Yes, they can be managed using the Cisco Network Assistant software, which uses Cisco Switch Clustering technology. Cisco Network Assistant is a PC-based network management application optimised for LANs of small and medium-sized businesses with up to 250 users.
Cisco Network Assistant offers centralised management of Cisco Systems switches, routers and WLAN access points. It supports a wide range of Cisco Catalyst Intelligent Ethernet switches. Users can configure and manage a wide array of switch functions and start the device manager of Cisco routers and Cisco wireless access points. Cisco Network Assistant is available at no cost and can be downloaded from the Cisco website.
Cisco Network Assistant provides an integrated management interface for delivering intelligent services, enabling users to manage their entire LAN with one robust tool. By bringing the simplicity of traditional LAN switching to intelligent services such as multilayer switching, Quality of Service, multicast and security Access Control Lists, Cisco Network Assistant offers administrators benefits formerly reserved for only the most complex networks. The Guide mode in Cisco Network Assistant leads you through the configuration of high-end features and provides enhanced online help for context-sensitive assistance. In addition, a solution wizard provides automated configuration of the switch for video streaming or videoconferencing. Cisco Network Assistant supports standards-based connectivity options such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Cisco Fast EtherChannel technology, Gigabit Ethernet, and Gigabit EtherChannel connectivity. Because Cisco Switch Clustering technology is not limited by proprietary stacking modules, stacking cables, or interconnection media, Cisco Network Assistant expands the traditional cluster domain beyond a single wiring closet and lets you mix and match interconnections to meet specific management, performance, and cost requirements.
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series switches can be configured either as command or member switches in a Cisco switch cluster. Cisco Network Assistant also allows you to designate a standby or redundant command switch, which takes the commander duties should the primary command switch fail. Other important features include the ability to configure multiple ports and switches simultaneously, as well as perform software updates across the entire cluster at once. Bandwidth graphs and link reports provide useful diagnostic information, and the topology map gives network administrators a quick view of the network status.