Description
Overview of the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S Managed Switch
The WS-C3750X-12S-S is a Layer 3 switch, which means it operates at the network layer of the OSI model, providing advanced routing capabilities in addition to standard switching functions. With 12 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots, this
12-port switch is well-equipped to handle high-volume data traffic, making it suitable for businesses with demanding network requirements.
Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Support
The Cisco Catalyst 3750X supports Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) modules, offering flexibility in connecting the switch to various network media. SFPs are hot-swappable transceivers that can be easily plugged into the switch, providing different types of connectivity options, including fiber-optic and copper connections. This modularity allows network administrators to adapt the
managed switch to specific networking requirements without replacing the entire hardware.
Redundant Power Supply
Reliability is a key consideration in network infrastructure, and the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S addresses this concern by supporting a redundant power supply. Redundancy is a critical feature that ensures continuous operation even in the event of a power supply failure. With a redundant power supply, the switch can seamlessly switch to an alternative power source, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted network services.
Layer 3 Switch Functionality
The Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S is not just a Layer 2 switch; it also boasts Layer 3 switch functionality. This means it operates at both the data link layer (Layer 2) and the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. The Layer 3 capabilities enable the switch to make routing decisions based on IP addresses, enhancing its ability to manage and route traffic more intelligently within the network.
Gigabit Ethernet Expansion
The 12 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots on the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S play a pivotal role in facilitating high-speed data transfer. Each Gigabit Ethernet port supports data rates of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), ensuring that the switch can handle large volumes of data traffic simultaneously. This is especially important in environments where bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video conferencing and large file transfers, are prevalent.
Additionally, the availability of multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports allows for the creation of virtual LANs (VLANs) and the segmentation of network traffic. This enhances network security and management by isolating different types of traffic and preventing them from interfering with one another.
Design and Form Factor
The Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S boasts a compact and efficient design, making it suitable for diverse networking environments. Its small form-factor pluggable (SFP) allows for flexibility in connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of networking modules. The switch is equipped with 12 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots, providing ample capacity for network expansion and customization.
Memory SpecificationsStandard Memory
The Cisco Catalyst 3750X comes equipped with 256 Megabytes (MB) of standard memory. This ample memory capacity is essential for handling the switch’s operational tasks and supporting the concurrent operation of various network services. Robust memory capacity ensures smooth and responsive performance, even under heavy network loads.
Flash Memory
In addition to standard memory, the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S is equipped with 128 Megabytes (MB) of flash memory. Flash memory is non-volatile storage used for storing the switch’s operating system, configurations, and other essential files. Having sufficient flash memory is crucial for firmware updates, configuration changes, and maintaining the overall stability of the switch.
Network Scalability and Flexibility
The WS-C3750X-12S-S Cisco Catalyst 3750X switch is a managed switch that offers network scalability and flexibility. Some of the key features that contribute to this include:
- StackWise Plus technology: This allows multiple switches to be stacked together and managed as a single unit, providing a way to increase the number of ports on a network without adding more devices.
- VLAN support: The switch supports Virtual LANs (VLANs), which allows for the segmentation of a network into multiple logical networks. This can be used to separate different types of traffic or to provide security and isolation between different groups of users.
- Quality of Service (QoS) support: The switch has a QoS feature set that allows for the prioritization of different types of traffic, ensuring that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) support: The switch supports LACP, which allows multiple physical links to be bundled together to form a single logical link. This increases the available bandwidth and provides redundancy in case of a link failure.
- FlexStack-Plus: This is a feature that allows for the stacking of up to 8 switches and provides a single configuration point with an increased stack bandwidth of 80 Gbps.
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support: The switch supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity.
- IPv6 support: The switch supports IPv6, which allows for the use of the newer IP addressing scheme and provides more options for addressing and routing.
All these features and capabilities help to provide more options for network design and expansion and allow for a more resilient and efficient network infrastructure.
Use Cases and Applications
The versatile nature of the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S makes it suitable for a variety of networking applications. Some key use cases include:
Enterprise Networking
In enterprise settings, the Catalyst 3750X can serve as a central networking component, connecting various departments and facilitating seamless communication. Its Layer 3 capabilities are advantageous for managing diverse subnets within a large organization.
Data Center Networking
The high-density Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots make the Catalyst 3750X an excellent choice for data center environments. The switch’s ability to support redundant power supplies adds an extra layer of reliability, crucial for maintaining uninterrupted data center operations.
Network Expansion and Scalability
The 12 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots provide ample room for network expansion. Organizations experiencing growth or evolving networking requirements can leverage the Catalyst 3750X to scale their infrastructure efficiently.
High-performance of Gigabit Ethernet Switch
The Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S is a high-performance switch that is designed for use in enterprise networking environments. It supports a wide range of advanced features and capabilities, including Quality of Service (QoS), VLANs, and IPv6 support. The switch is powered by the Cisco StackWise-480 technology, which provides a high-bandwidth, highly available backplane that allows the switch to support a wide range of applications and workloads. It also has some redundant features, including redundant power supplies and fans, which help to ensure that the switch remains operational even if one of the components fails. Overall, the Cisco Part is a high-performance, reliable choice for enterprise networking applications.
General Information for the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S Managed Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C3750X-12S-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3750-X
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Technical Information of Layer 3 Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 13
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 12 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
I/O Expansions of 12 Ports Switch
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP
- Number of SFP Slots: 12
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: No
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC & 220 V AC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 3
Memory
- Standard Memory: 256 MB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 128 MB
In general, the Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S Catalyst 3750X Layer 3 switch stands out as a reliable and feature-rich solution for modern networking needs. Its Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots, memory specifications, Small Form-Factor pluggable support, and redundant power supply capabilities make it a versatile choice for businesses seeking a robust and scalable networking infrastructure. With advanced Layer 3 capabilities, this switch is well-equipped to handle the demands of contemporary networking environments, making it a valuable asset for organizations aiming to optimize their network performance and reliability.
