The Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX and 2960-CX Series Compact Switches help optimize network deployments. These Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig) managed switches are ideal for high-speed data connectivity, Wi-Fi backhaul, and Power over Ethernet (PoE+) connectivity in places where space is at a premium. With a single copper or fiber cable from the wiring closet, Cisco Catalyst compact switches enable IP connectivity for devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance cameras, PCs, and video endpoints.

With their quiet, fanless design and compact footprint, these switches can come out of the data closet and be placed closer to the users. This means shorter cable runs and greater flexibility as you grow your network.

1. Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switches

A compact PoE switch you can use anywhere

When you need a small, powerful switch, the Catalyst 3560-CX is ideal. Extend enterprise-class services to wherever you want, far from the wiring closet. It’s easy to configure, quiet and fits where you need it, like in flexible workspaces, hospital rooms, shops, and classrooms. And you can use it to create new business opportunities in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Catalyst 3560-CX Switches Features and benefits

Small but powerful

The Catalyst 3560-CX PoE fanless switch offers Layer 3 switching. It supplies a PoE capacity of up to 240W on 8 or 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also supports Multigigabit technology, which lets you use existing cat 5e/6 cabling.

Connects IoT endpoints

The switch supports IP connections for PoE+ devices. You don’t need to install electrical circuits to power access points, IP phones, video endpoints, or other devices. Get PoE+ support with up to 240W of PoE budget. Deploy switches in buses, trains, subways with DC power.

Includes advanced features

This switch integrates with Cisco TrustSec for identity and security. It offers support for Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Enterprise Module for SDN programmability. And the switch is easy to deploy with network plug and play.

2. Cisco Catalyst 2960-CX Series Switches

Be free to connect devices anywhere

When space is tight, start compact with a Catalyst 2960-CX switch. And expand your network as your company grows. Gain the enterprise features of a larger Cisco switch without using a lot of physical space. Our Catalyst switches bring wired and wireless together through unified access, so you gain scale, security, and mobility.

Catalyst 2960-CX Switches Features and benefits

Compact design

Created for organizations where space is tight, the Catalyst 2960-CX is a compact, powerful, 8-port, fanless Gigabit switch. You can place it outside the wiring closet to shorten the cabling. And it has flexible mounting options.

Design for IoT

Whether in a hospital, retail store, office, classroom, or branch location, the Catalyst 2960-CX supports IP connections for devices with PoE+. You don’t need to install electrical circuits to power access points, IP phones, cameras, and other devices.

Simplicity

Whether in a hospital, retail store, office, classroom, or branch location, the Catalyst 2960-CX supports IP connections for devices with PoE+. You don’t need to install electrical circuits to power access points, IP phones, cameras, and other devices.

3. Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX and 2960-CX Series Switches Comparison Table

Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Switch Configurations

Model Part Number10/100/1000 Ethernet PortsMultigigabit Ethernet PortsUplinksFeature SetPoE+ Power
WS-C3560CX-12PD-S122 x 10 GE SFP+ and
2 x 1 GE copper
IP base (IP services with RTU license)240 W
WS-C3560CX-12PC-S122 x 1 GE SFP and
2 x 1 GE copper
IP base (IP services with RTU license)240 W
WS-C3560CX-8XPD-S622 x 10 GE SFP+IP base (IP services with RTU license)240W
WS-C3560CX-8PT-S82 x 1 GE copper (UPoE powered)IP base (IP services with RTU license)Up to 146W
WS-C3560CX-8PC-S82 x 1 GE SFP and
2 x 1 GE copper
IP base (IP services with RTU license)240 W
WS-C3560CX-12TC-S122 x 1 GE SFP and
2 x 1 GE copper
IP base (IP services with RTU license)
WS-C3560CX-8TC-S82 x 1 GE SFP and
2 x 1 GE copper
IP base (IP services with RTU license)
Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Switch Configurations

Catalyst 3560-CX Series models

Catalyst C3560CX-12PD

  • 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE copper uplinks
  • 2 x 10 GE SFP+ uplinks
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • PoE+ support with up to 240 W of PoE budget
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst C3560CX-8XPD

  • 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 Multigigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 10 GE SFP+ uplinks
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • PoE+ support with up to 240 W of PoE budget
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst C3560CX-8PC

  • 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE copper uplinks
  • 2 x 1 GE SFP uplinks
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • PoE+ support with up to 240 W of PoE budget
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst C3560CX-8TC

  • 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE copper uplinks
  • 2 x 1 GE SFP uplinks
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst C3560CX-12PC

  • 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE copper uplinks
  • 2 x 1 GE SFP uplinks
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • PoE+ support with up to 240 W of PoE budget
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst C3560CX-8PT

  • 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE copper uplinks (UPoE powered)
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • PoE+ support with up to 146 W of PoE budget
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst C3560CX-12TC

  • 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE copper uplinks
  • 2 x 1 GE SFP uplinks
  • IP base (IP services with RTU license)
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Cisco Catalyst 2960-CX Switch Configurations

Model10/100/1000 Ethernet PortsUplinksFeature SetPoE Power
WS-C2960CX-8PC-L82 x 1 GE SFP and
2 x 1 GE copper
LAN base124 W
WS-C2960CX-8TC-L82 x 1 GE SFP and
2 x 1 GE copper
LAN base
Cisco Catalyst 2960-CX Switch Configurations

Catalyst 2960CX-8PC

  • 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE Copper uplinks
  • 2 x 1 GE SFP uplinks
  • Advanced Layer 2 (LAN Base) support
  • PoE+ support with up to 124W of PoE budget
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

Catalyst 2960CX-8TC

  • 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 2 x 1 GE Copper uplinks
  • 2 x 1 GE SFP uplinks
  • Advanced Layer 2 (LAN Base) support
  • Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty (E-LLW)

References

  1. Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switches
  2. Cisco Catalyst 2960-CX Series Switches
  3. Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX and 2960-CX Series Switches Compare Models(Comparison Table)
  4. Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX and 2960-CX Series Compact Switches Data Sheet
  5. Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Series Switches Support
  6. Cisco Catalyst 2960-CX Series Switches Support