United States
Q
What is the Cisco Catalyst 3560-X switch?
A
The Cisco Catalyst 3560-X is a fixed, enterprise-class access switch offering up to 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with optional Power over Ethernet (PoE+), advanced security, and resilient stacking capabilities for campus and branch deployments.
Q
How many ports does the Catalyst 3560-X support?
A
The Catalyst 3560-X family supports models with 24 or 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and optional PoE+ on all ports, plus two SFP uplink interfaces for fiber connectivity.
Q
Does the 3560-X support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
A
Yes, select Catalyst 3560-X models provide up to 740W of PoE+ power per switch, enabling simultaneous support for IP telephones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras.
Q
What stacking options are available on the Catalyst 3560-X?
A
The 3560-X uses FlexStack® technology to stack up to four units into a single logical switch, delivering up to 40 Gbps of stack bandwidth and simplified management.
Q
What licensing options are offered for the 3560-X?
A
Cisco offers two main license tiers: IP Base for Layer 2 switching, basic QoS, and security features, and IP Services for advanced Layer 3 routing, MPLS, and multicast support.
Q
Is the Catalyst 3560-X suitable for voice and video traffic?
A
Yes. The Catalyst 3560-X includes hardware-based QoS, multicast optimization, and up to 740W PoE+ to prioritize and power IP phones and video endpoints with low latency.
Q
What is the switching capacity of the 3560-X?
A
Each Catalyst 3560-X switch delivers up to 176 Gbps of switching capacity and a forwarding rate of up to 130 Mpps, ensuring wire-speed performance for all ports.
Q
What security features are built into the Catalyst 3560-X?
A
Built-in security includes 802.1X port-based authentication, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP Source Guard, and flexible MAC-ACLs to safeguard network access and integrity.
Q
How do I upgrade the operating system on the 3560-X?
A
Use Cisco IOS Software images downloaded from Cisco.com and upgrade via TFTP, FTP, or USB by following the Catalyst 3560-X installation guide to ensure compatibility and stability.
Q
What is the warranty and support lifecycle for the 3560-X?
A
The Catalyst 3560-X ships with a limited lifetime hardware warranty and 90 days of Cisco TAC support; extended services, including software updates and advanced replacement, are available via Cisco SMARTnet®.
Q
Can the 3560-X be deployed in small branch offices?
A
Yes. Its compact form factor, PoE+ support, and integrated security make the Catalyst 3560-X ideal for small branch deployments requiring reliable connectivity and centralized management.
Q
What virtualization features are supported on the 3560-X?
A
The switch supports Cisco Easy Virtual Network (EVN) and VLANs, enabling segmentation of multiple logical networks on a single physical device for multi-tenant and data center edge use cases.
Q
How does the 3560-X differ from the Catalyst 2960 series?
A
Compared to the 2960, the 3560-X offers higher switching capacity, Layer 3 routing, advanced QoS, FlexStack stacking, and optional PoE+, making it better suited for converged enterprise access.
Q
What uplink modules are compatible with the 3560-X?
A
Compatible uplink options include fixed SFP slots supporting 1G fiber, and field-installable dual-gigabit Ethernet Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) modules for flexible fiber or copper connectivity.
Q
Where can I purchase the Catalyst 3560-X switch?
A
You can purchase the Catalyst 3560-X through authorized Cisco partners, resellers, or the Cisco online storefront; ensure you request genuine Cisco hardware and services for full support.
