Cisco WS-C3750X-24P-E Catalyst 3750X 24 Port Poe IP Services Ethernet Switch

Overview

1. Physical and Port Specifications

Form Factor and Design

• Form Factor: The WS-C3750X-24P-E is a 1U rack-mountable switch, designed to fit into standard 19-inch racks. This compact form factor helps in optimizing rack space in data centers, network closets, and server rooms, where space is often limited.
• Build Quality: Cisco’s Catalyst 3750-X series switches are known for their robust construction. The WS-C3750X-24P-E is built with durable materials to ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. Its design emphasizes long-term performance and reliability.

Port Configuration

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The switch is equipped with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, each capable of 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds. These ports provide high-speed connectivity for various network devices, including computers, printers, and servers.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): This model supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling it to deliver both data and electrical power through the same Ethernet cable. PoE is particularly useful for powering devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras without needing separate power sources.
• Uplink Modules: The WS-C3750X-24P-E includes four optional network module slots, which can accommodate various uplink modules. These modules offer flexibility for network expansion and upgrading, supporting both Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections.

2. Performance and Scalability

Switching Capacity and Throughput

• Switching Capacity: The WS-C3750X-24P-E has a switching capacity of 160 Gbps. This high switching capacity allows the switch to handle a large amount of data traffic efficiently, which is crucial for maintaining network performance and reducing congestion.
• Forwarding Rate: The switch boasts a forwarding rate of 65.5 million packets per second (Mpps). This high forwarding rate ensures that data packets are processed quickly, minimizing latency and maintaining high performance even during peak traffic periods.

StackWise Technology

• Cisco StackWise Plus: The WS-C3750X-24P-E supports Cisco StackWise Plus technology, which allows multiple switches to be stacked together and operate as a single logical unit. This technology simplifies management and enhances scalability by allowing up to nine switches to be stacked.
• Stacking Bandwidth: StackWise Plus provides a stacking bandwidth of 64 Gbps, facilitating fast and efficient communication between stacked switches. This high bandwidth ensures that network performance remains optimal as more switches are added to the stack.

3. Advanced Networking Features

Security Features

• Advanced Security: The WS-C3750X-24P-E offers a range of security features to protect the network from threats. These include Access Control Lists (ACLs) for controlling traffic and preventing unauthorized access, and 802.1X port-based authentication for verifying users and devices.
• IP Source Guard: This feature helps to prevent IP address spoofing by binding IP addresses to specific MAC addresses and switch ports, thus enhancing network security.
• Dynamic ARP Inspection: Dynamic ARP Inspection validates ARP packets to prevent ARP spoofing attacks, ensuring that the network remains secure from malicious activities.
• Cisco TrustSec: Cisco TrustSec technology provides additional security by using Security Group Tags (SGTs) to enforce network access policies based on user and device identities.

Quality of Service (QoS)

• QoS Capabilities: The WS-C3750X-24P-E supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize network traffic. It includes traffic classification, marking, queuing, and policing, ensuring that critical applications such as voice and video receive the necessary bandwidth and are not affected by other types of traffic.

4. Management and Automation

Network Management

• Cisco IOS Software: The switch operates on Cisco IOS Software, providing a comprehensive platform for network management. Cisco IOS includes a command-line interface (CLI) for detailed configuration and a graphical user interface (GUI) for easier management tasks.
• Integration with Management Tools: The WS-C3750X-24P-E is compatible with Cisco’s network management tools, such as Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco Network Assistant. These tools facilitate centralized management, enabling efficient deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network devices.

5. Reliability and Redundancy

Power Supplies and Cooling

• Redundant Power Supplies: The switch supports optional redundant power supplies, which enhance reliability by providing a backup power source in case the primary power supply fails. This feature helps ensure continuous operation and minimizes the risk of downtime.
• Cooling: The WS-C3750X-24P-E is designed with efficient cooling mechanisms, including variable-speed fans that adjust based on the internal temperature. Proper cooling helps maintain optimal operating conditions and extends the lifespan of the switch.

High Availability Features

• StackWise Resiliency: By using StackWise technology, the WS-C3750X-24P-E offers high availability and resiliency. In a stacked configuration, if one switch fails, the remaining switches continue to operate, ensuring that network services remain available and reducing the impact of hardware failures.

6. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Energy Efficiency

• Cisco EnergyWise Technology: The WS-C3750X-24P-E incorporates Cisco EnergyWise technology, which helps monitor and manage power consumption across the network. This feature supports energy efficiency initiatives by reducing power usage and contributing to environmentally friendly IT practices.

7. Use Cases and Applications

Enterprise Networks

• Enterprise Deployment: The WS-C3750X-24P-E is suitable for deployment in enterprise networks, including corporate offices, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Its high performance, advanced features, and PoE support make it ideal for core, distribution, or access layer roles.

Branch Offices and Remote Sites

• Branch Office Solutions: For branch offices and remote sites, the WS-C3750X-24P-E provides a scalable and manageable solution. The switch’s PoE capability and stacking features allow for consistent policy enforcement and network management across multiple locations.