C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Cisco ONE Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Switch

Overview of Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S 48 Ports Switch 

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Switch is a highly efficient, feature-packed network device designed for high-performance data handling and seamless connectivity. Known for its advanced capabilities, it offers superb scalability, flexibility, and reliability for various enterprise-level network infrastructures.

Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Part Number: C1-WSC3850-48XS-S
• Product Series: Catalyst 3850
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Model: WS-C3850-48XS
• Product Type: Layer 3 Managed Switch

Technical Information

• 48 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots for high-bandwidth connectivity.
• 4 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots to facilitate seamless integration with high-speed network modules.
• Uplink Ports: Available for smooth data flow between devices.
• Modular Design: Yes, providing greater flexibility in adapting the switch to specific network requirements.
• Stacking Capability: Not supported, though the switch’s modular design provides flexibility in scaling networks.
• Optical Fiber: Fully supported, offering high reliability for long-distance connections.
• Ethernet Technologies: Supports both 40 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards, ensuring rapid data transmission and scalability.

Features & Key Benefits

• High-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 40 Gigabit Ethernet support for ultra-fast data transfer.
• Ideal for large enterprises needing reliable, scalable, and fast network solutions.
• Support for optical fiber media types for enhanced performance.
• Provides powerful Layer 3 capabilities for improved network management and routing functions.
• Optimized for demanding environments with multiple expansion slots to boost network flexibility.

Layer Support

• Layer 3 Support: The Cisco Catalyst switch is designed to provide full Layer 3 capabilities, enabling robust routing and network management features.
• 40GBase-X & 10GBase-X: Fully supported, facilitating fast network speeds for data-intensive applications.

Expansion Slots

• Total Expansion Slots: 52 expansion slots, ensuring scalability for future network needs.
• Expansion Slot Types: Includes QSFP+ and SFP+ for versatile connectivity options.
• SFP+ Slots: 48 SFP+ slots available for flexible module usage.

Management Capabilities

• Fully Manageable: Yes, with intuitive management protocols and tools.
• Supports Standard Network Protocols: Ensures interoperability with various network devices and software solutions.

Power Specifications

• Power Source: The switch is powered by a dedicated Power Supply.
• Redundant Power Supply: Yes, the device supports redundant power supply, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during power failures.

Key Takeaways

• Designed for businesses requiring a high-performance Layer 3 switch with a scalable, modular design.
• Ideal for enterprises needing high-speed network infrastructure with both 10G and 40G capabilities.
• Offers reliable power redundancy for continuous operation.

Enterprise-Class Switching Architecture 

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst 48 Ports Managed Switch category represents a high-performance switching solution engineered for organizations that demand scalability, reliability, and advanced control across complex network environments. Built on the proven Cisco Catalyst 3850 platform, this category is designed to support enterprise core, aggregation, and access layer deployments where consistent throughput and intelligent traffic handling are essential. With 48 high-speed fiber-based interfaces, this switch category addresses the growing need for bandwidth-intensive applications, virtualization, and cloud-driven workloads.

This category focuses on switches that integrate Cisco ONE licensing with robust hardware capabilities, allowing enterprises to standardize on a single switching architecture while maintaining flexibility in feature activation. The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE models are positioned for organizations that require deterministic performance, extensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality, and seamless integration into existing Cisco ecosystems.

48-Port High-Speed Fiber Connectivity

At the core of the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category is its 48-port Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus connectivity, engineered to deliver consistent high-speed data transmission. These ports are optimized for fiber deployments, making the category especially suitable for data centers, campus backbones, and aggregation points where copper-based connectivity is insufficient. The emphasis on fiber ensures longer transmission distances, reduced electromagnetic interference, and higher overall reliability.

The port density offered within this category enables consolidation of network infrastructure, reducing the number of physical devices required while maintaining high availability. This approach simplifies network design, improves manageability, and reduces operational overhead. The ability to support a wide range of SFP and SFP+ modules further enhances deployment flexibility, allowing network architects to tailor connectivity to specific distance and bandwidth requirements.

