Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560X-48PF-S Layer 3 Switch

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560X-48PF-S Layer 3 Switch is designed for ambitious enterprise networks that demand reliability, performance, and scalable growth. A member of Cisco’s renowned Catalyst 3560-X family, this switch blends high-density PoE+, robust Layer 3 routing, and advanced security features in a compact 1U form factor. It is built for access and distribution layer deployments, delivering enterprise-grade switching with energy efficiency, easy management, and seamless integration into Cisco’s evolving network ecosystem. With Cisco StackPower and comprehensive QoS, the WS-C3560X-48PF-S empowers IT teams to deploy, protect, and scale networks that support modern workloads—from IP phones and wireless access points to high-definition video surveillance and collaboration tools. Whether you’re upgrading an aging campus LAN or expanding a growing branch, this switch provides the reliability, security, and performance you need in a single, future-ready chassis.

• Enterprise-class performance and scalability: Harness 48 Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ ports to power devices directly from the switch, reducing cabling clutter and increasing deployment speed. The rich port density supports dense work areas, conference rooms, and classroom environments, while non-blocking switching paths keep latency low and throughput high as network demand grows. With Cisco StackPower, you can share power across stacked units, boosting uptime and enabling flexible, cost-effective power planning for large deployments.
• Layer 3 routing and intelligent traffic management: Go beyond basic switching with built-in Layer 3 capabilities that include static routing and dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF and EIGRP. This enables efficient inter-subnet routing, fast convergence, and scalable network segmentation. Features like VRF-Lite, IP routing, and advanced QoS ensure critical applications—video, voice, and data—receive the bandwidth and priority they require, even in multi-tenant or multi-department environments.
• Security, reliability, and resilient operations: Cisco’s security framework is embedded at every level, featuring 802.1X authentication, robust ACLs, SSH access, and secure management channels to protect sensitive information. The Catalyst 3560-X series is designed for 24/7 operation with reliable hardware and software, offering options for redundant power configurations and fault-tolerant features that minimize downtime in mission-critical networks.
• Energy efficiency and sustainable power usage: This model embraces Energy Efficient Ethernet and Power over Ethernet enhancements to optimize power consumption while delivering high performance to connected devices. The PoE budget supports IP phones, cameras, wireless access points, and sensors, reducing the need for separate power cabling and helping organizations lower energy costs and environmental impact without compromising network capabilities.
• Easy deployment and centralized management: Run Cisco IOS Software with a familiar command-line interface and robust management capabilities. Configure VLANs, trunking, routing, QoS, and security policies with ease, and monitor devices through SNMP v3, SYSLOG, and standard Cisco management tools. The Catalyst 3560-X line integrates smoothly with Cisco’s network analytics, automated provisioning, and centralized policy management, enabling scalable administration as your network grows.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560X-48PF-S Layer 3 Switch

• Model: WS-C3560X-48PF-S
• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports; 4 x SFP uplink ports
• PoE Power Budget: Up to 740 W total PoE budget (PoE+ capable)
• Layer 3 Features: Static routing, dynamic routing (OSPF, EIGRP), IPv6 routing, VRF-Lite
• Switching and Throughput: High-performance, non-blocking architecture with integrated Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching
• Security and Management: 802.1X, ACLs, SSH, SNMPv3, QoS, VLANs, trunking, IPv6 support
• Power and Redundancy: Power options for standard and redundant configurations (where available)
• Form Factor: 1U fixed-form factor Cisco Catalyst switch

How to install Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560X-48PF-S Layer 3 Switch

• Plan and prepare: Assess network topology, identify uplink destinations, determine PoE requirements, and verify compatibility with existing Cisco devices. Ensure you have console access and the latest firmware for secure, stable operation.
• Rack-mount and physical setup: Install the switch in a standard 19-inch rack using the supplied hardware, ensuring proper airflow and clearance for cooling. Secure the unit to minimize vibration and movement during operation.
• Power connection: Connect to a suitable power source. If redundancy is required, configure the second power supply on a separate circuit to maximize availability and resilience.
• Network cabling: Connect uplink ports to distribution switches or network cores using appropriate SFP modules for optimal fiber or copper connections. Attach PoE devices (phones, wireless APs, cameras) to the 48 PoE+ ports as needed.
• Initial software and basic configuration: Establish a console session or SSH to access the IOS. Set a hostname, configure management IP, enable routing, create VLANs, and implement basic security measures (SSH access, strong passwords, and ACLs as required).
• Advanced configuration and optimization: Define VLAN trunks, enable QoS policies for critical traffic (voice, video, data), configure static routes or dynamic routing protocols, and enable VRFs if multi-tenant segmentation is needed. Save the running configuration and verify connectivity across devices.
• Monitoring and maintenance: Enable SNMPv3, collect logs, monitor CPU and memory usage, and keep the device firmware up to date to address security fixes and feature enhancements. Regularly back up configurations to a centralized management system for quick recovery.

Frequently asked questions

• Is the WS-C3560X-48PF-S a Layer 3 switch? Yes. It provides Layer 3 routing capabilities in addition to traditional Layer 2 switching, enabling efficient inter-subnet routing and scalable network design.
• How many PoE devices can be powered simultaneously? The switch offers 48 PoE+ ports with a combined PoE budget up to about 740 W, supporting IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices.
• Can this device be stacked? Yes. The Catalyst 3560-X family supports StackPower and stacking features to simplify scalability and power sharing across multiple switches in a single stack.
• What management options are available? The switch runs Cisco IOS Software with CLI access and supports SSH, SNMPv3, and standard Cisco management tools for centralized monitoring and control.
• Does it support IPv6? Yes. The WS-C3560X-48PF-S supports IPv6 routing and related features, ensuring readiness for modern networks while maintaining IPv4 compatibility.