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

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

The Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S Catalyst 3560-CX Series is a compact, high-performance managed switch designed for modern enterprise networks. With 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting PoE+, this switch delivers flexible deployment options, superior energy efficiency, and advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities.

Manufacturer and Model Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C3560CX-8PT-S
• Device Type: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Ports: 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps with PoE+

Technical Specifications

• Subtype: 10 Gigabit Ethernet support
• PoE Budget: 146 W for powering devices
• Forwarding Performance: 14.9 Mpps for 64-byte packets
• Virtual Interfaces (VLANs): Supports up to 1023 VLANs
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9198 bytes

Advanced Routing and Protocol Support

• Static IP routing for simplified network management
• Routing protocols: RIP-1, RIP-2
• Remote management protocols: SNMP v1, v2c, v3; Telnet; HTTP; TFTP; CLI

Key Features and Capabilities

• Full duplex support for efficient data transmission
• DHCP and BootP support for automated network configuration
• ARP support and VLAN management for flexible network segmentation
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support to prevent loops
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for higher bandwidth
• Quality of Service (QoS) and Class of Service (CoS) for traffic prioritization
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) and Access Control List (ACL) support for enhanced security
• Fanless design for silent operation in office and classroom settings
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) to reduce power consumption
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) for network monitoring and diagnostics

Enhanced Multicast and VLAN Features

• Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) for optimized multicast traffic
• Weighted Tail Drop (WTD) for congestion management
• MAC address notification for real-time network monitoring

Compliance and Standards

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab for Ethernet networking
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p for VLAN and priority management
• IEEE 802.3af for Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• IEEE 802.3x flow control for full-duplex communication
• IEEE 802.1w, 802.1s for rapid spanning tree and MSTP
• IEEE 802.1x for port-based network access control
• IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP) for device discovery
• IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet support

Performance and Reliability

• High forwarding performance to support voice, video, and data traffic
• Jumbo frame support for large data transfers and virtualization
• PoE+ support to power IP phones, access points, and cameras directly
• Robust QoS features to prioritize critical network traffic

Security and Network Protection

• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) to prevent ARP spoofing attacks
• Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular traffic filtering
• DHCP Snooping to mitigate rogue DHCP servers
• Multilevel security protocols for management access

Energy Efficiency and Silent Operation

• Fanless design for noise-free operation
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) to reduce power usage during low traffic
• Optimized power distribution for connected PoE devices

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

The Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is a compact, high-performance managed Ethernet switch that belongs to the Catalyst 3560-CX Series. This series is specifically designed to meet the networking demands of modern enterprise environments, small offices, and branch locations. The switch combines robust Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 functionality, offering a versatile solution for seamless connectivity, enhanced network efficiency, and superior reliability.

Key Features of the Catalyst 3560-CX Series

The Catalyst 3560-CX Series offers an extensive set of features that distinguish it as a flexible and efficient network solution. Its eight Gigabit Ethernet ports provide reliable high-speed connectivity, while its PoE+ support ensures that connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras receive sufficient power without the need for additional cabling. The series also integrates advanced QoS capabilities, allowing for prioritization of critical network traffic to maintain optimal performance.

Compact Form Factor and Flexible Deployment

One of the most notable aspects of the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is its compact form factor. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for deployment in noise-sensitive environments such as offices, classrooms, and healthcare facilities. The switch’s small size does not compromise its performance, as it can support high-density connections while remaining unobtrusive. It can be conveniently mounted on a desktop, wall, or within a rack, providing installation flexibility to accommodate diverse networking setups.

Energy Efficiency and PoE+ Support

Power efficiency is a core characteristic of the Catalyst 3560-CX Series. The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S includes Cisco’s EnergyWise technology, which optimizes energy consumption based on port usage and traffic patterns. The eight Gigabit Ethernet ports are PoE+ enabled, delivering up to 30 watts per port. This feature allows organizations to power critical devices directly through the Ethernet connection, reducing cabling complexity and minimizing installation costs.

