Cisco 2960x vs. Cisco 3560x- Which Cisco Switch series is better?

Searching for a good switch revolves around two things: reviews and comparisons. Once you review the features on a possible candidate, you can easily compare them to other options in order to choose the best one for your needs. We do just that with the Cisco 2960x and Cisco 3560x, take a look.

Cisco has a wide selection of devices, many of which are equipped for exceptional performance. The 2960X and 3560 are prime examples of well developed switches on this line. If you are interested in what either of these product lines has to offer or how they compare, read on for further insight.

Below, is an elaborate review of the features and highlights of each of these collections, outlining what they are capable of. With this, users can easily determine which of the two options is suitable.

What are the differences between the Cisco 2960x and the Cisco 3560X?

Cisco 2960x and Cisco 3560x- What are the differences

Cisco IOS

Cisco switches are powered by the Cisco IOS software. This is no different for the 3650X and the 2960X series. However, the IOS is available over different editions. The 2960X features LAN Base and LAN Lite feature sets while the 3650X carries the even the IP Service feature set. This edition will allow the 3560X access to more advanced networking features and capabilities.

Stacking

Stackable switches usually allow users to combine different units into one. This allows for easy management, configuration and overall use of the devices, which operate as a single logical unit.

While the 2960X collection allows stacking of its models, the 3650X series does not. Users can enjoy the benefits and conveniences of stacking units on the 2960X, including managing all the devices on the stack over a single IP address. The 2960x supports FlexStack-Plus, which offers stacking capacity of up to 8 compatible units. Newly added switches are reconfigured to- match existing user settings, which nullify any set up challenges users might experience. In the long term, a stackable 2960x option might be better suited for your needs.

Power efficiency

These Cisco switches offer efficient power consumption through the use of energy saving means. They both depend on energy efficient Ethernet protocol, as well as hibernation mode which deactivate any supply to inactive links. Additionally, these models also feature adjustable LED lights to enhance their power saving capacity and intelligent management tools. In fact, both each feature Cisco EnergyWise power saving solution for continued cost saving. Having said that: the 3560x offers slightly better efficiency levels with 60%-80% across its models, whereas the 2960x offers 57%-82% savings.

Cisco 2960x and Cisco 3560x – Comparing the two

Cisco Catalyst 2960X

The Fixed configuration series of intelligent service switches is home to some of Cisco’s best. Designed for extensive business application, these business class switches feature everything you need from deployment to maintenance checks.

Features

Speaking of deployment, the 2960X is suitable for deployment over Campus and Branch office applications. The devices are powered by the infamous Cisco IOS software, and are available in LAN Base and LAN Lite feature sets. The software component is an important management and performance tool on these devices.

Stacking the 2960X devices is possible with Cisco Stacking technology: FlexStack technology which allows users to stack up to 8 Cisco 2960X devices into one logical unit.

Integrating Cisco architecture tech on these devices allows for high performance and Layer 3 capabilities some of which include: static routing among other routing capabilities. In fact, this model features various power efficiency tools that ensure users enjoy energy efficiency and power management features.

Including easy to use features, other benefits that accompany the 2960X switching solutions are: improvements in redundancy and resiliency within the operation, , operational simplicity and efficiency, easy and quick deployment, and enhanced network security to limit access and mitigate threats.

C2960X-48LPS

Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960X-48LPS-L 48 Port Ethernet Switch with 370 Watt PoE,Black

• Memory storage capacity: 512.0
• LAN Lite models have reduced functionality and scalability for small deployments with basic requirements.

Check Price

The 48 port Cisco C2960X-48LPS  meets high performance expectations while still remaining very easy to use. It features a forwarding rate of 107.1 Mpps and a bandwidth output of 108 Gbps. Additionally, this model supports Jumbo frames, which optimize performance even with highly intensive applications. The switch features a dual field power supply and additional frameworks to help optimize consumption levels.

This device will work well with compatible switches, with the backwards compatible option working as both a master and recipient switch.  Additional features like Smartports, smart installation and autonegotiation which offer an automated reconfiguration system for new switch connections. It also supports StackPower and StackWise technology for streamlined power consumption. The Cisco 2960x switch is designed for increased ease of use, with a variety of protocols set up to streamline user interaction. The model also emphasizes on different aspects of security, covering port protection and threat defense, as well as an intelligent integrated security system for optimal use.

View Price on Amazon

Cisco 3560x

Similar to the 3750X series, this is a line enterprise class switches that can be used as standalone network additions. The models within this collection promise many benefits including various improvements across the network. Using Cisco’s proprietary technologies among other tools, the 3560x series helps enhance productivity within your network quite seamlessly.

Features

Devices on this line are enabled with LAN Base, and IP Service software feature sets. With LAN Base, users can access intelligent services including Layer 2 functionalities. IP Service and IP Base software feature sets provide even more extensive enterprise services on the network. These 3560-X devices have provisions for dual redundant power supplies. Users have one power supply choice by default but you can choose to purchase one separately.

With the additional control and administration tools, these models are quite easy to use. Features such as Smart operations technology and additional deployment-control features eliminate network complexity. The 3650X models offer borderless security ensuring the network is kept safe with interrogated access control. Overall, these devices provide superior Layer 2 security capabilities.

Provisions for next-generation redundant power system (RPS) on this model. This helps improve greatly redundancy within this system.

WS-C3560X-24P

Cisco WS-C3560X-24P-S Catalyst 3560X 24 Port PoE LAN

• Cisco is pleased to introduce the new Cisco Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X Series Switches. The Cisco...

Check Price

The CISCO WS-C3560X-24P network switch is a 24 port model which offers POE and UPOE support.  It is enabled with a 160 Gbps bandwidth performance and a 65.5 forwarding rate. This model is well suited for automated stacking with compatible models, with protocols for autodetection and reconfiguration to match your preferred settings. It is also very easy to set up and use as a standalone option. It features several protocols, wizards and templates that will help even new users set up a configuration within minutes.

Various features like autonegotiation, automatic Qos, DHCP, SDM, MVR, VTP, IGR alongside other tools for simplified use.  The model offers power control for reduced consumption. It supports energy efficient ethernet and features EnergyWise technology, as well as an automated monitoring system that reduces consumption by unused lines. The model also ensures optimal security by providing dynamic threat defense which includes ARP inspection, DHCP snooping, port security, flexible multidomain authentication, open mode for 802.1X operations and private VLANs.

View Price on Amazon

Now lets compare the Cisco to C2960X-48LPS the WS-C3560X-24P

Conclusion

Overall, the Cisco 2960x and Cisco 3560x are built to serve growing business networks quite well. While different, these models feature great switching capabilities many enterprise class networks will find quite useful.