WC-C3560CX-12TC-S vs. WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Choosing the Right Cisco Switch for Your Network

May 23 , 2025 93

1. Product Overview

2. Performance Breakdown

• Speed & Throughput:

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: 10G uplinks ideal for aggregation points.

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: 48x 1G ports for high-density access layer deployments.

• Memory & TCAM:

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: 256 MB RAM, 64 KB TCAM (optimized for ACLs).

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: 128 MB RAM, 16 KB TCAM (suited for standard routing).

• Scalability:

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: Limited stacking (up to 4 units).

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Native stacking (up to 9 units) with unified management.

3. Core Functionalities

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S:

• Enterprise-Class Features: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP routing protocols.

• Security: ACLs, DHCP snooping, 802.1X authentication.

• PoE+ Support: Powers IP phones, wireless APs, and IoT devices.

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S:

• StackWise Plus: Simplifies network expansion and redundancy.

• Voice VLAN: Prioritizes VoIP traffic for clear communications.

• Storm Control: Prevents broadcast/multicast storms.

4. Design & Build Quality

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S:

• Compact 1RU form factor with modular design.

• Front-to-back airflow for efficient cooling.

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S:

• Sturdy metal chassis with redundant power supply slots.

• LED indicators for real-time port status monitoring.

5. User Experience

• Management:

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: CLI, SNMP, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure integration.

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Web-based GUI (Cisco Configuration Assistant) for simplified setups.

• Troubleshooting:

• Both support syslog and packet capture via SPAN ports.

6. Pricing & ROI

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: ~$4,000–$5,000 (ideal for PoE-heavy environments).

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: ~$3,500–$4,500 (cost-effective for large-scale access deployments).

• Tip: Opt for WC-C3560CX-12TC-S if future-proofing with 10G uplinks; WS-C3750X-48PF-S wins for sheer port density.

7. Power Efficiency

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: 80 PLUS Bronze certified (energy-efficient for PoE+).

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Higher power draw but supports StackPower redundancy.

8. Compatibility Matrix

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: Works with Cisco ISR routers, UCS servers, and third-party SANs.

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Native integration with Cisco WLC controllers for Wi-Fi deployments.

9. Software Ecosystem

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: Runs Cisco IOS-XE (supports SDN via APIC-EM).

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Limited to Cisco IOS (no SDN capabilities).

10. Real-World Use Cases

• WC-C3560CX-12TC-S: Deployed in a university campus for high-speed inter-building links.

• WS-C3750X-48PF-S: Powers a retail chain’s headquarters with 48x 1G ports for IP surveillance.

11. Final Recommendations

• Choose WC-C3560CX-12TC-S if:

• You need 10G uplinks for backbone connectivity.

• Your environment demands advanced routing and security.

• Opt for WS-C3750X-48PF-S if:

• You require a scalable, stackable solution for dense access layer needs.

• Budget constraints prioritize cost over future-proofing.