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

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

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is a high-performance, enterprise-grade Ethernet switch designed for seamless network management and enhanced connectivity. Ideal for large-scale deployments, it delivers robust features and advanced capabilities through Cisco Meraki’s intuitive dashboard.

Manufacturer and Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: MS355-48X2-HW
• Device Type: Ethernet Switch
• Port Configuration: 48 Ports

Comprehensive Management Features

Effortlessly control and monitor your network with the Meraki Dashboard, offering centralized management and automation tools for optimized performance.

• Remote packet capture and traffic analysis via the dashboard
• Automatic firmware updates for enhanced security and performance
• Integration with SNMP and syslog for advanced monitoring
• Support for both IPv4 and IPv6 access control lists (ACLs)
• 802.1Q VLAN tagging for network segmentation
• Broadcast storm control to prevent network disruptions
• Dynamic ARP inspection and DHCP snooping for security
• 802.1X authentication for secure user access

Port Connectivity and Performance

Designed for flexible deployment, the MS355-48X2-HW provides diverse port options to meet different networking requirements.

• 48 x RJ45 ports with 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds
• Support for multi-gigabit connections: 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G over RJ45
• 4 x SFP+ ports with 1G/10G capacity
• 2 x 40GbE QSFP+ uplinks for high-speed data transmission
• Dedicated stacking with 2 ports providing 400Gb stacking bandwidth

Advanced Layer 3 Switching

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW excels at routing and switching with full Layer 3 capabilities.

• Supports OSPF routing protocols for dynamic network traffic management
• UPOE (Universal Power over Ethernet) for powering devices directly
• Hot-swappable power supplies and cooling fans for uninterrupted operation
• Warm spare configuration ensures network redundancy and reliability

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

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki 48 Ports Ethernet Switch category represents a premium class of network switches designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise environments. These switches are engineered for high-performance connectivity, scalability, robust security, streamlined management, and seamless integration with cloud-based networking platforms. This category is essential for organizations that prioritize efficiency, reliability, centralized control, and future-ready infrastructure. Within this category, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is one of the standout models, combining superior hardware capabilities with Cisco Meraki’s intuitive cloud management interface. It serves as a cornerstone device that supports large-scale deployments, facilitates simplified network operations, and enhances overall network visibility and control across different environments.

Key Characteristics of Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki Switches

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki switches are designed with several key characteristics that distinguish them from traditional network switches. These characteristics include advanced hardware architecture, high port density, Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, and seamless integration with cloud-based management systems. The advanced hardware ensures reliable performance across high-demand networking tasks, while the high port density supports large numbers of connected devices without compromising speed or efficiency. Furthermore, the inclusion of PoE ports enables the switch to power network devices such as wireless access points, IP phones, and security cameras directly through the Ethernet cable, reducing the need for separate power sources and minimizing installation complexity. The Meraki cloud management platform adds another layer of value by simplifying network operations, enabling administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network infrastructure from any web browser or mobile device.

Advanced Hardware Capabilities

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is built to support demanding network environments. With 48 Ethernet ports, it provides significant connectivity options for users, servers, access points, and other infrastructure devices. Each port is capable of delivering high-speed data transfer rates essential for maintaining network performance during peak activity periods. Additionally, the hardware includes redundant power options and advanced cooling systems to ensure continuous operation without downtime. It is robustly engineered to withstand fluctuating workloads while providing consistent performance across all connected devices. This makes it ideal for midsize to large organizations that require a dependable switch capable of handling heavy traffic flows. The physical design, including rack-mount compatibility and modular interfaces, also contributes to its adaptability across diverse networking environments.

High Port Density for Scalable Connectivity

One of the defining features of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki switch category is its high port density. With a total of 48 Ethernet ports, this switch supports extensive connectivity needs without requiring additional devices. The high port count is particularly valuable in scenarios such as large office deployments, campus networks, data centers, and retail environments where multiple endpoints need simultaneous connectivity. Each port can be allocated to various networking tasks, including connecting workstations, storage systems, printers, and other essential infrastructure components. By consolidating a large number of connections into a single switch, organizations can streamline network design, reduce cabling complexity, and achieve more efficient network layouts. The scalability afforded by these switches ensures they can grow with organizational needs, adapting as more devices are added to the network over time.

