Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX vs Catalyst 9200CX (WS-C3560CX-12PC-S vs C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A)
The Catalyst 9200CX (C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A) is Cisco's modern compact replacement for the end-of-life 3560-CX (WS-C3560CX-12PC-S). Both are fanless 12-port PoE+ compact switches for outside-the-closet deployments, but the 9200CX adds 10G uplinks, the UADP ASIC, IOS XE, and Network Advantage Layer 3, making it the right choice for any compact refresh.
Catalyst 3560-CX 12-Port PoE (WS-C3560CX-12PC-S)
A fanless compact 12-port GbE IP Base switch with PoE+, mixed 1G uplinks, and Layer 3, now end of life.
- 12x 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports in a fanless compact body
- Uplinks: 2x 1G SFP + 2x 1G copper
- IP Base Layer 3 feature set on Cisco IOS
- End of life; designed for desks, walls, and shallow spaces
Catalyst 9200CX 12-Port PoE+ (C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A)
Cisco's current compact access switch: 12 PoE+ ports, 10G + 1G uplinks, UADP ASIC, IOS XE, Network Advantage.
- 12x 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports, 240W budget, fanless
- Uplinks: 2x 10G SFP+ plus 2x 1G copper
- UADP ASIC and programmable IOS XE
- Network Advantage license with full Layer 3 routing
Catalyst 3560-CX 12-Port PoE (WS-C3560CX-12PC-S) vs Catalyst 9200CX 12-Port PoE+ (C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A): spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 3560-CX 12-Port PoE (WS-C3560CX-12PC-S) | Catalyst 9200CX 12-Port PoE+ (C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A) |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 12x 10/100/1000 (PoE+) | 12x 10/100/1000 (PoE+) |
| PoE budget | Up to 240W (PoE+) | 240W (PoE+) |
| Uplinks | 2x 1G SFP + 2x 1G copper | 2x 10G SFP+ + 2x 1G copper |
| Form factor | Compact, fanless | Compact, fanless |
| ASIC | Legacy 3560-CX ASIC | UADP |
| Software | Cisco IOS | Cisco IOS XE (programmable) |
| Feature set / license | IP Base (Layer 3) | Network Advantage (full Layer 3) |
| Telemetry / automation | Limited (SNMP/CLI) | Model-driven telemetry, NETCONF/YANG, DNA Center |
| PoE pass-through option | Available on -CX models (PD powered) | Perpetual PoE and fast PoE supported |
| Lifecycle status | End of life | Current / actively sold |
| Warranty | Enhanced Limited Lifetime | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
Choose Catalyst 3560-CX 12-Port PoE (WS-C3560CX-12PC-S) if
Keep the 3560-CX only as an in-warranty spare for an existing compact deployment that you are not yet ready to refresh. It is end of life and not appropriate for new buys.
Choose Catalyst 9200CX 12-Port PoE+ (C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A) if
Choose the 9200CX for any compact refresh. You keep the fanless 12-port PoE+ form factor while gaining 10G uplinks, IOS XE, the UADP ASIC, and Network Advantage Layer 3 with a supported lifecycle.
Verdict
Migrate to the Catalyst 9200CX C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A. It is the modern compact successor to the 3560-CX, keeping the fanless 12-port PoE+ footprint while upgrading uplinks to 10G and moving to IOS XE, the UADP ASIC, and Network Advantage. Keep a 3560-CX only as a short-term spare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the replacement for the Catalyst 3560-CX?
The Catalyst 9200CX is Cisco's modern compact successor. The C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A matches the 3560-CX 12-port PoE+ compact layout while adding 10G uplinks, IOS XE, and the UADP ASIC.
Does the 9200CX have 10G uplinks?
Yes. The C9200CX-12P-2X2G-A provides 2x 10G SFP+ uplinks plus 2x 1G copper, a step up from the 3560-CX's 1G-only uplinks.
Are these compact switches fanless?
Yes. Both the 3560-CX and 9200CX are fanless and built for deployment outside the wiring closet, such as in offices, classrooms, and behind displays.
What license does the 9200CX-12P-2X2G-A include?
The -A SKU ships with Network Advantage, which unlocks full Layer 3 routing and advanced features, more capable than the 3560-CX IP Base feature set.
More Catalyst comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.