WS-C3750X-24P-E Cisco Switch - 24 Ports Layer 2 Catalyst 3750X Manageable

Product Overview

The Cisco WS-C3750X-24P-E Catalyst 3750X is a high-performance, enterprise-grade Ethernet switch designed for reliable network connectivity and advanced IP services. Built for scalable business networks, this managed switch delivers Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, robust Gigabit speeds, and efficient traffic handling for modern IT infrastructures.

General Product Details

• Brand: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Model / SKU: WS-C3750X-24P-E
• Product Category: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Management: Fully manageable for enhanced network control
• Ethernet Standard: Gigabit Ethernet

Performance and Connectivity Features

This Cisco Catalyst switch is engineered to support high-speed data transmission while ensuring network stability. It is ideal for powering IP phones, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled devices without the need for additional power sources.

Port Configuration

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 PoE ports
• No dedicated stack port
• Supports twisted pair cabling
• Total network ports: 24

Power over Ethernet Capabilities

With integrated PoE functionality, this switch simplifies deployment and reduces infrastructure costs by delivering both power and data over a single Ethernet cable.

Physical Design and Build

The compact and rack-ready design allows seamless installation in standard data centers and network cabinets, making it suitable for small to large enterprise environments.

Dimensions and Form Factor

• Mounting Style: Rack-mountable
• Height: 1.8 inches
• Width: 18.1 inches
• Depth: 17.5 inches

Core Architecture and Performance

At its heart, the Cisco Catalyst 3750X is built for deterministic performance and resilient operation. Understanding its foundational architecture is key to appreciating its capabilities in a live network environment.

StackWise Plus Technology: The Unified Backplane

The revolutionary StackWise Plus technology is the defining feature of the 3750X series. Unlike traditional standalone switches, a stack of up to nine 3750X switches operates as a single, logical unit.

64 Gbps Stack Ring

The stack interconnect forms a 64 Gbps full-duplex ring, creating a unified switching fabric. This distributes forwarding decisions across all stack members, ensuring wire-speed performance regardless of traffic path—whether between ports on the same switch or across the stack.

Single Point of Management

The entire stack is managed as one entity, with one IP address, one configuration file, and one routing instance. This dramatically simplifies network provisioning, troubleshooting, and software updates, reducing operational overhead significantly.

Stateful Switchover (SSO) and Fast Software Upgrade

For high availability, the stack supports SSO. If the master switch fails, a subordinate switch assumes the master role within sub-seconds, with no disruption to Layer 2 or Layer 3 forwarding. Combined with Fast Software Upgrade, the entire stack can be upgraded with minimal downtime.

Forwarding Engine and Capacity

The switch leverages a purpose-built ASIC that delivers forwarding rates up to 160 Gbps. With a packet forwarding rate of 101 Mpps, it ensures non-blocking performance for all 24 ports, even under full load. The ample packet buffer memory mitigates microbursts and congestion, crucial for latency-sensitive applications like VoIP and video conferencing.

Deep Dive: WS-C3750X-24P-E Model Specifications

This specific SKU is engineered for power-dense access layer deployments where devices require both data connectivity and centralized power sourcing.

Port Configuration and PoE Capabilities

The "24P" denotes 24 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet ports with integrated PoE/PoE+ support. This is a critical feature for modern workspaces.

IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) Support

Each port can automatically detect and deliver the required power level to connected devices, from classic 15.4W PoE for IP phones and wireless access points, up to 30W of PoE+ for advanced devices like video surveillance cameras, multi-radio Wi-Fi 6 access points, or thin clients.

Modular Uplink Flexibility: The Network Module

Unlike fixed uplink switches, the 3750X features a rear slot for a hot-swappable network module. This future-proofs the investment and allows network architects to tailor uplinks to their specific needs.

Available Uplink Module Options

Common modules include the C3KX-NM-1G with four 1G SFP ports for fiber or copper uplinks, and the C3KX-NM-10G with two 10G SFP+ ports for high-bandwidth aggregation to the network core. This flexibility is a major advantage in evolving network topologies.

The "IP Services" Software Advantage (E Image)

The "-E" suffix indicates the IP Services (formerly "IP Services") feature set, the most comprehensive software tier available for the Catalyst 3750X. This unlocks full Layer 3 routing capabilities beyond basic static routing.

Key protocols enabled include full dynamic routing with OSPF, EIGRP, BGPv4, and RIP for robust inter-VLAN routing and campus routing. It also provides advanced features like Policy-Based Routing (PBR), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) for VPNs, and IPv6 routing in hardware (OSPFv3, EIGRP for IPv6). This makes the switch suitable for collapsed core deployments in smaller sites or complex access layer designs.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco WS-C3750X-24P-E allows it to excel in numerous network roles, providing a future-ready foundation.

Enterprise Campus Access Layer

This is its primary domain. Deployed in wiring closets, it connects end-users, IP phones, and wireless access points. The PoE+ powers all connected devices, while StackWise simplifies management across multiple floors or buildings. The IP Services image allows for inter-VLAN routing right at the access edge, reducing load on core switches.

Mid-Sized Network Core/Collapsed Core

For small to mid-sized businesses or branch offices, a stack of 3750X switches with 10G uplinks can function as a highly available collapsed core, performing both access switching and core routing functions reliably and cost-effectively.

Video Surveillance and IoT Deployments

The high PoE+ budget and port density make it ideal for powering a large array of IP security cameras and IoT sensors. Advanced QoS features ensure surveillance video streams are prioritized, while the switching capacity handles the constant multicast traffic efficiently.

Advanced Features and Management

Beyond core switching, the 3750X is packed with intelligence for security, quality of service, and network analytics.

Security Posture and Identity Services

The switch integrates deeply with Cisco's Identity Services Engine (ISE) framework. Features like 802.1X, MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB), and Web Authentication provide dynamic, policy-based network access control. It also supports ACLs (standard, extended, and named), port security, and DHCP snooping for a defense-in-depth strategy.

Granular Quality of Service (QoS)

To maintain voice and video quality, the switch offers sophisticated QoS. It classifies traffic based on Layer 2 (CoS), Layer 3 (DSCP), or Layer 4 (port) information. It can then police, mark, and queue traffic with weighted tail-drop or low-latency queuing (LLQ), ensuring critical applications perform flawlessly even during congestion.

Network Visibility with Flexible NetFlow

The switch can export detailed NetFlow records, providing visibility into application usage, traffic patterns, and potential security threats. This data is essential for capacity planning, troubleshooting, and compliance reporting.

Management Options

Administrators can manage the switch via the familiar Cisco IOS CLI, a web-based GUI (Cisco Device Manager), or through centralized management platforms like Cisco Prime Infrastructure or DNA Center for broader automation and assurance.

Comparison and Considerations

Understanding where the 3750X fits within the broader Catalyst portfolio helps in making an informed selection.

3750X vs. 3650X Series

The sibling 3650X series offers similar hardware but with a different software licensing model (perpetual vs. subscription-based on later models) and typically a slightly lower feature set in base images. The 3750X with IP Services is often compared to the 3650X with IP Base; the 3750X IP Services includes the full routing suite that the 3650X IP Base lacks.

Successor Platforms: Catalyst 9200/9300

The Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 series are the modern successors, featuring newer ASICs, higher multi-gigabit port densities, and support for Cisco's Software-Defined Access (SD-Access). However, the 3750X remains a supremely reliable and cost-effective solution for networks not yet transitioning to an intent-based architecture, with a vast installed base and proven stability.