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Discussion of Cisco Catalyst 2960 series switches and miscellaneous chatter about SFP modules (started with OT posts from EtherREGEN thread)


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2 hours ago, ericuco said:

I was a bit surprised when Superdad posted the information on this Cisco switch with the pending release of the etherREGEN.

 

In any case, I bit and purchased one since is was cheap to do so. I got the switch working in my system but didn't like what I was hearing so I removed. The center vocals seemed to smeared instead of focused.

 

I have been on the fiber optic bandwagon for several years now when this all was the rage here on the forum. Miska had come out with the HQP NAA setup which meant that you needed to include networking equipment to your music system so people started experimenting and fiber optics showed nice results.

 

For me, fiber optics makes good sense because you can don't have to worry (as much) about transmitting unwanted noise and my system always sounded better.

 

Currently, my music server has an Intel NIC with an SFP port so right off the bat, the signal coming out of my server is using fiber optics. It was very simple to install the NIC into my Linux server (built for me by Small Green Computer). If you have ever installed a card into a computer, that is all there is to it. Plus Ubuntu Studio (Linux) handles updates to the Intel card as part of routine system updates which is nice.

 

From the music server, the signal goes into a no-name Chinese switch (bought from AliExpress ... Asia's Amazon) that cost about $100. The switch has 8 SFP ports and 2 RJ-45 ports. Besides the music server, the switch also connects to the opticalModule as well as to my Google Wifi meshpoint with a TP Link MC220L converting the signal to optical. So, the switch only has 3 fiber optic connections and no RJ-45 connections meaning it is fairly isolated. The switch is powered by a quality linear power supply. Yes, I understand the issue with cheap clocks but ...

 

My advice is to go with fiber optics as much as possible. The cables for fiber optics are dirt cheap when compared to CAT 6, 6A, 7 cables plus they are much thinner and flexible so easier to route. There are a lot of used SFP modules available on ebay for cheap so just buy a batch of what works for you (I use Cisco modules). Install a fiber optic NIC in your server ... easy to do if you server allows cards to be added.

 

Personally, I like Linux and not sure why more people don't. Heck of a lot cheaper (Linux is free) with as good as if not better sound that a Win or Apple computer. With Ubuntu Studio, the GUI (graphical user interface) is easy to use for basic functions, very similar to Windows or Apple OS. From my understanding all of the Sonore units are running some form of Linux.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

On my system the Cisco was had really a positive impact over my 2 Tplink with fiber.

I've ordered 1 SFP to connect to the Cisco to 1 Tpling and will report my findings!

Cheers,

 

Jorge  

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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16 hours ago, LewinskiH01 said:

 

Are these sonic improvements with the 2960 accomplished through optics, ethernet or both?

On my system it was a major improvement over 2 Tplinks connected over fiber.

With the Cisco I just tried the copper connection (Ethernet).

Will thy fiber this weekend if I receive the transceiver.

Jorge  

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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On 6/12/2019 at 5:24 PM, LewinskiH01 said:

Anybody knows if there is a meaningful difference (soundwise) between Cisco Catalyst 2960 WS-C2960-8TC-S and WS-C2960-8TC-L? Can't find a S unit around here and Cisco's website doesn't tell much. The L is Base Layer and 30W while the S is Lite Entry Layer and 20W. Whatever that means 😊

 

Take a look here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-2960-series-switches/prod_qas0900aecd80322c37.html

 

I bought an L version which was an improvement over directly feeding from a Ubiquiti switch. I then replaced the power supply with a quieter one which yielded another small step forward. Nothing huge, just a little more rounded, fractionally more 3d etc...worth doing though!

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On 6/20/2019 at 3:07 PM, LewinskiH01 said:

Tagged.

 

Jorge, 

To make sure I get it right: your tplink over fiber was better than a household switch over CAT cable, and the Cisco over CAT cable sounds better than the tplink over fiber. Is that right?

 

Horacio

Yes Horacio, but what I did not tried was the Cisco over a fiber connection (1 TPlink).

And from the tests I did today, I will never do.

It seems that the Tplink MC 200 just do 1000 and do not change the protocol to 10/100 the one that is used by my Cisco...

Need to further investigate, but from, what I read I am not too much optimistic.  

Wanting for the Etherregen...    

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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@soares : the SFP port of the Cisco is gigabit so should work with a gigabit SFP port of a TP Link, as long as compatible transceivers are used. I have the SFP port of the Cisco connected to the gigabit SFP port of a TP Link MC 220.

