Hardware Inventory
Current Device
Cisco Catalyst WS-C3560CX-8PC-S
Current role:
- compact managed switch in a private physical lab
- Cisco IOS and CCNA-oriented CLI practice platform
- Layer 2 switching and basic Layer 3 switching platform
- PoE-capable access switch for future lab expansion
- management and maintenance practice device
Verified public-safe baseline:
| Item | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Model | WS-C3560CX-8PC-S |
| IOS | 15.2(7)E14 |
| Bootloader | 15.2(7r)E |
| License family | IP Base |
| Primary image | c3560cx-universalk9-mz.152-7.E14.bin |
| Fallback image | Previous 15.2(4)E4 image retained |
| Console access | USB-to-serial from macOS |
| Remote access | SSH |
| Time source | Local NTP source |
| Active link validation | 1 Gbit/s full duplex, counters checked |
The serial number, real hostname, management address, MAC addresses and private port descriptions are not published.
Product Lifecycle
Cisco has announced end of sale and end of life for this model.
| Milestone | Published date |
|---|---|
| End-of-life announcement | 1 May 2023 |
| End of sale | 30 April 2024 |
| End of software maintenance releases | 30 April 2025 |
| End of vulnerability and security support | 30 April 2029 |
| Last date of support | 30 April 2029 |
| Cisco replacement listed in the EOL notice | C9200CX-8P-2X2G-A |
Portfolio implication:
- the device remains suitable for a controlled physical learning lab
- the repository can document legacy IOS maintenance, CLI verification and switching fundamentals honestly
- the model is not presented as a recommendation for a new production deployment
- any future purchase decision should consider current support status, licensing, cost and the specific learning goal
Official lifecycle details are linked from Official References and Learning Resources.
Useful Baseline Commands
show version
show inventory
show boot
show interfaces status
show interfaces counters errors
show ip interface brief
show vlan brief
show interfaces trunk
show spanning-tree summary
show power inline
show environment all
dir flash:
show logging
show ntp associations
show ntp status
show clock detail
Planned Expansion
The preferred next stage is:
- a second Catalyst 3560CX, ideally another
WS-C3560CX-8PC-Sor a lower-costWS-C3560CX-8TC-S - a used Cisco IOS or IOS XE router for routing, NAT, DHCP, ACL and WAN-edge labs
- copper trunks first; SFP links can be added later when they serve a specific learning goal
A second EOL lab switch would be acquired only as a low-cost compatible training device, not as a current production recommendation.
A legacy Catalyst 2950SX and a 1000BASE-SX fiber link remain optional ideas, not part of the current verified baseline.
Selection Rationale
A second compatible switch adds more immediate CCNA value than replacing the current device solely for this lab. It enables practical work with trunks, STP, EtherChannel and redundant Layer 2 paths while keeping cost and configuration differences manageable.
A newer Catalyst 9200CX would provide a more current production platform and support lifecycle, but its price and licensing make it a separate procurement decision rather than a prerequisite for the present learning objectives.