Optimized for Bandwidth-Intensive Environments

Networks handling real-time applications such as video conferencing, unified communications, and large-scale data transfers benefit significantly from the high-throughput design of this category. The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst switches are capable of managing large volumes of east-west and north-south traffic without introducing latency or packet loss. This makes them a strong choice for enterprises transitioning to software-defined architectures and hybrid cloud environments.

By supporting advanced queuing and traffic scheduling mechanisms, this category ensures that critical applications receive prioritized bandwidth while maintaining fair access for other workloads. This balance is essential in environments where service-level agreements and user experience are key performance indicators.

Integrated Cisco ONE Licensing Model

The Cisco ONE licensing framework is a defining characteristic of the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category. This licensing approach simplifies procurement and deployment by bundling essential software features into a single package. Organizations gain access to advanced switching capabilities without the complexity of managing multiple licenses across different devices.

This category is designed to support long-term scalability, allowing organizations to activate additional features as network requirements evolve. The licensing structure aligns with Cisco’s vision of software-driven networking, ensuring that hardware investments remain relevant as new technologies and standards emerge.

Streamlined Feature Activation

One of the primary advantages of this category is the ability to enable advanced features through software rather than hardware replacement. Network administrators can activate enhanced routing, security, and automation capabilities as needed, reducing downtime and minimizing disruption. This flexibility is particularly valuable in dynamic environments where business requirements change frequently.

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category supports consistent software versions across multiple devices, improving interoperability and simplifying network management. This consistency reduces the risk of configuration errors and accelerates troubleshooting processes.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

This category is engineered to deliver comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. From simple access layer roles to complex aggregation and core functions, the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst switches provide the versatility required by modern enterprise networks.

Support for advanced routing protocols, VLAN segmentation, and multicast optimization ensures efficient traffic distribution across the network. These capabilities are essential for organizations deploying converged networks that carry voice, video, and data traffic over a single infrastructure.

Dynamic Routing and Network Resilience

Within this category, switches are designed to support dynamic routing protocols that enable rapid convergence and failover. This resilience minimizes downtime and ensures continuous service availability, even in the event of link or device failures. The ability to implement redundant paths and intelligent routing decisions enhances overall network stability.

Enterprises operating mission-critical applications benefit from the predictable behavior and high availability features embedded in this category. These switches are engineered to maintain performance under heavy loads, ensuring consistent connectivity for users and applications alike.

StackWise and Modular Expansion Capabilities

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category includes support for advanced stacking technologies that allow multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. This capability simplifies management, enhances redundancy, and increases overall network capacity. By stacking switches, organizations can scale their networks incrementally without redesigning their infrastructure.

Stacking also improves resiliency by enabling stateful failover and load sharing across stack members. This design ensures that network services remain available even if one unit experiences a failure.

Unified Management Across Stacked Devices

StackWise technology enables centralized configuration and monitoring of multiple switches, reducing administrative overhead. Network administrators can apply policies, update firmware, and monitor performance from a single management interface. This unified approach improves operational efficiency and reduces the likelihood of configuration inconsistencies.

The stacking capabilities within this category are particularly beneficial for campus environments, where multiple wiring closets and distribution points must be managed cohesively. The result is a streamlined network architecture that supports growth and change.

Enhanced Security and Policy Enforcement

Security is a foundational element of the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category. These switches incorporate advanced security features designed to protect network infrastructure and data from unauthorized access and threats. By enforcing policies at the network edge, organizations can reduce their attack surface and improve compliance with regulatory requirements.

The category supports robust authentication, authorization, and accounting mechanisms, enabling granular control over user and device access. This level of control is essential in environments where sensitive data and critical systems must be protected.

Integrated Threat Mitigation and Access Control

Through support for network segmentation and access control lists, this category enables organizations to isolate sensitive traffic and limit exposure to potential threats. Integration with Cisco security solutions enhances visibility and response capabilities, allowing administrators to detect and mitigate issues proactively.

The ability to enforce consistent security policies across the network simplifies compliance efforts and ensures that security standards are maintained as the network evolves.

Support for Software-Defined Networking and Automation

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category is aligned with modern software-defined networking principles, enabling greater agility and automation. These switches are designed to integrate with centralized controllers and management platforms, allowing for policy-based configuration and automated provisioning.

