WS-C3850-48P-L Cisco Catalyst 3850 Managed Switch (Poe+) Rack-Mountable, 48 Port

Cisco Catalyst 3850 WS-C3850-48P-L Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3850-48P-L is designed for enterprise-grade networks requiring advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, scalable performance, and integrated Power over Ethernet Plus. This rack-ready switch supports high-density access deployments while maintaining centralized control and operational efficiency.

General Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: WS-C3850-48P-L
• Network Device Category: Managed Ethernet Switch
• Total Port Count: 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Form Factor: Desktop or 1U rack-mountable enclosure

Port Configuration and Connectivity

Gigabit Ethernet Access

• 48 × 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet interfaces
• Automatic speed and duplex negotiation
• Auto MDI/MDI-X for simplified cabling

Power over Ethernet Plus Capabilities

• Integrated PoE+ support for connected devices
• Total PoE power budget up to 435 watts
• Ideal for IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras

Performance and Switching Architecture

High-Speed Data Handling

• Switching fabric capacity of up to 176 Gbps
• Stacking throughput reaching 480 Gbps
• Optimized for bandwidth-intensive applications

Stackable Design

• Supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology
• Enables multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit
• Improves scalability, redundancy, and simplified management

Routing, Tables, and Network Capacity

• IPv4 routing entries: up to 24,000
• MAC address table size: 32,000 entries
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): supports up to 1,000
• NetFlow records capacity: up to 48,000 entries
• Jumbo frame handling up to 9,198 bytes

Advanced Network Features

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Enhancements

• VLAN tagging and trunking support
• Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree (MSTP)
• Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+)
• Link Aggregation via LACP and PAgP

Security and Traffic Control

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering
• DHCP snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection
• 802.1X authentication and RADIUS integration
• Storm control and STP Root Guard protection

Traffic Optimization and Monitoring

• Quality of Service (QoS) with Shaped Round Robin scheduling
• Flexible NetFlow for detailed traffic analysis
• Remote SPAN (RSPAN) for mirrored traffic inspection
• Layer 3 load balancing and VRF-Lite support

Management and Administration Options

Remote Management Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, and v3
• SSH and Telnet access
• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• RMON 1 and RMON 2 monitoring
• Syslog and TFTP support

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, and 802.3ab
• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1Q, 802.1P
• IEEE 802.1W, 802.1S, and 802.1X
• IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at for PoE and PoE+
• IEEE 802.3ad for link aggregation

Power and Hardware Reliability

• AC input voltage: 120–230 V at 50/60 Hz
• Energy Efficient Ethernet support
• Optional redundant power supply compatibility
• Includes Cisco StackPower technology for power sharing

Enterprise-Grade Switching with Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

The Cisco WS-C3850-48P-L 48 Port Catalyst 3850 Managed Switch (PoE+) represents a core category within enterprise-class access layer switching, designed to deliver high-performance connectivity, advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, and integrated wireless and application visibility. This category of managed switches is engineered for medium to large business networks that require scalability, reliability, and centralized control while supporting modern workloads such as unified communications, wireless access points, IoT devices, and power-hungry endpoints.

The Catalyst 3850 series introduced a unified access architecture that merges wired and wireless networking into a single platform. Within this category, the 48-port PoE+ rack-mountable configuration addresses dense access layer deployments where both data and power delivery are essential. By combining advanced switching ASICs, Cisco IOS feature sets, and robust hardware design, this class of switches provides consistent performance across campus networks, branch offices, and enterprise environments.

48-Port PoE+ Access Layer Design

High-Density Ethernet Connectivity

The 48-port Gigabit Ethernet configuration places this switch squarely in the high-density access layer category. It enables organizations to connect a large number of end devices such as desktop systems, IP phones, printers, cameras, and wireless access points from a single rack unit. This density is particularly beneficial in office floors, educational campuses, and healthcare facilities where minimizing hardware footprint while maximizing connectivity is a key design goal.

Each port supports auto-negotiation, full-duplex communication, and high-speed data transfer, ensuring that connected devices experience minimal latency and consistent throughput. As part of the Catalyst 3850 category, the switch is optimized for predictable performance even under heavy traffic loads.

Power over Ethernet Plus Capabilities

Power over Ethernet Plus is a defining feature of this category. PoE+ enables the switch to deliver both data and electrical power over standard Ethernet cabling, simplifying deployments and reducing the need for additional power infrastructure. Devices such as IP phones, video surveillance cameras, badge readers, and advanced wireless access points can be powered directly from the switch ports.

This PoE+ capability aligns with enterprise requirements for flexible workspace layouts and rapid device deployment. Centralized power management also allows network administrators to monitor, allocate, and control power usage, contributing to improved energy efficiency and operational reliability.

Catalyst 3850 Managed Switch Architecture

Advanced Switching ASIC and Performance

The Catalyst 3850 series is built on purpose-designed switching ASICs that deliver wire-speed performance across all ports. This category emphasizes low-latency forwarding, deep packet inspection, and intelligent traffic handling. The hardware architecture supports advanced quality of service, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video maintain priority over less critical traffic.

