WS-C3650-48PQ-L Cisco 48-Port Switch

Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L 48-Port Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for robust networking environments. With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and advanced features, this Catalyst 3650 series switch ensures reliable connectivity, enhanced security, and efficient data management for enterprise networks.

Key Specifications of the WS-C3650-48PQ-L

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: WS-C3650-48PQ-L
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Ports: 48 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet
• Switch Series: Catalyst 3650
• Device Category: Layer 2 Ethernet Switch

Media and Network Technology Support

• Supported Media: Twisted Pair Cabling
• Ethernet Standards: 10/100/1000Base-T
• Network Capability: Gigabit Ethernet

Expansion and Scalability

This Cisco switch offers flexible expansion options to adapt to growing network demands:

• Total Expansion Slots: 4
• Slot Type: SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable)

Advanced Networking and Communication Layers

• Layer Support: Layer 2 Switching
• Total Network Ports: 48
• Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+): 48 ports

Enhanced Features for Performance and Security

• Access Control List (ACL) Support
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Snooping
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
• IGMP and MLD Snooping
• Layer 2 Switching & Trunking Support
• Link Aggregation: LACP and PAgP
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN)
• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocols (RSTP, PVRST+)
• Uni-Directional Link Detection (UDLD)
• Comprehensive VLAN Support

Industry Compliance and Standards

The WS-C3650-48PQ-L adheres to numerous IEEE standards, ensuring network reliability and compatibility:

• IEEE 802.1ab (LLDP), 802.1D, 802.1p, 802.1Q, 802.1s, 802.1w, 802.1x
• IEEE 802.3, 802.3ab, 802.3ad (LACP), 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3u, 802.3x, 802.3z

Management Protocols and Remote Control

• Command-Line Interface (CLI)
• Remote Monitoring (RMON 1, 2, 3, 9)
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP v1, v2c, v3)
• Secure Shell (SSH) and Telnet
• Static IP Routing
• Fully Manageable Device

Power and Environmental Requirements

Power Specifications

• Input Voltage: 110 V AC or 220 V AC
• PoE Capable Ports: 48 RJ-45 (PoE+)

Operating Conditions

• Operating Temperature: 23 °F – 113 °F
• Storage Temperature: -40 °F – 158 °F
• Operating Humidity: 5% – 96% (non-condensing)

Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L 48 Ports L3 Manageable Switch

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch represents the next level in enterprise-class network management, offering unmatched flexibility and performance. Designed to handle modern networking demands, this 48-port managed switch integrates high-density connectivity with advanced capabilities, enabling organizations to deploy robust and reliable network infrastructures. With a combination of power over Ethernet (PoE), advanced Layer 3 features, and extensive security protocols, the WS-C3650-48PQ-L provides a future-proof solution for enterprise, campus, and branch networks.

High-Performance 48-Port Connectivity

The WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch delivers 48 high-speed ports that support full Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, providing seamless communication for a wide range of devices, including computers, IP phones, wireless access points, and security appliances. Its high port density ensures that network administrators can support growing device ecosystems without compromising on performance or reliability. The switch also includes enhanced PoE capabilities, delivering sufficient power to support devices such as IP cameras and VoIP phones without the need for additional power adapters, reducing clutter and improving efficiency.

Power Over Ethernet and PoE+ Support

One of the key advantages of the Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is its advanced PoE and PoE+ support. With up to 740 watts of power budget, the switch can simultaneously power multiple high-demand devices, simplifying the deployment of smart office environments, wireless access points, and surveillance systems. PoE+ ensures backward compatibility with older devices while providing higher wattage for newer, power-intensive equipment. This combination of versatility and performance makes it an ideal solution for modern organizations looking to consolidate their power and network infrastructure.

Scalable Layer 3 Switching

Equipped with full Layer 3 capabilities, the WS-C3650-48PQ-L enables advanced routing features such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP, allowing efficient traffic management and network segmentation. The switch supports inter-VLAN routing, enabling seamless communication between different network segments and improving overall network performance. For large enterprise networks, the Layer 3 functionality ensures minimal latency and high-speed packet forwarding, supporting business-critical applications and ensuring uninterrupted data flow.

Enhanced Network Security Features

Security is a cornerstone of the Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L, incorporating advanced threat protection mechanisms to safeguard sensitive data and maintain network integrity. The switch includes features such as 802.1X authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and dynamic ARP inspection, preventing unauthorized access and mitigating potential attacks. Additionally, the switch supports Cisco TrustSec, which provides role-based access control, allowing organizations to enforce security policies at the device level. With integrated security monitoring and automated threat detection, network administrators can proactively manage vulnerabilities and maintain a secure environment.

Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS)

To support real-time applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and streaming media, the WS-C3650-48PQ-L implements intelligent QoS policies. The switch can prioritize traffic based on application type, ensuring low latency and uninterrupted performance for critical services. With hierarchical QoS capabilities, administrators can allocate bandwidth efficiently across multiple ports and devices, optimizing network resources and reducing congestion. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that rely on multimedia applications, cloud services, or high-volume data transfers.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Management

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring Cisco EnergyWise technology to monitor and reduce power consumption. Energy-efficient hardware, intelligent fan management, and low-power standby modes contribute to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint. This makes the switch suitable not only for enterprise environments but also for environmentally conscious organizations seeking to balance performance and sustainability.

Flexible Deployment Options

The WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch offers flexible deployment options for a wide range of network topologies. It can be deployed as a standalone access switch, part of a stack, or integrated into larger Cisco Catalyst networks. The switch supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to nine switches to be stacked and managed as a single logical unit. This stacking capability provides simplified management, increased redundancy, and enhanced scalability, enabling organizations to expand their networks efficiently without compromising performance.

Advanced Management and Automation

Administrators benefit from comprehensive management tools that simplify deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The switch supports Cisco DNA Center, enabling centralized automation, policy-based management, and real-time analytics. With embedded management features, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), web-based interfaces, and command-line access, IT teams can quickly configure, monitor, and maintain the network. Automated workflows reduce human error, accelerate provisioning, and ensure consistent configurations across multiple devices.

Application Visibility and Control

The WS-C3650-48PQ-L provides detailed application visibility and control, enabling administrators to identify, prioritize, and manage traffic based on application type. Cisco Application Visibility and Control (AVC) provides insights into bandwidth usage, latency, and application performance. This allows IT teams to troubleshoot network issues proactively, optimize resource allocation, and ensure high-quality user experiences for critical applications such as cloud platforms, unified communications, and collaborative tools.

Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is critical for enterprise networking, and the WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is engineered to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation. The switch supports dual redundant power supplies and field-replaceable fans, allowing uninterrupted operation even in the event of hardware failure. Stack redundancy ensures that if one switch in the stack fails, traffic is automatically rerouted through the remaining units, maintaining network availability. These features make the switch ideal for mission-critical environments where uptime is essential.

Comprehensive Support for Wireless Networks

The WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is optimized to support wireless networks, providing seamless integration with Cisco access points. It supports Unified Access technology, which allows wired and wireless devices to be managed under a single policy framework. This unified approach simplifies network administration, enhances security, and improves mobility for end-users. The switch also provides PoE capabilities to power access points directly, reducing cabling complexity and deployment costs.

Scalability for Future Growth

As businesses grow, network demands increase, and the WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is designed to accommodate this growth. With high port density, stackable architecture, and flexible Layer 3 routing capabilities, the switch can scale alongside expanding IT infrastructure. Organizations can easily add new switches to the network without disruption, while maintaining consistent performance and management simplicity. This scalability ensures a long-term return on investment, making it a strategic choice for forward-looking enterprises.

Applications in Enterprise and Campus Networks

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is ideal for deployment in enterprise and campus environments, including corporate offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government organizations. Its high-density connectivity, PoE capabilities, and Layer 3 routing make it suitable for supporting multiple devices and critical applications simultaneously. The switch ensures reliable communication for VoIP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, and cloud services, providing a seamless and secure networking experience for end-users.

Support for Unified Communications

The switch is designed to meet the demanding requirements of unified communications (UC) systems. By prioritizing voice and video traffic with advanced QoS and low latency, the WS-C3650-48PQ-L ensures high-quality VoIP calls, video conferences, and collaboration sessions. Its integrated PoE support also powers IP phones directly, simplifying deployments and reducing the need for external power sources. This makes it an optimal solution for organizations that rely on integrated communication systems for daily operations.

Surveillance and Security Integration

The WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch is well-suited for integration with security systems, including IP cameras, access control systems, and alarm devices. With PoE+ support and high port density, multiple security devices can be deployed across large campuses without requiring additional power infrastructure. The switch also provides network segmentation, traffic prioritization, and secure connectivity, ensuring that surveillance systems operate reliably while protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Maintenance, Upgrades, and Future-Proofing

Maintaining and upgrading network infrastructure is simplified with the WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch. Cisco’s modular software architecture allows administrators to update features and security patches without replacing hardware, ensuring long-term investment protection. The switch supports feature-rich Cisco IOS XE software, enabling network automation, analytics, and programmability. Future-proof capabilities such as software-defined networking (SDN) readiness and cloud-managed services make this switch a strategic choice for organizations seeking scalable and adaptable network solutions.

Global Support and Warranty Services

Cisco provides comprehensive support and warranty services for the WS-C3650-48PQ-L switch, ensuring operational continuity and peace of mind for IT teams. With worldwide support coverage, 24/7 technical assistance, and access to extensive documentation, administrators can quickly resolve issues and optimize network performance. Cisco’s commitment to quality and reliability ensures that the WS-C3650-48PQ-L remains a trusted solution for enterprise networks worldwide.