Cisco WS-C3560CX-8PC-S vs C9200CX-8P-2X2G-A
The C9200CX-8P-2X2G-A is the modern IOS XE replacement for the end-of-sale Catalyst 3560-CX 8-port. Same 8-port PoE+ compact, fanless form factor, but you move from 1G SFP uplinks to dual 10G SFP+, gain Network Advantage features, and get a switch still under Cisco support.
Catalyst 3560-CX 8-Port PoE IP Base
Legacy 8-port compact PoE+ switch on classic IOS, now end-of-sale and approaching last-day-of-support.
- 8x GE PoE+ ports, 240W PoE budget
- 2x 1G copper + 2x 1G SFP uplinks
- Fanless compact desktop/wall mount design
- Runs classic Cisco IOS with IP Base feature set
Catalyst 9200CX 8-Port PoE+ Network Advantage
Current-generation IOS XE compact switch with 10G uplinks and Network Advantage licensing, fully supported and TAA-compliant.
- 8x GE PoE+ ports, 240W PoE budget
- 2x 10G SFP+ + 2x 1G copper uplinks
- Fanless, IOS XE with programmability and SD-Access support
- Network Advantage license; DNA/Meraki dashboard manageable
Catalyst 3560-CX 8-Port PoE IP Base vs Catalyst 9200CX 8-Port PoE+ Network Advantage: spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 3560-CX 8-Port PoE IP Base | Catalyst 9200CX 8-Port PoE+ Network Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 8x 10/100/1000 PoE+ | 8x 10/100/1000 PoE+ |
| PoE budget | 240W | 240W |
| Uplinks | 2x 1G copper + 2x 1G SFP | 2x 10G SFP+ + 2x 1G copper |
| Switching capacity | 32 Gbps | Up to 56 Gbps |
| Operating system | Cisco IOS | Cisco IOS XE 17.x |
| Feature license | IP Base | Network Advantage |
| Cooling | Fanless | Fanless |
| Cloud management | No native dashboard | Catalyst Center / Meraki dashboard capable |
| Lifecycle status | End of sale | Current, actively sold |
| Warranty | Enhanced Limited Lifetime | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
Choose Catalyst 3560-CX 8-Port PoE IP Base if
Only choose the 3560-CX if you are matching an existing same-model deployment as a like-for-like cold spare and accept it is past end-of-sale with limited support runway.
Choose Catalyst 9200CX 8-Port PoE+ Network Advantage if
Choose the C9200CX for any new compact deployment: you keep the same footprint and 240W PoE budget while gaining 10G uplinks, IOS XE security and patching, and cloud manageability.
Verdict
For nearly every buyer, migrate to the C9200CX-8P-2X2G-A. It preserves the 3560-CX form factor and PoE budget while upgrading uplinks to 10G, moving to supported IOS XE, and qualifying for TAA-compliant federal procurement. Keep the 3560-CX only as a short-term spare for an identical legacy install.
Frequently asked questions
Is the WS-C3560CX-8PC-S still supported by Cisco?
The 3560-CX compact series is end-of-sale, with last-day-of-support dates already published. It still runs in production but no longer receives new software, which is the main reason to move to the C9200CX.
What is the direct replacement for the Catalyst 3560-CX 8-port PoE?
Cisco positions the Catalyst 9200CX compact (C9200CX-8P-2X2G-A for the Network Advantage 8-port PoE+ model) as the modern equivalent, keeping the fanless 8-port PoE+ form factor.
Does the C9200CX have faster uplinks than the 3560-CX?
Yes. The 3560-CX 8PC offers 1G uplinks, while the C9200CX-8P-2X2G provides two 10G SFP+ uplinks plus two 1G copper ports for far more headroom.
Are both switches fanless?
Yes, both are fanless compact switches suited to quiet spaces like classrooms, retail counters, and offices outside the wiring closet.
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.