WS-C3560CX-8PT-S Cisco Rack-mountable 10 Gigabit Ethernet Layer3 Switch

Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch

The Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is an advanced 8-port managed Ethernet switch from the renowned Catalyst 3560-CX series. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, this compact yet powerful switch delivers high-performance connectivity, robust security, and versatile deployment options.

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C3560CX-8PT-S
• Device Type: Managed Switch with 8 Ports
• Enclosure Type: Desktop, Rack-mountable, Din Rail Mountable, Wall-mountable 1U
• Subtype: 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Port Configuration and Power Features

• Ports: 10 x 10/100/1000 Mbps with PoE+ support
• Power over Ethernet: PoE+ with 146 W total budget
• Port Capabilities: Full-duplex, Auto-negotiation, VLAN support

High Performance Switching

• Forwarding Performance: 14.9 Mpps for 64-byte packets
• VLAN Capacity: Supports up to 1023 virtual interfaces
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9198 bytes
• Routing Protocols: RIP-1, RIP-2, Static IP Routing

Remote Management and Monitoring

• Management Protocols: SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON 1/2, Telnet, HTTP, TFTP, CLI
• Advanced Monitoring: Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), MAC Address Notification

Security and Compliance Features

• Access Control List (ACL) Support for traffic filtering
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) and DHCP Snooping
• IPv6 Support for modern networking environments
• 802.1X authentication for secure access control

Quality of Service and Traffic Management

• Shaped Round Robin (SRR) scheduling
• Weighted Tail Drop (WTD) for congestion handling
• Class of Service (CoS) support for priority traffic
• DiffServ support for scalable traffic management

Energy Efficiency and Design

• Fanless design for silent operation in office environments
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) for reduced power consumption
• Compact 1U form factor suitable for desktops, racks, or wall mounts

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid STP (RSTP) support
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) for link redundancy
• Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) for efficient media delivery
• BootP, ARP, and DHCP support for automated network configuration

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3ab Ethernet standards
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p VLAN and priority standards
• IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at for PoE/PoE+ compliance
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) link aggregation
• IEEE 802.1w, 802.1s, 802.1x security protocols
• IEEE 802.3x flow control and 802.3az energy efficiency
• IEEE 802.1ae MAC security and 802.1ab LLDP support

Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S Catalyst Ethernet switch

The Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is part of the Catalyst 3560-CX series, representing a compact, high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for modern enterprise networks. This series offers exceptional flexibility, robust security, and seamless connectivity, making it ideal for small to medium-sized business environments, branch offices, and workgroup deployments. The Catalyst 3560-CX series is known for its reliability and energy efficiency, providing organizations with cost-effective solutions without compromising network performance or scalability.

Key Features of the Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S

This 8-port Ethernet switch is engineered with a variety of advanced features that ensure optimal performance in a compact form factor. It supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), which allows the device to power connected endpoints such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras directly through the network cable. The switch is designed with fanless operation, providing silent performance that is suitable for office environments or locations where noise is a concern. Its small form factor also allows flexible deployment options, including desktop placement or wall mounting, eliminating the need for traditional server racks.

Performance and Scalability

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S delivers high switching capacity with non-blocking throughput, ensuring that multiple devices connected simultaneously experience minimal latency and consistent data transmission. With full Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 features, it supports advanced network protocols, VLAN segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS), and routing between VLANs. This makes the switch suitable for both voice and data traffic, maintaining network efficiency and reliability even under heavy loads. The Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX series is also capable of software-defined networking (SDN) integration, enabling centralized management and automation for growing enterprise networks.

Advanced Security and Management

Security is a critical aspect of the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S, with support for features such as IEEE 802.1X network access control, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard, and ACL-based traffic filtering. These capabilities protect the network from unauthorized access, spoofing attacks, and other security threats. The switch also supports Cisco DNA Center and Cisco IOS Software, allowing administrators to configure, monitor, and manage the network efficiently. With support for SNMP, RMON, and syslog, organizations can maintain visibility into network performance and troubleshoot potential issues quickly.

