Cisco has expanded Borderless Networks portfolio with the introduction of the Catalyst 3560-C and Catalyst 2960-C Compact Series (C-Series) switches that deliver secure, cost-effective network connectivity and power outside the wiring closet.

The new C-Series switches are compact versions of the company’s Catalyst 3560-X Series and 2960-S Series, with the same functionality, OS and management capabilities as their wiring-closet brethren, and are approximately half the size of an Xbox console.

The company said the C-Series switches enable the deployment of secure advanced customer services, including unified communications, wireless access, IP video and other applications in wiring, space, and power-constrained environments.

The C-Series Switches also eliminate the need for access to power outlets and reduce cabling complexities and overall infrastructure requirements.

The new C-Series switches enable flexible device placement for deployment anywhere, at anytime; eliminates the need for power outlets for the switch itself and for IP devices, via Pass-through PoE; and provides unparalleled security.

The network data remains protected because all packets between the switch and the end device are encrypted right at the source, the company said.

Theft of the PCI-compliant switch and unauthorised access to the cables can be prevented with an optional security lock and cable guard.

Cisco said the C-Series switches feature its Catalyst Smart Operations for ‘zero touch’ setup and quick troubleshooting, and Auto Smartports for automatically configuring the switch based on the types of devices that connect to it.