Cisco WS-C3560X-48T-E Catalyst (OPEN BOX)

Cisco WS-C3560X-48T-E Catalyst Switch Overview

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560X-48T-E is a high-performance, enterprise-grade standalone switch designed to meet the intensive demands of modern distribution-layer networks. As a member of the widely deployed and trusted Catalyst 3560-X Series, this model delivers non-blocking wire-speed performance across 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it ideal for high-bandwidth aggregation points in large campus networks or medium-sized enterprise cores. Its standalone architecture (non-stackable) provides simplified deployment while maintaining operational stability and scalability.

What sets this switch apart is its support for modular uplinks, allowing up to four 1G or 10G Ethernet SFP/SFP+ uplink ports through optional network modules. This flexibility lets IT administrators tailor uplink bandwidth and topology to the network’s evolving performance needs—whether connecting to core routers, other distribution-layer switches, or high-speed servers. Unlike fixed uplink models, the WS-C3560X-48T-E’s modular uplinks enhance future-proofing by supporting hardware upgrades without replacing the base switch.

The rack-mountable 1RU form factor conserves space in data centers and wiring closets while providing powerful switching and advanced routing in a single unit. Running on Cisco’s IP Services feature set, this switch enables full Layer 3 routing functionality, supporting protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and multicast routing (PIM)—features that are critical for segmented, multi-domain, or multi-site enterprise networks. In addition, with support for up to 1,005 VLANs, it enables highly scalable and secure Layer 2 segmentation.

Designed with enterprise reliability in mind, the WS-C3560X-48T-E also supports redundant power supply configurations, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of power supply failure. It also includes modern management interfaces like USB console, USB storage, and a dedicated out-of-band management Ethernet port, giving network engineers greater control, diagnostics, and monitoring capabilities.

In short, the Cisco WS-C3560X-48T-E combines the performance of a full Layer 3 switch, the port density of a high-capacity aggregator, and the resilience of enterprise-grade hardware, making it a perfect fit for growing networks requiring advanced functionality without the complexity of stack-based switching.

Key Features and Benefits

• 48 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports: Offers full non‑blocking Gigabit connectivity, supporting downstream devices with maximum throughput and minimizing network congestion.

• Modular Uplink Flexibility: Supports up to four optional uplink modules, including 1 GbE or 10 GbE choices (e.g., C3KX‑NM‑1G, C3KX‑NM‑10G), enabling tailored connectivity to core or aggregation layers without requiring switch stacking.

• IP Services Software: Delivers advanced Layer 3 routing with support for dynamic protocols including BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, and multicast protocols such as PIM, alongside foundational static routing and robust IPv4/IPv6 support.

• VLAN Scalability: Supports up to 1,005 VLANs, providing significant segmentation flexibility for enterprises with complex network designs .

• Advanced Security & VRF Lite: Includes comprehensive security capabilities—Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1x authentication, dynamic ARP inspection, and hardware-based encryption—plus VRF Lite for secure, multi-tenant traffic separation .

• Precision QoS & IPSLA: Enables detailed traffic prioritization for latency-sensitive applications, alongside IP Service Level Agreement (IP SLA) monitoring for real-time performance tracking.

• Redundant Power Options: The switch ships with a default AC power supply and offers optional second PSU support for power redundancy, ensuring nonstop operations.

• USB & OOB Management: Features convenient USB Type-A for local storage, USB Type-B for console access, and a dedicated out-of-band fast-ethernet management port for secure admin access.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Why Choose the WS-C3560X-48T-E?

The WS-C3560X-48T-E is an ideal solution for enterprises seeking robust Layer 3 switching at the distribution layer. Its combination of flexible uplinks, IP Services-level routing, and top-tier security features makes it an excellent fit for handling high-availability traffic requiring tight segmentation and visibility. The ability to support optional redundant power and modular uplinks ensures adaptability and reliability for growing infrastructures.

Given its compact 1RU design, powerful throughput (up to 160 Gbps backplane, 101.2 Mpps forwarding), and enterprise-grade Cisco IOS features, this switch is well-suited to support mission-critical environments such as:

• Campus distribution layers

• Branch and consolidation hubs

• VoIP, wireless, and video deployments

• Multi-tenant or secure VLAN environments

• Applications requiring granular QoS and SLA monitoring

Ideal Applications

1. Enterprise network distribution points

2. Secure, segmented tenant networks

3. Converged voice, video, and data traffic aggregation

4. Business-critical infrastructure with high uptime and performance demands

You can also visit the manufacturer’s website link for more information.

You can also visit the Cisco WS-C3560X-48T-S Catalyst , Cisco WS-C2960-48TT-L Catalyst , Catalyst Switches pages if you wish.