Which 3560 switch?

MAC_Addy

I've been looking at purchasing a 3560 for my lab. Just wondering which one I should go with?

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networker050184

Depends on what you need or want. Some models have POE, some have more/less ports, fiber ports etc. There are also SMI/EMI versions is the base and enhanced images. These are only software though so if you get an SMI switch you can put an EMI image on it.

Usually a base copper model without POE is fine for labs unless you are trying to power up phones.

MAC_Addy

Perfect. Thanks networker. I wasn't sure if there was a specific model needed for the exam. I had spent quite a bit of time looking on Cisco's website to see. But it looks as though it's more image specific. My company has a contract with Cisco for 3560's so I should be able to upgrade from EMI to SMI pretty easily.

Thanks again!

networker050184

The only hardware feature you would really have to take into consideration is POE. Besides that maybe port types if you want fiber.

Zartanasaurus

I would go with non POE whether or not you need PoE for a future lab. Our 3560 PS switches fail a lot more than the TS models. You can always buy Power Injectors to run a few APs/Phones if you need to down the road.

JeanM

Zartanasaurus wrote: »

I would go with non POE whether or not you need PoE for a future lab. Our 3560 PS switches fail a lot more than the TS models. You can always buy Power Injectors to run a few APs/Phones if you need to down the road.

+1

I've read this in another thread as well.

Q. are 3550s not good enough for CCNP anymore?

MickQ

I have two 3550s. They mightn't have a couple of commands, but have done me well enough for me to get my CCNP recently enough.

QHalo

Here's a great list.

Catalyst 3560 and 3550 Comparison | INE

Zartanasaurus

MickQ wrote: »

I have two 3550s. They mightn't have a couple of commands, but have done me well enough for me to get my CCNP recently enough.

The only thing you're really missing is private Vlans, and you can just get some free rack time from packet life or whatever to practice that. The configuration is pretty straight forward.