MS320-48LP-HW Cisco Meraki Ethernet Switch (48 Ports)

Cisco MS320-48LP-HW Meraki Managed Layer 3 Switch Overview

Experience robust network performance with the Cisco MS320-48LP-HW, a Meraki Managed Layer 3 switch designed to deliver high-speed connectivity and seamless cloud management. This 48-port switch is ideal for enterprises seeking reliable PoE solutions and scalable network infrastructure.

Key Features of the Cisco MS320-48LP-HW

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: MS320-48LP-HW
• Device Type: Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 48 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with PoE+ support
• Advanced Layer 3 switching capabilities
• Cloud-managed via Meraki Dashboard

Technical Specifications

Port Configuration

• 48x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports with PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/802.3at compliant)
• 4x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed backbone connectivity
• Dedicated management through cloud-based Meraki Dashboard

Power and PoE Management

• Power Supply Included: 1x MA-PWR-640WAC, 640W AC
• PoE Budget: Total 370W, supporting up to 24 devices with 802.3af (15.4W each) and 12 devices with 802.3at PoE+ (30W each)

Performance and Capacity

• Switching throughput: 176 Gbps for smooth data flow
• Forwarding table entries: 32,000
• Supports up to 4,095 VLANs for extensive network segmentation

Licensing and Management

• Cloud-managed platform with Cisco Meraki Dashboard
• License not included; available separately from Meraki
• Seamless monitoring, configuration, and updates through a centralized cloud interface

Cisco MS320-48LP-HW 48 Ports Gigabit Ethernet L3 Switch

The Cisco MS320-48LP-HW is a robust Meraki managed Layer 3 switch designed for modern enterprise networks that require advanced functionality, high performance, and simplified management. With 48 ports, this switch is ideal for medium to large-scale deployments, providing reliable connectivity for critical applications and services. The MS320 series is part of Cisco’s Meraki cloud-managed networking solutions, offering seamless integration with the Meraki dashboard for centralized control, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Advanced Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

Layer 3 switching in the MS320-48LP-HW allows the switch to perform routing between VLANs and subnets, enabling efficient traffic segmentation and improved network performance. By integrating routing directly into the switch, organizations can reduce latency, streamline network design, and enhance security. The switch supports static routing, dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, and policy-based routing to optimize traffic paths across complex networks.

VLAN and Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical component of modern network design, and the MS320-48LP-HW supports comprehensive VLAN configurations. Administrators can create multiple VLANs to isolate traffic between departments, applications, or security zones. This capability enhances both network security and performance by controlling broadcast domains and minimizing unnecessary traffic. VLAN tagging and inter-VLAN routing are natively supported, allowing for seamless communication between different segments while maintaining strict access controls.

High Availability and Redundancy

The Cisco MS320-48LP-HW provides high availability features to ensure minimal network downtime. Support for technologies such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP, and Multiple STP ensures loop-free network topology and redundancy in complex environments. In addition, the switch can integrate with redundant power supplies and link aggregation configurations, allowing multiple physical connections to function as a single logical link, enhancing throughput and failover capabilities.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Functionality

One of the standout features of the MS320-48LP-HW is its comprehensive Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. Each of the 48 ports can deliver sufficient power to connected devices, such as IP phones, access points, and security cameras, simplifying deployment and reducing the need for additional electrical infrastructure. The switch supports both IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) and standard PoE, providing flexibility to power a wide range of devices efficiently.

Efficient Energy Management

With energy efficiency being a priority for modern IT environments, the MS320-48LP-HW incorporates intelligent power management features. Administrators can configure PoE allocation dynamically based on device requirements, ensuring optimal power usage while preventing overloads. Scheduled PoE activation and per-port power monitoring further enhance energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and supporting sustainable IT initiatives.

Cloud-Managed Network Operations

Cisco Meraki’s cloud management platform transforms the way network administrators operate and monitor switches. The MS320-48LP-HW integrates seamlessly with the Meraki Dashboard, providing an intuitive web-based interface for centralized management. Administrators can perform configuration changes, monitor network performance, generate alerts, and troubleshoot issues from any location, eliminating the need for on-site intervention.

