WS-C3650-48PS-E Cisco 1U Rack-mountable Twisted Pair Manageable Switch

Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E Catalyst 3650 48 Ports Switch Overview

The Cisco Catalyst 3650 series, model WS-C3650-48PS-E, is a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch designed for enterprise networks. With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and advanced stacking capabilities, this switch ensures reliable connectivity and robust network management for modern IT infrastructures.

Key Specifications of WS-C3650-48PS-E

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Product Type: Switch
• Model / SKU: WS-C3650-48PS-E
• Port Configuration: 48 x 10/100/1000 (PoE+) + 4 x SFP
• Device Type: Managed, stackable Layer 3 switch
• Enclosure: Desktop or 1U rack-mountable

Power and PoE Features

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): PoE+ support for connected devices
• Total PoE Budget: 390 W
• Power Supply: AC 120/230 V, 50/60 Hz
• Redundancy: Optional for uninterrupted operation

Performance and Capacity

• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
• Forwarding Performance: 130.95 Mpps
• IPv4 Routes: Supports up to 24,000
• NetFlow Entries: 48,000
• VLAN Support: Up to 4,000 virtual interfaces
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 1,000
• MAC Address Table: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: Up to 9,198 bytes

Advanced Routing Protocols

• BGP-4, RIP-1, RIP-2
• IS-IS, OSPFv3, EIGRP for IPv6
• PIM-SM, PIM-DM, PIM-SSM
• Static IP Routing & Policy-Based Routing (PBR)

Network Management and Security

• Remote management via SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON 1/2/3/9, Telnet, SSH, CLI
• Access Control Lists (ACL) for enhanced security
• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) and DHCP Snooping
• Uni-directional Link Detection (UDLD) for port reliability
• Radius and VRF-lite support for secure network segmentation

Switching and Connectivity Features

• Layer 2 Switching with ARP support
• VLAN support, trunking, and IGMP snooping
• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and MSTP
• Port Aggregation (PAGP & LACP) and Remote SPAN (RSPAN)
• Energy Efficient Ethernet and Flexible NetFlow (FNF)

Industry 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/at, 802.3ad (LACP), 802.1x, 802.1ab (LLDP)
• Fully compliant with modern networking protocols and PoE standards

Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E Catalyst 3650 Layer 3 Switch

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E Catalyst 3650 is a high-performance Layer 3 switch designed to meet the demands of modern enterprise networks. With 48 Ethernet ports and 4 expansion slots, it offers scalable connectivity for businesses of all sizes. This switch is part of the Catalyst 3650 series, known for its integrated wireless controller capabilities, advanced security features, and comprehensive Layer 3 routing capabilities. Its robust hardware and software architecture make it ideal for enterprise access layers, small-to-medium data centers, and high-density network environments.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

The Catalyst 3650 series switch, particularly the WS-C3650-48PS-E model, provides extensive Layer 3 functionality, including static routing, dynamic routing protocols, and policy-based routing. It supports multiple routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and RIP, ensuring reliable and efficient routing across complex networks. The switch enables enterprise networks to segment traffic effectively, manage routing policies, and optimize network performance for high-demand applications. Layer 3 switching also reduces latency by performing hardware-based routing, making it suitable for networks requiring high-speed data forwarding.

Dynamic Routing Protocol Support

Dynamic routing protocols on the Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E allow seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. OSPF support enables link-state routing with rapid convergence, while EIGRP provides efficient route calculation for large enterprise networks. The switch's BGP capabilities facilitate inter-domain routing, essential for organizations connecting multiple sites or external networks. RIP support, although legacy, offers backward compatibility for older infrastructures. These routing features ensure that network administrators can implement flexible and resilient network topologies without sacrificing performance or security.

Policy-Based Routing and Traffic Management

Policy-based routing on the Catalyst 3650 allows network engineers to define routing decisions based on specific criteria, such as source or destination addresses, application types, or Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. This capability ensures that critical applications receive priority traffic handling, enhancing overall network efficiency. Coupled with advanced traffic management tools, including rate limiting, shaping, and congestion avoidance, the WS-C3650-48PS-E delivers optimal performance for voice, video, and data applications. These features make it ideal for unified communications environments where latency and packet loss must be minimized.

