1.2.1.7 Packet Tracer - Compare 2960 and 3560 Switches

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through comparing Cisco 2960 and 3560 switches using Packet Tracer. Understanding the differences between these two switch models is crucial for network design and management, especially for professionals pursuing certifications or working in IT environments.

Step 1: Set Up Packet Tracer Environment

• Launch Cisco Packet Tracer on your computer.
• Create a new project by selecting "File" and then "New."
• Drag and drop two switches onto the workspace: one 2960 and one 3560.

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings

• Access the CLI (Command Line Interface):
  • Click on each switch, and navigate to the CLI tab.
• Basic Configuration Commands:
  • For each switch, enter the following commands:

    enable
    configure terminal
    hostname Switch2960    # For the 2960 switch
    

  • Repeat for the 3560 switch with hostname Switch3560.

Step 3: Compare Features

• Examine Layer Capabilities:
  • The 2960 switch operates primarily at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer).
  • The 3560 switch supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 (Network Layer) features.
• Check for VLAN Support:
  • Use the command show vlan brief on both switches to see VLAN configurations.
• Routing Capabilities:
  • On the 3560 switch, verify routing options with:

    show ip route
    

  • Note that the 2960 does not have routing capabilities.

Step 4: Analyze Performance

• Speed and Bandwidth:
  • Compare ports on both switches. The 3560 typically offers higher performance features.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE):
  • Check if PoE is supported on either switch by using:

    show power inline
    

  • The 3560 may support PoE, allowing it to power devices like IP cameras and phones.

Step 5: Access Security Features

• Port Security Configuration:
  • Enable port security on both switches with the following command:

    switchport port-security
    

  • Compare the security features available on each model.

Step 6: Review Management Capabilities

• Management Interfaces:
  • Check for management options:
    • The 2960 generally relies on basic management through console access.
    • The 3560 offers advanced management options, including web-based management.
• SNMP Support:
  • Use the command show snmp to see if SNMP is configured and available on both switches.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to set up and compare Cisco 2960 and 3560 switches using Packet Tracer. Key differences include Layer capabilities, routing features, PoE support, and management options. Understanding these differences is vital for making informed decisions in network design and implementation.

For further exploration, consider setting up more complex network scenarios or diving deeper into the configuration commands for each switch model.