Networks often need consistent upkeep and maintenance, with some networks refreshing every 2-3 years. However, that does not mean your equipment is out-of-date! Refurbished equipment is a great way to maintain an effective network at fraction of the price. So as you inevitably look to update your network, let’s take a look at some of the most affordable and dependable refurbished Cisco options to revitalize your network.
The 2960-X and 2960-XR are the most recent switches from the 2960 series from Cisco. Cisco’s 2960-X and 2960-XR series switches come in 24 or 48-port Gigabit configurations with 4x fixed 1Gbps SFP, 2x 10Gbps SFP+, 1GbE, or a hybrid combination of uplink ports. These switches come in fixed configurations, most are stackable and run with Cisco’s IOS software for simple device management. The 2960-X and -XR switches provide Layer 3 routing capabilities and are a reliable and affordable network solution for anyone in the market.
Power Redundancy
Cisco 2960-X and 2960-XR series switches have two key differences in their power systems. The X series is supported by a single fixed power supply and are available with either the CISCO IOS LAN Base or LAN Lite feature set. They also support an additional external power supply for redundancy. The Cisco Catalyst 2960-XR series rely on dual redundant, field-replaceable modular power supplies with the Cisco IOS IP Lite feature set. Although they ship with one power supply by default, the second power supply can be added at the time of purchase to give you the power you need to run your network with maximum redundancy.
Cisco Stacking
One of the most valuable features of these two Cisco products is their stacking capabilities. The majority of the 2960-X and XR series support Cisco FlexStack-Plus and FlexStack-Extended capabilities. Using the Cisco FlexStack protocol, the Flex Stack members behave as one logical switch that manages the transfer of ethernet packets across the stack. To achieve stack-ability, you need to install a cisco stack mod (2960X-STACK), and FlexStack cable to interface with the master switch. Under the management of the stacks master switch, the stack can work cohesively to double the line rate and reach the maximum potential of these switches. Each member supports two stack connections, allowing each switch to simultaneously send and receive ethernet traffic. Flex Stack Extended, can be added to both the X and XR series to allow back panel stacking of up to 8 switches and enable a long-distance “out-of-the-wiring-closet stack option.” More importantly, stacking your switches allows you to provide a unified configuration and communication channel for switch management, simplifying network management, lowering operational costs, and increasing line rates. If you’re looking to maximize the potential of your Cisco gear, Cisco FlexStack is a necessity for your network.
Cisco IOS Software IP Lite Vs Lan Lite
Software is another very important aspect of what sets these switches apart from the competition. Cisco Catalyst 2960X/XR series switches both use Cisco’s universal IOS software to automatically configure the LAN Lite, LAN Base, or IP Lite feature set. Most Cisco product IDs will end with a -l,-L, or -LL indicating its feature set. “-l” for IP Lite, “-L” for LAN Base, and “-LL” for LAN Lite. Each feature set. LAN Lite, available only in the 2960-X Series, has entry-level Layer 2 features made for midmarket networks. The X series is also compatible with the LAN Base, layer 2, feature set, tailored towards enterprise-level software solutions. The 2960-XR series support only the IP Lite feature series. The IP Lite feature set comes with enterprise-level Layer 3 features.
Why not buy new gear?
The newest line from Cisco, the C9200 Series, is top-of-the-line, most expensive, and up-to-date, networking gear from Cisco. However, brand-new gear might be overkill and unrealistic for many use cases. Last month, a valued customer of Dedicated Networks purchased over 200 different variations of refurbished 2960X/XR series switches for their network! After purchasing from us, Jahed, from M.B.E Trading, had this to say; “I love working with Dedicated Networks. Their inventory selection (of Cisco 2960X and XR Series’ ) is vast, the equipment is of good quality, and the service from the Account Manager allows me to keep coming back.”
Pre-owned Cisco’s 2960-X and 2960-XR series switches offer affordable high-end enterprise-class networking solutions for every use case. Their emergence on the pre-owned market allows us at Dedicated Networks to offer you dependable refurbished networking solutions in the 2090-X and 2960-XR Series switches. Our expansive inventory is home to many of the top performers from this series. We are sure you can find a refurbished 2960X or XR switch that meets the needs of your network, is readily available, and is for an affordable price. We strive to provide the same level of product expertise and consistency that M.B.E Trading found with us, to all of our customers looking for refurbished networking gear.