WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series 48 Ports Ethernet Switch Layer 3

Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L Catalyst 3650 Switching Solution

The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L Catalyst 3650 Series switch is engineered to support advanced enterprise networks that demand speed, scalability, and intelligent traffic handling. Designed for high-density environments, this Layer 3 switch delivers robust connectivity options combined with flexible deployment capabilities.

Core Product Overview

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Reference: WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 48 Ethernet interfaces

Port Architecture and Connectivity Options

High-Density Network Interfaces

• Total available network ports: 48
• 36 x Gigabit Ethernet stacking ports for reliable access-layer connections
• 12 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet stacking interfaces for bandwidth-intensive traffic
• 4 x dedicated 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports to ensure fast backbone integration

Advanced Modular and Stack Capabilities

• Modular design enabling adaptable network expansion
• Integrated stack ports for simplified scaling and unified management
• Uplink support for seamless aggregation and core connectivity

Media Compatibility and Performance Technologies

Supported Media Types

• Twisted pair cabling for traditional copper-based deployments
• Optical fiber support for long-distance and high-throughput links

Ethernet and Network Standards

• Gigabit Ethernet for stable and efficient access-layer communication
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed data transfers
• 40 Gigabit Ethernet capability to accommodate future growth
• Network technologies including 1000Base-T, 10GBase-T, and 40GBase-X

Expansion and Scalability Features

I/O Expansion Slots

• Two dedicated expansion slots for enhanced connectivity
• QSFP+ slot type to support high-bandwidth uplink modules
• No shared SFP slots, ensuring dedicated performance per interface

Layer 3 Networking and Management

Advanced Network Intelligence

• Full Layer 3 routing support for complex enterprise architectures
• Managed switch functionality for granular control and monitoring
• Optimized for secure, efficient, and scalable network communication

Power and Reliability Design

Power Supply Configuration

• Powered through an internal power supply unit
• Redundant power supply compatibility for improved uptime
• Designed to minimize downtime in mission-critical environments

Physical Design and Installation Flexibility

Form Factor and Mounting Options

• 1U rack height suitable for standard data center racks
• Rack-mountable for structured network cabinets
• Desktop and standalone placement supported for flexible deployment

Dimensions and Weight

• Height: 1.7 inches
• Width: 17.5 inches
• Depth: 19.1 inches
• Approximate weight: 17.64 lbs

Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series L3 Ethernet Switching Architecture

The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L Catalyst 3650 Series 48 Ports Ethernet Switch Layer 3 represents an advanced enterprise-class switching platform designed to deliver converged access, high availability, and scalable performance for modern network environments. Within the broader Catalyst 3650 family, this model stands out due to its high-density port configuration, robust Layer 3 capabilities, and integrated support for next-generation applications. The architecture of the Catalyst 3650 Series is built to unify wired and wireless networking, enabling organizations to manage traffic efficiently while maintaining consistent policies and security across the access layer.

The Catalyst 3650 Series leverages Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) ASIC technology, which allows the switch to handle large volumes of traffic with low latency and predictable performance. This architectural approach ensures that advanced features such as quality of service, security enforcement, and traffic visibility are performed directly in hardware, minimizing CPU overhead and improving overall throughput. As a Layer 3 Ethernet switch, the WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L supports dynamic routing, inter-VLAN routing, and policy-based forwarding, making it suitable for enterprise core, distribution, and access layer deployments.

By integrating both wired and wireless services into a single switching platform, the Catalyst 3650 Series reduces operational complexity while improving network agility. The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L is engineered to meet the demands of high-performance enterprise networks where reliability, scalability, and intelligent traffic handling are critical.

High-Density 48-Port Ethernet Connectivity

The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L offers a high-density configuration with forty-eight Ethernet ports, enabling organizations to connect a wide range of devices including desktop computers, IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance systems, and IoT endpoints. This density is particularly valuable in enterprise campus environments, branch offices, and data-intensive workspaces where large numbers of endpoints must be supported without compromising performance.

The Ethernet ports are designed to deliver consistent and reliable connectivity, supporting high-speed data transmission and efficient packet forwarding. The switch is optimized to handle both data and voice traffic, making it well suited for unified communications deployments. With intelligent buffering and traffic management mechanisms, the Catalyst 3650 Series ensures that latency-sensitive applications such as voice over IP and video conferencing maintain high quality even during periods of peak utilization.

High port density also simplifies network design by reducing the number of switches required to support a given number of endpoints. This results in lower cabling complexity, reduced rack space usage, and simplified management. The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L provides a scalable foundation that can grow with organizational needs, supporting additional devices and applications without requiring frequent hardware upgrades.

Advanced Layer 3 Switching and Routing Capabilities

As a fully featured Layer 3 switch, the Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L delivers comprehensive routing functionality that enables efficient traffic segmentation and optimized data flow across the network. The switch supports static routing as well as dynamic routing protocols, allowing it to participate in complex network topologies and adapt to changing conditions.

