Description
More Information for the Cisco WS-C3560C-12PC-S 12 Ports Ethernet Switch
The WS-C3560C-12PC-S Cisco Catalyst 12 Ports Ethernet Switch is a powerful networking device designed to meet the demands of modern connectivity. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features, specifications, benefits, and applications of this switch, providing valuable insights for both beginners and experienced users.
Overview of the WS-C3560C-12PC-S Switch
The WS-C3560C-12PC-S is part of Cisco’s Catalyst series, renowned for its high-performance networking solutions. As a compact 12-port Ethernet switch, it offers a versatile and efficient platform for small to medium-sized businesses, providing seamless connectivity for various devices.
Key Features
- 12 Ports for Enhanced Connectivity: The switch comes equipped with 12 ports, enabling users to connect multiple devices such as computers, printers, IP phones, and other networking equipment. This feature is particularly advantageous for businesses with growing network needs.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: The WS-C3560C-12PC-S supports Power over Ethernet, allowing it to deliver power to connected devices like IP cameras and phones through the Ethernet cables. This eliminates the need for additional power sources, streamlining installations and reducing cable clutter.
- Compact Design for Space Efficiency: The switch’s compact design makes it suitable for environments with limited space. Its small form factor ensures easy integration into various settings, including office spaces, retail stores, and classrooms.
- Robust Security Features: Cisco places a strong emphasis on security, and the WS-C3560C-12PC-S is no exception. The switch incorporates advanced security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and 802.1X authentication, safeguarding the network against unauthorized access and potential threats.
Technical Specifications
- Switching Capacity: The WS-C3560C-12PC-S boasts a high switching capacity, ensuring efficient data transfer and low latency. This is crucial for maintaining a responsive and reliable network, especially in environments with high data traffic.
- Forwarding Rate: With a commendable forwarding rate, the switch ensures that data packets are transmitted at an optimal speed, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing overall network performance.
- Layer 2 Switching: Operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model, the switch provides fast and efficient data forwarding based on MAC addresses. This makes it well-suited for local area networks (LANs) where devices communicate within the same network segment.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Support: The inclusion of QoS features allows the prioritization of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance. This is particularly beneficial in environments with diverse data requirements.
Benefits of WS-C3560C-12PC-S Switch
- Improved Network Efficiency: The WS-C3560C-12PC-S enhances network efficiency by providing ample ports for device connections, optimizing data transfer speeds, and supporting PoE for streamlined power delivery.
- Cost-Effective Solution: As a compact switch with 12 ports, the WS-C3560C-12PC-S offers a cost-effective solution for businesses seeking reliable networking capabilities without the need for extensive port configurations.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: The switch’s compact design, along with Cisco’s user-friendly interface, ensures easy installation and maintenance. This is advantageous for businesses with limited IT resources seeking hassle-free network management.
- Scalability: With its 12 ports, the WS-C3560C-12PC-S provides scalability to accommodate the evolving needs of growing networks. Businesses can expand their connectivity without overhauling their entire network infrastructure.
Applications of WS-C3560C-12PC-S Switch
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: The switch is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that require a reliable and cost-effective networking solution. Its compact design and versatile features make it an ideal choice for office environments with limited space.
- Educational Institutions: In educational settings, where numerous devices need to be connected, the WS-C3560C-12PC-S provides an efficient solution. Its PoE support simplifies the deployment of IP phones and other networked devices in classrooms and administrative offices.
- Retail Environments: Retail stores often have diverse connectivity needs, from point-of-sale systems to security cameras. The WS-C3560C-12PC-S caters to these requirements, offering a compact yet powerful networking solution for retail environments.
Considerations Before Deployment
- Network Requirements: Before deploying the WS-C3560C-12PC-S, it is essential to assess the specific network requirements, including the number of devices to be connected, data transfer speeds, and power over Ethernet needs.
- Future Expansion Plans: Businesses should consider their future expansion plans and whether the switch can accommodate the anticipated growth in network devices. The switch’s scalability is a key factor in ensuring long-term viability.