Intelligent Power over Ethernet (PoE) Integration

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki switch category often includes intelligent PoE capabilities, allowing network administrators to deliver power and data over the same infrastructure. PoE is particularly useful in environments with numerous networked devices that require electrical power but may be difficult or costly to connect to standard power outlets. For example, wireless access points, IP telephones, surveillance cameras, and VoIP devices can all receive power directly from the switch, simplifying installation and reducing overall infrastructure costs. The intelligent PoE system in the MS355 series is designed to automatically detect compatible devices and allocate power accordingly. This helps eliminate manual configuration complexities while ensuring connected devices receive adequate power to remain operational. The PoE feature also supports energy-saving mechanisms that reduce power consumption when device demand is low, promoting more efficient energy usage across the network infrastructure.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking Features

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki switches deliver both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality, making them versatile tools for handling various networking tasks. At Layer 2, the switch supports essential capabilities such as VLAN segmentation, spanning tree protocol, link aggregation, and MAC address management. These features allow smooth traffic flow within local segments of the network, better controlling how devices communicate with one another. At Layer 3, the switch can perform dynamic routing, inter-VLAN routing, static routing, and enhanced traffic management, enabling it to make forwarding decisions based on network layer addresses. This dual functionality empowers IT teams to design more sophisticated network topologies and optimize traffic flows between different subnets. It also enhances network security and performance by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic and improving fault isolation within the network. Organizations can leverage these capabilities to create efficient network models that align with business needs and operational requirements.

Cloud-Based Management with Cisco Meraki Dashboard

One of the most compelling benefits of this category is integration with the Cisco Meraki cloud management platform. The Meraki Dashboard is an industry-leading solution for centralized network management, offering visibility and control from any location. Administrators can access a unified interface to configure network settings, monitor real-time performance, review device health, and troubleshoot issues without needing on-premises management infrastructure. This cloud-based system simplifies tasks such as firmware updates, security policy deployment, and network monitoring, freeing up IT resources and reducing administrative overhead. With built-in analytics and reporting features, decision-makers gain insights into traffic patterns, application usage, and potential bottlenecks, enabling proactive optimization of the network environment. The Meraki Dashboard also supports role-based access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes to the network configuration. In addition, the platform delivers automated alerts and anomaly detection to rapidly identify abnormalities in network behavior, helping teams respond to issues before they impact end users.

Security and Compliance Features

Security is a core aspect of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki switch category. These switches incorporate advanced security features that protect network infrastructure from unauthorized access, internal threats, and external vulnerabilities. Features such as 802.1X authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and DHCP snooping are designed to secure network access and limit exposure to malicious actors. The integration with Cisco Meraki’s security policies ensures consistent enforcement of access rules across the entire network, reducing gaps in protection and maintaining compliance with industry standards. Additionally, the Meraki Dashboard provides detailed logs and audit trails that help administrators track changes, monitor device behavior, and generate compliance reports. This comprehensive security framework is essential in environments where data protection and regulatory adherence are high priorities, such as healthcare, finance, and government sectors. By consolidating security controls with network management, organizations can achieve a secure, unified infrastructure that is easier to maintain and defend.

Performance Optimization in Enterprise Environments

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW category is designed with performance optimization at its core. High throughput capabilities ensure data packets are processed efficiently, enabling smooth communication between endpoints. This is crucial in enterprise environments where large volumes of traffic may be generated by diverse applications, video conferencing, cloud access, and data-intensive workloads. With dedicated hardware resources for packet forwarding, quality of service (QoS) mechanisms, and intelligent traffic prioritization, these switches help maintain optimal performance even under heavy load conditions. QoS features enable administrators to prioritize critical applications, ensuring that essential services receive the necessary bandwidth and reducing latency for time-sensitive operations. The high-performance architecture of the MS355 series also supports low-latency switching, which enhances application responsiveness and contributes to a better user experience across the network. In addition, efficient cooling and power management systems ensure that the hardware performs reliably while minimizing energy waste.

