WS-C3650-24TS-S Cisco Layer3 Gigabit Ethernet Switch Rack-mountable

Cisco Catalyst WS-C3650-24TS-S 24 Port Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S belongs to the Catalyst 3650 Series, engineered for scalable enterprise networks that demand advanced Layer 3 intelligence, stable performance, and flexible deployment options. This manageable switch supports high-density Gigabit Ethernet connectivity combined with SFP uplinks for seamless integration into modern infrastructures.

Core Product Details

• Brand: Cisco
• Model / SKU: WS-C3650-24TS-S
• Category: Manageable Network Switch
• Form Factor: Desktop and 1U Rack-Mount Ready
• Switching Architecture: Layer 3, Stackable Design

Port Configuration and Interfaces

High-Density Connectivity Options

• 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 4 x Dedicated SFP fiber uplink ports
• Optimized for access-layer and distribution-layer deployments

Performance Capabilities

Switching and Forwarding Metrics

• Switching throughput up to 88 Gbps
• Forwarding rate reaching 65.47 Mpps
• Designed for low-latency data handling and high traffic volumes

Network Capacity and Scalability

Advanced Table Sizes and Virtualization

• IPv4 routing entries: Up to 24,000 routes
• NetFlow records capacity: 24,000 entries
• VLAN support: Up to 1,000 virtual LANs
• SVIs supported: 1,000 switched virtual interfaces
• MAC address table size: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo frame compatibility up to 9,198 bytes

Routing and Traffic Management

Supported Routing Protocols

• OSPF for dynamic routing efficiency
• RIP v1 and v2 compatibility
• RIPng for IPv6 environments
• Static IP routing support
• EIGRP Stub routing functionality

Security, Monitoring, and Management

Remote Administration Protocols

• SNMP versions 1, 2c, and 3
• Secure Shell (SSH) and Telnet access
• Command Line Interface (CLI) management
• RMON levels 1, 2, 3, and 9

Enterprise-Grade Network Features

• Layer 2 switching with advanced VLAN segmentation
• Access Control Lists (ACL) for traffic filtering
• Quality of Service (QoS) for bandwidth prioritization
• IGMP and MLD snooping for multicast optimization
• DHCP snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection for enhanced security
• RSTP, MSTP, PVST+ for loop prevention
• LACP and PAgP for efficient link aggregation
• RSPAN and UDLD support for monitoring and link reliability
• Energy Efficient Ethernet for reduced power consumption
• Flexible NetFlow for detailed traffic analysis

Standards and Compliance

IEEE Protocol Support

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, and 802.3z Ethernet standards
• IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging and 802.1P traffic prioritization
• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1W, and 802.1S spanning tree standards
• IEEE 802.1X port-based network access control
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) and 802.1AB (LLDP)

Power and Reliability

Electrical and Redundancy Specifications

• AC power input: 120–230V, 50/60Hz
• Optional redundant power supply support
• Designed for continuous enterprise-grade operation

Enterprise-Class Managed Switching Architecture

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S belongs to the Catalyst 3650 Series, a family of enterprise-grade managed switches designed to deliver high-performance, reliability, and scalability for modern business networks. This category focuses on fixed-configuration Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches that combine advanced switching intelligence with simplified network operations. The 24-port Gigabit Ethernet configuration of the Catalyst 3650-24TS-S makes it suitable for access layer deployments where consistent throughput, predictable latency, and centralized management are essential. As part of this category, the switch is built to support evolving network demands such as increased device density, converged data and voice traffic, and seamless integration with existing Cisco infrastructure.

Managed switches in this category emphasize control, visibility, and security. The Catalyst 3650-24TS-S allows administrators to define detailed network policies, manage traffic flows, and monitor performance in real time. Unlike unmanaged or smart switches, this category provides full command-line and graphical management capabilities, enabling precise configuration and troubleshooting. The architecture is designed to support enterprise access networks, branch offices, campus environments, and mid-sized data aggregation scenarios where uptime and performance are critical.

Catalyst 3650 Series Positioning and Design Philosophy

The Catalyst 3650 Series is positioned between basic access switches and high-end modular core switches, offering a balance of performance and cost efficiency. This category is engineered with a unified access design that integrates wired and wireless networking principles, even in models like the 3650-24TS-S that focus on wired connectivity. The design philosophy centers on delivering consistent policy enforcement, quality of service, and security across the access layer while maintaining flexibility for future expansion.

The WS-C3650-24TS-S reflects Cisco’s commitment to modular software and hardware innovation. The platform supports Cisco IOS software, enabling rich feature sets for routing, switching, and network services. The category benefits from Cisco’s long-standing enterprise networking expertise, ensuring compatibility with industry standards and seamless interoperability with routers, firewalls, wireless controllers, and management platforms.

Role of 24-Port Managed Switches in Enterprise Networks

Within this category, 24-port managed switches occupy a critical role in providing access connectivity for users, servers, printers, IP phones, and other networked devices. The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S offers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports designed to handle high volumes of traffic with minimal latency. This port density is ideal for small to medium-sized access closets, departmental deployments, and branch offices where space efficiency and power optimization matter.

The inclusion of four SFP uplink ports enhances the switch’s versatility within the category. These uplinks allow high-speed fiber connections to distribution or core switches, enabling longer-distance connectivity and improved backbone performance. This design supports scalable network topologies where multiple access switches aggregate into higher-capacity layers.

Switching Performance and Traffic Handling Capabilities

Performance is a defining characteristic of the Catalyst 3650-24TS-S category. The switch is designed to deliver wire-speed forwarding across all ports, ensuring that traffic is processed efficiently without bottlenecks. Advanced ASICs and optimized switching fabric enable consistent throughput even under heavy network loads. This level of performance is essential for environments that rely on real-time applications such as voice over IP, video conferencing, and cloud-based services.

