Cisco WS-C2950-24
24 port, 10/100 Catalyst Switch, Standard Image only
Product Highlights
What's Included
(1) Rackmount Kit (STK-RACKMOUNT-1RU)
When your network needs reliable, no-nonsense Fast Ethernet connectivity at the access layer, the Cisco WS-C2950-24 delivers proven Layer 2 switching in a compact, rack-mountable package.
Part of the Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series, the WS-C2950-24 is a fixed-configuration, 1RU managed switch featuring 24 auto-sensing 10/100 Mbps ports and Standard Image (SI) software. With an 8.8 Gbps switching fabric and a 3.6 Mpps forwarding rate, it provides wire-speed, nonblocking performance for connecting end-user devices such as PCs, printers, and VoIP phones to the enterprise LAN.
The switch supports essential Layer 2 features including IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP), port security, and Quality of Service (QoS) classification — giving network administrators the tools to segment traffic, prevent loops, and prioritize business-critical applications. Cisco Device Manager provides an intuitive web-based GUI for simplified configuration and monitoring.
Please note that the Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series is an End-of-Life product. It remains an excellent cost-effective option for lab environments, legacy network extensions, and budget-conscious deployments where Fast Ethernet performance is sufficient. Cisco recommends the Catalyst 2960 Series as the migration path for production environments requiring ongoing vendor support.
Features & Benefits
Wire-Speed Fast Ethernet Switching
The WS-C2950-24 delivers an 8.8 Gbps switching fabric and 3.6 Mpps forwarding rate, ensuring nonblocking, wire-speed performance across all 24 ports. Every port can simultaneously transmit and receive at full line rate, eliminating bottlenecks even under heavy traffic loads.
VLAN & QoS Traffic Management
IEEE 802.1Q VLAN support enables logical network segmentation to improve security and reduce broadcast domains. Built-in QoS classification and policing allow administrators to prioritize latency-sensitive traffic such as voice and video, ensuring consistent application performance.
Network Resilience & Security
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) prevent Layer 2 loops and provide fast convergence. Port-level security features, including 802.1X authentication and MAC-based access control, help protect the network edge from unauthorized access.
Simple Management & Monitoring
Cisco Device Manager provides a built-in web GUI for point-and-click configuration and real-time monitoring. SNMP, RMON (four groups), Telnet, and CLI access give experienced administrators full control. The default configuration stored in flash enables rapid out-of-box deployment.
Compact, Energy-Efficient Design
At just 1RU and 6.5 lbs (3 kg), the WS-C2950-24 fits easily into standard 19-inch racks or can sit on a desktop. Maximum power draw of only 30W keeps operating costs minimal, making it ideal for distributed wiring closets and branch offices.
Deployment Scenarios
Lab & Test Environments
The WS-C2950-24 is a popular choice for CCNA/CCNP lab setups and network test beds. Its full Cisco IOS CLI provides a realistic learning environment at a fraction of the cost of current-generation hardware, making it ideal for certification study and proof-of-concept testing.
Legacy Network Extension
Organizations with existing Catalyst 2950 deployments can use the WS-C2950-24 as a cost-effective replacement or expansion unit to maintain consistency across the access layer without a full infrastructure refresh.
Small Office / Branch Connectivity
For small offices or branch locations where Fast Ethernet bandwidth is sufficient, the WS-C2950-24 provides managed switching with VLAN segmentation and QoS at a budget-friendly price point, connecting up to 24 end-user devices.
General
Ports & Interfaces
Performance
Memory
Power
Physical
Environmental
Management
Compatibility Notes
- Software: Ships with Cisco IOS Standard Image (SI). The Enhanced Image (EI) is available on different Catalyst 2950 SKUs (e.g., WS-C2950G-24-EI) and is not field-upgradable on the WS-C2950-24.
- Redundant Power: Compatible with the Cisco RPS 675 and Cisco RPS 300 redundant power systems for backup power failover.
- Rack Mounting: Includes the STK-RACKMOUNT-1RU rackmount kit for standard 19-inch rack installation.
- Migration Path: Cisco recommends the Catalyst 2960 Series as the replacement platform for production deployments.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| WS-C2950T-24 | Catalyst 2950T-24 | Adds two fixed 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit uplink ports for copper backbone connectivity |
| WS-C2950SX-24 | Catalyst 2950SX-24 | Adds two fixed 1000BASE-SX fiber uplink ports for Gigabit fiber backbone connectivity |
| WS-C2950G-24-EI | Catalyst 2950G-24-EI | Enhanced Image software with 2 GBIC slots — adds advanced QoS, ACLs, and flexible Gigabit uplinks |
| WS-C2960-24TT-L | Catalyst 2960-24TT-L | Cisco-recommended successor — current-generation Catalyst 2960 with LAN Base image and active support |