WS-C3650-48TQ-L Cisco Catalyst Ethernet Switch

Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L 48-Port Ethernet Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L is a high-performance, managed Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for modern enterprise networks. Combining advanced features with robust reliability, this 48-port switch supports both desktop and 1U rack-mount deployments.

Key Manufacturer Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: WS-C3650-48TQ-L
• Product Type: Switch
• Port Count: 48

Technical Specifications

Device Features

• Managed and stackable switch for scalable network solutions
• Supports Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• Desktop or 1U rack-mountable enclosure for flexible installation
• 48 x 10/100/1000 Mbps ports and 4 x 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks

Performance and Capacity

• Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
• Forwarding Performance: 130.95 Mpps
• IPv4 Routes: 24,000
• Virtual Interfaces (VLANs): 255
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 1000
• MAC Address Table: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo Frame Support: 9,198 bytes

Routing & Management Capabilities

• Static IP routing for streamlined network traffic
• Remote management supported via SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON 1/2/3/9, Telnet, SSH, and CLI
• Extensive Layer 2 switching capabilities including ARP support and VLAN management

Advanced Features

• Trunking and port aggregation using PAgP and LACP protocols
• Spanning Tree support: RSTP, MSTP, PVRST+
• IGMP and MLD snooping for optimized multicast performance
• Dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) and uni-directional link detection (UDLD)
• Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Quality of Service (QoS) support
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN) for troubleshooting and monitoring
• Energy Efficient Ethernet to reduce power consumption

Compliance & Standards

• IEEE 802.3 / 802.3u / 802.3z / 802.3ab Ethernet standards
• IEEE 802.1d / 802.1w / 802.1s spanning tree protocols
• IEEE 802.1q VLAN tagging and 802.1p QoS
• IEEE 802.3af/at Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• IEEE 802.1x network access control and 802.1ab LLDP

Power & Redundancy

• AC input: 120/230V, 50/60 Hz
• Optional power redundancy for enhanced reliability

Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series Enterprise Switching Architecture

The Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L Catalyst 48 Ports Ethernet Switch belongs to the Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series, a class of enterprise-grade switches designed to deliver advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, high performance, and integrated services for modern business networks. This category of switches is engineered to address the growing demands of campus networks, branch offices, and mid-sized enterprise environments where scalability, reliability, and secure connectivity are critical. The Catalyst 3650 platform is widely recognized for combining wired and wireless convergence, robust hardware architecture, and Cisco IOS feature richness within a single, unified switching solution.

At the core of this category is Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane technology, which enables consistent policy enforcement, simplified management, and predictable performance across the wired infrastructure. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L variant, with its high-density 48-port Ethernet configuration, is optimized for organizations that require extensive device connectivity, including desktops, IP phones, printers, access points, and networked appliances. This category is positioned to support high-throughput applications, virtualization workloads, and bandwidth-intensive services while maintaining operational stability and long-term investment protection.

High-Density 48-Port Ethernet Configuration

The 48-port Ethernet configuration defines this category as a high-density access-layer switching solution capable of supporting large numbers of endpoints within a single rack unit. This density reduces the need for additional hardware, lowers cabling complexity, and improves overall network organization. The Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L switch category is particularly suited for office floors, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and enterprise campuses where numerous wired connections must be delivered reliably and securely.

Each Ethernet port within this category is designed to provide consistent throughput and low latency, ensuring that connected devices experience stable performance even during peak usage periods. The architecture supports simultaneous data transmission across all ports, making it suitable for environments with heavy east-west traffic, collaborative tools, and real-time applications. This category emphasizes dependable port performance as a foundation for building scalable enterprise networks.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series category is distinguished by its comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching features. This enables organizations to implement advanced network segmentation, inter-VLAN routing, and policy-based traffic control directly at the access layer. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L model supports static routing and dynamic routing protocols, allowing it to participate actively in enterprise routing architectures.

