MS320-48-HW Cisco Meraki Managed Layer 3 Ethernet Switch 48 Ports

Cisco MS320-48-HW Meraki Layer 3 Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco MS320-48-HW is a high-performance, cloud-managed Layer 3 Ethernet switch designed for enterprises and data centers requiring reliable, scalable network infrastructure. With robust management features and 48 Gigabit ports, this switch ensures seamless connectivity and superior network efficiency.

Key Features of Cisco MS320-48-HW

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number or SKU: MS320-48-HW
• Product Category: Managed Switch
• Port Count: 48 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• Advanced Cloud Management for Simplified Operations

Technical Specifications

Switch Architecture and Connectivity

• Device Type: Layer 3 Cloud-Managed Switch
• Management: Fully Managed via Cisco Meraki Dashboard
• Port Sub-Type: 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet
• Expansion Slots: 4 SFP+ Uplink Slots
• Ethernet Technology: Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet Uplinks

Network Interfaces

• 48 × RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Ports with Auto-MDIX
• 4 × 10G SFP+ Uplink Interfaces for High-Speed Connectivity
• Auto Negotiation and Crossover Detection for Simplified Setup

Power and Redundancy

• Input Power: 100–240V AC, 47–63 Hz
• Supports Redundant Power Supply for Increased Reliability

Cisco MS320-48-HW 48 Ports Managed Switch

The Cisco MS320-48-HW is a high-performance Meraki Managed Layer 3 Ethernet Switch, engineered to deliver seamless connectivity and superior network management for enterprise-grade deployments. With 48 SFP+ ports, this switch is designed to handle the ever-growing demands of modern networking environments, ensuring high-speed data transfer, low latency, and enhanced scalability. Built on the Cisco Meraki cloud-managed platform, the MS320-48-HW provides unmatched visibility, control, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to modernize their network infrastructure without compromising on security or performance.

Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities

One of the defining features of the Cisco MS320-48-HW switch is its robust Layer 3 routing capabilities. The device supports static routing, dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, and inter-VLAN routing, enabling organizations to efficiently manage complex network topologies. With Layer 3 functionality, IT administrators can reduce network congestion, improve traffic segmentation, and enhance overall network performance. The switch's high routing capacity ensures that even large-scale enterprise networks can handle substantial traffic volumes without bottlenecks, making it a future-proof investment for businesses with growing connectivity needs.

High-Density SFP+ Ports for Enhanced Connectivity

The Cisco MS320-48-HW features 48 SFP+ ports, which provide high-speed 10GbE uplinks for server and storage connectivity. These ports allow for flexible deployment scenarios, including aggregation, core, and distribution layers within campus networks. The SFP+ architecture supports a variety of transceivers, enabling seamless integration with existing fiber infrastructure. High-density port availability ensures that enterprises can accommodate multiple high-bandwidth devices without requiring additional switches, reducing both equipment and operational costs. Furthermore, the SFP+ ports facilitate low-latency connectivity, which is critical for real-time applications such as video conferencing, VoIP, and cloud-based workloads.

Cloud Management and Simplified Network Administration

Cisco Meraki's cloud management platform transforms network administration by providing centralized visibility and control over the MS320-48-HW switch and connected devices. Through a web-based dashboard or mobile application, network administrators can monitor network performance, configure VLANs, deploy firmware updates, and troubleshoot issues remotely. The platform also offers detailed analytics on traffic patterns, device health, and client connectivity, empowering IT teams to make data-driven decisions. Cloud-based management significantly reduces the need for on-site technical intervention, streamlining operational efficiency and enabling rapid response to network events.

Security and Compliance Features

The Cisco MS320-48-HW switch is equipped with advanced security features to safeguard sensitive data and ensure network compliance. The switch supports 802.1X authentication, role-based access control, and dynamic VLAN assignment to protect against unauthorized access. Additionally, the Meraki platform integrates threat detection and anomaly monitoring to identify potential security breaches in real time. These capabilities are critical for industries such as finance, healthcare, and education, where regulatory compliance and data protection are paramount. With automated security alerts and proactive monitoring, the MS320-48-HW reduces the risk of downtime and security incidents.

Scalability for Enterprise Networks

Designed for enterprises with expanding network demands, the Cisco MS320-48-HW provides unmatched scalability. Its modular architecture supports link aggregation, stacking, and redundant uplinks, allowing businesses to expand their networks without replacing existing infrastructure. The switch can accommodate high-density access points, servers, and storage systems, enabling seamless growth as organizational requirements evolve. Scalable design ensures that businesses can deploy the switch in core, distribution, or aggregation roles, maintaining consistent performance across diverse network topologies.

Energy Efficiency and Reliability

Energy efficiency is a key consideration for modern network deployments, and the MS320-48-HW excels in this regard. The switch features intelligent power management, including support for Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and low-power SFP+ modules, reducing operational costs while maintaining optimal performance. Additionally, the device is built with redundant power supplies and fans, ensuring high availability and minimizing the risk of service interruptions. Reliable hardware combined with proactive monitoring through the Meraki dashboard guarantees that network uptime remains consistently high, even in demanding environments.