High-Density Connectivity and PoE+ Support

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E switch offers 48 high-speed Ethernet ports capable of delivering Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) to connected devices. This feature is particularly valuable in enterprise deployments where IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras require both power and data connectivity through a single cable. With a total PoE budget sufficient to support multiple high-demand devices, this switch simplifies cabling infrastructure and reduces the need for separate power sources, lowering overall operational costs. The high port density allows organizations to expand their network without sacrificing performance or scalability.

PoE+ and Energy Efficiency

PoE+ support on the WS-C3650-48PS-E provides up to 30 watts per port, ensuring compatibility with the latest high-power devices, including high-performance Wi-Fi access points and advanced IP telephony systems. Cisco EnergyWise technology further enhances energy efficiency by optimizing power consumption based on device usage and network activity. This feature reduces operational costs while maintaining reliable power delivery to critical devices. The integration of PoE+ and energy management makes the Catalyst 3650 series a sustainable choice for enterprises seeking both performance and eco-friendly network solutions.

Flexible Expansion Options

Equipped with 4 expansion slots, the Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E offers flexibility for additional uplinks and modules, allowing seamless integration with higher-speed network backbones. These expansion slots support various network interface modules, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, stacking modules, and fiber optic interfaces. This modular design enables organizations to scale their networks as their bandwidth requirements grow, avoiding the need for costly hardware replacements. The ability to expand uplink capacity ensures that the switch remains relevant for years, providing long-term value and investment protection.

Integrated Wireless Controller Functionality

One of the standout features of the Catalyst 3650 series is its integrated wireless controller capability. The WS-C3650-48PS-E can manage multiple Cisco wireless access points directly, eliminating the need for a separate wireless controller. This integration simplifies network management, reduces hardware costs, and enables unified wired and wireless policies. Administrators can configure, monitor, and optimize wireless networks from a single interface, ensuring consistent performance and security across both wired and wireless environments.

Centralized Wireless Management

Through its embedded wireless controller, the WS-C3650-48PS-E supports centralized management of access points, allowing network administrators to deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot wireless networks efficiently. Features such as dynamic RF management, automatic channel assignment, and client load balancing optimize wireless performance and minimize interference. The switch supports enterprise-grade security protocols, including WPA3, 802.1X authentication, and advanced encryption standards, providing secure connectivity for employees, guests, and IoT devices. Centralized management also simplifies firmware updates and policy enforcement across the wireless infrastructure.

Seamless Wired-to-Wireless Integration

The integration of wired and wireless management enables seamless roaming, consistent QoS policies, and unified security measures. Applications such as VoIP and video conferencing benefit from uninterrupted connectivity, as the switch ensures that data packets are prioritized regardless of whether the user is connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This capability reduces operational complexity and enhances user experience, making the WS-C3650-48PS-E an ideal choice for modern enterprises adopting hybrid networking environments.

Robust Security and Threat Mitigation

Security is a critical component of the Cisco Catalyst 3650 switch. The WS-C3650-48PS-E offers a wide range of security features, including port security, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and IP source guard. These mechanisms protect the network from unauthorized access, rogue devices, and malicious traffic. Role-based access control and Identity Services Engine (ISE) integration provide granular user authentication and policy enforcement, ensuring that only authorized devices can access sensitive resources. This comprehensive security framework reduces the risk of network breaches and supports compliance with industry regulations.

Advanced Threat Defense

Cisco’s TrustSec technology integrated into the Catalyst 3650 series enhances threat mitigation by segmenting network traffic based on user roles and policies. This segmentation prevents lateral movement of malware and unauthorized access to critical systems. Combined with advanced intrusion prevention capabilities and real-time monitoring, the WS-C3650-48PS-E delivers proactive protection against evolving network threats. Security policies can be applied consistently across wired and wireless networks, providing comprehensive protection for enterprise environments.

Scalability and High Availability

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E Catalyst 3650 switch is designed for scalability and high availability. StackWise-160 technology allows multiple switches to be interconnected into a single logical unit, increasing redundancy and simplifying network management. Stacking provides high availability by enabling automatic failover between switches, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity. This capability is critical for mission-critical applications where downtime can result in significant operational or financial impact. Additionally, the switch supports modular uplinks and redundant power supplies, further enhancing resilience.

