Cisco WS-C3560CX-12TC-S vs. WS-C4500X-24X-ES: Choosing the Right Switch for Your Network

Introduction

Selecting the right network switch depends on performance needs, scalability, and budget. This comparison examines two Cisco switches—the compact WS-C3560CX-12TC-S and the enterprise-grade WS-C4500X-24X-ES—to help IT professionals make an informed decision.

Performance Comparison

The WS-C4500X-24X-ES delivers 10x higher forwarding rates and switching capacity, making it ideal for high-performance enterprise networks. The WS-C3560CX-12TC-S, while less powerful, is optimized for small offices and remote deployments with lower bandwidth demands.

Feature Differentiation

• WS-C3560CX-12TC-S:

• 12 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (8 x PoE+)

• Compact, fanless design for silent operation

• Limited Layer 3 capabilities (basic routing)

• WS-C4500X-24X-ES:

• 24 x 10GBase-T ports for high-speed connectivity

• Advanced Layer 3 routing and QoS features

• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) for power savings

The 3560CX is ideal for small offices, classrooms, or retail spaces, while the 4500X-24X-ES is built for data centers and enterprise core networks.

Design & Build Quality

• WS-C3560CX-12TC-S:

• Ultra-compact (1.25" height) for space-constrained environments

• Fanless operation (no moving parts)

• Wall-mountable for flexible installation

• WS-C4500X-24X-ES:

• Standard 1RU rack-mountable design

• Active cooling (fans required)

• Robust metal chassis for durability

The 3560CX excels in noise-sensitive environments, while the 4500X is designed for high-density data centers.

User Experience Feedback

• 3560CX Users:

• Easy to deploy in small offices

• Silent operation is a major advantage

• Limited scalability for growing networks

• 4500X-24X-ES Users:

• Handles heavy traffic effortlessly

• More complex setup (requires CLI expertise)

• Higher power consumption

Price Comparison

• WS-C3560CX-12TC-S: $1,200–$1,800

• WS-C4500X-24X-ES: $11,800–$13,400

The 3560CX is a budget-friendly option, while the 4500X is a premium enterprise solution.

Power Efficiency

• WS-C3560CX-12TC-S: 30W (typical, with PoE load)

• WS-C4500X-24X-ES: 320W (typical)

The 3560CX is far more energy-efficient, making it ideal for remote offices with power constraints.

Compatibility & Expansion

• Both support:

• Cisco IOS (different versions)

• VLANs, QoS, and basic security features

• WS-C4500X-24X-ES offers:

• StackWise Virtual for simplified management

• Greater expansion options (module slots)

The 4500X is more future-proof, while the 3560CX is limited to small-scale deployments.

Software Support & Firmware Updates

• WS-C3560CX-12TC-S:

• Limited ongoing updates (legacy-focused)

• Basic security patches

• WS-C4500X-24X-ES:

• Regular firmware updates

• Advanced features (MACsec, NetFlow, etc.)

Final Recommendation

• Choose the WS-C3560CX-12TC-S if you need a small, silent, and energy-efficient switch for a low-traffic environment.

• Opt for the WS-C4500X-24X-ES if you require high-speed, scalable, and enterprise-grade performance for data centers or large networks.

Both switches serve different needs—select based on your network size, budget, and performance requirements.