Cisco Catalyst 2960-S vs Catalyst 2960-X (WS-C2960S-48TS-L vs WS-C2960X-48TS-L)
The Catalyst 2960-X (WS-C2960X-48TS-L) is the in-family upgrade from the end-of-life 2960-S (WS-C2960S-48TS-L): both are 48-port data-only (non-PoE) Gigabit LAN Base switches with 4x SFP, but the 2960-X adds faster FlexStack-Plus stacking and higher capacity. Both are legacy, so the Catalyst 9200 is the true modern path; the 2960-X is the right drop-in for existing 2960-X stacks.
Catalyst 2960-S 48-Port (WS-C2960S-48TS-L)
A 48-port data-only GbE LAN Base switch with 4x SFP uplinks and FlexStack, now end of life.
- 48x 10/100/1000 data ports (non-PoE)
- 4x 1G SFP uplinks with optional FlexStack
- LAN Base Layer 2 feature set
- End of life; no longer sold or supported
Catalyst 2960-X 48-Port (WS-C2960X-48TS-L)
The next-gen 2960: 48x data GbE with 4x SFP, faster FlexStack-Plus stacking, and higher capacity.
- 48x 10/100/1000 data ports (non-PoE)
- 4x 1G SFP uplinks with FlexStack-Plus stacking
- Higher switching capacity than the 2960-S
- LAN Base, with field-replaceable fans
Catalyst 2960-S 48-Port (WS-C2960S-48TS-L) vs Catalyst 2960-X 48-Port (WS-C2960X-48TS-L): spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 2960-S 48-Port (WS-C2960S-48TS-L) | Catalyst 2960-X 48-Port (WS-C2960X-48TS-L) |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 48x 10/100/1000 (data only) | 48x 10/100/1000 (data only) |
| PoE | None | None |
| Uplinks | 4x 1G SFP | 4x 1G SFP |
| Switching capacity | Up to 176 Gbps | Up to 216 Gbps |
| Stacking | FlexStack (up to 4 members) | FlexStack-Plus (up to 8 members) |
| Stack bandwidth | Up to 20 Gbps | Up to 80 Gbps |
| Feature set | LAN Base | LAN Base |
| Software | Cisco IOS | Cisco IOS |
| Lifecycle status | End of life / past LDoS | End-of-sale (legacy) |
| Warranty | Enhanced Limited Lifetime | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
Choose Catalyst 2960-S 48-Port (WS-C2960S-48TS-L) if
There is no compelling reason to deploy the 2960-S today; it is end of life and past its last date of support. Retain existing units only as interim spares.
Choose Catalyst 2960-X 48-Port (WS-C2960X-48TS-L) if
Choose the 2960-X if you need a data-only 48-port switch that matches an existing 2960-X FlexStack-Plus deployment and want faster stacking than the 2960-S provides.
Verdict
Retire the 2960-S. The WS-C2960X-48TS-L is the direct in-family successor with the same 48 data ports and 4x SFP but faster FlexStack-Plus stacking and more capacity. For a fully supported, future-proof refresh, move to the Catalyst 9200; the 2960-X is a valid short-term match for existing 2960-X stacks.
Frequently asked questions
Does the WS-C2960S-48TS-L have PoE?
No. The WS-C2960S-48TS-L and WS-C2960X-48TS-L are both data-only (non-PoE) 48-port switches. If you need PoE, look at the 2960-X 48-port PoE models or the Catalyst 9200.
What is the replacement for the Catalyst 2960-S 48-port?
In-family the WS-C2960X-48TS-L replaces it; the modern Cisco successor is the Catalyst 9200 with IOS XE and StackWise-160 stacking.
How much faster is 2960-X stacking versus 2960-S?
The 2960-X uses FlexStack-Plus at up to 80 Gbps across up to 8 members, versus FlexStack on the 2960-S at up to 20 Gbps across up to 4 members.
Is the 2960-X still being sold?
The 2960-X is a legacy, end-of-sale platform. It remains a valid match for existing 2960-X stacks, but Cisco directs new purchases to the Catalyst 9200/9200L.
More Catalyst comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.