- Compatibility: Compatibility with existing network infrastructure, including routers, firewalls, and other switches, should be verified to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
- Security Needs: Understanding the security needs of the network is crucial. The WS-C3560C-12PC-S offers robust security features, but businesses should evaluate whether additional security measures are required based on their specific environment and data sensitivity.
High Availability and Redundancy Options
The WS-C3560C-12PC-S Cisco Catalyst 12 Ports Managed Switch is designed with high availability and redundancy options in mind to help ensure that the network remains operational even in the event of a failure. Some of the key features that contribute to this include:
- Redundant Power Supply: The switch supports the use of a redundant power supply, which can be used to provide a backup power source in case the primary power source fails.
- StackWise Plus Technology: The switch supports StackWise Plus technology which allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single logical unit. This provides increased scalability and resiliency, as well as allowing for the use of a Virtual Switching System (VSS) for active/active redundancy.
- Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP): The switch supports Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), which is a Cisco proprietary protocol that allows two or more routers to work together to present the appearance of a single virtual router to the hosts on a LAN. This can provide redundancy in the event of a failure of one of the routers.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): The switch supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) which allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link. This can provide increased bandwidth and redundancy in case of a failure of one of the links.
- Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP): The switch supports Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) which allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single logical unit. This can provide redundancy in the event of a failure of one of the switches.
All those features provide a strong layer of high availability and redundancy options to the WS-C3560C-12PC-S Cisco Catalyst 12 Ports Managed Switch and help to ensure that the network remains operational even in the event of a failure and minimize the risk of network downtime.
Performance of Switch
The WS-C3560C-12PC-S is a Cisco Catalyst switch that provides 12 Ethernet ports and supports data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). It is a fixed-configuration switch that is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices. The switch supports a variety of features, including Quality of Service (QoS), Power over Ethernet (PoE), and security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and port security. It is compatible with Cisco’s EnergyWise technology, which allows you to monitor and manage the power consumption of connected devices. This Product is designed for use in a variety of networking environments and supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.
Compatibility
The WS-C3560C-12PC-S is a Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series switch that has 12 Ethernet ports and supports Cisco’s StackWise technology, which allows you to stack multiple switches together to create a single logical unit. This switch is designed for use in small to medium-sized business environments and can be used to provide connectivity for devices such as computers, servers, and other networking equipment. The switch supports a variety of networking protocols, including IPv4 and IPv6, and can be used to create VLANs (virtual LANs) to segment network traffic. It is also compatible with a wide range of Cisco networking hardware and software, including routers, switches, and network management tools.
General Information about this Cisco WS-C3560C-12PC-S
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C3560C-12PC-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3560-C
- Product Name: Catalyst WS-C3560C-12PC-S Managed Ethernet Switch
- Product Type: Ethernet Switch
Technical Information for 12 Ports Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports: 12
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Uplink Port: Yes
- USB: Yes
- Number of PoE (RJ-45) Ports: 12
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 12 x Fast Ethernet Network
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Uplink
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance of Catalyst 3560-C Managed Switch
- Media Type: Supported Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100Base-TX
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
I/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots 2
- Expansion Slot Type SFP
- Shared SFP Slot Yes
- Number of SFP Slots 2
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported 2
Management & Protocols
- Manageable Yes
- Management -DHCP
- QoS
- VLAN
- RMON 1,2,3,9
- CiscoWorks LMS
- SNMP v1,v2c,v3
- Syslog
- Telnet
- MIB
- Web-based Management
- CLI
Memory
- Standard Memory 128 MB
- Memory Technology DRAM
- Flash Memory 64 MB
In short, the WS-C3560C-12PC-S Cisco Catalyst 12 Ports Ethernet Switch stands out as a reliable and versatile networking solution, catering to the connectivity needs of small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, and retail environments. Its compact design, robust features, and scalability make it a cost-effective choice for organizations seeking efficient network management.
This comprehensive guide has explored the key features, technical specifications, benefits, applications, and considerations before deployment, installation, and configuration steps, as well as troubleshooting and support options for the WS-C3560C-12PC-S switch. By understanding these aspects, users can make informed decisions about integrating this switch into their network infrastructure, ensuring a stable and efficient networking environment.