 

The 8 regular ethernet ports of the Cisco are 10/100. To be complete there is also one gigabit ethernet port next to the SFP port. 

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On 6/20/2019 at 1:50 AM, LewinskiH01 said:

Are these sonic improvements with the 2960 accomplished through optics, ethernet or both?

I experienced these improvements through copper. I was astounded, paid £60 for mine. I will try optical but I suspect I'm the best part of the way there already.

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If you go for a 2960G (usually about twice as much as the 2960L on the used market) then all of the ports are 1000. 

SERVER CLOSET (in office directly below living room stereo):NUC 7i5BNH with Roon ROCK (ZeroZone 12V on the NUC)>Cisco 2690L-16PS switch>Sonore opticalModule (Uptone LPS 1.2)>

LIVING ROOM: Sonore opticalRendu Roon version (Sonore Power Supply)> Shunyata Venom USB>Naim DAC V1>Witchhat DIN>Naim NAP 160 Bolt Down>Chord Rumor 2>Audio Physic Compact Classics. OFFICE: opticalModule> Sonore microRendu 1.4> Matrix Mini-i Pro 3> Naim NAP 110>NACA5>KEF Ls50's. BJC 6a and Ghent Catsnake 6a JSSG ethernet; AC cables: Shunyata Venom NR V-10; Audience Forte F3; Ice Age copper/copper; Sean Jacobs CHC PowerBlack, Moon Audio DIN>RCA, USB A>C. Isolation: Herbie's Audio Lab. 

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On 6/18/2019 at 7:09 PM, rickca said:

I just powered it up once without any ethernet cables plugged in to make sure it POSTed OK.  Then I simply replaced my Netgear GS105 with the Cisco switch and it just worked.

 

Hello - I had a bit of trouble when I installed. Followed the advise of having no lan connections attached, powered up and let it cycle. I immediately began having issues with previously rock solid connections on my Trendnet switch. Switching back I needed to shutdown the whole network and power it back up in sequence and was back to normal.

Did you guys do that installing this unit (shutdown from router forward) and power up in sequence?

MAIN: Sonore Optical Module Deluxe/Farad Super 3 (7v) > Uptone EtherRegen/Farad Super 3(9v)/AfterDark Emperor Signature/Farad Super 3 (12v) > Innuos Zenith MKII SE (ER A) > ER (B) > Meitner MA-3 DAC > Ayre K-5xe MP Preamplifier > Ayre VX-5 Twenty Amplifier  > Vandersteen Quatro Woods

POWER: AQ Niagara 5000 > AQ (Hurricane)/Triode Wire Labs/Shunyata Python/Nordost Blue Heaven/Audience AU24 SE/Audio Sensibilities Sig Silver

CABLING: Silversmith Audio Fidelium Speaker/Sablon Pantela Reserva 2020 Lan/Ghent JSSG360 Cat 6/AQ Earth & Pegasus/Aurelis Deuland 75ohm

ISOLATION: Stillpoints/Symposium/IsoAcoustics/Herbie's/PS Audio Powerbase

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1 hour ago, FrankMA said:

Hello - I had a bit of trouble when I installed. Followed the advise of having no lan connections attached, powered up and let it cycle. I immediately began having issues with previously rock solid connections on my Trendnet switch. Switching back I needed to shutdown the whole network and power it back up in sequence and was back to normal.

Did you guys do that installing this unit (shutdown from router forward) and power up in sequence?

No.  But my network is really simple, just an AT&T fiber internet gateway and an Asus RT-AC3100 router followed by the Cisco switch.

Pareto Audio AMD 7700 Server --> Berkeley Alpha USB --> Jeff Rowland Aeris --> Jeff Rowland 625 S2 --> Focal Utopia 3 Diablos with 2 x Focal Electra SW 1000 BE subs

 

i7-6700K/Windows 10  --> EVGA Nu Audio Card --> Focal CMS50's 

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On 6/22/2019 at 1:07 AM, McNulty said:

@soares : the SFP port of the Cisco is gigabit so should work with a gigabit SFP port of a TP Link, as long as compatible transceivers are used. I have the SFP port of the Cisco connected to the gigabit SFP port of a TP Link MC 220.

 

The 8 regular ethernet ports of the Cisco are 10/100. To be complete there is also one gigabit ethernet port next to the SFP port. 