Automation reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and accelerates deployment timelines. This is particularly valuable in large-scale environments where consistent configuration across hundreds of devices is required.

Programmability and API Integration

Programmable interfaces allow network teams to integrate switching infrastructure with orchestration tools and custom applications. This capability supports advanced use cases such as automated network provisioning, real-time monitoring, and dynamic policy enforcement.

The emphasis on programmability within this category ensures that organizations can adapt their networks to emerging technologies and business requirements without extensive reconfiguration.

Performance, Reliability, and Energy Efficiency

Performance optimization is a key focus of the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S ONE Catalyst category. These switches are engineered to deliver high forwarding rates and low latency, even under heavy traffic conditions. This ensures consistent application performance and a positive user experience.

Reliability is enhanced through redundant components, intelligent power management, and robust hardware design. These features contribute to long-term operational stability and reduced maintenance costs.

Efficient Power and Cooling Design

The category emphasizes energy-efficient operation, helping organizations reduce power consumption and operational expenses. Intelligent power management features adjust energy usage based on network demand, while efficient cooling designs maintain optimal operating temperatures.

High Performance and Scalability

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch is equipped with an impressive 48 ports, making it an ideal choice for businesses requiring high-performance networking solutions. With this extensive number of ports, users can easily connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers, servers, and other network equipment, to the switch without the need for additional hardware or complex configurations.

Efficient Network Management

The abundance of ports on the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch allows for efficient network management. Each port can be utilized to connect a specific device or group of devices, enabling administrators to establish logical connections and streamline network traffic flow. This effective organization improves overall network performance by eliminating congestion and ensuring a smooth data transmission process.

Flexibility in Network Expansion

The 48 ports featured on the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch provide businesses with the flexibility to expand their network infrastructure as needed. As the demands of your organization increase, additional devices can be effortlessly integrated into the existing network without requiring substantial investments in new switches or complex reconfigurations. This scalability is particularly beneficial for growing businesses that anticipate future expansion or evolving networking requirements.

Enhanced Connectivity Options

Wired Connections

With its 48 ports, the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch offers a wide range of wired connectivity options. Users can connect devices using Ethernet cables, ensuring reliable and stable connections for critical applications that demand high bandwidth, such as video streaming, data transfer, or real-time communication. This switch supports various Ethernet standards, including Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet, providing users with exceptional network performance and faster data transfer rates.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch also incorporates Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities on selected ports. This feature allows the switch to provide power to compatible devices, such as IP phones, wireless access points, or surveillance cameras, through the Ethernet cable itself. By eliminating the need for separate power sources, PoE simplifies installation and reduces cable clutter, resulting in a more streamlined and cost-effective network infrastructure.

Redundancy and Resiliency

Port Redundancy

The 48 ports on the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch offer built-in redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity even in the event of a port failure. This redundancy feature enables administrators to configure multiple ports in a group, called Port Channels or EtherChannels, providing load balancing and failover capabilities. In case one port fails or experiences issues, the traffic is automatically redirected to the functioning ports within the channel, maintaining network continuity and minimizing downtime.

Hot Swappable Modules

To further enhance reliability, the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch supports hot swappable modules for its ports. This means that individual ports can be replaced or upgraded without powering down the entire switch or disrupting network operations. The ability to hot swap modules ensures seamless maintenance and allows for faster recovery from hardware failures, reducing overall downtime and increasing network resilience.

Increased Network Efficiency

Advanced Traffic Management

With its 48 ports, the Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch offers advanced traffic management capabilities. Administrators can leverage features such as Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes traffic based on specific criteria, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and minimizing latency for time-sensitive data. Additionally, the switch supports VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), enabling network segmentation for enhanced security and improved network performance.

High-Speed Data Transfer

The Cisco C1-WSC3850-48XS-S Managed Switch's 48 ports support high-speed data transfer rates, thanks to its compatibility with Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet standards. This capability allows for the swift and efficient transfer of large files, multimedia content, and data-intensive applications across the network. By harnessing the full potential of these high-speed connections, users can experience a significant boost in productivity and seamless collaboration without bottlenecks or data transfer limitations.