Feature Catalyst 2960 with LAN Base Catalyst 2960 with LAN Lite

LAN Base LAN Lite
LLDP Yes (+MED) Yes
ACL Classification Yes No
Auto QoS Yes No
802.1x MAC-Auth Bypas Yes Yes
802.1x Web-Auth Yes No
DHCP Server Yes No
Jumbo Frames Yes Yes
Auto-MDIX Yes Yes
TDR Yes Yes
DHCP Snooping Yes No
Flex Link Yes No
Link STate Tracking Yes No
SSH/SSL/SCP Yes Yes
SNMPv3 Crypto Yes Yes
IPv6 Host Yes No
MLD Snooping Yes No
# of VLAN's 255 64
RPS Support Yes No


Q. What are the advantages of Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches with the LAN Base software relative to Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches with the LAN Lite software?
A. Cisco Catalyst 2960 LAN Base switches deliver intelligent services for branch offices and wiring closets. The LAN Base IOS software supports enhanced Layer 2+ security, quality of service (QoS), availability, and scalable management to enable new converged applications. Catalyst 2960 LAN Base switches include both 10/100 Fast Ethernet and 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in 8-, 24-, and 48-port configurations.

Cisco Catalyst 2960 LAN Lite switches are for entry-level branch office and wiring closet networks. They simplify the migration from nonintelligent hubs and unmanaged switches to a fully scalable and reliable network. The LAN Lite IOS software supports standard Layer 2 security, QoS, and availability while lowering the network total cost of ownership. Catalyst 2960 LAN Lite switches deliver 10/100 Fast Ethernet connectivity in 24- and 48-port configurations.

All Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches have technical support service options available through Cisco SMARTNet® service. All come with a Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty, and LAN Base and LAN Lite software updates are provided at no additional cost.


Q. What are the notable differences between the Cisco Catalyst 2960 LAN Base and LAN Lite switches?
A. Cisco Catalyst 2960 LAN Base switches have several advantages:

- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in 8-, 24-, and 48-port configurations

- RPS support and support for a wide range of SFP transceivers

- Enhanced security through Layer 2-4 access control lists (ACLs), DHCP Snooping, and more extensive Network Admission Control capabilities such as Web authentication and 802.1x enhancements

- Additional QoS capabilities: The LAN Base IOS supports policing, class and policy maps, differentiated services code point (DSCP), AutoQoS, and configurable queue weights, buffers, and thresholds

- Higher network-level availability with features such as Flex Links and Link State Tracking

- Increased number of VLANs (256) and other enhancements such as IPv6 Host, MLD Snooping, LLDP-MED, RSPAN, MVR, DHCP Option 82, and IP SLA (responder)