The category supports intelligent traffic handling through advanced Quality of Service mechanisms. Administrators can prioritize latency-sensitive traffic, allocate bandwidth effectively, and prevent congestion. These capabilities ensure predictable application performance, which is a core requirement in enterprise networks.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service is a fundamental aspect of the managed switch category represented by the WS-C3650-24TS-S. The switch allows granular classification of traffic based on multiple criteria, including port, VLAN, protocol, and IP address. This enables precise prioritization of mission-critical applications while maintaining fair access for general data traffic.

By supporting multiple queues per port and advanced scheduling algorithms, the switch ensures that high-priority traffic receives the necessary resources. This is particularly important in converged networks where data, voice, and video coexist on the same infrastructure. The category is designed to maintain service quality even during peak usage periods.

Latency Optimization and Throughput Consistency

Low latency and consistent throughput are essential characteristics of enterprise switches in this category. The Catalyst 3650-24TS-S minimizes packet processing delays through hardware-based forwarding and efficient buffering strategies. This design reduces jitter and packet loss, which is crucial for real-time communications and interactive applications.

The switch’s architecture supports predictable performance across all ports, ensuring that adding new devices or increasing traffic does not degrade network responsiveness. This consistency is a key advantage of enterprise-managed switches over lower-tier alternatives.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Integration

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S category integrates robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, providing flexibility in network design. At the Layer 2 level, the switch supports advanced VLAN configurations, trunking, and spanning tree enhancements. These features enable efficient segmentation of network traffic, improved security, and optimized use of available bandwidth.

Layer 3 functionality extends the switch’s role beyond simple access connectivity. The category includes support for static routing and dynamic routing protocols, allowing the switch to participate in routing decisions and reduce the load on upstream routers. This integration simplifies network architecture and can improve overall performance.

VLAN Management and Network Segmentation

Virtual LAN support is a core feature of the Catalyst 3650-24TS-S category. VLANs enable logical segmentation of the network, separating traffic for different departments, applications, or security zones. This segmentation enhances security by limiting broadcast domains and reducing the potential impact of network issues.

The switch supports extensive VLAN configurations, including VLAN trunking and inter-VLAN routing when Layer 3 features are enabled. This flexibility allows network designers to create scalable and secure network topologies that align with organizational requirements.

Spanning Tree and Loop Prevention Technologies

To maintain network stability, the managed switch category incorporates advanced spanning tree protocols. These protocols prevent loops in Ethernet networks, which can cause broadcast storms and network outages. The Catalyst 3650-24TS-S supports modern spanning tree enhancements that converge quickly and minimize downtime during topology changes.

Fast convergence and intelligent path selection ensure that the network remains resilient even in complex topologies. This reliability is essential for enterprise environments where downtime can have significant operational and financial impacts.

Security Features and Access Control Mechanisms

Security is a central focus of the Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S category. The switch includes a comprehensive set of security features designed to protect the network from unauthorized access, threats, and internal misuse. These features operate at multiple layers, providing defense in depth for enterprise networks.

Port-based security controls allow administrators to define which devices are permitted to connect to the network. This prevents unauthorized endpoints from gaining access and helps enforce organizational security policies. The category also supports advanced authentication mechanisms that integrate with centralized identity management systems.

Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting Support

The managed switch category supports authentication, authorization, and accounting frameworks that enhance network security and visibility. These capabilities enable centralized control over who can access the network and what resources they can use. Integration with directory services and authentication servers streamlines user management and improves compliance.

Accounting features provide detailed logs of network activity, which can be used for auditing, troubleshooting, and capacity planning. This level of insight is critical for maintaining secure and efficient network operations.

Threat Mitigation and Traffic Monitoring

Advanced monitoring and control features help mitigate potential threats within the network. The Catalyst 3650-24TS-S category supports mechanisms for detecting abnormal traffic patterns and limiting the impact of malicious activity. By controlling broadcast, multicast, and unknown unicast traffic, the switch helps maintain network stability.

These proactive security measures reduce the risk of network disruptions caused by misconfigurations or malicious behavior, reinforcing the reliability of the access layer.

Uplink Flexibility with SFP Ports

The inclusion of four SFP uplink ports is a defining characteristic of the Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S category. These ports provide flexible connectivity options for linking the access layer to distribution or core switches. Fiber-based uplinks support longer distances and higher immunity to electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for enterprise campus environments.

This uplink flexibility allows organizations to design scalable network architectures that can grow over time. By supporting various SFP modules, the switch can adapt to different speed and distance requirements without replacing the entire platform.

Integration with Distribution and Core Layers

Within a hierarchical network design, the Catalyst 3650-24TS-S operates effectively as an access layer switch. Its SFP uplinks facilitate high-speed connections to aggregation points, ensuring efficient data flow between end devices and centralized resources. This integration supports consistent policy enforcement and simplified network management.

The category is well-suited for environments that require reliable uplinks for data-intensive applications, cloud access, and centralized services.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S managed switch category is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. It is commonly used in enterprise access layers, branch offices, educational institutions, and commercial facilities where reliable wired connectivity is essential. The 24-port configuration supports moderate device density while maintaining high performance.

In campus environments, the switch provides consistent access connectivity for users and devices, supporting collaboration tools and cloud applications. In branch offices, it offers centralized management and security features that align with corporate standards.

Scalability and Future-Proof Network Design

Scalability is an inherent advantage of the Catalyst 3650-24TS-S category. The switch’s performance, feature set, and uplink options allow it to adapt to changing network demands. As organizations grow or adopt new technologies, the switch can continue to serve as a reliable access layer component.

This future-proof design reduces the need for frequent hardware replacements, protecting network investments and simplifying long-term planning.