 

Hi McNulty,

 

Following  several recommendations, I ordered the 2 following SFP transceivers from amazon:  

 

30-1301-01 Cisco Systems SFP GBIC Transceiver 1000Base-SX

SFP Transceiver Single-Mode Gigabit Mini-GBIC Module 1000BASE-LX/LH Compatible for Cisco GLC-LH-SMD (SMF, 1310nm, 10km, Dual LC DOM)

Despite all my efforts I was not able to have it working (resetting/changing the order of the fiber cables connected to the Cisco/using auto mode and force on the TPlink) . I am using an TP-Link MC200CM .

 

Kind regards,

 

Jorge

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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If I may ask a question on Cisco 2960 Catalyst switches but a different model please?  I am in South africa and these 2960 series switches do not come up very often, but I can get my hands on a 2960CX-8PC which is a POE switch.  Per the documentation on  the web one of the POE configuration power options for the ports is "never" and in that mode the port is never powered up.  The  attraction from what I gather of the Catalyst series of switches is their electrical isolation , would in the opinion of the users here connecting to POE enabled ports even if POE is disabled cancel out that isolation benefit?  Would a non POE switch be the preferred route?  Thanking you in advance.

 

The 2960CX-8PC has

8 Gigabit Ethernet ports (all POE enabled)

2 X SFP 1GE uplinks  ( te flexibility for optical in the future, eg optical module)

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Hope someone can help:

 

Got  the switch on eBay, and reset to factory, based on documentation from Cisco site..  However, the factory reset does not reset the user/password to how it left the factory it seems.  I get no positive results using cisco/cisco or Cisco/cisco or Admin/cisco, no user/cisco, etc.  I suspect it has the last owner's user/password in place...

 

When I try to telnet into the Cisco I get "Password required, but none set".  Any idea on how to fix that?  And I've not found any Cisco documentation that suggests how to fix it either.

 

FYI: I've got a Mac (no Windows system).  Not really familiar with using telnet options that might pass to the Cisco to allow it to let me in.

Steve Schaffer

Grimm MU1 / dCS Vivaldi Upsampler - APEX DAC - Clock / Spectral DMC-30SV preamp / Spectral Anniversary monoblocks / Wilson Audio Alexia V /  Wilson Lōkē subs / Shunyata Everest / Shunyata Omega interconnects, power cables, Ethernet / Shunyata Altaira / Uptone EtherREGEN switch / Cybershaft OP21A-D / Uptone JS2 LPS / HRS racks - Vortex footers - damping plates

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1 hour ago, McNulty said:

@soares : I'm not an SFP specialist, but if I look at the specs of the TP Link MC200M it doesn't seem to accept 1310nm and is only compatible with 850nm, whereas the MC220L is compatible with both. My best guess is that's where the problem is.

I don't even know the meaning of nm... :-)

But thanks . Will probably get one used for the try. 

Do yo know by heart the references of your SPF transceivers?  

Best , Jorge

 

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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10 hours ago, Ricardo007 said:

I bought also 2 WS-C2960-8TC-L switchs, on their way.

I guess for using SFP port it may be useful to take a look at you tube videos on how to configurate trunk ports and about router communication protocols like spanning tree protocol.

Hi Ricardo! I am a totally info excluded l, so I doubt I can do anything. In any case I am more than happy with the SQ improvements from my Cisco and I am  waiting for the Etherregen. Probably as Mcnulty hinted, I need to try the TP link mc220. Cheers Jorge

By the way I am curious to see if using 2 Cisco’s in série makes a difference:-)

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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20 hours ago, soares said:

I don't even know the meaning of nm... 🙂

But thanks . Will probably get one used for the try. 

Do yo know by heart the references of your SPF transceivers?  

Best , Jorge

 

 

Hi @soares, I kindly refer to my post #16 in the Q&A topic elsewhere on this forum (see link below). For your situation I would either buy different transceivers and a different cable to work with the MC200L, or indeed buy a MC220, whatever is cheapest.

 

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1 hour ago, McNulty said:

 

Hi @soares, I kindly refer to my post #16 in the Q&A topic elsewhere on this forum (see link below). For your situation I would either buy different transceivers and a different cable to work with the MC200L, or indeed buy a MC220, whatever is cheapest.

