WS-C3650-48FS-S Cisco Catalyst Managed Switch - 48 Ports

Cisco WS-C3650-48FS-S Catalyst 3650 48 Port Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3650-48FS-S is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for enterprise networks that demand reliability, scalability, and advanced features. Ideal for both desktop and rack-mounted setups, this switch ensures seamless connectivity for modern IT infrastructures.

Manufacturer and Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number / SKU: WS-C3650-48FS-S
• Product Type: Managed Switch
• Sub-Type: 48 Ports Ethernet Switch

Technical Specifications

Device and Port Configuration

• Device Type: Layer 3 Managed Switch, Stackable
• Enclosure: Desktop / 1U Rack-Mountable
• Interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet
• Port Count: 48 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ ports, 4 x SFP uplinks
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Supported, 775W budget

Performance Capabilities

• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
• Forwarding Performance: 130.95 Mpps

Routing and Network Capacity

• IPv4 Routes: Up to 24,000
• NetFlow Entries: 48,000
• Virtual Interfaces (VLANs): 1,000
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 1,000
• MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,198 bytes

Supported Routing Protocols

• OSPF
• RIP v1 & v2
• RIPng
• Static IP Routing

Remote Management and Security Protocols

• SNMP v1, v2c, v3
• RMON 1, 2, 3, 9
• Telnet & SSH
• Command Line Interface (CLI)

Advanced Switching Features

• Layer 2 Switching with ARP support
• Trunking and VLAN management
• IGMP & MLD Snooping for multicast optimization
• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) & Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) & DHCP Snooping
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) & Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
• Quality of Service (QoS) & Access Control List (ACL) support
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) & Energy Efficient Ethernet
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF) for traffic analysis

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3ab
• IEEE 802.1d, 802.1q, 802.1p, 802.1w, 802.1s
• IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3x, 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1x, 802.1ab (LLDP)

Power and Energy Efficiency

• AC Input: 120/230 V, 50/60 Hz
• Optional Power Redundancy: Yes

Cisco WS-C3650-48FS-S Catalyst 3650 Series

The Cisco WS-C3650-48FS-S Catalyst 3650 48 Ports Ethernet Switch represents a significant advancement in enterprise networking solutions. Designed to provide seamless connectivity and high performance, this switch is ideal for modern organizations seeking reliability, scalability, and intelligent traffic management. The Catalyst 3650 series integrates advanced hardware with sophisticated software features, delivering robust solutions for both wired and wireless network environments. It supports a comprehensive range of Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions, enabling enterprises to maintain efficient communication across complex network infrastructures.

High-Performance Ethernet Switching Capabilities

The Catalyst 3650 series is engineered to handle high-density data environments with ease. The WS-C3650-48FS-S variant features 48 high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports, each capable of delivering full-duplex performance. With forwarding rates designed to accommodate demanding applications, this switch ensures minimal latency and maximized throughput. The 48-port configuration is optimal for medium to large-scale network deployments, supporting multiple endpoints without compromising speed or reliability. Advanced QoS mechanisms ensure that critical applications receive priority bandwidth, enhancing performance for voice, video, and data traffic simultaneously.

Scalability and Modular Design

Scalability is a key strength of the WS-C3650-48FS-S switch. Cisco has designed the Catalyst 3650 series to allow seamless network expansion, making it easier for businesses to adapt to evolving connectivity requirements. The modular design includes options for stacking multiple switches, which simplifies network management while maintaining high availability. StackWise-160 technology allows up to nine switches to operate as a single logical unit, providing unified management and redundancy. This ensures that the network can grow without complex reconfiguration, supporting future-proof networking initiatives.

Stacking Technology and Redundancy

The StackWise-160 architecture delivers both flexibility and resilience. By combining multiple switches into a single stack, network administrators can achieve centralized configuration, simplified management, and enhanced fault tolerance. In the event of a hardware failure in one member switch, the remaining stack continues to operate without disruption. This feature is particularly crucial for enterprise environments where continuous connectivity is essential for business operations. The stacking technology also reduces cabling complexity, lowering installation costs and simplifying troubleshooting procedures.

Advanced Security Features

Security is a critical concern in modern networks, and the WS-C3650-48FS-S switch incorporates multiple layers of protection to safeguard enterprise data. Cisco's TrustSec technology enables dynamic access control, segmenting the network based on roles and security policies. Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine allows automated policy enforcement, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing protection against unauthorized access. Additional features, such as 802.1X authentication, port security, and DHCP snooping, prevent common network threats, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure across all endpoints.