Layer 2 features within this category include VLAN support, trunking, spanning tree enhancements, and loop prevention mechanisms that ensure network stability and resilience. Layer 3 functionality allows traffic to be routed efficiently between network segments, reducing reliance on upstream devices and improving overall performance. This integrated approach simplifies network design and enhances scalability, making the category suitable for both growing businesses and established enterprises.

Performance and Throughput Optimization

Performance is a defining characteristic of the Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L Catalyst switch category. Built on a powerful switching fabric, this category is designed to handle high volumes of traffic with minimal packet loss and low latency. The architecture supports wire-speed forwarding across all ports, ensuring that data flows smoothly even when the network is under heavy load.

This category is particularly valuable in environments that rely on high-bandwidth applications such as video conferencing, unified communications, data analytics, and cloud-based services. The ability to maintain consistent throughput under demanding conditions makes the Catalyst 3650 Series a trusted choice for mission-critical network deployments.

Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service capabilities are integral to this category, enabling administrators to prioritize critical traffic and ensure predictable application performance. The Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L supports advanced QoS mechanisms that classify, mark, and queue traffic based on defined policies. This is essential for networks that support voice, video, and real-time collaboration tools.

By implementing QoS at the access layer, this category ensures that latency-sensitive applications receive the necessary bandwidth and priority. This approach reduces jitter, minimizes packet delay, and enhances the overall user experience. The ability to enforce QoS consistently across all ports further strengthens the category’s suitability for enterprise communication environments.

Low Latency Switching Design

The low latency design of the Catalyst 3650 Series category supports real-time data transmission and fast response times. This is especially important in modern networks where applications demand immediate feedback and seamless connectivity. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L switch category is engineered to minimize internal processing delays, ensuring that packets are forwarded efficiently.

Low latency performance contributes to improved productivity, better application responsiveness, and enhanced end-user satisfaction. This characteristic makes the category ideal for financial services, healthcare systems, and collaborative enterprise environments where timing and reliability are critical.

Scalability and Network Growth Support

The Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series category is designed with scalability in mind, allowing networks to grow and adapt without requiring major infrastructure changes. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L model supports modular uplink options and flexible configuration capabilities that enable administrators to scale bandwidth and connectivity as organizational needs evolve.

This category supports stacking technology, allowing multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. Stacking enhances scalability by increasing port density, simplifying management, and improving redundancy. As networks expand, additional switches can be added seamlessly, preserving configuration consistency and minimizing operational overhead.

StackWise Technology Integration

StackWise technology is a key feature of the Catalyst 3650 Series category, enabling multiple switches to be interconnected and managed as a unified system. This technology provides high-speed inter-switch connectivity, ensuring that stacked units operate with minimal latency and maximum resilience.

For enterprises with growing connectivity requirements, StackWise simplifies expansion by allowing new switches to join an existing stack without disrupting network operations. This approach enhances uptime, streamlines management, and ensures that the network can scale efficiently to meet future demands.

Flexible Uplink Options

The WS-C3650-48TQ-L category includes support for high-speed uplink configurations, enabling connectivity to distribution and core layers with sufficient bandwidth. These uplinks are designed to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and support advanced network architectures.

Flexible uplink options ensure that this category can integrate seamlessly into diverse network topologies, from traditional three-tier designs to modern collapsed core architectures. This adaptability reinforces the category’s long-term value and deployment versatility.

Security and Network Protection Features

Security is a fundamental aspect of the Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series category. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L switch supports a comprehensive suite of security features designed to protect the network from internal and external threats. These capabilities enable administrators to enforce access control, monitor traffic, and safeguard sensitive data.

This category supports advanced authentication mechanisms, including port-based access control, to ensure that only authorized devices and users can connect to the network. By implementing security at the access layer, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Access Control and Policy Enforcement

Access control features within this category allow administrators to define and enforce security policies based on user identity, device type, or network location. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L supports integration with centralized authentication systems, enabling consistent policy enforcement across the enterprise.

