MS350-48FP-HW Cisco Meraki 48 Ports Layer 3 Ethernet Switch

Cisco MS350-48FP-HW Meraki Layer 3 Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco MS350-48FP-HW is a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch designed for enterprise networks, offering advanced capabilities for scalability, reliability, and efficient data management. With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 10G uplinks, it delivers seamless connectivity for modern IT infrastructures.

Key Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: MS350-48FP-HW
• Product Type: Managed Network Switch
• Sub-Type: 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Technical Specifications

Device Features

• Switch Type: Layer 3, Managed, Stackable
• Form Factor: 1U Rack-Mountable Chassis
• Connectivity: 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE+ Ports, 4 x 10Gb SFP+ Uplinks
• Interface Details: 48 x 1000BASE-T RJ-45 PoE+ (25.5 W each), 4 x 10Gb LAN SFP+ Uplink

Power and Energy

• PoE Support: Yes, PoE+
• PoE Budget: 740 W total
• Power Supply: Internal, Hot-plug capable
• Optional Redundant Power: 1+1 configuration available
• Power Output: 1025 W
• Voltage Requirement: AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
• Operational Power Consumption: 885 W

Performance & Capacity

• Switching Capacity: Non-blocking 176 Gbps
• Forwarding Table Entries: 96,000
• VLAN Support: 4,096 tagged VLANs
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,600 bytes

Advanced Networking Protocols

• Routing Protocols: OSPFv2, Static IP Routing
• Remote Management: SNMP v2c

Installation & Scalability

• Pre-installed Units: 1
• Maximum Supported Units: 2
• Stackable: Yes, supports multi-switch stacking for scalable deployments

Ideal Use Cases

• High-density enterprise networks requiring reliable Layer 3 switching
• PoE+ deployment for VoIP, wireless access points, and IP cameras
• Data centers or network core requiring 10Gb uplink speeds
• Organizations needing advanced routing protocols and VLAN management

Cisco MS350-48FP-HW Meraki Managed Switch

The Cisco MS350-48FP-HW Meraki Layer 3 Managed Switch 48 Ports is an enterprise-grade networking solution designed to provide advanced connectivity, reliability, and scalability for modern business environments. This switch belongs to Cisco’s Meraki MS series, renowned for cloud-managed simplicity and robust performance. With 48 high-speed ports, it ensures seamless connectivity for large office networks, campus environments, and data centers requiring high-density network deployments. The device integrates full Layer 3 functionality, supporting routing between VLANs and advanced network services, making it ideal for businesses seeking efficient traffic management, improved security, and enhanced operational control.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

The MS350-48FP-HW offers extensive Layer 3 features, which enable dynamic routing, static routing, and support for common routing protocols such as OSPF and RIP. These capabilities allow network administrators to optimize traffic flow, reduce latency, and ensure high availability for critical applications. Layer 3 functionality also provides the ability to segment networks using VLANs while maintaining inter-VLAN routing, enhancing both network performance and security. Additionally, advanced routing features facilitate rapid deployment of complex network topologies, supporting scalable enterprise networks with minimal manual configuration.

High Port Density for Seamless Connectivity

With 48 ports, the Cisco MS350-48FP-HW delivers high-density connectivity to accommodate growing network demands. Each port supports gigabit Ethernet speeds, ensuring reliable and consistent performance for connected devices. The switch also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE+), allowing it to power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras directly through the network cabling. This reduces the need for additional power infrastructure and simplifies network deployment, particularly in environments where mobility and flexible device placement are critical.

Cloud-Managed Architecture

The Meraki cloud management platform transforms network administration by centralizing monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Administrators can manage multiple switches from a single, intuitive web interface, providing complete visibility into network health and usage. The cloud platform also supports automated firmware updates, zero-touch provisioning, and detailed analytics, enabling proactive network management and reducing operational costs. Remote management capabilities allow IT teams to make configuration changes, monitor performance, and respond to incidents from anywhere in the world, ensuring continuous uptime and enhanced operational efficiency.

Security and Access Control

Security is a cornerstone of the MS350-48FP-HW design. The switch includes robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 security features, including port-level access control, 802.1X authentication, and role-based access policies. These features protect the network from unauthorized access, ensuring that only authenticated devices and users can connect. Integrated firewall capabilities, along with traffic segmentation using VLANs, enable secure communication between departments while isolating sensitive data traffic. The Meraki platform also offers advanced threat detection and real-time alerts, helping administrators respond quickly to potential security incidents and maintain compliance with organizational policies.

