From http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/modules/ps2643/products_white_paper09186a0080091db8.shtml, "Line rate for Gigabit Ethernet (in packets per second [pps]) refers to the maximum number of 64-byte Ethernet frames that is transmitted out of the maximum possible bit rate of 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet). The line rate for Gigabit Ethernet is 1,488,100 pps.". Figure the total amount of bandwidth provided by all the device's ports, double if full duplex, scale accordingly (using the prior equation).

PS:

Although some devices can provide full line rate, seldom switches ever pushed that hard. More often price differences relate to features of the switch. For instance, the 3560 series is a L3 switch (performs routing), is manageable, and supports many other advanced features. I suspect the Linksys might just be a basic unmanaged L2 switch.

Hi,

Forwarding rate is the number of packets that can be pushed/routed through the switch in a second. Unit - Mpps.

However this is not the only figure based on which the switch selection should be made. Look at the backplane capacity.

I thing I have to agree its not very easy to fight third party devices based on Performacne Figures. You'll have to take help of vast range of features supported by cisco devices.

You'll have to win the customer based on feature, educate them what you can do if they go for Cisco switches.

Have a look at this Catalyst Switch Guide -

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/switches/ps5718/ps708/networking_solutions_products_genericcontent0900aecd805f0955.pdf

Collect all the features supported by 3560 switch and try convencing the customer.

All the best Cris.

One important point talk about the Cisco's Support. Linksys is still supporte by Linksys Guys. Not supported by Cisco TAC.

-> Sushil