The Cisco 4948 Datasheet is more than just a document; it’s a critical resource for network administrators and engineers who rely on the Cisco Catalyst 4948 series switches. This datasheet provides a comprehensive overview of the switch’s capabilities, specifications, and performance characteristics, empowering informed decision-making for network design, deployment, and troubleshooting.
Understanding the Cisco 4948 Datasheet A Deep Dive
A Cisco 4948 datasheet is essentially a detailed technical manual. It outlines every feature of the Cisco Catalyst 4948 switch, covering hardware specifications, software capabilities, performance metrics, and compliance information. This information is invaluable for determining whether the switch meets the specific requirements of a network environment. The datasheet is critical for avoiding costly mismatches between network needs and hardware capabilities. This helps professionals select the appropriate model for their applications, from small business networks to large enterprise infrastructures. The documentation typically includes:
- Port density and types (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet, SFP)
- Switching capacity and throughput
- Memory and processor specifications
- Power consumption and thermal characteristics
The datasheet isn’t just about hardware. It also provides crucial details about the software features supported by the Cisco Catalyst 4948, including Quality of Service (QoS), security protocols, and management capabilities. Knowing which software features are available is essential for configuring the switch to meet specific network requirements. For example, understanding the QoS capabilities allows administrators to prioritize critical traffic, ensuring optimal performance for latency-sensitive applications like VoIP or video conferencing. Similarly, information on security protocols like ACLs (Access Control Lists) and VLANs (Virtual LANs) is crucial for implementing a robust network security posture. A typical datasheet covers details such as:
- Supported routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP)
- Security features (e.g., ACLs, 802.1X)
- Management options (e.g., CLI, SNMP)
Finally, the Cisco 4948 datasheet includes performance benchmarks and compliance information. This data allows network professionals to assess the switch’s performance under various load conditions and ensure that it meets industry standards. Performance metrics like latency, throughput, and packet loss are essential for capacity planning and troubleshooting network bottlenecks. The compliance information, including certifications and regulatory approvals, ensures that the switch can be deployed in specific geographic regions and industries. For example, understanding MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) can give an idea about the hardware reliability. Here is a summarized example:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Switching Capacity | 96 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 72 Mpps |
To truly understand the capabilities and specifications discussed in this article, we encourage you to consult the official Cisco 4948 datasheet from Cisco’s website or authorized documentation repositories. Don’t rely on secondhand information; explore the source!