Scalability and Network Flexibility

The Cisco MS350-48FP-HW switch is designed with scalability in mind, making it suitable for growing enterprises and dynamic environments. Its modular architecture and support for stacking allow multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit, simplifying management and expanding network capacity without adding complexity. Additionally, the switch supports multiple uplink options, including 10G SFP+ ports, to connect to core network devices or aggregation switches, providing high-speed backbone connectivity and reducing potential network bottlenecks. This flexibility ensures that businesses can scale their networks efficiently, adapting to increasing user demands and evolving technology requirements.

Energy Efficiency and Reliability

The switch is engineered for energy-efficient operation, featuring intelligent power management and PoE scheduling. These capabilities help reduce energy consumption and operational costs while ensuring reliable delivery of power to connected devices. The MS350-48FP-HW also includes redundant power supply options, minimizing downtime in case of power failures. Its robust hardware design, combined with the cloud-managed monitoring system, ensures continuous network availability, making it suitable for mission-critical applications in enterprise and educational environments. Built-in diagnostics and self-healing features further enhance reliability, allowing administrators to detect and address issues before they impact network performance.

Comprehensive Analytics and Monitoring

Leveraging the Meraki cloud platform, the MS350-48FP-HW provides deep insights into network performance and user activity. Administrators can monitor bandwidth utilization, application usage, and device behavior in real-time, enabling data-driven decisions for capacity planning and network optimization. Historical analytics help identify trends, predict future requirements, and proactively manage potential congestion points. The platform also integrates seamlessly with Meraki wireless access points and security appliances, offering a unified view of the entire network infrastructure and simplifying operational workflows. These analytics empower IT teams to maintain optimal performance, enhance user experience, and ensure that critical applications run smoothly at all times.

Integration with Enterprise Applications

The MS350-48FP-HW supports integration with a wide range of enterprise applications, including collaboration tools, video conferencing systems, and cloud-based services. Its advanced QoS (Quality of Service) features prioritize traffic for latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video streaming, ensuring high-quality communication even during peak usage periods. Additionally, the switch can be configured to support network segmentation for specific applications, enhancing both performance and security. This integration capability makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure for productivity, reliability, and seamless user experience.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco MS350-48FP-HW Meraki Layer 3 Managed Switch is versatile enough for a variety of deployment scenarios. In corporate offices, it delivers high-density connectivity for desktops, phones, and wireless access points. In educational institutions, it supports campus-wide networks, enabling secure access for students and staff while maintaining centralized management. Data centers benefit from its robust Layer 3 routing, high-speed uplinks, and advanced security features, making it suitable for aggregating traffic from multiple server racks. Additionally, the switch is ideal for retail and healthcare environments, where secure, reliable, and easily managed networks are critical for operations, patient care, and customer service. Its flexibility ensures that organizations across industries can leverage its capabilities to enhance productivity and network efficiency.

Maintenance and Support

Maintaining the MS350-48FP-HW is streamlined thanks to Cisco’s Meraki cloud management interface. Automated alerts, firmware updates, and diagnostic tools reduce the need for manual intervention, allowing IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance. Cisco provides extensive documentation, online resources, and technical support to assist in deployment, troubleshooting, and ongoing network optimization. The Meraki dashboard includes features for monitoring switch health, reviewing logs, and performing remote resets or configuration changes, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and rapid resolution of potential issues. This comprehensive support ecosystem enhances overall reliability and ensures a smooth user experience.

Enhanced PoE+ Support for Connected Devices

The MS350-48FP-HW switch supports PoE+ across all 48 ports, allowing it to power devices directly through Ethernet cabling. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and simplifies deployment of IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and IoT devices. PoE scheduling and prioritization capabilities enable energy savings during non-business hours while ensuring that critical devices receive the necessary power at all times. This functionality not only reduces installation costs but also provides a cleaner and more organized network infrastructure, improving overall operational efficiency and scalability.

Future-Proof Network Investment

Investing in the Cisco MS350-48FP-HW Meraki switch ensures a future-proof network capable of handling increasing demands and evolving technologies. Its combination of high port density, advanced Layer 3 functionality, cloud-managed features, and PoE+ support makes it an ideal choice for modern enterprises seeking long-term scalability and operational efficiency. By adopting this switch, organizations gain a reliable, secure, and intelligent network backbone that can support a wide range of devices, applications, and services, ensuring seamless connectivity and performance for years to come. The integration with the Meraki ecosystem further enhances its value by enabling unified network management across wired and wireless infrastructures, simplifying administration and improving overall IT productivity.