WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Ports Switch SFP+ Layer 2 Manageable

Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Catalyst 3850 Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E is a high-performance, Layer 2 manageable switch, designed for robust enterprise networks. Part of Cisco's renowned Catalyst 3850 series, this 48-port switch delivers exceptional speed, scalability, and reliability for modern data centers and high-demand network environments.

Key Features of the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model / SKU: WS-C3850-48XS-F-E
• Switch Type: Layer 2 Manageable
• Number of Ports: 48 SFP+ ports
• Series: Catalyst 3850
• Supports high-speed optical fiber connectivity

Ports and Interfaces

• Uplink port available for seamless integration
• Stackable design for simplified network expansion
• Modular architecture enabling flexible configuration

Expansion Capabilities

• Total Expansion Slots: 52
• 40 Gigabit Ethernet Slots: 4
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet Slots: 48
• Slot Types Supported: SFP+, QSFP+
• Optimized for large-scale deployments and future growth

Performance and Technology

• Ethernet Technology: 10GBase-X and 40GBase-X support
• Media Compatibility: High-speed optical fiber
• Layer Support: Up to Layer 4 for advanced network traffic management

Management and Protocols

• Fully manageable for centralized network control
• Supports advanced Cisco protocols for optimized performance

Power Specifications

• Primary Power Source: Dedicated power supply
• Redundant power supply support ensures continuous uptime
• Designed for energy-efficient enterprise deployments

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Switch

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E is part of the renowned Catalyst 3850 series, representing a high-performance and reliable solution for modern enterprise networking. Catalyst 3850 switches are engineered to support both wired and wireless networks, offering unified access solutions that enable seamless connectivity across large-scale deployments. With the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E, businesses can achieve advanced network performance, enhanced scalability, and robust security features suitable for demanding Layer 2 environments.

Advanced Layer 2 Switching Capabilities

This model emphasizes Layer 2 switching, providing essential functionalities such as VLAN segmentation, spanning tree protocol, and MAC address management. These features ensure efficient traffic segmentation and reduce broadcast domains, which optimizes network performance in environments with multiple departments or high-density user clusters. The switch is capable of handling large amounts of data traffic, allowing IT administrators to maintain reliable and consistent network performance across multiple endpoints.

VLAN Support and Segmentation

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E supports a wide array of VLAN configurations, allowing enterprises to segment their network based on organizational needs. VLAN segmentation not only enhances security by isolating sensitive traffic but also improves network efficiency by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic. This capability is crucial for businesses running applications that require high availability and low latency, such as video conferencing, VoIP, and cloud-based services.

Spanning Tree Protocol Enhancements

The switch integrates advanced spanning tree protocol features, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), which minimize network downtime and prevent loops. These protocols ensure that any network topology changes or link failures are managed efficiently, allowing for uninterrupted service continuity. IT teams benefit from enhanced resilience and faster network convergence, critical for enterprise-grade networks.

High-Density SFP+ Connectivity

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E model includes 48 SFP+ ports, supporting high-speed 10 Gigabit connectivity for uplinks and inter-switch links. SFP+ technology ensures low latency and high reliability, making this switch ideal for data centers, aggregation layers, and high-performance campus networks. Its ability to handle 10G uplinks allows businesses to future-proof their networks as bandwidth demands continue to grow.

SFP+ Modules Compatibility

The switch is compatible with a wide range of Cisco SFP+ transceivers, providing flexibility in network design. Users can deploy short-range, long-range, or multi-mode fiber optic modules depending on the requirements of their network infrastructure. This flexibility supports a scalable and cost-effective network expansion strategy while maintaining high performance and low latency across the entire system.

StackWise-480 Technology

Cisco’s StackWise-480 technology enables stacking of multiple Catalyst 3850 switches into a single logical unit, providing a unified management experience and increased redundancy. Stackable architecture allows up to nine switches to operate as one, simplifying configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. StackWise-480 ensures high availability with minimal downtime, as traffic can be automatically rerouted in case of individual switch failure, making it suitable for mission-critical enterprise networks.

Performance and Scalability Features

With advanced hardware and software design, the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E delivers exceptional throughput and latency performance. Its switching capacity is engineered to meet the demands of large-scale deployments, ensuring that applications requiring high bandwidth operate without disruption. The switch’s architecture supports seamless network growth, allowing IT administrators to add more devices and bandwidth without compromising performance.

Enhanced Quality of Service (QoS)

Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches come with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, ensuring that critical applications such as voice and video receive priority treatment over other traffic. By intelligently managing bandwidth and controlling congestion, QoS helps maintain application performance, reduces packet loss, and ensures consistent user experience. This is especially important in environments where unified communications, streaming media, or cloud applications are extensively used.

