Networking devices come in both fixed and modular physical configurations. Fixed configurations have a specific type and number of ports or interfaces. Modular devices have expansion slots that provide the flexibility to add new modules as required. Figure 17-5 shows a Cisco Catalyst 9600 chassis in which you can install different configurations of hardware to address your particular environment.
Figure 17-5 Cisco Catalyst 9600 Chassis
Manageability
Many basic inexpensive switches are not configurable. A managed switch that uses a Cisco operating system enables control over individual ports or over the switch as a whole. Controls include the ability to change the settings for a device, add port security, and monitor performance. The network administrator in Figure 17-6 is directly connecting to a Cisco Catalyst switch using a console cable.
Figure 17-6 Network Administrator Managing Network Switches
Video—Components of a LAN Switch: Part 1 (17.1.3)
Refer to the online course to view this video.
Video—Components of a LAN Switch: Part 2 (17.1.4)
Refer to the online course to view this video.
LAN Switch Components (17.1.5)
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch shown in Figure 17-7 is suitable for small- and medium-sized networks. It provides 24 1-Gbps data ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) so that some device types can be directly powered from the switch. It also has two modular 40 Gbps uplink ports. The LEDs indicate the port and system status of the switch. The switch is equipped with a console and storage ports for device management.
Figure 17-7 Cisco Catalyst 9300 24 UPOE Switch