C1-WS3650-48PS/K9 Cisco One Catalyst 3650 48 Port PoE 4x1G Uplink

Outline of Cisco Catalyst 3650-48PS/K9 Managed Switch

The Cisco C1-WS3650-48PS/K9 One Catalyst 3650 is a high-performance managed network switch designed to provide robust connectivity and advanced management features for enterprise and mid-sized network environments. Equipped with 48 PoE-enabled ports and multiple uplink options, this switch ensures seamless integration of devices while maintaining optimal network efficiency.

Key Specifications

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: C1-WS3650-48PS/K9
• Device Type: 48 Port PoE Switch

Technical Specifications

• Total Ports: 48 Ethernet ports with PoE support
• Uplink Ports: 4 x 1G Ethernet for high-speed connectivity
• Switch Type: One Catalyst Managed Switch
• Management: Fully manageable with Cisco IOS for enhanced network control

Key Advantages

• 48 Power over Ethernet (PoE) Ports: Supply reliable power and data transmission to a wide range of network devices, including IP phones, access points, and security cameras.
• High-Speed Uplink Options: Four 1-Gigabit uplink ports allow rapid data transfer between switches and backbone networks.
• Full Manageability: Advanced configuration, monitoring, and network management capabilities provide administrators with complete control over traffic, security, and performance.
• Optimized for Scalability: Ideal for growing networks, this switch supports both small and medium-scale deployment scenarios while maintaining reliable performance.
• Enterprise-Grade Reliability: Cisco’s renowned hardware quality ensures high uptime and network stability.

PoE Capabilities

• Supports a wide range of PoE devices, including IP telephones, wireless access points, and surveillance systems.
• Efficient power allocation to maximize device uptime and minimize energy consumption.
• Dynamic power management for smooth operation even under peak loads.

Deployment Scenarios

• Corporate offices and enterprise campuses requiring high-performance PoE switching.
• Wireless network backbones supporting multiple access points.
• IP surveillance networks needing reliable PoE power delivery.
• Medium-sized data centers seeking efficient and manageable network switches.

Additional Benefits

• Intelligent traffic management for prioritizing critical applications.
• Energy-efficient design to reduce operational costs.
• Advanced security features to protect sensitive network data.
• Seamless integration with Cisco network management solutions for monitoring and troubleshooting.

Key features 

High port density with integrated PoE/PoE+

The Catalyst 3650 48-port PoE variant is built for environments that require many powered devices — IP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and IoT endpoints. Important features include:

Forty-eight (48) 10/100/1000 Ethernet access ports in a single 1U or compact chassis footprint (verify exact chassis variant before purchase).Integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality that supports legacy PoE (802.3af) and higher-power PoE+ (802.3at) devices, enabling simplified cabling and centralized power management.
Four (4) fixed Gigabit uplink ports—typically SFP/SFP-combo or RJ-45 uplinks—designed to aggregate access traffic to distribution/core layers with minimal configuration.

Enterprise routing, switching and feature set

Cisco’s Catalyst 3650 family brings a broad Layer 2 and Layer 3 feature set suitable for modern campus designs:

Stacking capability to manage multiple switches as a single logical unit (reduces management overhead and enables higher aggregated switching capacity).Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize voice, video and critical application traffic.
Rich security features: 802.1X access control, port security, dynamic ARP inspection and ACLs for segmentation and policy enforcement.
Support for Cisco IOS XE — the same modern software platform that enables programmability, model-driven telemetry, and feature parity with other Catalyst platforms.

Scalability, stacking and uplink flexibility

When deployed in campus or branch designs, the 48-port PoE 3650 model is commonly used in stacked clusters or as part of an access layer feeding distribution switches. Benefits include:

Logical stacking that simplifies firmware upgrades and switch-wide configuration.Flexible uplink options for aggregation (mix of fiber SFPs and copper uplinks depending on SKU).
Ability to scale port density by stacking multiple units while retaining centralized management and consistent policy enforcement.

Hardware and physical specifications 

Ports, power and physical layout

The primary physical characteristics buyers consider:

Access ports: 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports suitable for desktops, printers, APs and cameras.
Uplink ports: 4 × 1G uplinks (often SFP), for flexible fiber or direct copper aggregation.
PoE capability: Onboard PoE/PoE+ to power connected devices; total available PoE budget varies by exact hardware revision and power supply configuration.
Rack-mountable: 1U form factor with standard rack mounting brackets included or available as accessories.

Power and PoE considerations

Power planning is one of the most important tasks when deploying a PoE-enabled access switch. For this product category, customers should examine:

Total switch PoE budget (aggregate wattage available to all ports) — different SKUs and installed power supplies will affect available power.Typical device power draws (phones, APs, cameras) and peak power requirements to avoid overcommitment.
Options for redundant or higher-capacity power supplies when continuous uptime for powered devices is critical.

Form factor  

The Catalyst 3650 48-port chassis is engineered for data closets and wiring racks. Considerations include cable management, airflow direction, and proper clearances for heat dissipation. Mounting kits and rails for standard 19-inch racks are usually available; always verify included accessories when purchasing new or refurbished units.

Security, reliability and operational resilience

Built-in security functions

Security should be integrated at the access layer. The Catalyst 3650 category typically supports:

Port-level authentication (802.1X) to control device access.Dynamic ARP inspection, DHCP snooping and IP Source Guard to reduce spoofing attacks.
ACLs and role-based access to segment and protect traffic flows.

Reliability and redundancy

For mission-critical deployments, consider:

Stacking multiple switches to provide resilience and simplify failover.Redundant uplink design (LACP, MLAG or routed redundancy depending on architecture).
Secondary power supplies or UPS integration to keep PoE devices online during brief outages.

Common use cases and deployment scenarios

Enterprise campus access layer

As a high-density PoE access switch, the 48-port Catalyst 3650 fits squarely into enterprise campus access designs. It can power telephony and Wi-Fi access points while providing policy enforcement per port and seamless uplink aggregation into distribution switches.

Branch office aggregation and converged services

For medium branches that need a consolidated access device supporting IP telephony, local Wi-Fi and security cameras, this switch reduces hardware sprawl and centralizes management without sacrificing feature parity with larger campus deployments.

SMB and specialized verticals

Small and medium businesses, retail sites, healthcare clinics, and educational labs benefit from centralized PoE power and advanced QoS to ensure voice and video quality across constrained budgets.

Comparison 

Where Catalyst 3650 fits in the Cisco portfolio

The 3650 family occupies the access layer for organizations that require full enterprise features in a compact form factor. When comparing to older Catalyst 2960/3560 generation or moving toward newer Catalyst 9000 products, consider the following:

Feature fidelity — 3650 brings advanced features absent on cheaper access switches. Migration paths — moving to Catalyst 9000 series may be warranted for customers seeking enhanced telemetry, security features and longer lifecycle horizons.