Energy Efficiency and Smart Power Management

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E incorporates energy-efficient design principles, including Cisco EnergyWise technology, which helps monitor and reduce power consumption across the network. Smart power management not only lowers operational costs but also supports sustainability initiatives. Businesses can deploy high-density switches without significantly increasing power budgets, making it suitable for environmentally-conscious IT infrastructures.

Comprehensive Security Features

Security is a key consideration in modern network deployments, and the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E addresses this need through multiple built-in features. These switches support advanced access control mechanisms, dynamic segmentation, and network device authentication to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry standards. Layer 2 security protocols such as port security, DHCP snooping, and Dynamic ARP Inspection prevent unauthorized access and mitigate the risk of network attacks.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC functionality enables administrators to define precise access permissions for users and devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access specific network resources. By integrating RBAC with Cisco’s identity services engine (ISE), organizations can enforce security policies dynamically, adapting to changes in user roles or device profiles. This helps maintain a secure network environment while simplifying administration.

MAC Address Filtering and Port Security

The switch allows fine-grained control over connected devices through MAC address filtering and port security configurations. Administrators can limit the number of devices per port, detect unauthorized devices, and automatically block suspicious connections. These features reduce the attack surface, maintain network integrity, and ensure compliance with corporate security policies.

Manageability and Automation

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E offers a robust management platform that simplifies network operation and monitoring. With Cisco IOS XE software, administrators can leverage a wide range of automation, orchestration, and monitoring tools to reduce operational complexity and enhance network performance. Automated configuration, zero-touch provisioning, and advanced monitoring capabilities enable IT teams to deploy and manage switches efficiently, saving both time and operational costs.

Web-Based and CLI Management

The switch supports multiple management interfaces, including a web-based GUI and a command-line interface (CLI), providing flexibility to network administrators. The GUI offers an intuitive dashboard for monitoring network health, traffic patterns, and device performance, while the CLI allows for precise configuration and scripting for automated tasks. This dual approach ensures that organizations of all sizes can manage their network infrastructure effectively.

Integration with Cisco DNA Center

For advanced automation and analytics, the Catalyst 3850 series integrates seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center. This platform provides a centralized management system for network assurance, policy-based automation, and AI-driven analytics. IT administrators can proactively identify performance bottlenecks, detect anomalies, and optimize network resources across multiple locations, ensuring a future-ready enterprise network.

Reliability and Resiliency

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Catalyst 3850 series, and the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E is designed with high availability in mind. Features such as dual redundant power supplies, field-replaceable modules, and hot-swappable components minimize downtime and facilitate rapid recovery in the event of hardware failure. Enterprise networks benefit from uninterrupted operations and consistent service levels, critical for mission-critical applications and high-demand environments.

Redundant Power Supplies

Dual power supply support ensures continuous operation in case of a failure, with automatic failover to maintain network uptime. This redundancy is particularly beneficial for data centers and enterprise core networks, where even brief outages can have significant operational and financial impacts. Administrators can configure power supply monitoring to receive alerts and proactively replace failing units before they impact network performance.

Hot-Swappable Modules and Ports

The Catalyst 3850 switches are equipped with hot-swappable modules and ports, allowing for hardware upgrades and replacements without interrupting network services. This feature supports ongoing maintenance, network expansion, and technology refresh initiatives without affecting end-users. Organizations can maintain high service availability while keeping the network infrastructure up-to-date with the latest technology standards.

Deployment Scenarios

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E is highly versatile, suitable for multiple deployment scenarios, including enterprise campus networks, data centers, and aggregation layers. Its combination of Layer 2 switching, high-density SFP+ connectivity, and advanced manageability makes it ideal for environments that require high bandwidth, low latency, and robust security. Organizations can implement this switch as a core, distribution, or access layer device, depending on their network architecture.

Enterprise Campus Networks

In campus environments, the Catalyst 3850 series provides reliable access for employees, students, and IoT devices. The switch supports high-density deployments, QoS policies for unified communications, and advanced security measures, ensuring smooth operation across multiple buildings and floors. Network administrators can centrally manage access policies and monitor network performance from a single interface.

Data Center and Aggregation Layers

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E is also suitable for data center or aggregation deployments, where high-speed SFP+ uplinks and Layer 2 functionalities are critical. With stacking capabilities and robust throughput, the switch can handle heavy east-west traffic, ensuring efficient inter-server communication. Its scalable architecture allows organizations to expand their network infrastructure without major redesigns.

Branch Offices and Remote Locations

For distributed enterprises, this switch offers a cost-effective yet high-performance solution for branch offices or remote locations. Features like automated provisioning, secure access controls, and simplified management enable IT teams to deploy and maintain consistent network policies across multiple sites. This ensures a uniform user experience regardless of geographic location.