Description
A Glance at the Cisco Catalyst 12 Ports Managed Switch
In the fast-paced world of networking, having a reliable and efficient switch is crucial for seamless communication and data transfer. Cisco, a renowned name in the networking industry, offers a solution in the form of the Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst Switch 3560-CX Series. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, specifications, and benefits of this switch, breaking down the technical jargon for better understanding.
Understanding the Basics: Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Overview
Overview of the Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch
The Catalyst 3560-CX Series by Cisco is renowned for its compact design and powerful capabilities. The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S, in particular, is a 12-port Ethernet switch equipped with 2x 1Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports and 2x 1GE Copper Uplink Ports, making it a versatile choice for various networking scenarios.
Key Features
- 12 Ethernet Ports: The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S comes equipped with 12 Ethernet ports, providing ample connectivity for devices within a network.
- Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) SFP Ports: With 2x 1Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports, this switch offers high-speed data transfer and flexibility in connecting to different networking equipment.
- Copper Uplink Ports: The inclusion of 2x 1GE Copper Uplink Ports ensures reliable and high-performance connections through twisted pair cables.
- Compact Form-Factor: The switch’s compact design makes it suitable for deployments where space is a critical factor.
- Managed Switch Capabilities: The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S is a managed switch, providing administrators with control over network configurations and settings.
Performance and Scalability: Unleashing the Power of WS-C3560CX-12TC-S
High-Speed Connectivity
- Gigabit Speeds: The Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure that data flows seamlessly at high speeds, meeting the demands of modern applications and services.
- SFP Flexibility: The SFP ports add a layer of versatility, allowing for the use of various transceivers to accommodate different network architectures.
Efficient Data Management
- Quality of Service (QoS): The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S supports QoS features, enabling prioritization of network traffic to ensure critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth.
- VLAN Support: Virtual LAN (VLAN) support facilitates network segmentation, enhancing security and efficiency in handling broadcast traffic.
Scalability
- Stackable Design: The Catalyst 3560-CX Series switches are stackable, allowing for easy scalability as network demands grow.
- Redundancy Options: Built-in redundancy features, such as dual power supply inputs, contribute to a resilient network infrastructure.
Future-Ready Networking: WS-C3560CX-12TC-S and the Evolving LandscapeCompatibility with Emerging Technologies
- IPv6 Support: As networks transition to IPv6, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S ensures compatibility, future-proofing your infrastructure.
- Software Updates: Cisco’s commitment to ongoing software updates ensures that the switch remains current with the latest advancements in networking technology.
Integration with Cloud Services
- Cloud Connectivity: The switch’s compatibility with cloud services facilitates seamless integration into cloud-based network architectures.
- SDN Compatibility: With the rise of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S can integrate with SDN solutions for enhanced network control.
Benefits of Managed SwitchingTraffic Prioritization and Quality of Service (QoS)
Managed switches like the Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S offer advanced features such as Traffic Prioritization and Quality of Service (QoS). These capabilities allow administrators to prioritize certain types of network traffic, ensuring that critical data, such as voice or video streams, receives preferential treatment. By effectively managing bandwidth, QoS enhances the overall efficiency and performance of the network.
VLAN Support for Network Segmentation
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) play a crucial role in network segmentation, providing a means to logically divide a physical network into smaller, isolated segments. The Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S supports VLAN configuration, enabling administrators to segregate traffic based on criteria such as department, project, or user group. This enhances network security and efficiency by preventing unnecessary broadcast traffic from reaching all devices on the network.
Security Features
Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst is a managed switch that provides several security features to help protect the network against unauthorized access and attacks. Some of the security features of this switch include:
- Access control: The switch supports 802.1X port-based authentication, which requires users to provide valid credentials before accessing the network. It also supports MAC address authentication and filtering, which allows you to control which devices are allowed to connect to the network.
- VLANs: The switch supports VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which allow you to segment the network into smaller, isolated networks. This helps to prevent unauthorized access and reduces the impact of attacks.
- Secure management: The switch supports several secure management protocols, such as SSH (Secure Shell) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which encrypt management traffic and protect against eavesdropping and tampering.
- Network security: The switch supports various network security features, such as IP Source Guard, which helps to prevent IP address spoofing attacks, and DHCP Snooping, which prevents rogue DHCP servers from assigning IP addresses to unauthorized devices.
- Port security: The switch supports port security, which allows you to restrict the number of devices that can be connected to a port, preventing unauthorized access and limiting the impact of attacks.
- Storm control: The switch supports storm control, which helps to prevent network storms by limiting the amount of broadcast, multicast, or unicast traffic that can be sent to a port.
Deployment Scenarios
The Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst switch is a versatile 12-port managed switch that can be deployed in various scenarios depending on the network requirements. Some of the deployment scenarios of this switch are:
- Small office/home office (SOHO): The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S switch can be deployed in a small office or home office environment where there are limited networking requirements. It can be used to connect computers, printers, and other devices to the network.
- Branch office: This switch can also be used in a branch office environment where there is a need for a compact, yet powerful switch. It can be used to connect multiple devices to the network and provide secure access to resources in the main office.
- Retail store: The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S switch can be deployed in a retail store to connect point-of-sale (POS) devices, inventory scanners, and other devices to the network. It can also provide secure access to resources such as customer data and sales reports.
- Hospitality: In a hospitality environment such as a hotel or restaurant, this switch can be used to connect guest rooms or dining areas to the network. It can provide secure access to resources such as Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity.
- Education: In a classroom or educational environment, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S switch can be used to connect computers, projectors, and other devices to the network. It can also be used to provide secure access to online resources and educational materials.
General Information of 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 general, the Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switch emerges as a versatile and powerful solution for modern networking challenges. From its compact design and high-speed connectivity to advanced management features and robust security protocols, this switch caters to a wide range of deployment scenarios. As technology continues to advance, the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S stands as a future-ready investment, ensuring that your network infrastructure remains at the forefront of innovation and reliability