Integration with Cisco Meraki Ecosystem

The MS320-48-HW switch seamlessly integrates with the broader Cisco Meraki ecosystem, including wireless access points, security appliances, and cloud-managed cameras. This unified platform simplifies network management by enabling centralized policy enforcement, automated firmware updates, and integrated monitoring across all network devices. IT teams can easily deploy end-to-end solutions for campuses, branch offices, or data centers, ensuring consistent performance, security, and compliance. The Meraki ecosystem also supports advanced features such as SD-WAN, traffic shaping, and network segmentation, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.

Application Performance Optimization

The Cisco MS320-48-HW is designed to optimize application performance across enterprise networks. With Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, administrators can prioritize traffic for mission-critical applications, ensuring consistent performance for VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud-based workloads. The switch also supports layer 3 multicast routing, enabling efficient delivery of streaming media and other high-bandwidth services. Advanced traffic analytics provided by the Meraki dashboard allow IT teams to identify congestion points, adjust bandwidth allocation, and fine-tune network performance, ensuring that end-users experience minimal latency and packet loss.

Network Resiliency and Redundancy

Ensuring network resiliency is crucial for organizations that rely on continuous connectivity. The Cisco MS320-48-HW offers multiple redundancy features, including dual power supplies, link aggregation, and failover mechanisms. These features help maintain uninterrupted service in the event of hardware failures or network disruptions. In addition, the switch supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) to prevent network loops and ensure stable connectivity. Combined with Meraki cloud monitoring, these features enable proactive maintenance and quick recovery from unexpected network issues.

Comprehensive Monitoring and Analytics

The Cisco Meraki dashboard provides comprehensive monitoring and analytics capabilities for the MS320-48-HW switch. Administrators can access detailed insights into device performance, client connectivity, and network traffic in real time. Built-in reporting tools allow for historical analysis, capacity planning, and troubleshooting, reducing downtime and improving overall network efficiency. The analytics engine can also detect unusual traffic patterns, identify potential bottlenecks, and provide actionable recommendations to optimize network performance. This level of visibility ensures that IT teams have the necessary information to maintain a high-performing, secure, and reliable network environment.

Deployment Flexibility for Various Environments

The MS320-48-HW switch is highly versatile and can be deployed in multiple environments, including enterprise campuses, branch offices, data centers, and service provider networks. Its high port density and Layer 3 capabilities make it suitable for both aggregation and access layers, providing a consistent and reliable networking experience. The switch supports a variety of topologies, including traditional, hybrid, and fully cloud-managed configurations, enabling organizations to tailor the deployment to their specific operational needs. This flexibility ensures that the Cisco MS320-48-HW remains a long-term, scalable solution for evolving network requirements.

Industry Use Cases and Applications

The Cisco MS320-48-HW switch serves a wide range of industries and applications, from enterprise networks to higher education campuses and healthcare facilities. In corporate environments, it provides reliable connectivity for large-scale office deployments, supporting high-speed data transfer, VoIP, and video conferencing. In educational institutions, the switch facilitates seamless access to cloud-based learning platforms, interactive digital classrooms, and research networks. Healthcare organizations benefit from the switch's high security and reliability, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical patient data and medical applications. The switch's performance, scalability, and security features make it an ideal choice for any sector requiring robust and manageable network infrastructure.

Optimizing Cloud-First Strategies

With many organizations adopting cloud-first strategies, the Cisco MS320-48-HW switch ensures that cloud connectivity is fast, secure, and reliable. The SFP+ uplinks provide high-speed connections to data centers and cloud providers, minimizing latency and enhancing the performance of cloud-based applications. Meraki cloud management allows administrators to configure and monitor network policies that optimize cloud traffic, ensuring consistent user experiences and efficient utilization of bandwidth. By integrating with cloud services and leveraging centralized management, businesses can fully capitalize on the benefits of digital transformation and cloud adoption.

Supporting High-Performance Computing and Data Center Operations

The Cisco MS320-48-HW is also well-suited for high-performance computing (HPC) and data center operations. Its 48 SFP+ ports enable fast connectivity between servers, storage systems, and network appliances, supporting large-scale data processing and storage-intensive workloads. Advanced routing, traffic shaping, and QoS features ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth while minimizing latency and congestion. Data centers can leverage the MS320-48-HW to build highly resilient, scalable, and efficient network architectures capable of handling demanding computational and storage requirements.

Future-Proof Network Investment

Investing in the Cisco MS320-48-HW switch ensures that enterprises are equipped with a future-proof networking solution. Its high-density SFP+ ports, Layer 3 routing capabilities, cloud management integration, and robust security features provide a solid foundation for evolving network requirements. As organizations expand, adopt new technologies, or transition to hybrid and cloud-based environments, the MS320-48-HW delivers the scalability, performance, and reliability necessary to support continued growth. By choosing a switch that combines advanced technology with cloud-managed simplicity, businesses can confidently plan for long-term network evolution.