MS355-48X2-HW Cisco Meraki 48 Port 40Gbe Qsfp+ Managed Switch Cloud Rack-mountable

Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki 48-Port Switch Overview

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for modern enterprise networks. Built with advanced features and robust scalability, it delivers reliable connectivity for large-scale environments.

Key Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: MS355-48X2-HW
• Product Type: Ethernet Switch
• Port Configuration: 48 Ports

Advanced Network Management

Designed for seamless remote administration, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW offers comprehensive management via the Meraki Dashboard:

• Remote packet capture for in-depth troubleshooting
• Automatic firmware updates ensuring the latest features
• Integration with SNMP and Syslog for centralized monitoring
• IPv4 and IPv6 ACL support for granular access control
• 802.1Q VLAN tagging for network segmentation
• Broadcast storm protection to prevent network disruptions
• Dynamic ARP Inspection and DHCP snooping for enhanced security
• 802.1X authentication to secure network access

High-Speed Connectivity

• 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet ports
• Multi-gigabit support: 100M, 1G, 2.5G, 5G, 10G RJ45 ports
• 4x 1G/10G SFP+ ports for fiber connections
• 2x 40GbE QSFP+ ports for high-capacity uplinks
• 2 dedicated stack ports providing 400G stacking bandwidth

Layer 3 Switching and Routing

• Advanced L3 switching capabilities including OSPF support
• Supports scalable UPOE for power-hungry devices
• Hot-swappable power supplies and fans for uninterrupted operation
• Warm spare functionality for seamless redundancy

Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki 48 Ports Ethernet Switch

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki 48 Ports Ethernet Switch represents a high-performance, cloud-managed networking solution designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern enterprise environments. As part of the Cisco Meraki MS Series, this switch delivers advanced networking capabilities while maintaining a simplified management experience through intuitive cloud-based controls. The category of Meraki switches, and specifically the MS355-48X2-HW model, reflects Cisco’s commitment to combining robust hardware performance with intelligent software-driven network management. It is engineered to support a broad range of business applications, from supporting high-bandwidth multimedia traffic to enabling secure segmentation of IoT and user devices across campus and branch networks. The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW model stands at the convergence of scalability, reliability, and ease of deployment, making it suitable for organizations that demand both operational efficiency and future-proof infrastructure.

Key Hardware Features of the MS355-48X2-HW

The hardware design of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki Ethernet Switch is centered around delivering superior throughput, extensive connectivity options, and resilient performance. With 48 high-speed Ethernet ports, this switch supports numerous devices and end points simultaneously without compromising network responsiveness. The inclusion of additional uplink ports enables seamless integration with core network infrastructure, promoting flexible network topologies. Built with enterprise-class components, the MS355-48X2-HW ensures that latency remains minimal, even under heavy traffic loads. The thermal design and power delivery mechanisms are optimized to ensure consistent performance in demanding environmental conditions, which is critical for data center racks and network closets that operate around the clock. Each hardware element is selected to provide a balance of power efficiency and operational endurance, which helps reduce long-term operational costs while maintaining peak network performance.

48 Port High‑Performance Connectivity

The centerpiece of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW switch is its 48 Ethernet ports, each capable of supporting high data rates required for bandwidth-intensive applications. These ports are designed to accommodate a diverse set of networked devices, from desktop computers and servers to IP telephony systems and access points. The high density of ports on a single chassis ensures that network administrators can consolidate network access and reduce complexity in distributed network deployments. By providing consistent and reliable connectivity for a plethora of devices, the MS355-48X2-HW facilitates unified communication and collaboration across enterprise environments, improving productivity and reducing network bottlenecks.

Uplink Expansion and Bandwidth Aggregation

Complementing the 48 access ports, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW features additional uplink ports designed to aggregate bandwidth and extend connectivity to core switches or distribution layers within the network. These uplinks support high-speed data transfers and are essential for efficient traffic routing between different network segments. The uplinks also allow for flexible network scaling, enabling organizations to connect multiple switches and create robust network architectures that support redundancy and failover. By integrating uplink capabilities with the core switching framework, this Meraki model enhances overall network throughput and ensures traffic flows smoothly even during peak usage periods.

Cloud Management and Software Intelligence

One of the most compelling aspects of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki Ethernet Switch category is its cloud-managed capabilities. Cisco Meraki’s cloud-based dashboard provides administrators with unparalleled visibility and control over their network. This centralized management platform delivers real-time monitoring, configuration management, and automated software updates, all accessible from any location with internet connectivity. The Meraki dashboard simplifies complex networking tasks and provides actionable insights that help optimize network performance and troubleshoot issues swiftly, reducing the need for on-site technical interventions and lowering operational overhead.

