WS-C3560G-24TS-S Cisco Catalyst 3560 Ethernet Switch

Cisco WS-C3560G-24TS-S Catalyst 3560 Ethernet Switch

The Cisco WS-C3560G-24TS-S is a robust and versatile Layer 3 Ethernet switch designed for enterprise-grade networking environments. Part of the renowned Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series, this switch delivers high-performance data transfer, advanced routing capabilities, and flexible network expansion options.

Key Features and Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C3560G-24TS-S
• Product Series: 3560
• Product Type: Layer 3 Ethernet Switch

Port and Connectivity Information

• 24 fixed Ethernet ports for standard connectivity

Gigabit Ethernet Expansion

• 4 expansion slots supporting high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connections
• SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) compatible slots for fiber-optic or copper connectivity

Supported Media and Network Standards

• Twisted Pair Media: Compatible with standard copper cabling
• Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet for fast, reliable communication
• Network Compatibility: 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, 1000Base-T

Reliability and Uptime

• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): approximately 230,700 hours
• Designed for continuous operation in enterprise environments

Expansion and Upgrade Capabilities

• 4 total expansion slots for future upgrades or additional modules
• Dedicated SFP slots for fiber or high-speed network modules

Network Management and Protocols

• Fully manageable switch with extensive configuration options
• Supports standard network management protocols for monitoring and control

Memory and Storage Specifications

• RAM: 128 MB for efficient operation and fast processing
• Flash Memory: 32 MB for firmware and configuration storage

Scalable and Future-Ready

• Expandable via 4 dedicated SFP slots
• Supports advanced Layer 3 routing for growing networks

Flexible and Manageable

• Extensive network management options for administrators
• Supports SNMP, CLI, and web-based management interfaces

Cisco WS-C3560G-24TS-S Catalyst 3560 Series

The Cisco WS-C3560G-24TS-S belongs to the renowned Catalyst 3560 Series, a lineup of enterprise-grade Ethernet switches designed for high-performance networking. This switch offers 24 fixed 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, combining reliability, scalability, and robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 features. It is ideal for small to medium-sized business networks as well as enterprise edge environments, providing seamless integration with existing Cisco network infrastructures.

Advanced Switching Architecture

The WS-C3560G-24TS-S integrates advanced switching technologies that ensure efficient data forwarding and minimal network latency. It incorporates Cisco's StackWise technology, enabling the creation of a unified stack of multiple switches with simplified management. The switch delivers wire-speed performance across all ports, supporting high-throughput applications and bandwidth-intensive operations. Its non-blocking architecture allows consistent performance even under maximum load conditions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for critical business applications.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

This Catalyst 3560 Series switch provides comprehensive Layer 2 features including VLAN segmentation, Spanning Tree Protocol enhancements, and multicast filtering. It also offers full Layer 3 routing capabilities, supporting static routes, RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP protocols, enabling the switch to perform intelligent routing between VLANs without requiring an external router. These routing functions enhance network efficiency and reduce latency while allowing centralized management of traffic flows across the network.

Energy Efficiency and Power Management

The WS-C3560G-24TS-S incorporates Cisco EnergyWise technology, optimizing power consumption by dynamically adjusting the energy usage of each port according to traffic needs. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) on selected models, allowing connected devices such as IP phones, access points, and security cameras to receive power directly through the Ethernet cabling. This integration reduces cabling complexity and lowers operational costs while maintaining a sustainable network environment.

Security and Access Control

Security is a critical aspect of the Catalyst 3560 Series. The WS-C3560G-24TS-S supports advanced security protocols, including 802.1X port-based authentication, dynamic ARP inspection, and IP source guard. These features ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the network, protecting sensitive business data from unauthorized access. The switch also provides robust Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular traffic filtering and enhanced network protection against attacks.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

To support real-time applications such as voice and video, the switch offers sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms. It enables traffic classification and prioritization, ensuring that latency-sensitive data receives preferential treatment. The WS-C3560G-24TS-S supports multiple queues per port, enabling fair bandwidth distribution and minimizing packet loss during peak usage. QoS capabilities make it suitable for converged networks where voice, video, and data traffic coexist efficiently.

Scalability and Stack Management

With StackWise technology, up to nine Catalyst 3560 switches can be combined into a single logical unit, simplifying management and expanding port capacity without increasing operational complexity. The stack functions as one entity with a single IP address for management, which significantly reduces configuration efforts. This scalability makes the WS-C3560G-24TS-S a flexible solution for growing networks that require additional ports or higher throughput without significant infrastructure changes.

Reliability and Redundancy

The Catalyst 3560 Series is built for mission-critical environments where uptime is essential. The WS-C3560G-24TS-S supports redundant power supplies and hot-swappable components to minimize network downtime. Cisco's robust hardware design, combined with software features such as Stateful Switchover (SSO) and Nonstop Forwarding (NSF), ensures continuous network operation even during upgrades or maintenance procedures. These reliability features make it a preferred choice for businesses that cannot tolerate service interruptions.

Deployment Flexibility

The WS-C3560G-24TS-S offers versatile deployment options for various network environments. Its compact form factor and rack-mountable design allow seamless integration into standard 19-inch server racks. The switch is suitable for both access-layer and aggregation-layer deployments, supporting a wide range of connectivity scenarios including campus networks, branch offices, and data centers. Its combination of high port density, advanced features, and reliable performance makes it a versatile choice for any modern network infrastructure.

Integration with Cisco Ecosystem

As part of the Cisco Catalyst family, the WS-C3560G-24TS-S is fully compatible with other Cisco networking devices, enabling smooth integration and unified management across the network. It supports Cisco Network Assistant and other Cisco solutions for automated provisioning, security compliance, and seamless connectivity. This interoperability ensures that businesses can leverage existing Cisco infrastructure investments while expanding network capabilities efficiently.

Use Cases and Applications

The Catalyst 3560G-24TS-S is ideal for a variety of business applications including voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, wireless backhaul, and high-speed data access. It is particularly effective in scenarios where network reliability, security, and scalability are critical. From small office networks to enterprise branch offices, the WS-C3560G-24TS-S provides consistent performance and advanced features that enable businesses to meet the demands of modern digital operations.

Future-Ready Network Investment

Investing in the WS-C3560G-24TS-S ensures a future-ready network infrastructure. Its advanced features, including Layer 3 routing, StackWise scalability, and energy-efficient operation, make it capable of supporting emerging networking technologies and growing data demands. Businesses can confidently expand their networks with minimal disruption, maintaining high performance and operational efficiency over time. The switch's combination of reliability, security, and manageability positions it as a long-term solution for evolving enterprise networking needs.