The Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series is a line of fixed configuration, enterprise-class switches that include IEEE 802.3af and Cisco prestandard Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality in Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet configurations.

The Catalyst 3560 Series is an ideal access-layer switch for small enterprise LAN access or branch offices, combining both 10/100/1000 and PoE configurations for maximum productivity and investment protection while enabling the deployment of new applications such as IP telephony, wireless access, video surveillance, building management systems, and remote video kiosks. Users can deploy network-wide intelligent services—such as advanced quality of service (QoS), rate limiting, access control lists (ACLs), multicast management, and high-performance IP routing—while maintaining the simplicity of traditional LAN switching.

Available for the Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series at no charge, Cisco Network Assistant is a centralised management application that simplifies the administration tasks for Cisco Systems® switches, routers, and wireless access points. Cisco Network Assistant provides configuration wizards that greatly simplify the implementation of converged networks and intelligent network services.