MS250-48LP-HW Cisco Meraki Cloud MS250-48LP Managed Switch 48 Ports

Cisco MS250-48LP-HW Meraki Cloud Managed Switch Overview

Enhance your network infrastructure with the Cisco MS250-48LP-HW, a high-performance 48-port managed switch designed for modern enterprise environments. Ideal for scalable deployments, this rack-mountable switch delivers robust connectivity, advanced management, and superior reliability.

Key Features of Cisco MS250-48LP-HW

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / Part Number: MS250-48LP-HW
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Sub-Type: 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet
• Form Factor: 1U Rack-Mountable

Performance and Network Capabilities

• Layer 3 Managed Switch with full stackable support
• High-speed stacking bandwidth: 80 Gbps
• Total switching capacity: 176 Gbps
• Optimized for enterprise-grade network traffic and scalability

Port Configuration and Connectivity

• 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 PoE+ ports (up to 25.5 W per port)
• 4 x 10G SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed network integration
• 2 x network stack ports to enable seamless stacking and redundancy
• Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for flexible device deployment

Power and Reliability Features

• Internal power supply with AC 120/230 V input (40–60 Hz)
• Redundant power capability for uninterrupted network uptime
• Efficient energy management to reduce operational costs

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Device Type: 48-Port L3 Managed Stackable Switch
• Port Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet
• Rack-Mountable: 1U standard
• PoE+: Supported on all RJ-45 ports
• Stacking Bandwidth: 80 Gbps
• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps

Enterprise-Grade Cloud-Managed Switching Architecture

The Cisco MS250-48LP-HW Meraki Cloud MS250-48LP 48 Ports Managed Switch with 4 x SFP+ uplinks represents a high-performance enterprise access and aggregation switching category designed for organizations that demand scalability, centralized visibility, and simplified network operations. This category of managed switches is purpose-built to deliver robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities while leveraging Cisco Meraki’s cloud-native management platform. The MS250 series bridges the gap between traditional on-premises switching hardware and modern cloud-managed networking, enabling IT teams to deploy, monitor, and scale networks with significantly reduced operational overhead.

Within this category, the MS250-48LP-HW stands out due to its combination of high port density, PoE+ power delivery, and high-speed SFP+ uplink connectivity. It is engineered for environments where reliable access switching is critical, including enterprise campuses, branch offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, hospitality deployments, and retail networks. By integrating hardware reliability with cloud intelligence, this managed switch category supports evolving digital workloads, increasing device density, and performance-sensitive applications without sacrificing administrative simplicity.

Cloud-Based Centralized Management with Cisco Meraki Dashboard

A defining characteristic of the Cisco Meraki MS250-48LP switch category is its full integration with the Meraki cloud dashboard. This centralized management interface allows administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot switching infrastructure from a single web-based portal. Unlike traditional managed switches that require complex command-line configuration and local management tools, Meraki cloud-managed switches are designed to reduce deployment time and ongoing maintenance complexity.

The dashboard provides real-time visibility into port status, connected devices, traffic patterns, and power consumption. Administrators can apply configuration templates across multiple switches, ensuring consistency across distributed environments. This cloud-based approach is especially valuable for organizations managing multiple locations, as it eliminates the need for on-site configuration while enabling remote diagnostics and firmware updates.

Zero-Touch Provisioning and Rapid Deployment

The MS250-48LP-HW category supports zero-touch provisioning, allowing switches to be deployed without extensive pre-configuration. Once the device is connected to the network and claimed within the Meraki dashboard, it automatically downloads its configuration from the cloud. This capability significantly reduces deployment time and minimizes the risk of configuration errors, making it ideal for large-scale rollouts and rapidly expanding networks.

For enterprises with limited IT resources at remote sites, zero-touch provisioning ensures that network expansion does not require specialized personnel on location. This operational efficiency directly translates into reduced costs and faster time-to-service for new network segments.

High-Density 48-Port Access Switching with PoE+

The Cisco MS250-48LP-HW belongs to a category of switches that provide 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet Plus support. This high-density port configuration enables organizations to connect a large number of devices, including IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, IoT sensors, and endpoint devices, using a single switch. The integrated PoE+ capability simplifies infrastructure by delivering both power and data over a single Ethernet cable.

In modern enterprise networks, PoE-enabled devices are increasingly common, and this category of switches is optimized to support that growth. The MS250-48LP-HW offers intelligent power management through the Meraki dashboard, allowing administrators to monitor power usage, prioritize critical devices, and remotely cycle power on individual ports when necessary.

Optimized for Wireless and Unified Communications

Wireless networks and unified communications systems place specific demands on access switches, including consistent power delivery, low latency, and reliable throughput. The MS250-48LP category is designed to support high-performance wireless access points and IP telephony systems without compromising network stability. This makes it a strong choice for organizations deploying Wi-Fi 6 and future wireless technologies that require higher power budgets and increased backhaul capacity.

The ability to manage PoE settings centrally ensures that access points and communication devices receive appropriate power levels, reducing the risk of outages and performance degradation. This level of control is particularly important in mission-critical environments such as hospitals, call centers, and educational campuses.

