WS-C3560X-48U-S Cisco Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Switch Rack-Mountable UPOE

Cisco WS-C3560X-48U-S Catalyst Switch

The Cisco WS-C3560X-48U-S Catalyst is a high-performance, rack-mountable managed switch engineered to deliver reliable connectivity and advanced features for enterprise networks.

General Information

• Brand: Cisco Systems
• Model Number: WS-C3560X-48U-S
• Product Title: Catalyst 48-Port Managed Switch Rack-Mountable UPOE

Technical Specifications

Performance Metrics

• Switching Throughput: 160 Gbps
• Forwarding Speed: 101.2 Mpps

Power and Energy Efficiency

• PoE Capacity: 800W (standard with 1100W PSU)
• Power Redundancy: Dual modular supplies (1+1) with redundant cooling fans

Memory and Storage

• DRAM: 256 MB
• Flash Storage: 64 MB (varies by version)

Network Features

• VLAN Support: Up to 1005 active VLANs
• Jumbo Frame Size: Maximum 9216 bytes

Physical Characteristics

• Form Factor: 1U Rack-mountable
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): ~149,594 hours

WS-C3560X-48U-S Switching High-Density Networks Overview

The Cisco WS-C3560X-48U-S Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Switch Rack-Mountable UPOE category represents a specialized class of enterprise networking equipment designed to meet the needs of modern, high-density network environments. This category focuses on advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 managed switches that deliver reliable performance, centralized control, and enhanced power delivery for connected devices. Built for rack-mounted deployment, this category is commonly selected for enterprise wiring closets, data center edge deployments, campus networks, and converged access infrastructures where stability, scalability, and intelligent management are required.

Switches in this category are engineered to handle demanding workloads, supporting large volumes of network traffic while maintaining consistent performance. The emphasis on managed functionality allows administrators to configure, monitor, and optimize network behavior with precision. The inclusion of Universal Power over Ethernet technology further elevates the category by enabling higher power output per port, supporting advanced endpoints without requiring additional electrical infrastructure.

Design Philosophy and Rack-Mountable Architecture

The rack-mountable design of the Cisco WS-C3560X-48U-S Catalyst switch category reflects a focus on professional deployment environments where space efficiency and standardized installation are critical. These switches are designed to fit seamlessly into 19-inch server racks, allowing for organized cabling, improved airflow, and simplified maintenance. This form factor supports structured network layouts, making it easier to scale and manage large deployments across multiple locations.

Durable construction and enterprise-grade components characterize this category, ensuring long-term reliability even in continuous operation scenarios. The hardware architecture is optimized for thermal efficiency, reducing the risk of overheating while maintaining consistent performance under load. This makes the category suitable for environments that demand high availability, such as corporate campuses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and industrial networks.

Port Density and Connectivity Capabilities

A defining feature of this category is the availability of 48 Ethernet ports, providing high port density within a single switching unit. This enables organizations to connect a large number of endpoints without deploying multiple switches, reducing complexity and overall infrastructure costs. The ports are designed to support a wide range of connected devices, including computers, IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and building automation systems.

The high port count supports flexible network designs, allowing for segmented VLAN configurations, dedicated access layers, and efficient traffic distribution. This level of connectivity is particularly valuable in environments where growth is anticipated, as it provides ample capacity for future expansion without requiring immediate hardware upgrades.

Managed Switching and Network Intelligence

The managed nature of the Cisco WS-C3560X-48U-S Catalyst switch category allows for extensive control over network operations. Administrators can configure detailed policies, define traffic priorities, and enforce security measures through a centralized management interface. This level of control is essential for maintaining performance and reliability in complex networks where multiple applications compete for bandwidth.

Advanced management features enable real-time monitoring of network activity, providing visibility into traffic patterns and potential bottlenecks. This category supports proactive network maintenance by allowing administrators to identify and address issues before they impact users. The result is a more stable and predictable network environment that can adapt to changing demands.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Functionality

This category encompasses switches that support both Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing capabilities. Layer 2 features enable efficient frame forwarding within local network segments, while Layer 3 capabilities support inter-VLAN routing and IP-based traffic management. This dual functionality allows the switch to operate as both an access layer and a distribution layer device in certain network designs.

The integration of routing features reduces the need for additional hardware, simplifying network architecture and lowering costs. This flexibility makes the category suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, from small enterprise networks to large campus environments.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service capabilities are a core component of this category, enabling the prioritization of critical traffic such as voice and video. By classifying and managing traffic flows, the switch ensures that latency-sensitive applications receive the necessary bandwidth even during periods of congestion. This is particularly important for unified communications and real-time collaboration tools.

Traffic prioritization enhances the overall user experience by maintaining consistent performance for essential services. This category supports granular QoS policies that can be tailored to specific organizational requirements, providing fine-tuned control over network behavior.

Reliability, and Scalability

The Cisco WS-C3560X-48U-S Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Switch Rack-Mountable UPOE category is built to deliver consistent performance under demanding conditions. High-performance switching fabric and efficient packet processing ensure low latency and high throughput, even when handling large volumes of traffic.

Reliability is enhanced through redundant components and advanced monitoring capabilities. These switches are designed for continuous operation, minimizing downtime and supporting mission-critical applications. Scalability is also a core consideration, allowing organizations to expand their networks without significant redesign.

Stacking and Expansion

Stacking support allows multiple switches within this category to operate as a single logical unit. This simplifies management and increases port density while maintaining centralized control. Stacked configurations provide redundancy and load balancing, enhancing both performance and resilience.

Expansion options enable organizations to adapt their networks as requirements evolve. This flexibility makes the category suitable for long-term deployment, protecting the investment as network demands grow.

Energy Efficiency and Power Management

Energy-efficient design is an important aspect of this category. Advanced power management features allow administrators to monitor and optimize power usage across connected devices. This supports cost savings and aligns with sustainability initiatives by reducing overall energy consumption.

Intelligent power allocation ensures that devices receive the appropriate amount of power based on their requirements. This not only improves efficiency but also extends the lifespan of both the switch and connected equipment.