Study Cisco Catalyst 2960X: A health care provider upgraded its network infrastructure to the Cisco Catalyst 2960X series to enhance patient data flow and the overall reliability of the network. The tool reduced downtime and increased departmental connectivity.
Cisco Catalyst 2960XR Case StudyA leading global retail organization deployed Cisco Catalyst 2960XR series at its remote sites to enhance connectivity and provide redundancy. The 2960XR's flexibility, higher Power over Ethernet supportbility, better implementation of point-of-sale systems and security cameras helped the company better integrated and reduced operational downtime.
Future Roadmap and Updates
Even within the Catalyst 2960 series itself, Cisco has kept innovating with better performance, enhanced security capabilities and improved management mechanisms. This includes expanded support for cloud-managed capabilities and effortless link to the Cisco DNA Center to simplify your network management like never before.
Where to Buy?
Network-Switch Cisco Catalyst 2960X & 2960XR series switches purchase com. Our experts will help you choose the model you need for your company, with our need advice and competitive prices. We not only act as your specific product adviser also your best partner for sale!
Conclusion
The decision on which product you need comes down to your business needs, however. On the other hand, the 2960X series is great for devices that just require reliaculity at a lower price point and for businesses where scalability, redundancy, and advanced performance are needed- they can choose the 2960XR series. Regardless of what you end up choosing, both series of routers can deliver industry-leading networking solutions that can scale with your business and offer high levels of reliability. Contact Network-Switch for additional assistance in choosing the correct switch.
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