Inter-VLAN routing is handled directly within the switch hardware, ensuring high-speed communication between network segments without the need for external routers. This capability is essential for enterprise environments where multiple departments, applications, or security zones must coexist on the same physical infrastructure. The Catalyst 3650 Series enables granular control over traffic flows, helping administrators enforce network policies and maintain optimal performance.

Policy-based routing and access control integration further enhance the Layer 3 capabilities of the switch. By applying routing decisions based on predefined policies, organizations can prioritize critical applications, enforce compliance requirements, and improve overall network efficiency. The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L is designed to support complex enterprise routing scenarios while maintaining simplicity in configuration and management.

Unified Wired and Wireless Network Integration

The Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series is engineered to support Cisco’s unified access strategy, combining wired and wireless services into a single, cohesive platform. The WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L integrates wireless controller functionality directly into the switch, enabling centralized management of wireless access points without the need for a dedicated wireless controller appliance.

This integrated approach simplifies network architecture by reducing the number of devices that must be deployed and managed. Wireless traffic is processed alongside wired traffic using the same policies, security mechanisms, and quality of service rules. This ensures a consistent user experience regardless of how devices connect to the network.

By supporting unified access, the Catalyst 3650 Series allows organizations to adapt quickly to evolving mobility requirements. As wireless usage continues to grow, the Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L provides the flexibility and scalability needed to support increased numbers of wireless clients while maintaining performance and reliability.

Quality of Service for Business-Critical Applications

Quality of service is a fundamental component of the Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L Catalyst 3650 Series, enabling the switch to intelligently prioritize traffic based on application requirements. In modern enterprise networks, a wide variety of applications compete for bandwidth, ranging from latency-sensitive voice and video to data-intensive file transfers and cloud services.

The Catalyst 3650 Series implements advanced quality of service mechanisms that classify, mark, and schedule traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the resources they need. By performing these functions in hardware, the switch delivers predictable performance even under heavy load conditions.

Quality of service capabilities also support compliance with service-level agreements and help maintain user satisfaction. The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L enables administrators to define policies that align network behavior with business priorities, ensuring that essential services remain available and responsive.

Integrated Security and Access Control

Security is a core consideration in the design of the Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series. The WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L incorporates a range of security features that protect the network from unauthorized access, threats, and policy violations. These features are integrated directly into the switching hardware, providing high-performance enforcement without compromising throughput.

Access control mechanisms allow administrators to define who and what can connect to the network, based on user identity, device type, and location. This level of control is essential in environments where compliance, data protection, and risk management are critical. The Catalyst 3650 Series supports network segmentation and isolation, helping to contain potential threats and limit their impact.

By integrating security at the access layer, the Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L helps organizations build a resilient network infrastructure that can adapt to evolving security challenges while maintaining operational efficiency.

High Availability and Resilient Design

The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L is designed to deliver high availability and minimize downtime in enterprise networks. Redundancy features and resilient hardware design ensure that the switch can continue operating even in the event of component failures or network disruptions.

Support for advanced stacking technology allows multiple Catalyst 3650 switches to operate as a single logical unit. This capability improves scalability and simplifies management while providing redundancy for both control and data planes. In a stacked configuration, traffic can be rerouted automatically if one switch experiences an issue, maintaining network continuity.

High availability features are particularly important in mission-critical environments where network downtime can have significant operational and financial consequences. The Catalyst 3650 Series provides the reliability required to support continuous business operations.

Scalability for Growing Enterprise Networks

Scalability is a defining characteristic of the Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series. The WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L is designed to accommodate network growth without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul. Its high port density, stacking capabilities, and support for advanced routing protocols enable organizations to expand their networks efficiently.

As new devices, applications, and services are introduced, the switch can scale to meet increased demand. This scalability protects investment by extending the useful life of the hardware and reducing the need for frequent upgrades. The Catalyst 3650 Series provides a future-ready platform that aligns with long-term network strategies.

Energy Efficiency and Intelligent Power Management

The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L incorporates energy-efficient technologies that help reduce power consumption and operational costs. Intelligent power management features allow the switch to optimize energy usage based on actual network activity, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.

By supporting energy-saving mechanisms and efficient hardware design, the Catalyst 3650 Series contributes to sustainability initiatives while maintaining high performance. These capabilities are particularly valuable in large-scale deployments where power consumption and cooling requirements can significantly impact total cost of ownership.

Enterprise Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L Catalyst 3650 Series 48 Ports Ethernet Switch Layer 3 is well suited for a wide range of enterprise deployment scenarios. In campus networks, it serves as a robust access or distribution layer switch, providing high-density connectivity and advanced routing capabilities. In branch offices, it delivers a compact yet powerful solution that integrates wired and wireless services.

The switch is also appropriate for environments that require strong security, high availability, and support for real-time applications. Its versatility makes it a valuable component of modern enterprise networks across industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

By combining performance, scalability, and integrated features, the Cisco WS-C3650-12X48UZ-L addresses the diverse requirements of contemporary network infrastructures while supporting future growth and technological evolution.