High-Speed Uplinks with 4 x SFP+ Ports

Another key attribute of the Cisco MS250-48LP-HW managed switch category is the inclusion of four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports. These high-speed uplinks enable the switch to connect seamlessly to aggregation or core layers, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications and high traffic volumes. As organizations adopt cloud services, virtualization, and data-intensive workloads, uplink performance becomes a critical consideration.

The SFP+ ports provide flexibility in network design, allowing administrators to use fiber connections for long-distance links or high-speed inter-switch connectivity. This ensures that the access layer does not become a bottleneck as network demands increase.

Scalable Network Architecture for Growing Enterprises

The MS250-48LP switch category is well-suited for scalable network architectures. Whether deployed as a standalone access switch or as part of a larger stack, it supports network growth without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul. The ability to aggregate multiple switches using high-speed uplinks enables organizations to expand port capacity while maintaining consistent performance and management simplicity.

This scalability is particularly beneficial for enterprises experiencing rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations in demand, or ongoing digital transformation initiatives. The switch category supports future expansion while protecting existing investments.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The Cisco Meraki MS250-48LP category offers a comprehensive set of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features designed to enhance network performance, security, and reliability. These capabilities enable the switch to function not only as an access device but also as a capable aggregation switch in certain network designs. By supporting advanced switching features through a simplified management interface, this category delivers enterprise-grade functionality without traditional complexity.

Intelligent Traffic Management and Quality of Service

Quality of Service is a critical component of modern networks, especially those supporting voice, video, and real-time collaboration tools. The MS250-48LP switch category includes intelligent traffic management features that allow administrators to prioritize critical applications and ensure consistent performance. Through the Meraki dashboard, traffic shaping policies can be applied to control bandwidth usage and reduce congestion.

This centralized approach to QoS configuration ensures that performance-sensitive applications receive the necessary resources, even during periods of peak usage. For organizations relying on cloud-based collaboration platforms and unified communications, this capability is essential for maintaining user experience.

Layer 3 Routing and Network Segmentation

The inclusion of Layer 3 routing features allows the MS250-48LP category to support inter-VLAN routing, reducing the need for additional routing hardware in certain deployments. This capability simplifies network architecture and improves performance by enabling routing decisions to be made closer to the edge.

Network segmentation is further enhanced through VLAN support and access control policies, allowing organizations to isolate traffic for security and performance purposes. This is particularly important in environments with diverse device types and varying security requirements.

Enhanced Security and Network Visibility

Security is a fundamental consideration in enterprise networking, and the Cisco MS250-48LP managed switch category incorporates multiple layers of protection to safeguard network resources. By integrating security features directly into the switching infrastructure and managing them through the Meraki cloud, organizations gain improved visibility and control over network activity.

Integrated Access Control and Policy Enforcement

The MS250-48LP category supports advanced access control mechanisms that allow administrators to define policies based on device type, user role, or application. These policies can be enforced consistently across the network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement within the infrastructure.

By leveraging cloud-based analytics, administrators can quickly identify unusual traffic patterns or potential security threats, enabling proactive response and mitigation.

Comprehensive Monitoring and Troubleshooting Tools

One of the most significant advantages of the Cisco Meraki MS250-48LP category is the depth of monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities available through the cloud dashboard. Real-time metrics, historical data, and visual network maps provide insight into network health and performance.

Built-in diagnostic tools simplify troubleshooting by identifying root causes of connectivity issues, reducing mean time to resolution. This level of visibility is especially valuable for IT teams managing complex or geographically distributed networks.

Rack-Mountable Design and Enterprise Hardware Reliability

The physical design of the Cisco MS250-48LP-HW aligns with enterprise data center and wiring closet standards. As a rack-mountable switch, it integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure, supporting organized cabling and efficient space utilization. The robust hardware design ensures consistent performance and long-term reliability in demanding environments.

Energy Efficiency and Operational Sustainability

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for modern enterprises. The MS250-48LP category incorporates power-efficient hardware and intelligent energy management features to reduce overall power consumption. Administrators can monitor energy usage through the Meraki dashboard, enabling informed decisions that support sustainability initiatives.

This focus on efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with broader environmental goals, making the switch category suitable for organizations prioritizing green IT practices.

Use Case Versatility Across Industries

The Cisco MS250-48LP-HW Meraki Cloud managed switch category is versatile enough to support a wide range of industry-specific applications. From education and healthcare to retail and corporate enterprises, the combination of cloud management, high port density, PoE support, and high-speed uplinks addresses diverse networking requirements.

Education, Healthcare, and Enterprise Environments

In educational settings, the MS250-48LP category supports dense device connectivity, campus-wide wireless coverage, and centralized management across multiple buildings. In healthcare environments, its reliability, security features, and support for connected medical devices contribute to stable and secure networks. In corporate enterprises, the switch category enables scalable, secure, and high-performance access switching that supports modern digital workflows.

Future-Ready Networking with Cisco Meraki

As organizations continue to adopt cloud services, IoT technologies, and data-driven applications, the need for flexible and intelligent network infrastructure grows. The Cisco MS250-48LP-HW managed switch category is designed to evolve with these demands, offering firmware updates, feature enhancements, and security improvements delivered seamlessly through the cloud.

This future-ready approach ensures that investments in the MS250-48LP category remain valuable over time, supporting ongoing innovation and digital transformation initiatives while maintaining operational simplicity and control.