How to configuration the Cisco Catalyst 2960X Switches NetFlow-Lite

As networks become more complex and organizations enable more applications, traffic patterns become more diverse and unpredictable. Organizations require better visibility into network traffic in a manageable way. It is crucial for network operators to obtain information about where, why, when, how, and by whom specific applications are used and how the usage might affect the network. This information is vital to enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing operational costs. Cisco NetFlow technology is one of the most scalable ways to provide this information throughout your network infrastructure. NetFlow-Lite introduces traffic visibility on the Cisco 2960X, 2960XR, 2960-CX, and 3560-CX Series Switches for the first time.

The following steps illustrate NetFlow-Lite configuration on the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X, 2960-XR, 2960-CX, and 3560-CX Series Switches:

Step 1.   Configure a Flow Record, which defines the data collection. You can customize it for specific requirements. You can use the following example with most NetFlow collectors:

flow record v4

 match ipv4 tos

 match ipv4 protocol

 match ipv4 source address

 match ipv4 destination address

 match transport source-port

 match transport destination-port

 collect transport tcp flags

 collect interface input

 collect flow sampler

 collect counter bytes long

 collect counter packets long

 collect timestamp sys-uptime first

 collect timestamp sys-uptime last

Step 2.   Configure a Flow Exporter, which defines where the collected data needs to be sent. Please refer to the NetFlow collector application user guides and manual for specific details such as port number, differentiated services code point (DSCP), and other options. The configuration follows:

flow exporter Replicator

 description Exporter to Cisco Prime 2.0

 destination 10.2.44.12

 source GigabitEthernet1/0/1

 dscp 16

 template data timeout 60

 option interface-table

Step 3.   Configure a Flow Monitor, which binds the flow record and exporter along with options to configure the flow cache:

flow monitor v4

 record v4

 exporter Replicator

 cache timeout active 30

Step 4.   Configure a Flow Sampler. Define the sampling technique and sample size. The configuration follows:

sampler v4

 mode random 1 out-of 32

Step 5.   Attach the Flow Monitor and Sampler to the interface:

interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1

 ip flow monitor v4 sampler v4 input

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The Difference Between WS-C2960X-48LPD-L and WS-C2960X-48FPD-L

Recently, our clients are often confused about WS-C2960X-48LPD-L and WS-C2960X-48FPD-L switches when they purchase Cisco catalyst 2960-X switches, do not know their differences. Here we will share the right point - the difference between them, hope can help you more to choose the right switches.

The main difference between WS-C2960X-48LPD-L and WS-C2960X-48FPD-L is the PoE performance. Please refer the below table.

	Cisco Catalyst 2960X-48FPD-L	Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960X-48LPD-L
Price at 3Anetwork.com	USD3245, 59% OFF	USD2645, 62% OFF
Maximum Number of PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) Ports	24 ports up to 30W	12 ports up to 30W
Maximum Number of PoE (IEEE 802.3af) Ports	48 ports up to 15.4W	24 ports up to 15.4W
Available PoE Power (Single PS Source)	740W	370W
Supported GE SFP module	GLC-LH-SMD GLC-SX-MMD GLC-BX-D GLC-BX-U GLC-EX-SMD (CPN 10-2624-01 or later only) GLC-ZX-SMD GLC-T GLC-ZX-SM GLC-LH-SM GLC-SX-MM CWDM-SFP	GLC-LH-SMD GLC-SX-MMD GLC-BX-D GLC-BX-U GLC-EX-SMD (CPN 10-2624-01 or later only) GLC-ZX-SMD GLC-T GLC-ZX-SM GLC-LH-SM GLC-SX-MM CWDM-SFP
Supported SFP+ transceiver	Not Supported	SFP-10G-LR SFP-10G-SR SFP-10G-LRM SFP-10G-ER SFP-H10GB-CU1M SFP-H10GB-CU3M SFP-H10GB-CU5M SFP-10G-ZR DWDM SFP+ SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M SFP-H10GB-CU2M SFP-H10GB-CU2-5M SFP-H10GB-ACU7M SFP-H10GB-ACU10M SFP-10G-AOC1M SFP-10G-AOC2M SFP-10G-AOC3M SFP-10G-AOC5M SFP-10G-AOC7M SFP-10G-AOC10M

For more information about the configuration, as the technical support, you can consult with our CCIE expert and the e-mail address is support@3anetwork.com.

More related:

How to Choose the Managed Swithches?

The Common Q&A of Cisco Catalyst 2960-S Switch

Differences of Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches

Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Switches NetFlow-Lite Overview

What is NetFlow-Lite?

NetFlow-Lite on Cisco Catalyst 2960-X switches collects packets randomly, classifies them into flows, and measures flow statistics as they pass through the switch. It is a true flow-based traffic-monitoring mechanism that conserves valuable forwarding bandwidth when exporting flow-based data for analysis and reporting. This export data provides visibility into traffic that is switched through the Cisco Catalyst 2960X and Catalyst 2960XR Switches.

The Cisco Catalyst 2960-X has been tested with the leading NetFlow collector applications such as Cisco Prime, ActionPacked LiveAction, Plixer Scrutinizer, and many more. 

What is NetFlow-Lite Used for?

NetFlow-Lite offers network administrators and engineers the following capabilities:

l  Unprecedented visibility: NetFlow-Lite provides real-time information about traffic flows from endpoints such as PCs, phones, IP cameras, etc. You can use this information for traffic monitoring of Layer 2 and Layer 3 traffic as well as capacity planning.

l  Network planning: You can use NetFlow-Lite to capture data over a long period of time so that customers can understand traffic patterns, top talkers, top applications, etc. This feature provides accurate data to track and anticipate network growth and plan upgrades.

l  Simplified troubleshooting: You can use NetFlow-Lite flow-based analysis techniques to understand traffic patterns, which can help in proactively detecting problems, troubleshooting efficiently, and resolving problems quickly.

NetFlow-Lite Capabilities

NetFlow-Lite provides a granular packet-sampling mechanism that is adjustable up to 1:32 and available for all interfaces. The implication is that a subset of all packets passing through the Cisco Catalyst 2960X or Catalyst 2960XR will be selected for reporting. Figure 2 shows some of the data gathered by Cisco NetFlow-Lite.

Output from Cisco NetFlow-Lite

NetFlow-Lite on the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X has the following capabilities:

l  NetFlow-Lite is supported on all downlink and uplink ports.

l  NetFlow-Lite is natively available with no additional hardware required.

l  The sampling range is from 1:32 to 1:1022.

l  The application measures 16,000 flows per switch.

l  Physical ports and VLAN Interfaces (switched virtual interfaces [SVI]) are supported.

l  NetFlow-Lite on the Cisco Catalyst 2960-X supports ingress flows only.

l  Export using standards-based IP Information export (IPFIX) or Version 9 record format.

Differences between Flexible NetFlow-Lite, Flexible NetFlow, and sFlow

Differences between NetFlow-Lite, Flexible NetFlow, and sFlow

Note

Product support of sFlow may vary.

Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series Switches are the next generation of the world's most widely deployed access switches, providing Layer 2 and Layer 3 access features. The switches deliver best-in-class energy efficiency, while preserving your investments through mixed stacking with existing Catalyst 2960-S and SF switches.

As a world leading Cisco networking products supplier, 3Anetwork keeps stock in Cisco 2960-X series switches, and save up to 65%.

Our website: http://www.3anetwork.com

Telephone: +852-3069-7733

Email:  info@3Anetwork.com

Address: 23/F Lucky Plaza, 315-321 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hongkong

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