Advanced Networking Capabilities

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S integrates advanced networking features suitable for both small and medium-scale enterprises. The switch supports Layer 2 switching, VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, and rapid spanning tree protocols to enhance network stability and scalability. Additionally, its basic Layer 3 routing capabilities enable inter-VLAN routing, static routing, and routing for small-scale environments, ensuring efficient traffic management across multiple network segments.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is a critical consideration in modern networking, and the Catalyst 3560-CX Series addresses this requirement comprehensively. The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S offers advanced security mechanisms, including 802.1X port-based authentication, access control lists (ACLs), and dynamic ARP inspection. These features prevent unauthorized access, protect sensitive data, and ensure that connected devices comply with network security policies. Additionally, the switch supports Cisco TrustSec, providing scalable role-based access control to simplify network security management.

Reliability and Redundancy

The reliability of the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is enhanced through multiple features that ensure uninterrupted network operation. Redundant power options and Cisco StackWise technology enable high availability by providing failover mechanisms in the event of hardware issues. The switch also supports per-port storm control and link-level redundancy, minimizing downtime and maintaining consistent network performance even in challenging conditions.

Intuitive Management and Monitoring

Effective network management is critical for optimizing performance and simplifying operations. The Catalyst 3560-CX Series includes Cisco’s Network Assistant and embedded web-based management interface, allowing administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network with ease. The switch is compatible with Cisco DNA Center and supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), offering centralized management and comprehensive monitoring capabilities for administrators. Real-time performance analytics and alerts enable proactive maintenance and reduce the risk of network disruptions.

Scalability for Growing Networks

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is designed to scale with organizational growth. Its eight Gigabit Ethernet ports can be expanded using uplink modules or by integrating additional switches within the Catalyst 3560-CX Series. Link aggregation and VLAN segmentation allow for efficient resource utilization and flexible network expansion. This scalability ensures that the switch can support increasing traffic demands, additional users, and emerging technologies without requiring frequent infrastructure upgrades.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

The Catalyst 3560-CX Series integrates seamlessly into the broader Cisco ecosystem, including wireless access points, IP telephony systems, and security appliances. Its compatibility with Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA) enables automated provisioning, policy enforcement, and simplified management. This integration ensures that the switch functions effectively within a multi-vendor environment while leveraging Cisco’s advanced networking solutions to maximize performance and security.

Use Cases and Applications

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S is suitable for a wide range of networking applications. In small offices, it can serve as the primary switch, connecting all endpoint devices while providing PoE+ support for phones and cameras. In branch locations, it can extend connectivity from the main data center, ensuring consistent performance and simplified management. Educational institutions and healthcare facilities benefit from the switch’s silent operation, compact form factor, and enhanced security features, making it ideal for environments where space, noise, and sensitive data are critical considerations.

Deployment in Enterprise Environments

Within larger enterprise networks, the WS-C3560CX-8PT-S can function as an access-layer switch, providing high-speed connectivity to end-user devices. It supports advanced QoS policies to prioritize voice, video, and critical application traffic, maintaining smooth network performance even under heavy loads. The switch also enables secure segmentation of departments or teams through VLANs, ensuring sensitive data remains isolated and secure within the network.

Support for Modern IoT Devices

As the adoption of IoT devices increases, the Catalyst 3560-CX Series provides the connectivity and power needed to support smart devices, sensors, and other IoT-enabled endpoints. Its PoE+ capabilities reduce the need for separate power adapters, simplifying deployment and maintenance. Additionally, the switch’s robust security features ensure that connected IoT devices do not compromise the integrity of the overall network, making it a reliable choice for smart offices, manufacturing floors, and connected campuses.

Technical Specifications of WS-C3560CX-8PT-S

The WS-C3560CX-8PT-S comes equipped with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, two uplink ports for high-speed connectivity, and support for PoE+ with a total power budget sufficient to power multiple devices simultaneously. It features a fanless design for quiet operation, redundant power support for high availability, and comprehensive Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 capabilities. The switch supports Cisco IOS Software for enhanced network management and is compatible with Cisco StackWise technology, allowing for simplified expansion and management in stacked configurations.

Performance and Throughput

The switch provides wire-speed performance across all ports, ensuring minimal latency and maximum throughput for all connected devices. Its switching capacity and forwarding rate are optimized for small to medium-sized enterprise networks, delivering reliable performance for applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and high-bandwidth data transfer. The integrated QoS features guarantee that critical applications maintain priority, even during peak network usage periods.