Zero‑Touch Provisioning and Deployment

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW supports zero-touch provisioning, allowing network administrators to deploy devices without the need for manual configuration at each site. With this feature, the switch can be pre-configured through the Meraki dashboard and shipped directly to remote locations. Upon connecting to the network, the switch automatically reaches out to the Meraki cloud, downloads its configuration, and joins the network without requiring physical access from IT staff. This capability drastically reduces deployment time and enables organizations to scale their infrastructure rapidly and efficiently across multiple sites.

Centralized Monitoring and Analytics

The cloud management platform associated with the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW provides centralized monitoring and analytics tools that furnish deep insights into network health and performance trends. Administrators can view real-time usage statistics and historical data that help them identify patterns, forecast growth requirements, and make data-driven decisions regarding capacity planning. These analytics tools also support proactive network maintenance by highlighting abnormalities that may indicate emerging issues, such as port-level errors, abnormal traffic spikes, or failed devices. Comprehensive event logging and reporting features further enhance the ability to maintain network stability and compliance with organizational policies.

Advanced Security and Policy Enforcement

Security is a foundational element of the Cisco Meraki MS355-48X2-HW category, with multiple layers of protection to safeguard network integrity and data privacy. The switch supports advanced security policies that can be applied at the port level or across VLAN segments, enabling administrators to define strict access controls and segmentation strategies. Through integration with the Meraki security ecosystem, the MS355-48X2-HW can enforce device profiling, guest access restrictions, and role-based permissions, which help contain threats and prevent unauthorized access. These capabilities are particularly important for enterprises that support a variety of user types, including employees, contractors, and visitors, each requiring different levels of network access and control.

VLAN Segmentation and Traffic Isolation

Virtual LAN (VLAN) support on the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW enables logical segmentation of network traffic, which reduces broadcast domains and enhances performance by isolating traffic flows. VLANs are implemented to separate different user groups, devices, or services, ensuring that sensitive data remains confined within authorized segments of the network. This segmentation is vital in environments with mixed traffic types, such as voice, video, and data, allowing administrators to prioritize specific traffic streams while preventing unauthorized lateral movement between devices. VLANs also contribute to more efficient IP address utilization and improved network organization, further supporting enterprise-scale network deployments.

Access Control Lists and Policy Routing

The MS355-48X2-HW supports Access Control Lists (ACLs) that allow administrators to define rules governing the flow of traffic through the switch based on criteria such as IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers. ACLs provide granular control over which devices can communicate with each other, enhancing security by blocking potentially malicious or unwarranted traffic before it traverses critical portions of the network. Policy routing features enable traffic to be directed along specific paths based on predefined conditions, offering flexibility in how traffic is managed and ensuring that mission-critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and priority.

Performance Optimization and Quality of Service (QoS)

Performance optimization is a critical consideration for any high-capacity network switch, and the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW provides Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms that ensure efficient handling of diverse traffic types. QoS capabilities allow administrators to prioritize latency-sensitive applications such as voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing, ensuring that these traffic streams receive preferential treatment over less time-sensitive data. By managing traffic prioritization at the switch level, the MS355-48X2-HW reduces jitter and packet loss, which enhances the end-user experience and supports real-time applications with stringent performance requirements. These QoS policies can be configured through the Meraki dashboard, offering a straightforward interface for defining priorities and thresholds that align with business needs.

Traffic Shaping and Bandwidth Control

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW supports traffic shaping techniques that regulate the flow of data to prevent congestion and ensure equitable distribution of available bandwidth. Traffic shaping mechanisms help control peak usage by queuing excess traffic and smoothing out bursts that could otherwise lead to performance degradation. Bandwidth control features allow network administrators to set limits on specific types of traffic or user groups, ensuring that critical services maintain necessary bandwidth even during periods of high overall network utilization. These tools are essential for maintaining consistent performance in busy network environments where demand fluctuates throughout the day.

Support for Multicast and High‑Bandwidth Applications

In enterprise environments where multicast traffic is prevalent, such as video streaming, collaborative conferencing, or real-time data distribution systems, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW provides robust support for efficient multicast routing and delivery. The switch’s architecture is optimized to handle large volumes of simultaneous traffic flows without compromising throughput or connectivity. This makes it an ideal platform for applications that rely on simultaneous data distribution to multiple endpoints. By leveraging multicast optimization techniques, the MS355-48X2-HW enhances network efficiency and reduces unnecessary duplication of traffic across the infrastructure.

Reliability, Redundancy, and High Availability

Enterprise networks demand continuous availability, and the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW category delivers redundancy features that help maintain network uptime and minimize service disruptions. The switch supports link aggregation and redundancy protocols that ensure traffic can be rerouted in the event of a link failure, which is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime is unacceptable. These high availability features contribute to the resilience of the overall network architecture and enhance the ability to recover quickly from hardware failures or connectivity disruptions. The Meraki dashboard also provides visibility into link status and performance metrics, enabling administrators to detect and address potential issues before they impact operations.

Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)

The inclusion of Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) on the MS355-48X2-HW allows multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth capacity and providing redundancy in case of individual link failures. This feature is especially beneficial in high-traffic environments where single-link bandwidth limitations could hinder performance. LACP ensures that traffic is distributed across aggregated links, improving load balancing and preventing any single link from becoming a bottleneck. The result is enhanced throughput and more resilient network paths that support uninterrupted data flow in mission-critical scenarios.

Redundant Power Options and Environmental Resilience

Reliability extends beyond connectivity redundancy, and the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is engineered with power resilience in mind. Redundant power capabilities help maintain switch operation even when primary power sources fail, which is essential in facilities where power continuity is a priority. The switch’s hardware design also incorporates environmental tolerance features that allow it to perform consistently across a range of operating conditions, making it suitable for deployments in various physical environments. This ensures that organizations can rely on the MS355-48X2-HW to support their operations without frequent maintenance interventions or performance degradation due to environmental stressors.

Scalability and Integration in Modern Networks

Scalability is a defining attribute of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW category, enabling seamless growth and integration within expansive network ecosystems. As businesses expand their operations or deploy new services, the modularity and interoperability of the Meraki switch series facilitate incremental upgrades without disrupting existing infrastructure. Whether adding additional access switches, extending campus networks, or integrating with cloud‑centric services, the MS355-48X2-HW supports organizational evolution by accommodating increased traffic and device proliferation. Its compatibility with other Meraki products, such as wireless access points, security appliances, and network sensors, fosters a cohesive and unified network architecture that scales with enterprise requirements.

Integration with Meraki Ecosystem

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW operates as part of a broader Meraki ecosystem that includes wireless, security, and IoT solutions, all managed from a single cloud dashboard. This integration streamlines network administration by providing a unified view of the entire infrastructure, regardless of device type or location. Network policies can be consistently enforced across wired and wireless domains, ensuring that security standards are upheld and that network behavior remains predictable and manageable. The synergy between Meraki devices enhances operational efficiency and supports cross‑domain troubleshooting, simplifying the task of maintaining a robust and secure network environment.

Support for Modern Network Architectures

As enterprises adopt software‑defined networking (SDN) and intent‑based networking paradigms, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is well positioned to support these modern architectures through its cloud management capabilities and programmable interfaces. The switch can be orchestrated to align with dynamic network requirements, enabling automated responses to changing traffic patterns and application demands. This level of adaptability is essential for organizations implementing virtualized services, hybrid cloud connectivity, or distributed workforce models. By embracing modern network principles, the MS355-48X2-HW ensures that infrastructure investments remain relevant and capable of supporting innovation and digital transformation initiatives.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The versatility of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW makes it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios across industries and organizational sizes. From large enterprise campuses requiring high port density and seamless user experiences to distributed branch offices that need centralized management and simplified provisioning, this switch category addresses diverse network requirements. Educational institutions benefit from the ability to segment traffic for academic, administrative, and guest users, while healthcare facilities rely on secure access for clinical systems and patient devices. In retail environments, the switch supports point‑of‑sale systems, inventory tracking, and digital signage, all while maintaining secure and reliable network performance. These varied use cases underscore the adaptability of the MS355-48X2-HW, making it a valuable asset in any network architect’s toolkit.

Enterprise Campus Networks

Within enterprise campus networks, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW provides the port density and performance necessary to support thousands of connected devices. Its ability to handle high traffic volumes with low latency ensures that critical business applications, collaboration tools, and cloud services operate smoothly. The switch’s cloud management features simplify large‑scale deployments, enabling network teams to manage multiple locations from a single interface and implement standardized configurations that promote uniformity and security across the enterprise. This reduces the complexity traditionally associated with campus networking and enhances operational agility as demands evolve over time.

Branch Office Connectivity

For branch office deployments, the MS355-48X2-HW offers a reliable platform that can be centrally managed alongside headquarters infrastructure. The zero‑touch provisioning capability allows branch locations to be operational quickly with minimal on‑site IT involvement, which is particularly beneficial for organizations with geographic dispersion or limited technical staff at remote sites. Centralized policy enforcement ensures that security and network performance standards propagate consistently across all branch offices, reducing the risk of configuration drift and security vulnerabilities. As businesses continue to expand their branch footprints, the ability to maintain centralized control without sacrificing performance becomes increasingly critical, and the Meraki switch fulfills this need effectively.

High‑Density Network Requirements in Education and Healthcare

Educational institutions often face the challenge of supporting dense user populations, including students, faculty, and connected devices across classrooms, labs, and residential facilities. The MS355-48X2-HW addresses these challenges by offering the necessary port density and segmentation capabilities to keep traffic organized and secure, ensuring a productive learning environment. In healthcare settings, where network reliability and security are paramount, the switch supports critical medical systems, electronic health records, and connected diagnostic equipment with the resilience and performance required to uphold patient care standards. The ability to segment sensitive medical traffic from general network usage protects patient data and supports compliance with regulatory frameworks, reinforcing the importance of robust network infrastructure in these mission‑critical environments.