Scalable Network Management

The cloud-based management approach allows businesses to scale effortlessly. Multiple MS320-48LP-HW switches can be deployed across locations and managed collectively through the dashboard. Network policies, firmware updates, and configuration templates can be applied uniformly, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring consistent performance across the organization. The platform also supports role-based access control, enabling secure delegation of network management tasks.

Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics

Visibility into network operations is critical for maintaining optimal performance. The Meraki Dashboard provides real-time monitoring of traffic, port utilization, and device connectivity. Built-in analytics enable IT teams to identify bottlenecks, detect potential threats, and plan capacity expansions. Detailed reporting capabilities ensure that decision-makers have access to actionable insights for strategic network planning and optimization.

Security and Compliance Features

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco MS320-48LP-HW. The switch integrates advanced security protocols, including 802.1X authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and dynamic VLAN assignment, to protect sensitive network resources. Layer 3 routing capabilities also allow segmentation of traffic to enforce security policies effectively. By centralizing security management in the Meraki Dashboard, organizations can quickly respond to threats and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Network Access Control

802.1X authentication provides robust control over which devices can connect to the network, while RADIUS server integration ensures secure credential validation. Combined with ACLs and port-based policies, administrators can implement granular access controls to restrict unauthorized access and mitigate potential security risks. The switch also supports MAC-based authentication, further enhancing device-level security in dynamic network environments.

Integrated Threat Protection

The MS320-48LP-HW works in conjunction with Cisco’s broader security ecosystem to provide integrated threat protection. Intrusion detection, anomaly detection, and automated alerting features allow IT teams to respond proactively to potential network attacks. Regular firmware updates delivered via the Meraki cloud ensure that security patches are applied promptly, maintaining the integrity of the network infrastructure.

Performance and Reliability

Performance is a key differentiator for the Cisco MS320-48LP-HW. With support for high-speed Gigabit Ethernet on all 48 ports and advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities, the switch delivers low-latency connectivity for demanding applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and data-intensive workloads. The hardware architecture is designed for high throughput, ensuring smooth operation even under peak traffic conditions.

Scalable and Future-Proof Design

Scalability is built into the MS320-48LP-HW, allowing businesses to expand their network as organizational needs grow. The switch supports stacking configurations, enabling multiple units to operate as a single logical device, simplifying management and increasing port density without sacrificing performance. This future-proof design ensures that investments in the network infrastructure remain valuable as technology evolves.

Redundant and Reliable Architecture

The switch is designed for continuous operation with redundant power inputs and advanced cooling mechanisms. Fan-assisted thermal management ensures stable operation under varying environmental conditions, while diagnostic tools provide early warnings of potential hardware issues. Combined with Meraki cloud-based monitoring, this redundancy ensures uninterrupted network availability and maximizes uptime for critical business applications.

Deployment Flexibility

Deployment flexibility is a hallmark of the Cisco MS320-48LP-HW. The switch is suitable for a wide range of environments, including corporate offices, data centers, campus networks, and branch locations. Its 1RU form factor allows for standard rack-mount installation, while flexible port configurations enable seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. The switch supports both copper and fiber connectivity through SFP uplink ports, providing high-speed connections over varying distances.

Easy Integration with Existing Networks

Compatibility with industry-standard protocols and configurations ensures that the MS320-48LP-HW integrates effortlessly into heterogeneous network environments. Support for Spanning Tree Protocol, Link Aggregation, and Quality of Service (QoS) ensures smooth interaction with legacy devices and multi-vendor networks. This ease of integration reduces deployment complexity and shortens the time required to achieve operational efficiency.

Comprehensive Support for Unified Communications

The MS320-48LP-HW is optimized for unified communications environments, supporting low-latency connections for voice, video, and collaboration applications. PoE capabilities allow direct powering of IP phones and wireless access points, simplifying deployment and ensuring reliable operation. Integrated QoS mechanisms prioritize critical traffic, reducing jitter and packet loss for an enhanced user experience in voice and video applications.