## Product Identification ? Manufacturer: Cisco ? Model Number: WS-C3550-12G ? Series: Catalyst 3550 ? Category: Ethernet Switch ## Ports and Connectivity ### Port Configuration ? Total Ports: 12 ? Gigabit Ethernet: Yes ### Interfaces and Management ? Console Management: 1 x RJ-45 ? LAN Ports: 2 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T ## Performance Specifications ### Connectivity Media ? Category 4 UTP 10Base-T ? Category 3 UTP 10Base-T ? Category 5 UTP 10/100/1000Base-T ### Switching and Forwarding Capabilities ? Switching Fabric: 24Gbps ? Forwarding Rate: 17 Million packets per second (Mpps) for 64-byte packets ? Forwarding Bandwidth: 12Gbps for Layer 2 and Layer 3 ## Expansion Options ### Expansion Slots ? Number of Slots: 10 ? Slot Type: GBIC ## Network and Communication Features ### Address Table Capacity ? MAC Address Table: 12,000 MAC addresses ## Ports The Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch is equipped with 12 ports, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses that require a reliable and high-performance network switch. With its 12 ports, this switch offers a multitude of benefits and features that are crucial for enhancing network connectivity and overall performance. ### Increased Connectivity One of the primary advantages of the Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch’s 12 ports is the increased connectivity it provides. With 12 ports available, users can connect multiple devices simultaneously, such as computers, servers, printers, and more. This enables businesses to create a robust network infrastructure that can handle the demands of a growing organization. #### Flexible Network Expansion The 12 ports of this managed switch also offer flexibility when it comes to network expansion. As businesses grow and add more devices to their network, having additional ports becomes crucial. The Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch provides enough ports to accommodate future growth, eliminating the need for frequent upgrades or investments in additional networking equipment. #### Improved Performance By offering 12 ports, this managed switch ensures improved network performance. Each port on the switch operates independently at full duplex, allowing for simultaneous data transmission and reception. This eliminates bottlenecks and congestion, resulting in faster data transfer speeds and reduced latency. The improved performance enhances overall productivity and efficiency within the network. #### VLAN Support With its 12 ports, the Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch also supports Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). VLANs enable network administrators to segment a large network into smaller logical networks, providing improved security, easier management, and optimized traffic flow. Each port on this switch can be assigned to a specific VLAN, allowing for efficient network segmentation and better control over network resources. ### Importance of 12 Ports The Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch’s 12 ports play a crucial role in meeting the networking needs of businesses. Here are some key reasons why this feature is essential: #### Scalability For businesses with expansion plans, having a switch with 12 ports ensures scalability. As more devices are added to the network, there is no need to invest in additional networking equipment immediately. The ample number of ports allows businesses to accommodate new devices without disrupting the existing network infrastructure. #### Cost-effectiveness Investing in a switch with fewer ports may seem like a cost-saving measure initially. However, it can lead to additional expenses later on if more ports are required. By opting for the Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch with its 12 ports, businesses can avoid the need for costly upgrades or investing in additional switches. This makes it a cost-effective solution in the long run. #### Improved Network Performance Having 12 ports on a managed switch significantly enhances network performance. The increased number of ports allows for efficient traffic distribution, reducing congestion and bottlenecks. This results in improved data transfer speeds and reduced latency, ensuring smooth communication across the network. #### Flexibility and Versatility With 12 ports, the Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch offers flexibility and versatility in terms of network setup and device connectivity. Businesses can connect various devices simultaneously without limitations, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration within the organization. The versatility of this switch enables businesses to adapt to evolving networking requirements effortlessly. In conclusion, the Cisco WS-C3550-12G Managed Switch’s 12 ports offer increased connectivity, flexibility, improved performance, and VLAN support. The importance of this feature lies in its ability to accommodate network expansion, provide cost-effectiveness, enhance network performance, and offer versatility to meet diverse networking needs. With its comprehensive feature set and 12 ports, this switch is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a reliable and high-performing network solution.