Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Port Managed Rack-Mountable Switch

Overview

The Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S is a managed rack-mountable switch designed for enterprise networks requiring robust connectivity and power delivery. It features 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE), supplying up to 800 watts to power devices like IP phones and wireless access points directly through the network cable. This switch supports advanced Layer 3 routing to optimize traffic management and network reliability, making it well suited for complex or growing network environments.

With Cisco StackWise-480 technology, you can stack up to nine switches to create a single, scalable unit that simplifies management and expands capacity as your network demands increase. Its rack-mountable form factor fits standard server racks, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructure in corporate offices, data centers, or network closets.

Key features

• 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with UPOE support to power multiple network devices without separate power supplies
• Advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities that enhance network efficiency and traffic control
• Up to 800 watts of power available to connected devices, reducing cable clutter and installation complexity
• Cisco StackWise-480 technology allows stacking of up to nine switches for centralized management and scalability
• Rack-mountable design that fits standard server racks for easy deployment in professional network environments

Key specs

• Ports: 48 Gigabit Ethernet with Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE)
• Power output: Up to 800 watts total for connected devices
• Routing: Layer 3 managed switch with advanced routing features
• Stacking: Cisco StackWise-480 supports up to nine switches in a stack
• Form factor: Rack-mountable for standard 19-inch server racks

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch supports a wide range of network devices that require Gigabit Ethernet connections and power over Ethernet, including Cisco IP phones, wireless access points, and other PoE-enabled equipment. Its Layer 3 routing capabilities make it compatible with complex network topologies, supporting efficient traffic management across VLANs and subnets. The stacking feature ensures compatibility with other Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches, allowing for flexible network expansion.

Ideal uses and environments

The WS-C3850-48U-S is a strong choice for medium to large enterprise networks that need reliable power delivery and advanced routing in a single device. It fits well in corporate offices, data centers, and network closets where space is limited but performance and scalability are critical. Businesses planning for network growth will benefit from the stacking capability, which simplifies management and expands capacity without additional complexity.