WS-C3650-24TS-S Cisco 24 Ports Manageable Switch Catalyst 3650-24TS 4x SFP Ports

Cisco Catalyst WS-C3650-24TS-S Managed Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S is a business-class managed switch designed for scalable enterprise and campus networks. Built within the Catalyst 3650 Series, this model delivers reliable Layer 3 routing, advanced traffic control, and flexible management for modern IT infrastructures.

Manufacturer and Product Identification

• Brand: Cisco
• Series: Catalyst 3650
• Model Number: WS-C3650-24TS-S
• Device Category: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 24-Port Ethernet Switch

Port Configuration and Interface Details

Ethernet and Fiber Connectivity

This Cisco managed switch is equipped to support high-speed wired connections while maintaining uplink flexibility through fiber interfaces.

• 24 x Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports
• 4 x SFP uplink ports for fiber connections
• Optimized for access and distribution layer deployments

Form Factor and Installation Options

• 1U rack-mountable enclosure
• Desktop deployment supported
• Designed for data centers, wiring closets, and enterprise environments

Switching Performance and Throughput

High-Speed Data Handling

The WS-C3650-24TS-S provides consistent performance for demanding network traffic with strong switching and forwarding capabilities.

• Switching bandwidth up to 88 Gbps
• Forwarding rate of 65.47 million packets per second
• Supports jumbo frames up to 9198 bytes

Scalability and Capacity Metrics

• MAC address table size: 32,000 entries
• IPv4 routing entries: up to 24,000
• NetFlow entries capacity: 24,000
• Up to 1,000 VLANs supported
• 1,000 Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs)

Layer 3 Routing and Network Intelligence

Supported Routing Protocols

This Cisco Catalyst switch supports a wide range of dynamic and static routing protocols for efficient traffic management.

• OSPF
• RIP v1 and RIP v2
• RIPng
• Static IP routing
• EIGRP Stub routing

Advanced Network Features

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

• VLAN segmentation and trunking
• ARP support and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
• IGMP and MLD snooping
• DHCP snooping for enhanced security
• Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Spanning Tree and Link Management

• Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
• Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
• Per-VLAN Rapid Spanning Tree Plus (PVRST+)
• Uni-Directional Link Detection (UDLD)
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP)
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)

Traffic Optimization and Monitoring

• Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization
• Flexible NetFlow (FNF)
• Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN)
• Energy Efficient Ethernet support

Management, Monitoring, and Security

Remote Management Protocols

Comprehensive management options allow administrators to configure, monitor, and secure the network with ease.

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

Authentication and Access Control

• RADIUS authentication support
• IEEE 802.1X port-based access control

Standards Compliance and Power Specifications

IEEE Compliance

• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, and 802.3z
• IEEE 802.1D, 802.1Q, 802.1P
• IEEE 802.1W, 802.1S, 802.1X
• IEEE 802.3ad (LACP)
• IEEE 802.1AB (LLDP)

Power and Redundancy

• AC input: 120/230V, 50–60 Hz
• Optional power redundancy for high availability

Enterprise-Class Managed Switching for Scalable Networks

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S 24 Ports Manageable Switch Catalyst 3650-24TS with 4x SFP Ports represents a robust category of enterprise-grade managed Ethernet switches designed to deliver advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities for modern campus, branch, and enterprise access networks. This category focuses on high-performance fixed-configuration switches that integrate intelligent network services, secure connectivity, and scalable architecture within a compact 1U form factor. The Catalyst 3650 series is widely recognized for its ability to combine wired access switching with centralized management, making it a foundational component for organizations seeking reliability, control, and long-term investment protection.

As part of the Cisco Catalyst access switching portfolio, this category emphasizes network stability, operational simplicity, and seamless integration with existing Cisco infrastructure. The WS-C3650-24TS-S model specifically addresses environments that require a balance of copper Ethernet connectivity and fiber uplink flexibility, ensuring consistent performance for data, voice, and video applications. The category is built around enterprise deployment requirements where uptime, manageability, and scalability are essential.

Design Philosophy and Hardware Architecture

The Catalyst 3650-24TS switch category is engineered with a focus on durability, performance consistency, and modular scalability. The hardware architecture incorporates high-quality internal components, optimized airflow, and redundant power supply support in select configurations to ensure continuous operation in demanding network environments. The 24-port configuration provides ample connectivity for access-layer deployments, supporting desktops, IP phones, wireless access points, and other network-enabled devices.

This category benefits from Cisco’s proven ASIC design, which enables wire-speed forwarding and low-latency packet processing. The internal switching fabric is designed to handle concurrent traffic flows without bottlenecks, ensuring predictable performance even during peak utilization periods. By integrating advanced buffering and queue management mechanisms, the Catalyst 3650-24TS category supports traffic prioritization for latency-sensitive applications such as voice over IP and real-time collaboration tools.

Port Density and Interface Flexibility

The defining characteristic of this category is its balanced port configuration, combining twenty-four 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with four dedicated SFP uplink ports. This design supports flexible network topologies by allowing seamless connectivity to aggregation or core switches using fiber optic links. The copper ports provide high-speed access for end devices, while the SFP ports extend network reach and support longer-distance connections.

The category is optimized for environments that require scalable growth without excessive hardware replacement. The SFP uplink capability allows network administrators to select appropriate transceivers based on distance, speed, and media type, supporting multimode or single-mode fiber as needed. This flexibility ensures that the Catalyst 3650-24TS category remains adaptable to evolving network architectures.

