If you're still running this hardware, you're not alone — and you're not in immediate danger of a network outage. But you are on the clock for planning a transition. Many IT teams struggle with the same question: rip and replace now, or extend the life of proven hardware while budgeting for a real migration?
This article breaks down the exact EOL dates, what real risk looks like, and the paths forward — including upgrading to Cisco's designated replacement or keeping your current switch running with refurbished spares.
Key Takeaways
- WS-C3560V2-48PS-S hit Last Date of Support on May 31, 2021; Cisco no longer sells, patches, or repairs it.
- Cisco's official replacement is the WS-C3650-48PS-S, though buying new isn't mandatory.
- Refurbished units and third-party support keep this switch running at a fraction of new-hardware cost.
- Terabit Systems stocks refurbished 3560V2/3750V2 units and buys back decommissioned gear.
What Does the EOL Announcement Mean for the WS-C3560V2-48PS-S?
Cisco's end-of-life process moves in stages. Each milestone changes what you can still buy, contract, or get fixed:
- End-of-Life announcement: Cisco publishes the retirement timeline
- End-of-Sale: Last day to order the unit through normal Cisco channels
- End of new service attachment: Cutoff for adding a new support contract
- Last Date of Support (LDOS): Final day for Cisco support, patches, or replacement parts
Cisco's official bulletin maps the affected part directly:
| EOL Product | Cisco-Designated Replacement |
|---|---|
| WS-C3560V2-48PS-S (48 10/100 PoE + 4 SFP, IPB image) | WS-C3650-48PS-S (48 PoE+ ports, 4x1G uplink, IP Base) |
EOL doesn't mean the switch stops working. It means Cisco no longer sells it, ships software updates, or issues new support contracts. A unit that has run reliably for years will keep forwarding traffic. The risk shows up when a port fails, a PSU dies, or you need a replacement chassis.
The gap between End-of-Sale and Last Date of Support is your real runway. Once LDOS passes, that runway is gone. For the 3560V2/3750V2 line, that date is already behind you.
Cisco Catalyst 3560V2 Series EOL Timeline
Here's the full timeline straight from Cisco's official EOL bulletin:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| EOL Announcement | November 14, 2013 |
| End-of-Sale | May 14, 2016 |
| End of New Service Attachment | May 14, 2017 |
| Last Date of Support | May 31, 2021 |
After May 31, 2021, Cisco stopped bug fixes, replacement parts, and TAC support for this switch for good. There is no renewal path. Any parts or support from here on must come from the secondary market.
Why Running EOL Switches Carries Real Business Risk
Running an EOL switch isn't automatically dangerous. But it does shift the risk profile in two specific ways.
No repair path through Cisco. Without an active service contract, a failed unit can't be replaced or repaired through Cisco's channel. If a port dies or a power supply fails at 2 a.m., you're on your own, unless you've planned ahead with spares or third-party support.
Growing security exposure. No further firmware or software patches means any vulnerability discovered after LDOS stays unpatched, indefinitely. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) puts this plainly: unsupported edge devices no longer receive vendor patches for known vulnerabilities, leaving an open entry point threat actors can use against otherwise well-defended networks.
To close that gap, CISA's guidance recommends organizations:
- Inventory every EOS device still in production
- Review support timelines for each one
- Isolate or replace devices that can't be patched
- Run the most current supported software when immediate replacement isn't possible
None of this means your 3560V2 is a ticking time bomb. It means the decision to keep running it should be deliberate, not accidental.
Replacement Options: Upgrade vs. Refurbished
Cisco's Official Path: WS-C3650-48PS-S
The 3650 platform brings real upgrades over the 3560V2:
- IOS-XE software with a modern, universal-image architecture
- Optional StackWise-160 stacking at 160 Gbps throughput
- Support for modular QoS, Flexible NetFlow, and packet capture
One correction: the WS-C3650-48PS-S specifically is a 4x1G uplink model, not a multigigabit switch. Multigigabit uplinks exist elsewhere in the 3650 lineup, but not on this exact SKU. Don't buy expecting a spec it doesn't have.
Cisco's own EOL notice for the Catalyst 3650 lists its Last Date of Support as October 31, 2026. The "replacement" platform is itself approaching the end of its lifecycle, so a full 3650 refresh should be viewed as a multi-year bridge, not a permanent answer.
The Refurbished Bridge Option
For budget-conscious ISPs, VARs, and cloud providers, a full hardware refresh isn't always necessary or affordable right away. Refurbished WS-C3560V2-48PS-S units (and compatible 3750V2 models) let you:
- Keep proven hardware running at a fraction of new-equipment cost
- Avoid a disruptive, all-at-once migration
- Buy time to plan a real 3650 (or beyond) rollout on your own schedule
This is where Terabit Systems fits in. We supply tested, warranted refurbished Cisco switches, including the 3560V2 and compatible 3750V2 models, so you can keep operating known-good hardware or transition when it makes sense for your budget, not Cisco's calendar.
Every unit goes through a five-step quality-assurance process before it ships, and it's backed by a one-year replacement-or-refund warranty.
We also buy back decommissioned 3560V2/3750V2 units through our ITAD program, so upgrading doesn't mean writing off the value sitting in your rack. Companies trading up to newer gear can recover capital from what's coming out, rather than sending it to a scrap bin.
What to Do Next: An Action Plan for IT Teams
With the WS-C3560V2-48PS-S at end of life, move in three steps:
- Audit your inventory. Identify every WS-C3560V2-48PS-S and related part numbers still running in your environment. You can't plan a transition around hardware you haven't tracked.
- Weigh your replacement path. A like-for-like refurbished swap keeps costs low and configs familiar. A full Catalyst 3650 upgrade modernizes your stack but brings a bigger price tag and its own finite support window.
- Stock spares as a stop-gap. Spare units or third-party maintenance remove the single point of failure that comes with unsupported hardware.
Terabit Systems offers a free audit of your current gear as part of its asset-recovery service. That audit is a useful starting point if you're not sure what's still running or what it's worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cisco 3560 end of life?
Yes. The Cisco Catalyst 3560V2 series, including the WS-C3560V2-48PS-S, passed both its End-of-Sale (May 2016) and Last Date of Support (May 2021) milestones per Cisco's official EOL notice.
Is the Cisco 3650 end of life?
The Catalyst 3650, Cisco's designated replacement for the 3560V2, has its own EOL notice with a Last Date of Support of October 31, 2026. Check Cisco's bulletin for your exact SKU before purchasing.
What are the end-of-life dates for Cisco products?
Cisco publishes EOL dates in stages — announcement, end-of-sale, and last date of support — on official product bulletins. These vary by model, so always check the specific part number.
Can I still buy a WS-C3560V2-48PS-S after its EOL date?
Cisco no longer sells it directly, but refurbished units remain available through specialized resellers like Terabit Systems, often backed by warranty coverage.
What happens if my switch fails after the Last Date of Support?
Cisco won't provide repairs, replacement parts, or software fixes. You'll need third-party support or a spare unit sourced from a reseller to avoid extended downtime.
Should I upgrade to the Cisco 3650 or use a refurbished 3560V2?
It depends on budget, timeline, and feature needs. A refurbished 3560V2 buys time cheaply; a 3650 upgrade modernizes your network but costs more and has its own 2026 support deadline.
