Description
Cisco Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S Switch
The Cisco Catalyst Compact Switches are purpose-built to extend your Ethernet and Multigigabit networks beyond the traditional wiring closet. The Cisco Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S delivers a quiet, space-saving edge solution that fits neatly on a desktop or wall-mount in a corner of your office, store, or clinic. With its fanless design, reliable PoE capability, and familiar Cisco IOS software, this compact switch makes it easier to power and connect IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other Ethernet devices while maintaining strong security, quality of service, and straightforward management. Whether you’re expanding your small business network, extending wireless coverage, or creating a robust edge for a satellite location, the 3560CX-8PT-S blends performance and simplicity in a remarkably small package.
- The compact, fanless chassis is engineered for quiet operation in customer-facing spaces, executive offices, and edge environments where a traditional rack mount isn’t practical. Its small footprint and silent performance let it live on a desk, cabinet, or wall-mount shelf without adding noise or heat to the room.
- Eight PoE+ enabled ports power a wide range of devices—from IP phones and wireless access points to security cameras and IoT sensors—reducing the need for separate power outlets and simplifying deployment in converged networks. The PoE+ capability supports IEEE 802.3at devices, helping you scale your edge quickly and efficiently.
- Flexible uplink options and solid ingress/egress design provide scalable connections to your core network. The switch includes uplink capability (typically via SFP) to connect to distribution layers or campus networks, enabling clean segmentation of traffic with VLANs and QoS as needed.
- Layer 2 switching power with essential Layer 3 features gives you reliable network segmentation and traffic control. Expect robust VLAN support, access control lists, QoS for prioritizing voice and video, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and IPv6 readiness to future-proof your deployment.
- Easy management and efficient operation are central to this model. With Cisco IOS software, you gain familiar CLI access and secure remote management, plus options for Web UI configuration. The device emphasizes energy efficiency with a design that minimizes power draw while delivering reliable performance for PoE devices in edge environments.
Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S
- Model: Cisco Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S (Catalyst Compact Series)
- Ports: 8 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with PoE+ support
- Uplink: 2 x SFP uplink options for fiber connections to the core or distribution layer
- PoE Capability: PoE+ on all eight copper ports to power IP phones, APs, cameras, and other PoE devices
- Performance: Layer 2 switching with essential Layer 3 features for small-office and edge deployments
- Security: ACLs, QoS, private VLAN-like capabilities, DHCP snooping, and ARP inspection to help protect edge traffic
- Management: Cisco IOS software with CLI and Web UI access; SNMP (v2/v3) for monitoring and management
- IPv6: IPv6-ready and compliant with modern network design practices
- Form Factor: Compact, fanless design suitable for desktop, wall-mount, or shelf mount installations
- Energy Efficiency: Built with energy-conscious features to minimize power usage while supporting PoE devices
how to install Cisco Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S
Installing the Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S is designed to be straightforward, whether you are equipping a small office, a retail space, or a branch location. Follow these steps to deploy the switch quickly and securely:
- Plan placement: Choose a stable, ventilated location near a power source and away from direct heat. The compact, fanless design is ideal for desktop or wall-mount installation in a reception area, back room, or small office.
- Mounting options: Use the provided mounting hardware for desktop placement or wall-mounting. Ensure access to the eight PoE ports for cabling to devices and clear space for the uplink connections to the core network.
- Power connection: Connect the switch to a reliable power source. Confirm that PoE devices are plugged into the 8 PoE+ ports to begin powering them without separate power adapters.
- Connect devices: Plug IP phones, access points, cameras, and other PoE devices into the PoE-enabled ports. Route data traffic from these devices through the switch to the uplink and core.
- Uplink to core: Connect the two SFP uplinks to your distribution or core switches or to a network router, depending on your topology. Use appropriate fiber modules or cables based on your SFP compatibility and distance requirements.
- Initial configuration: Access the switch via console or management IP using the Cisco IOS CLI or Web UI. Configure a management VLAN, assign a management IP, and secure access with strong passwords and appropriate user roles.
- Policy and security: Implement basic security measures—enable ACLs to restrict management access, set up QoS policies to protect voice/video, and configure VLANs to segment traffic from PoE devices and guest devices.
- Verification: Use commands or the Web UI to verify PoE power delivery to each device, confirm link status on all ports, and test connectivity across VLANs and to the core.
- Save configuration: Persist your settings to ensure they survive a reboot. Document the configuration for future maintenance and reference.
- Documentation and support: Maintain product documentation, firmware updates, and Cisco support resources for ongoing reliability and security improvements.
Frequently asked questions
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Q: What scenarios is the Cisco Catalyst 3560CX-8PT-S best suited for?
A: It is designed for edge deployments in small offices, branch locations, retail spaces, and other environments where quiet operation, compact size, PoE delivery, and reliable basic Layer 2/edge switching are required. -
Q: Does this switch support PoE on all ports?
A: Yes. All eight copper ports provide PoE+ power to support IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-capable devices, simplifying installation and minimizing wiring. -
Q: Can I manage this switch remotely?
A: Absolutely. It supports Cisco IOS software with CLI and a Web UI, and it can be managed remotely via SNMP, secure SSH, and other standard IOS management approaches. -
Q: Is IPv6 supported?
A: Yes. The switch is IPv6-ready and supports modern routing and security features to accommodate next-generation networks. -
Q: Is this model stackable or does it require a single unit deployment?
A: The Catalyst Compact switches are designed for standalone edge deployments. For larger deployments, you would scale with additional switches in your network topology rather than stacking them in a single chassis. -
Q: What management features help with security and monitoring?
A: You get ACLs, QoS, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, and SNMP support, plus Cisco’s familiar CLI and Web UI for configuration, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance.
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