Layer 3 Routing and Multicast Support

The Catalyst 3650 series supports advanced Layer 3 routing protocols, enabling dynamic routing between VLANs and subnets. This capability allows organizations to design more efficient network topologies and reduce bottlenecks caused by inefficient traffic flows. Protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and RIP are fully supported, facilitating seamless integration into existing enterprise infrastructures. The switch also includes robust multicast features, supporting IGMP snooping and PIM routing, which are essential for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing and streaming services.

IPv4 and IPv6 Compatibility

With the growing adoption of IPv6, the WS-C3650-48FS-S ensures forward compatibility, allowing organizations to transition smoothly from IPv4 networks. Dual-stack support enables the switch to handle both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic simultaneously, maintaining seamless connectivity during network migration. IPv6 features such as Neighbor Discovery, SLAAC, and DHCPv6 support ensure compatibility with modern enterprise applications and Internet of Things deployments, future-proofing the network infrastructure against evolving technological requirements.

Power over Ethernet Capabilities

The WS-C3650-48FS-S switch includes robust Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, providing flexible power delivery to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. PoE simplifies network design by eliminating the need for separate power supplies for each device, reducing installation costs and cable clutter. With support for both PoE and PoE+, the switch can deliver higher wattage to devices that require additional power, ensuring reliable operation across a diverse range of networked endpoints.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Cisco places emphasis on energy-efficient designs, and the Catalyst 3650 series is no exception. Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) support helps reduce power consumption during periods of low traffic, while intelligent fan control minimizes noise and heat generation. These features not only reduce operating costs but also support sustainable business practices by lowering the overall environmental footprint of the network. The WS-C3650-48FS-S achieves optimal performance while maintaining compliance with industry standards for energy efficiency and operational sustainability.

Comprehensive Management Tools

Network management is simplified through Cisco's comprehensive suite of tools. The WS-C3650-48FS-S is fully compatible with Cisco DNA Center, providing a centralized platform for network monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Features such as real-time analytics, automated provisioning, and network assurance help administrators maintain optimal performance and quickly resolve issues. Additionally, CLI, SNMP, and web-based interfaces offer multiple options for configuring and managing the switch, catering to different administrative preferences and skill levels.

Software-Defined Networking Support

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) support is a key differentiator for the Catalyst 3650 series. Integration with Cisco's SD-Access framework allows for policy-driven automation, enhanced segmentation, and simplified network provisioning. SDN capabilities reduce manual configuration errors and enable more agile responses to changing business requirements. By leveraging SDN, organizations can achieve higher levels of operational efficiency, optimize traffic flows, and implement network-wide policies consistently across all connected devices.

Intelligent Traffic Management

Intelligent traffic management features, including advanced QoS, support for multiple traffic classes, and traffic shaping, ensure that mission-critical applications receive the bandwidth they require. The WS-C3650-48FS-S can prioritize voice, video, and data traffic dynamically, maintaining a seamless user experience even in high-demand network conditions. These capabilities are essential for organizations deploying unified communications, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications that require predictable network performance and low latency.

Deployment and Integration Flexibility

The Catalyst 3650 series offers flexible deployment options suitable for a variety of enterprise environments, including campus networks, branch offices, and data centers. Its 48-port configuration supports high-density deployments, while additional uplink modules allow for scalable connections to core networks. Integration with other Cisco solutions, such as wireless controllers and security appliances, provides a unified networking ecosystem. This flexibility allows organizations to deploy the WS-C3650-48FS-S in both greenfield and brownfield environments with minimal disruption.

Uplink and Expansion Options

The switch supports multiple uplink interfaces, including 10-Gigabit Ethernet, enabling high-speed connectivity to aggregation and core switches. Expansion modules and network stacking capabilities provide additional flexibility, allowing IT teams to scale capacity as organizational requirements grow. These features are particularly beneficial for networks experiencing rapid growth or implementing high-performance applications that demand increased bandwidth and low latency. The combination of uplink and expansion options ensures the switch can evolve alongside enterprise networking needs.

Compatibility with Cisco Ecosystem

Full compatibility with the Cisco ecosystem ensures seamless integration with other Cisco hardware, software, and management tools. This compatibility enhances operational efficiency and simplifies network design, enabling organizations to deploy end-to-end solutions without compatibility issues. Whether integrating with wireless access points, security appliances, or cloud-managed services, the WS-C3650-48FS-S operates cohesively within a broader Cisco infrastructure. This integration supports streamlined management, unified policies, and consistent performance across all network components.