With a high-capacity switching fabric and optimized internal bandwidth, this category of managed switches is well suited for converged networks that carry data, voice, and video simultaneously. The result is a consistent user experience even during peak usage periods.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Feature Set

The Cisco WS-C3850-48P-L falls into a category that supports comprehensive Layer 2 and basic Layer 3 routing features. These capabilities allow organizations to implement VLAN segmentation, inter-VLAN routing, and dynamic network policies without the need for additional routing hardware at the access layer.

Support for advanced protocols and routing functions enhances network resilience and simplifies design. This category is particularly suitable for environments that require scalable segmentation, efficient broadcast control, and streamlined network management.

Unified Wired and Wireless Access

Integrated Wireless Controller Functionality

A defining characteristic of the Catalyst 3850 category is its integrated wireless controller capability. This design allows wired and wireless access points to be managed from the same switch platform, reducing complexity and eliminating the need for separate wireless controllers in many deployments.

By unifying wired and wireless policy enforcement, the switch ensures consistent security, quality of service, and user experience across all access methods. This approach is especially valuable in modern workplaces where users seamlessly move between wired desks and wireless devices.

Optimized for High-Performance Wireless Deployments

The PoE+ ports and unified access architecture make this category ideal for supporting high-performance wireless access points. As wireless standards continue to evolve and demand more power and bandwidth, the Catalyst 3850 class provides a future-ready foundation for enterprise WLANs.

Network administrators benefit from simplified deployment, centralized monitoring, and intelligent traffic optimization that adapts to real-time network conditions.

Security and Network Visibility

Built-In Network Security Features

Security is a critical component of the managed switch category represented by the Cisco WS-C3850-48P-L. The platform supports advanced access control mechanisms, authentication frameworks, and policy enforcement tools that protect the network from unauthorized access and threats.

These security capabilities are designed to operate at the access layer, where most endpoints connect. By enforcing policies close to the user, this category helps reduce attack surfaces and improve overall network integrity.

Application Visibility and Control

Application awareness is another key attribute of this category. The Catalyst 3850 series provides deep visibility into network traffic, allowing administrators to identify applications, analyze usage patterns, and apply policies based on business priorities.

This level of visibility enables proactive network management, improved troubleshooting, and better alignment between IT infrastructure and organizational objectives.

Stackable and Scalable Design

StackWise Technology for Simplified Expansion

The Catalyst 3850 category includes advanced stacking technology that allows multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. This capability simplifies management, enhances redundancy, and enables seamless scalability as network demands grow.

Stacking multiple 48-port PoE+ switches provides a cost-effective way to expand port density while maintaining a unified control plane. This design is particularly valuable in environments where growth is anticipated but predictability is required.

High Availability and Redundancy

High availability is a core requirement for enterprise networks, and this category addresses it through redundant components, resilient stacking, and fast failover mechanisms. These features help ensure continuous network operation, even in the event of hardware or link failures.

Such resilience is essential for mission-critical applications, supporting business continuity and minimizing downtime.

Rack-Mountable Form Factor and Physical Design

Standard Rack Compatibility

The rack-mountable design places this switch squarely in the data center and wiring closet category. Its form factor is compatible with standard 19-inch racks, making it easy to integrate into existing infrastructure.

This physical design supports efficient cable management, optimal airflow, and organized deployment in enterprise environments.

Durable Enterprise Hardware Construction

Built for continuous operation, the Catalyst 3850 category emphasizes durability and long-term reliability. High-quality components, robust cooling systems, and enterprise-grade power supplies contribute to stable performance over extended periods.

This reliability is essential for organizations that depend on their network infrastructure to support daily operations without interruption.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Corporate and Campus Networks

In corporate offices and campus environments, the Cisco WS-C3850-48P-L category serves as a foundational access layer solution. Its port density, PoE+ support, and unified access capabilities make it ideal for connecting a wide range of user devices and infrastructure components.

These deployments benefit from simplified management, consistent policy enforcement, and scalable growth paths.

Education, Healthcare, and Retail Applications

Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and retail environments also align well with this category. The ability to power and manage diverse endpoint devices from a single platform simplifies operations and reduces total cost of ownership.

Reliable connectivity, enhanced security, and centralized control are critical in these sectors, making the Catalyst 3850 managed switch category a strong fit.

Operational Efficiency and Management

Centralized Configuration and Monitoring

Managed switch categories like the Catalyst 3850 emphasize operational efficiency through centralized configuration and monitoring tools. Administrators can deploy, manage, and troubleshoot the network from a unified interface, reducing administrative overhead.

This centralized approach improves consistency, reduces configuration errors, and accelerates response times to network issues.

Automation and Policy-Based Networking

The platform supports automation and policy-driven networking concepts that streamline routine tasks. By automating configuration changes and enforcing policies dynamically, this category helps organizations adapt to changing business needs with minimal manual intervention.

Long-Term Value and Enterprise Investment

As part of the Catalyst 3850 managed switch category, the Cisco WS-C3850-48P-L represents a long-term investment in enterprise networking. Its combination of performance, scalability, security, and unified access capabilities ensures relevance across multiple technology cycles and evolving organizational requirements.