PoE+ Support and Energy Efficiency

One of the defining characteristics of the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is its Power over Ethernet Plus functionality. With a total PoE budget, the switch can deliver reliable power to connected devices while reducing the need for separate electrical outlets. This capability is particularly useful for organizations deploying VoIP phones, wireless access points, or security cameras, as it simplifies cabling and reduces installation costs. Additionally, the Catalyst 3560-CX series incorporates energy-efficient Ethernet technologies, minimizing power consumption while maintaining optimal performance, which supports sustainability initiatives and lowers operational expenses.

Compact Design and Deployment Flexibility

The Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is designed to address the increasing demand for space-efficient network infrastructure. Its compact and fanless design allows placement in open office areas, classrooms, or small branch offices without the need for dedicated server rooms. The device can be easily mounted on walls or placed on desktops, providing flexibility for varying deployment scenarios. Despite its small size, the switch offers full functionality with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring that network connectivity is not compromised.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Capabilities

Supporting full Layer 2 switching features, including VLANs, link aggregation, and spanning tree protocol, the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S ensures efficient traffic management within the local network. Additionally, its Layer 3 Lite routing capabilities allow basic inter-VLAN routing, static routing, and support for routing protocols, enabling more advanced network segmentation and optimization. This combination of Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality ensures seamless integration with existing network architectures while providing room for future network growth.

Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is a hallmark of the Catalyst 3560-CX series, and the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is no exception. It features high-quality components, robust software, and support for redundant power supplies where applicable. The switch’s continuous operation ensures minimal downtime and maximum availability for critical business applications. Network administrators can implement rapid spanning tree protocols and link aggregation for redundancy, ensuring that network traffic continues uninterrupted even in the event of a link failure. Cisco’s renowned hardware and software reliability contribute to long-term investment protection and reduced maintenance costs.

Integration with Cisco Network Ecosystem

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is fully compatible with other Cisco networking devices, enabling seamless integration into existing enterprise environments. It supports Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) for automated provisioning, policy enforcement, and network analytics. Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) provides advanced network access control, allowing organizations to enforce user and device policies consistently across the network. The switch also supports Cisco StackWise technology for stacking multiple switches, although the compact model is primarily intended for smaller setups, offering a modular and future-ready approach to network expansion.

Enhanced QoS and Traffic Management

Maintaining optimal network performance is critical, and the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S delivers enhanced Quality of Service features to prioritize traffic. This is particularly important in environments with voice, video, and data applications running simultaneously. Administrators can configure traffic prioritization, shaping, and scheduling to ensure that high-priority applications receive the bandwidth they require. The switch supports standard QoS protocols and policies, ensuring reliable performance for latency-sensitive applications like VoIP and video conferencing.

Software Features and Customization

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S operates on Cisco IOS Software, providing a familiar and robust interface for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. It supports advanced features such as ACLs, multicast routing, and IPv6 support, allowing organizations to customize the network according to specific operational requirements. Cisco’s software architecture ensures that the switch can be upgraded as new features are released, extending the device’s lifecycle and protecting investment. Network administrators can leverage Cisco Prime or DNA Center for centralized management, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing operational efficiency.

Applications in Modern Networks

This switch is ideal for various applications, including enterprise edge, branch offices, classroom networks, and collaborative workspace environments. Its combination of PoE+ support, compact form factor, and robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities makes it suitable for powering IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and other network devices efficiently. The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S also facilitates seamless integration with wireless networks and cloud-based applications, enabling organizations to adopt hybrid networking strategies with confidence.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

The Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S Catalyst switch is designed with scalability in mind. While it provides eight Gigabit Ethernet ports in a compact chassis, its support for stacking and advanced routing allows network growth as business needs evolve. Cisco’s commitment to backward compatibility and software upgrades ensures that organizations can expand their networks without replacing existing hardware. This approach reduces total cost of ownership while allowing businesses to adapt to emerging technologies and increasing network demands over time.

Environmental Considerations

The fanless, low-power design of the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S contributes to a quieter, more energy-efficient network environment. By reducing electricity consumption, the switch not only lowers operational costs but also aligns with sustainability objectives. Its compact footprint allows deployment in spaces where traditional switches would be impractical, such as small offices, classrooms, or distributed branch locations, without compromising network capacity or functionality.