StackWise-160 and Redundant Power Supplies

StackWise-160 technology enables stacking of up to nine switches, allowing them to operate as a single entity. This simplifies configuration, management, and firmware upgrades, while providing increased throughput and fault tolerance. Redundant power supplies ensure continuous operation even in the event of a power failure, minimizing downtime for critical applications. The combination of stacking and redundant power provides a robust foundation for enterprise networks that demand high reliability and uninterrupted service delivery.

Future-Proof Design

The WS-C3650-48PS-E is built with future-proofing in mind, supporting emerging network standards, higher bandwidth requirements, and advanced security features. Its modular design, PoE+ capabilities, and integrated wireless management make it adaptable to evolving enterprise needs. Organizations can deploy the switch confidently, knowing that it will support growth, new technologies, and increasing network complexity over time. This forward-looking design ensures that the switch remains a long-term investment that continues to deliver value and performance.

Performance Optimization and QoS

Performance optimization is a key feature of the Catalyst 3650 series. The WS-C3650-48PS-E supports advanced QoS mechanisms, enabling granular control over traffic prioritization. Network administrators can define policies that prioritize latency-sensitive applications such as voice, video, and real-time data streams. This ensures consistent application performance even during periods of high network utilization. Hardware-based forwarding and low-latency packet processing further enhance network responsiveness, making the switch ideal for enterprise networks requiring high-speed and predictable performance.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 QoS Integration

QoS on the WS-C3650-48PS-E spans both Layer 2 and Layer 3, allowing administrators to apply policies based on MAC addresses, IP addresses, VLANs, or application types. Traffic shaping, congestion avoidance, and packet prioritization techniques ensure that critical data flows are delivered efficiently. The switch also supports classification, marking, and policing of traffic, enabling precise control over bandwidth allocation and application performance. This integration of QoS across layers ensures that enterprise networks maintain high performance and reliability under all conditions.

High-Performance Switching Architecture

The WS-C3650-48PS-E is equipped with high-performance hardware components, including multicore processors and dedicated ASICs for packet forwarding. This architecture delivers wire-speed performance for both Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing, ensuring minimal latency and high throughput. With support for large routing tables, VLANs, and multicast groups, the switch can handle complex enterprise environments without performance degradation. The combination of hardware acceleration and software optimization makes the Catalyst 3650 series a powerful and reliable networking solution for demanding applications.

Enterprise Deployment and Use Cases

The Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-E Catalyst 3650 switch is ideal for a wide range of enterprise deployment scenarios. In campus networks, it provides reliable access layer connectivity, supporting high-density end-user devices and seamless integration with wireless networks. For branch offices, the switch delivers robust routing and PoE+ capabilities, allowing efficient deployment of IP phones, access points, and surveillance systems. In data centers, it can serve as an aggregation or distribution switch, providing Layer 3 routing, high-speed uplinks, and redundant connectivity. Its flexibility makes it suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries.

Campus Network Integration

In campus environments, the WS-C3650-48PS-E ensures seamless connectivity for students, staff, and administrators. Its integrated wireless controller capabilities allow centralized management of campus Wi-Fi networks, while high port density and PoE+ support facilitate the deployment of IP phones and other network devices. Layer 3 routing and QoS policies ensure optimal performance for critical applications such as video streaming, cloud services, and VoIP communications. The switch’s scalability allows campuses to expand their networks without disruption, supporting evolving educational and administrative needs.

Branch Office Deployments

For branch offices, the Catalyst 3650 switch provides a compact yet powerful networking solution. Its Layer 3 capabilities allow efficient routing between branch sites and headquarters, while PoE+ support reduces the need for additional power infrastructure for devices such as IP cameras and access points. The integrated security features ensure that sensitive branch office data is protected, and advanced monitoring tools provide visibility into network performance. The switch’s modular uplink options enable high-speed connectivity to the WAN, ensuring reliable communication across distributed locations.

Data Center and Aggregation Layer Use

In data center environments, the WS-C3650-48PS-E can function as an aggregation or distribution switch, connecting multiple access layer switches to the core network. Its Layer 3 routing capabilities, high-performance hardware, and stacking support provide redundancy, low-latency data forwarding, and high availability. Modular uplinks allow connection to higher-speed core switches or routers, ensuring smooth traffic flow and scalability for growing data center demands. The switch’s PoE+ support also allows deployment of edge devices without additional power infrastructure, optimizing space and resources.