Description
Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E Catalyst Switch
In the fast-paced world of networking, having a reliable and efficient switch is paramount for seamless data transmission and communication. One such powerhouse in the realm of networking technology is the Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E Catalyst Switch. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of this device, exploring its features, capabilities, and how it plays a crucial role in modern networking setups.
Understanding the Basics
At the core of any networking infrastructure lies the switch, a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). The Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E is part of the Catalyst series, known for its robust performance and advanced features. Let’s break down the key elements that make this switch a standout in the networking landscape.
- Gigabit Powerhouse: The heart of the Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E lies in its 12 Gigabit SFP ports. These ports provide high-speed connectivity, capable of handling large volumes of data with remarkable efficiency. Gigabit Ethernet has become the standard for modern networks, offering speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and facilitating rapid data transfer between connected devices.
- 2. Versatility in Connectivity: In addition to its Gigabit SFP ports, the Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E boasts 2 X2 ports. These ports support various interfaces, providing versatility in connectivity options. Whether it’s fiber-optic connections or copper-based Ethernet, the switch’s X2 ports ensure compatibility with a range of networking environments.
Routing and Switching Protocols
The WS-C3560E-12SD-E Cisco Catalyst Switch is a Layer 2 and Layer 3 Ethernet switch that supports a variety of routing and switching protocols. These protocols are designed to help manage and control the flow of network traffic and ensure efficient and reliable communication between devices on the network.
Routing protocols
- OSPF (Open Shortest Path First): a routing protocol that uses a link state routing (LSR) algorithm to determine the shortest path to a destination network. It is a classless routing protocol, which means it supports variable-length subnet masks (VLSMs), route summarization, and equal-cost multipath (ECMP).
- EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol): a Cisco proprietary routing protocol that is based on the Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP). It is also a classless routing protocol and supports VLSMs, route summarization, and ECMP.
- BGP (Border Gateway Protocol): a routing protocol that is used to exchange routing information between routers in different autonomous systems (ASs). It is typically used to connect different networks, such as those of different ISPs.
- RIP (Routing Information Protocol): a distance-vector routing protocol that uses hop count as a metric to determine the best path to a destination network. It is a classful routing protocol, which means it does not support VLSMs and route summarization.
Switching protocols
- VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol): a Cisco-proprietary protocol that allows VLANs to be configured and maintained across multiple switches. It helps to reduce administrative workload and ensures consistency of VLAN configuration across the network.
- STP (Spanning Tree Protocol): a link-management protocol that creates a loop-free topology for Ethernet networks by blocking certain redundant links.
- LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol): a standard protocol that allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link. This increases the bandwidth and redundancy of a link.
Quality of Service (QoS)
- DiffServ (Differentiated Services): a QoS model that allows network traffic to be classified and prioritized based on the type of service it requires.
- MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): a QoS model that uses labels to forward packets through a network, allowing for faster and more efficient routing of network traffic.
Security
- ACL (Access Control Lists): a feature that allows an administrator to control access to a network by specifying which packets are allowed or denied based on certain criteria such as source IP address, destination IP address, and protocol.
- SSH (Secure Shell): a secure protocol that allows remote users to securely connect to a switch and execute commands. It encrypts all data sent over the connection to protect against eavesdropping and tampering.
Features and Benefits
The WS-C3560E-12SD-E Cisco Catalyst switch is a managed Ethernet switch that provides a variety of features and benefits for enterprise networks. Some of the key features and benefits include:
- 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports: The switch has 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports that can be configured for a variety of network topologies, including access, distribution, and core layers.
- Advanced Quality of Service (QoS): The switch supports advanced QoS features such as traffic prioritization, congestion management, and rate limiting, which can help ensure that critical network traffic is prioritized and that network resources are used efficiently.
- Advanced Security: The switch supports advanced security features such as access control lists (ACLs), virtual LANs (VLANs), and IEEE 802.1X network access control, which can help protect the network from unauthorized access and restrict access to specific network resources.
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which can help reduce energy consumption and lower the overall operating costs of the network.
- High-Availability: The switch supports link aggregation control protocol (LACP) and Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) which provides redundancy and failover capability.
- Easy management: The switch provides a web-based interface and the Cisco IOS command-line interface (CLI) for configuring and monitoring the switch. This makes it easy for network administrators to manage and troubleshoot the switch.
- Investment protection: The switch supports Cisco StackWise technology which allows for the physical stacking of up to 9 switches, providing scalability and investment protection.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C3560E-12SD-E
- Product Type: Switch 12 Ports
- Product Name: Networking Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Port/Expansion Slot Details 12 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 14
- Expansion Slot Type-
- SFP
- X2
- Number of SFP Slots 12
Network & Communication:
Layer Supported 3
Management & Protocols:
- Manageable Yes
- Management-
- CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution (LMS)
- Cisco Network Assistant
- IEEE 802.1p QoS
- IEEE 802.1q VALN
- HTTP
- CLI
- Telnet
- DHCP
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3
- RMON 1, 2
- Syslog
Memory
- Standard Memory 128 MB
- Maximum Memory 256 MB
- Memory Technology DRAM
- Flash Memory 64 MB
Power Description:
- Input Voltage 110 V AC
- 220 V AC
- Power Source Power Supply
In Summary, the Cisco WS-C3560E-12SD-E Catalyst Switch stands as a versatile and powerful networking solution. Its combination of high-speed connectivity options, Layer 3 capabilities, and adaptability makes it a valuable asset in various networking scenarios. Whether deployed in enterprise networks, data centers, or evolving business environments, this switch offers the performance and features necessary to meet the demands of modern connectivity.