These capabilities help organizations maintain compliance with security standards and protect critical resources. The ability to apply granular policies at the port level enhances overall network security and reduces exposure to threats.

Threat Detection and Mitigation

The Catalyst 3650 Series category includes features that support threat detection and mitigation, helping administrators identify and respond to suspicious activity. Traffic monitoring, anomaly detection, and logging capabilities provide visibility into network behavior and potential security incidents.

By incorporating these security measures directly into the switching infrastructure, this category reduces reliance on external devices and improves overall network defense. This integrated approach enhances operational efficiency and strengthens the security posture of the enterprise network.

Centralized Configuration and Visibility

Centralized configuration capabilities allow administrators to manage multiple switches consistently and efficiently. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L category supports unified configuration management, ensuring that policies and settings are applied uniformly across the network.

Enhanced visibility into network performance and traffic patterns enables proactive management and informed decision-making. Detailed metrics and reporting tools help administrators identify trends, optimize performance, and plan for future growth.

Automation and Simplified Operations

Automation features within the Catalyst 3650 Series category help streamline repetitive tasks and reduce the potential for human error. The ability to automate configuration, updates, and policy enforcement improves operational efficiency and consistency.

By leveraging automation, organizations can accelerate deployment, reduce downtime, and maintain a more resilient network infrastructure. This focus on operational efficiency makes the category well-suited for enterprises seeking to optimize IT resources.

Enterprise Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L Catalyst switch category is versatile enough to support a wide range of enterprise use cases. Its combination of performance, scalability, and security makes it suitable for access layer deployments across various industries.

In corporate office environments, this category provides reliable connectivity for employees, supporting productivity tools and collaboration platforms. In educational institutions, it delivers the port density and performance required to support classrooms, labs, and administrative offices. Healthcare facilities benefit from the category’s reliability and security, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical systems.

Campus and Branch Network Deployments

Campus networks require switches that can handle large numbers of endpoints while maintaining consistent performance. The Catalyst 3650 Series category meets these requirements by providing high port density, robust throughput, and advanced management capabilities.

In branch office deployments, this category supports centralized control and simplified management, enabling organizations to maintain consistent network policies across distributed locations. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for enterprises with geographically dispersed operations.

Support for Modern Applications

Modern enterprise applications demand reliable connectivity, low latency, and sufficient bandwidth. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L category is designed to support these requirements, ensuring that applications perform optimally.

From cloud-based services to unified communications and data-driven platforms, this category provides the foundation needed to support digital transformation initiatives. Its ability to adapt to evolving application demands reinforces its relevance in contemporary network environments.

Long-Term Value and Investment Protection

The Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series category is built to deliver long-term value through robust hardware design, software flexibility, and ongoing support. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L switch represents an investment in a reliable, scalable, and secure networking solution that can adapt to changing business needs.

By combining advanced features with proven Cisco reliability, this category offers organizations a dependable foundation for their network infrastructure. Its ability to support current requirements while accommodating future growth ensures that it remains a valuable asset over time.

Reliability and Enterprise-Grade Design

Enterprise-grade design principles underpin the Catalyst 3650 Series category, ensuring high availability and operational stability. The WS-C3650-48TQ-L is engineered to operate continuously in demanding environments, delivering consistent performance and minimizing downtime.

This focus on reliability reduces maintenance costs and supports mission-critical operations. Organizations can depend on this category to provide uninterrupted connectivity and support business continuity.

Future-Ready Networking Platform

The Cisco WS-C3650-48TQ-L Catalyst switch category is designed to be future-ready, supporting evolving networking standards and technologies. Its flexible architecture and software capabilities enable it to adapt to new requirements without extensive hardware changes.

This future-oriented approach ensures that organizations can continue to leverage their investment as networking needs evolve. The category’s balance of performance, scalability, security, and manageability positions it as a strategic component of modern enterprise networks.