Description
Understanding the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch
In the realm of networking, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch stands out as a powerful and versatile solution. This managed switch, equipped with 12 Ethernet ports, 2x 1Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP), and 2x 1GE Copper Uplink Ports, is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern network infrastructures.
Key Features of Cisco 12 Ports Managed Switch Port Configuration
The switch boasts 12 Ethernet ports, providing a high-density solution for connecting multiple devices within a network. These ports support speeds of 10/100/1000 Mbps, ensuring seamless data transfer and efficient communication.
1Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Ports
The inclusion of 2x 1Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports enhances the switch’s flexibility. SFP ports allow for the connection of fiber optic or other high-speed links, enabling the extension of network reach and supporting various connectivity options.
1GE Copper Uplink Ports
With 2x 1GE Copper Uplink Ports, the switch accommodates traditional Ethernet connections using twisted pair cables. This adds versatility to the network architecture, ensuring compatibility with both modern and legacy devices.
Twisted Pair Managed Switch
The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S is a managed switch, providing administrators with the ability to configure and monitor the network. This level of control is crucial for optimizing performance, implementing security measures, and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
Applications and Use Cases of Catalyst 3560-CX Series SwitchSmall to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs)
For SMBs with growing network demands, this Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch offers a compact yet powerful solution. The 12 Ethernet ports provide ample connectivity for workstations, printers, and other devices, while the Gigabit Ethernet and SFP ports cater to high-speed data transfer and connectivity to remote locations.
Branch Offices
In branch office scenarios, where space and resource efficiency are paramount, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S excels. Its compact design coupled with the ability to handle a variety of connections makes it an ideal choice for distributed networks.
Educational Institutions
Educational institutions often require robust networking solutions to support a multitude of devices such as computers, printers, and smart devices. The managed features of this switch enable IT administrators in educational settings to optimize network performance and security.
Technical Specifications of the Cisco 12 Ports Switch ModuleSwitching Capacity and Forwarding Rate
The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S is designed with a substantial switching capacity, ensuring that it can handle high volumes of data efficiently. The forwarding rate, a measure of how quickly the switch can move data, complements this capacity, providing smooth and low-latency data transfer.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support
For devices that require Power over Ethernet (PoE), such as IP cameras and VoIP phones, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S has the capability to provide power and data connectivity over a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional power sources.
Quality of Service (QoS) Features
To prioritize critical network traffic, the switch is equipped with Quality of Service (QoS) features. This ensures that bandwidth is allocated efficiently, guaranteeing optimal performance for applications that require higher priority.
Security Features for Catalyst SFP Managed SwitchAccess Control Lists (ACLs)
Access Control Lists are a vital component of network security. The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S supports the implementation of ACLs, allowing administrators to control which devices and users can access specific parts of the network. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and securing sensitive data.
Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption
To secure remote management and configuration, the switch supports industry-standard encryption protocols like SSH and SSL. This ensures that data transmitted between the administrator and the switch remains confidential and protected from potential security threats.
Port Security
The switch includes port security features, enabling administrators to control access to individual ports based on MAC addresses. This prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network, enhancing overall network security.
Ease of Management
- Web-Based Management Interface: For user-friendly configuration and monitoring, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S offers a web-based management interface. This graphical interface simplifies the process of setting up the switch and provides a visual representation of the network topology.
- Command Line Interface (CLI) Access: For advanced users and those accustomed to traditional networking interfaces, the switch supports Command Line Interface (CLI) access. This text-based interface allows for more granular control and is often preferred by experienced network administrators.
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Support: The inclusion of SNMP support enhances the switch’s compatibility with network management systems. This allows for centralized monitoring and management, streamlining administrative tasks, and facilitating proactive issue resolution.
High Availability and Redundancy options
The Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst switch provides various high availability and redundancy options to ensure that the network remains operational even in the event of hardware or software failures. Some of these options are:
- StackWise-160: This technology allows up to eight switches to be stacked together and managed as a single unit. This provides higher bandwidth, faster convergence, and easier management. In case of a hardware or software failure in one of the switches, the stack can continue to operate without any disruption.
- Redundant power supply: The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S switch supports a redundant power supply (RPS) that can be used to provide backup power in case the primary power supply fails. This ensures that the switch continues to operate without any interruption.
- Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP): HSRP provides redundancy for IP networks by allowing two or more routers to work together to present the appearance of a single virtual router. If the primary router fails, the secondary router takes over without any disruption in service.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): LACP allows multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link. This provides higher bandwidth and redundancy. If one of the physical links fails, traffic is automatically redirected to the remaining links.
- Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP): VRRP provides redundancy for IP networks by allowing multiple routers to work together to present the appearance of a single virtual router. If the primary router fails, the secondary router takes over without any disruption in service.
General Information about the Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst Switch Module
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C3560CX-12TC-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3560-CX
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces/Ports for 12 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports 12
- Token Ring Port No
- LRE Port No
- Uplink Port Yes
- Bypass No
- Modular No
- Management Port No
- USB No
- Stack Port No
- Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports 14
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 12 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
I/O Expansions of L3 Managed Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Shared SFP Slot: No
- Number of SFP Slots: 2
Media & Performance
- Supported Media Types: Optical Fiber, Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology:
- 10/100/1000Base-T
- 1000Base-X
Network & Communication:
- Supported Layer: 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management Protocols:
- DHCP
- RMON
- VLAN
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3
- Telnet
- CLI
- QoS
Memory
- Standard Memory: 512 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 128 MB
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: Yes
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Input Voltage:
- 120 V AC
- 230 V AC
Safety Standards
- UL 60950-1
- CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 60950-1
- EN 60950-1
- IEC 60950-1
- CE Marking
- GB 4943
- IEC 60825
Miscellaneous
- Environmentally Friendly: Yes
- Environmental Certification: RoHS-6
In short, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch is a robust and versatile solution for modern networking requirements. Its compact design, coupled with a rich feature set including multiple Ethernet ports, SFP connectivity, and management capabilities, makes it suitable for a variety of applications. Whether deployed in small to medium-sized businesses, branch offices, or educational institutions, this switch offers the performance, security, and ease of management needed to support the demands of today’s dynamic networks.