 

Oh Gosh... I am sorry McNulty

Thanks for being so patient... :-)

All the best,

Jorge

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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On 6/24/2019 at 12:26 PM, soares said:

 

Hi McNulty,

 

Following  several recommendations, I ordered the 2 following SFP transceivers from amazon:  

 

30-1301-01 Cisco Systems SFP GBIC Transceiver 1000Base-SX

 

SFP Transceiver Single-Mode Gigabit Mini-GBIC Module 1000BASE-LX/LH Compatible for Cisco GLC-LH-SMD (SMF, 1310nm, 10km, Dual LC DOM)

Despite all my efforts I was not able to have it working (resetting/changing the order of the fiber cables connected to the Cisco/using auto mode and force on the TPlink) . I am using an TP-Link MC200CM .

 

Kind regards,

 

Jorge

 

The first SFP you list above 1000Base-SX is multimode -- "SX" think "short" -> multimode

 

The second SFP you list above 1000Base-LX is singlemode - "LX" think "long" -> singlemode

 

These aren't compatible with eachother -- if you have a multimode cable (I use aqua for multimode) you need 2 1000Base-SX

if you have singlemode cable (I use yellow for singlemode) you need 2 1000Base-LX

 

You need the MC200L FMC assuming your cable is LC-LC.

 

If you are using the MC200CM its a multimode FMC which requires an SC-LC multimode cable. In that case use only the 1000Base-SX SFP on the Cisco end.

 

Now if you need to connect to an ancient 100m Ethernet device on the RJ-45 side, you need this FMC instead because the TP-link assumed you have gigabit on both sides:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Converter-SFP-Transceiver-20KM-ipolex/dp/B06XBZB7P7/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=fmc%2B1000%2F100%2F10&pd_rd_i=B0719HS31P&pd_rd_r=9941dd75-5120-4632-8ec9-e4f44c170898&pd_rd_w=sUa31&pd_rd_wg=GV8gY&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=7FJHCKEHJNXKH9M76FFV&qid=1561579007&s=electronics&th=1

Custom room treatments for headphone users.

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36 minutes ago, jabbr said:

 

The first SFP you list above 1000Base-SX is multimode -- "SX" think "short" -> multimode

 

The second SFP you list above 1000Base-LX is singlemode - "LX" think "long" -> singlemode

 

These aren't compatible with eachother -- if you have a multimode cable (I use aqua for multimode) you need 2 1000Base-SX

if you have singlemode cable (I use yellow for singlemode) you need 2 1000Base-LX

 

You need the MC200L FMC assuming your cable is LC-LC.

 

If you are using the MC200CM its a multimode FMC which requires an SC-LC multimode cable. In that case use only the 1000Base-SX SFP on the Cisco end.

 

Now if you need to connect to an ancient 100m Ethernet device on the RJ-45 side, you need this FMC instead because the TP-link assumed you have gigabit on both sides:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Converter-SFP-Transceiver-20KM-ipolex/dp/B06XBZB7P7/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=fmc%2B1000%2F100%2F10&pd_rd_i=B0719HS31P&pd_rd_r=9941dd75-5120-4632-8ec9-e4f44c170898&pd_rd_w=sUa31&pd_rd_wg=GV8gY&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=7FJHCKEHJNXKH9M76FFV&qid=1561579007&s=electronics&th=1

Thanks for your input. 

I am not using the 2 SFP at the same time as my tplink 200 does not accept SFP. I ordered them because they were recomended to use with theCisco. So I tried them always with the Cisco. So I am using a SCLC cable. On my RJ 45 side I use my router that works with the tplink with problems. Cheers Jorge

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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17 hours ago, jabbr said:

Ok, what is the exact cable you are using? 

2 Meter Multimode Duplex Fiber Optic Cable (62.5/125) - LC to SC - Orange

Tks,

 

Jorge

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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After many different attempts with 4 different SFP, I finally got it working with the following equipment  :    

 

SFP

Cisco GLC-SX-MMD Compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP 850nm 550m DOM Transceiver Module

Link: https://www.fs.com/products/22138.html

 

FMC

Gigabit Ethernet Multi-Mode LC Fiber Media Converter (SFP SX Transceiver 

Included), up to 550M, 10/100/1000Base-Tx to 1000Base-SX

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716XT1QT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_fFLdDbT94VD0P

 

It's an nice improvement over copper!

 

Will also try this SFP with my tplink 200. 

 

On the past I got good results feeding my tplinks with a LPS1. Unfortunately mine is death but I   have a spare ipower 5 v. Will try and report back.

 

Thank you all,

 

Jorge   

Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule>
SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45>

IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45>
etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen>

USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature.
 

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