Integration with Broader Cisco Networking Ecosystem

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki switch category seamlessly integrates with the broader Cisco networking ecosystem. This includes compatibility with Cisco wireless access points, security appliances, routers, and cloud-managed services. Such integration allows businesses to build cohesive network solutions that span wired and wireless domains while maintaining centralized control. The interoperability across Cisco products amplifies the value of the investment, allowing organizations to leverage consistent management tools, shared security policies, and unified analytics. IT teams benefit from the ability to plan and deploy network expansions without dealing with compatibility issues or disjointed management interfaces. Whether connecting multiple sites, extending network coverage, or implementing hybrid cloud architectures, the Cisco Meraki platform provides the flexibility and coherence required to support complex enterprise networks. This unified approach reduces administrative complexity and enables companies to scale their networking solutions as their business evolves.

Use Cases for Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki Switches

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW category is well-suited for a wide range of use cases across various sectors. In corporate office environments, the high port density and intelligent management features support desk phones, workstations, wireless access points, and video conferencing systems seamlessly. Retail chains benefit from simplified deployment and centralized monitoring, enabling consistent network performance across multiple store locations. In educational institutions, the switches provide robust connectivity for classrooms, labs, administrative offices, and campus-wide wireless access. Healthcare facilities leverage the security and reliability of these switches to maintain compliance with stringent data protection regulations while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for medical devices and patient systems. Data center environments rely on these switches for aggregation and distribution layers, enabling efficient traffic flows between servers, storage systems, and virtualized environments. Each of these scenarios demonstrates how the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW switch category can adapt to demanding networking requirements, delivering dependable performance and management simplicity across diverse operational contexts.

Enhanced Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Effective network troubleshooting and diagnostics are critical components of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW category. The Meraki Dashboard includes tools that provide deep insights into network health, performance trends, and device-level metrics. These tools empower administrators to quickly identify potential issues, including port errors, high traffic usage, configuration conflicts, and connectivity anomalies. The ability to perform remote packet captures, view event logs, and visualize network topology enhances troubleshooting efficiency, allowing teams to resolve issues without needing physical access to the switch. Historical data and trend analysis also help in understanding patterns that could indicate future problems, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing unexpected downtime. By combining real-time visibility with historical context, this category equips network teams with the intelligence required to maintain a high-performing and resilient network infrastructure that meets organizational demands.

Future-Proof Networking with Scalable Architecture

The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW category is designed for scalability and future growth. As organizations expand, network demands increase, and new technologies emerge, having infrastructure that can adapt is essential. The modular nature of these switches, combined with high throughput, advanced Layer 3 features, and cloud-based management, positions them as future-ready solutions. Whether scaling up user connectivity, integrating new services, or supporting next-generation applications, the category provides the flexibility needed to evolve without significant hardware overhauls. With regular firmware updates and access to new features via the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, the switches remain current with technological advancements and security improvements. This future-proof approach ensures that investments made today will continue to deliver value, support innovation, and enable organizations to stay ahead of changing network demands.

Operational Efficiency Through Automation

Operational efficiency is a core advantage of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Meraki category. Automation capabilities embedded within the Meraki Dashboard reduce manual interventions and repetitive tasks that often burden IT teams. Configuration templates allow consistent deployment of settings across multiple switches, ensuring uniform policies and optimal performance. Automated firmware updates can be scheduled during off-peak hours, minimizing disruption while maintaining up-to-date software versions. Health alerts and automated monitoring reduce the need for constant oversight, enabling IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance. The combination of automation and centralized control elevates operational efficiency and contributes to a more sustainable networking approach. By reducing the time spent on routine tasks, organizations can reallocate resources toward innovation, security enhancements, and projects that drive business growth.