Cisco’s Catalyst® switch is an Ethernet or network switch that can inspect, process and redirect data traffic. It can function as a hub, router switch, network switch or Ethernet switch, and offers modularity and redundancy. It can also provide interfaces with T1, E1, and various WANs and may offer PoE.
A Catalyst® switch is part of a line of Ethernet or network switches manufactured by Cisco Systems. As Cisco acquired several companies, it rebranded its switches as part of its Catalyst® line of switches. Throughout the history of the model, Cisco has incorporated a number of improvements and features.
The term Ethernet switch can be misleading to those unfamiliar with networking technology. Most think of a switch as something that starts or stops a device. The Ethernet switch not only connects and disconnects computers or other components in a network, it can also inspect and redirect information based on its content, origin, or rules set by the network administrator.
A network switch performs the same function, but at a more local level. Typically, a network switch will handle traffic that originates and ends within the same office or organization. Like an Ethernet switch, it is smarter than a simple hub and can inspect, process and redirect data traffic.
A Catalyst® switch offers different features depending on the needs of the user. Cisco has used different operating systems to enable their data switch to operate in any number of environments. The Catalyst® switch can function as a hub, router switch, network switch or Ethernet switch. This allows for better power efficiency and bandwidth management, allowing for greater data capacity.
Switch configuration is usually done through a graphical user interface or through a plain text template, available through Cisco. It is possible to configure the switch using an HTTP server, but this is less common due to security concerns. It is possible to copy the configuration to the switch from another server, but this is also less likely for the same reason.
Another feature of the Catalyst® line of switches is modularity. The switches are offered with the processor, power, and other components installed on separate boards. This allows the user to repair, upgrade or reconfigure the switch without replacing the entire switch. With redundancy, you can repair or replace components without taking the switch offline. This saves the labor required to rewire a replaced switch.
In some cases, Cisco operates switches as switch routers, thus expanding the role and flexibility of the device and providing the use of different protocols in switch operations. This line of computer switches also has the ability to provide interfaces with T1, E1, and various Wide Area Networks (WANs). Some Catalyst® switch models may offer Power over Ethernet (PoE), in which power is carried over the same cabling as data. It is mainly used to power cameras and user interface devices.
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