WS-C3560X-24U-S Cisco Catalyst 24 Ports Switch

Cisco WS-C3560X-24U-S Catalyst Switch

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560X-24U-S is a stackable, manageable switch engineered for enterprise-grade networking. It delivers advanced performance, scalability, and reliability for modern IT infrastructures.

General Information

• Brand: Cisco Systems
• Model Number: WS-C3560X-24U-S
• Product Title: Stackable Managed Switch

Technical Specifications

Connectivity Features

• 24 x 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
• Power over Ethernet: Cisco UPoE (up to 60W per port)

Performance Metrics

• Switching bandwidth: 160 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 64.5 Mpps to 101.2 Mpps
• Memory: 256 MB DRAM / 64 MB Flash
• MAC address entries: 12,000
• Virtual LANs: Supports up to 1,005 VLANs

Management Options

• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• SNMPv3 monitoring
• RMON support
• Secure Shell (SSH)
• Telnet access

Power and Expansion

• Dual hot-swappable modular power supply units supported
• 1 x Network Module slot (optional 1G/10G uplinks)

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions

• Height: 1.75 inches (4.45 cm)
• Width: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
• Depth: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Weight

• Approximately 15.87 lbs (7.2 kg)

Environmental Conditions

• Operating temperature: -5°C to 45°C (23°F to 113°F)

WS-C3560X-24U-S Switching for Scalable Network Overview

The WS-C3560X-24U-S Cisco Catalyst 3560X 24 Ports Manageable Switch represents a robust and highly adaptable switching solution designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise networks. Positioned within the Catalyst 3560-X Series, this model is engineered to deliver advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities while maintaining operational simplicity and long-term reliability. The category encompasses enterprise-grade managed switches optimized for campus networks, branch offices, and converged infrastructures that require consistent performance, advanced traffic control, and seamless scalability.

This category focuses on switches that serve as access or aggregation layer components within hierarchical network designs. The Cisco Catalyst 3560X family, including the WS-C3560X-24U-S variant, is widely recognized for its ability to integrate data, voice, and video traffic while maintaining predictable performance and enhanced security. These switches are frequently deployed in environments where uptime, traffic prioritization, and centralized management are critical operational requirements.

Design Philosophy and Hardware Architecture

The hardware architecture of the WS-C3560X-24U-S is built around Cisco’s proven switching ASICs and enterprise-grade components. This category emphasizes reliability and longevity, ensuring that network infrastructures can operate continuously under heavy workloads. The 24-port configuration is optimized for high-density connectivity while maintaining efficient power and thermal management, making it suitable for wiring closets, data rooms, and distributed enterprise environments.

Switches in this category are designed with modularity in mind. The Catalyst 3560X series supports optional network modules that allow organizations to adapt uplink configurations as bandwidth demands evolve. This architectural flexibility is a defining characteristic of the category, enabling network administrators to scale throughput without replacing the entire switching platform. The internal power architecture also supports redundancy options, contributing to higher availability and reduced risk of downtime.

Port Configuration and Connectivity Capabilities

The WS-C3560X-24U-S model provides twenty-four user-access ports designed to support a wide range of endpoint devices. This category is particularly relevant for enterprises deploying IP phones, wireless access points, desktop systems, and other networked equipment that require stable and secure connectivity. The ports are engineered to deliver consistent performance under mixed traffic conditions, ensuring smooth operation of real-time applications such as voice and video conferencing.

Connectivity flexibility is a key attribute of this category. The Catalyst 3560X switches are commonly integrated with fiber or copper uplinks, allowing them to connect seamlessly to core or distribution layer switches. This adaptability makes the WS-C3560X-24U-S suitable for both expanding networks and modernization projects where legacy infrastructure must coexist with newer technologies.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Integration

The WS-C3560X-24U-S belongs to a category of switches that blend advanced Layer 2 switching with robust Layer 3 routing capabilities. This integration allows the switch to perform inter-VLAN routing, reducing the need for external routers in many network designs. As a result, traffic can be processed more efficiently, leading to reduced latency and improved application performance.

Layer 2 features such as VLAN segmentation, spanning tree enhancements, and link aggregation are integral to this category. These capabilities help maintain network stability and optimize bandwidth utilization. At the same time, Layer 3 functions such as static routing and dynamic routing protocol support enable more intelligent traffic forwarding and simplified network architectures.

Security Capabilities for Modern Enterprise Networks

Security is a fundamental consideration in the design of the WS-C3560X-24U-S and the broader category it represents. Enterprise managed switches must provide multiple layers of protection to safeguard network resources and sensitive data. This category emphasizes features that enable access control, threat mitigation, and compliance with organizational security policies.

Integrated security mechanisms allow administrators to control who and what can connect to the network. By enforcing authentication and authorization at the switch level, the Catalyst 3560X series helps prevent unauthorized access and reduces the attack surface of the network infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Network Operations

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for enterprise IT environments, and the WS-C3560X-24U-S category reflects this priority. Cisco has incorporated power management features that help reduce overall energy consumption without compromising performance. These capabilities contribute to lower operational costs and support organizational sustainability initiatives.

Switches in this category are designed to optimize power usage based on network activity. This intelligent power management ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, minimizing waste while maintaining readiness for peak demand periods.

Scalability and Future-Ready Network Design

The WS-C3560X-24U-S is part of a category that emphasizes scalability and long-term investment protection. As organizations grow and network demands increase, switches in this category can adapt through modular uplinks, software enhancements, and integration with broader Cisco networking solutions.

This scalability ensures that the Catalyst 3560X series remains relevant as technologies evolve. Whether supporting increased bandwidth requirements, new applications, or expanded user bases, the category provides a solid foundation for future network growth.