Form Factor and Deployment Versatility

The 1U rack-mountable form factor of this category makes it suitable for data centers, wiring closets, and branch offices. The compact design simplifies installation while maintaining adequate thermal performance. Front-facing ports and status indicators enhance operational visibility, enabling quick troubleshooting and efficient cable management. The category is well-suited for both new deployments and network refresh projects where space efficiency and ease of maintenance are critical considerations.

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S category is distinguished by its comprehensive set of Layer 2 and Layer 3 features that enable intelligent traffic management and efficient network segmentation. These switches support advanced VLAN configurations, spanning tree enhancements, and link aggregation technologies that improve redundancy and optimize bandwidth utilization across the network.

At the Layer 3 level, this category provides dynamic routing support and inter-VLAN routing capabilities that reduce the need for additional routing devices at the access layer. By integrating routing intelligence directly into the switch, organizations can simplify network design while maintaining high performance and reliability. This approach is particularly beneficial in campus environments where multiple VLANs and subnetworks coexist.

VLAN Management and Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical requirement for modern enterprises, and the Catalyst 3650-24TS category excels in this area. The switch supports extensive VLAN configurations that allow administrators to logically separate traffic based on department, application, or security policy. This capability enhances both performance and security by limiting broadcast domains and reducing unnecessary traffic propagation.

The category also supports advanced VLAN tagging and trunking protocols, enabling seamless integration with upstream switches and routers. This ensures consistent policy enforcement across the network and simplifies management in multi-switch deployments. The ability to manage VLANs centrally contributes to reduced operational overhead and improved network agility.

Spanning Tree Enhancements and Redundancy

To maintain network stability and prevent loops, the Catalyst 3650-24TS category includes support for enhanced spanning tree protocols. These mechanisms provide faster convergence times and improved resilience in the event of link failures. By minimizing downtime and ensuring rapid recovery, the category supports mission-critical applications that demand continuous connectivity.

Redundancy features within this category are designed to work seamlessly with Cisco’s broader networking ecosystem. Link aggregation technologies allow multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical connection, increasing bandwidth and providing failover protection. This ensures that network performance remains consistent even if individual links experience issues.

Integrated Security and Access Control Features

Security is a foundational element of the Cisco Catalyst 3650-24TS category, addressing the growing need to protect enterprise networks from internal and external threats. The category incorporates a range of security features that help enforce access policies, monitor network activity, and prevent unauthorized access.

These switches support advanced authentication mechanisms that verify device and user identities before granting network access. By integrating security directly into the access layer, the category reduces the attack surface and enhances overall network integrity. This approach aligns with modern zero-trust networking principles, where access is granted based on verified credentials and contextual policies.

Access Control Lists and Traffic Filtering

The Catalyst 3650-24TS category includes robust access control list functionality that allows administrators to define granular traffic filtering rules. These rules can be applied at the port, VLAN, or interface level, enabling precise control over which devices and applications are permitted to communicate across the network.

By filtering traffic at the access layer, the category helps prevent malicious activity from spreading to other parts of the network. This proactive security approach improves overall resilience and reduces the burden on upstream security appliances. The ability to implement detailed policies directly on the switch enhances both performance and security effectiveness.

Performance Optimization for Data, Voice, and Video

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S category is designed to support converged networks that carry data, voice, and video traffic over a single infrastructure. Performance optimization features ensure that latency-sensitive applications receive priority treatment, delivering consistent quality of service across the network.

This category leverages advanced quality of service mechanisms that classify and prioritize traffic based on application type, protocol, or policy. By ensuring that critical traffic is delivered reliably, the Catalyst 3650-24TS category supports modern collaboration tools, unified communications systems, and multimedia applications.

Quality of Service Architecture

The quality of service architecture within this category enables precise traffic prioritization and bandwidth allocation. Administrators can define policies that ensure mission-critical applications receive sufficient resources even during periods of high network utilization. This capability is essential for maintaining performance consistency in environments with diverse traffic profiles.

By implementing quality of service at the access layer, the category minimizes the risk of congestion-related issues propagating through the network. This proactive approach enhances end-user experience and supports business-critical operations that depend on reliable network performance.

Low Latency and High Throughput Design

The internal design of the Catalyst 3650-24TS category emphasizes low latency and high throughput, ensuring that packets are forwarded efficiently without unnecessary delays. This is achieved through optimized forwarding paths and intelligent buffering mechanisms that adapt to varying traffic conditions.

The category’s ability to maintain consistent performance under load makes it suitable for high-density environments where multiple devices generate concurrent traffic streams. This reliability is a key factor in the widespread adoption of the Catalyst 3650 series in enterprise networks.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S category is well-suited for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including enterprise campus networks, branch offices, educational institutions, and healthcare environments. Its combination of performance, security, and manageability makes it a versatile choice for organizations with diverse networking needs.

In campus environments, the category serves as a reliable access-layer solution that connects end devices to the broader network infrastructure. In branch offices, it provides centralized control and consistent policy enforcement, ensuring that remote locations adhere to corporate standards.

Enterprise Access Layer Integration

Within the enterprise access layer, the Catalyst 3650-24TS category delivers the performance and reliability required to support a large number of connected devices. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with aggregation and core switches ensures smooth data flow and consistent policy application across the network.

The category’s scalability allows organizations to expand their networks incrementally without disruptive upgrades. This flexibility is particularly valuable in dynamic environments where user counts and application requirements change frequently.

Long-Term Value and Investment Protection

The Catalyst 3650-24TS category is designed to provide long-term value through its robust feature set and compatibility with Cisco’s broader networking ecosystem. Organizations benefit from ongoing software enhancements and support, ensuring that their investment remains relevant as technology evolves.

This focus on longevity and adaptability makes the Cisco WS-C3650-24TS-S a strategic choice for enterprises seeking a dependable and future-ready managed switching solution.