WS-C3548-XL-EN Cisco Catalyst 3500 48 Ports Switch

Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN Catalyst 3500 Series Overview

The Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN Catalyst 3500 Series XL switch is a high-performance, enterprise-grade network switch designed to support robust LAN infrastructures. This fixed-configuration switch delivers scalable, flexible, and secure connectivity to meet the increasing demands of modern network environments. Offering 48 10/100 Ethernet ports and 2 Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) slots, the WS-C3548-XL-EN provides a cost-effective solution for high-density, fast Ethernet deployments with optional gigabit uplink capabilities.

Key Features of the Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN

• 48 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports for workstation or end-device connectivity
• 2 GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports
• Enterprise Edition software for advanced network services
• Support for Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS)
• Layer 2 switching with wire-speed performance
• Support for Quality of Service (QoS), VLANs, and advanced traffic management

High Port Density for Campus Networks

With 48 Fast Ethernet ports, the WS-C3548-XL-EN is ideal for wiring closet aggregation and campus network access layers. Its high port density reduces the need for multiple switches, streamlining infrastructure management and lowering total cost of ownership. The two GBIC slots support modular gigabit uplinks, enabling future-proof network scalability.

Advanced Software Capabilities with Enterprise Edition

This switch ships with the Enterprise Edition software, offering a rich set of network management and control features. Administrators benefit from enhanced VLAN support, multicast management, port security, and Cisco Group Management Protocol (CGMP) support. These capabilities help optimize network performance and increase security.

Virtual LANs (VLANs)

VLAN support on the WS-C3548-XL-EN allows segmentation of the network into logical broadcast domains, improving bandwidth usage and security. Administrators can create and manage VLANs for different departments or applications, ensuring efficient traffic segmentation and isolation.

Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS capabilities prioritize critical traffic such as voice, video, and essential business applications. With traffic classification and marking, QoS ensures optimal performance for latency-sensitive services while maintaining bandwidth availability for less critical data.

Scalability and Gigabit Uplink Options

Equipped with two modular GBIC slots, the WS-C3548-XL-EN offers flexible gigabit uplink options to connect to backbone or distribution layer switches. Administrators can choose from a range of Cisco GBICs for fiber or copper connectivity, depending on deployment needs. This flexibility ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure and supports future upgrades.

Modular GBIC Support

The inclusion of GBIC slots allows for the use of swappable optical modules, including SX, LX/LH, and ZX transceivers. This modularity provides greater adaptability for various network distances and media types, from short-range multimode fiber to long-haul single-mode deployments.

Performance and Switching Capacity

The Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN delivers wire-speed Layer 2 switching with a non-blocking architecture. It supports up to 13.6 Gbps switching fabric and 10 million packets per second (pps) forwarding rate. These performance metrics ensure reliable and responsive data transmission even in high-traffic environments.

MAC Address Support

Supporting up to 8,000 MAC addresses, the switch accommodates large numbers of end devices while maintaining efficient forwarding tables. This capability is crucial for enterprise deployments where user and device counts are high.

Reliability and Redundancy

Built with enterprise-grade components, the WS-C3548-XL-EN offers high reliability with minimal downtime. Features such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Cisco’s proprietary EtherChannel enable link redundancy and load balancing, enhancing network resilience.

Spanning Tree Protocol

STP ensures loop-free topology in Layer 2 networks by automatically disabling redundant links until they are needed. This protocol maintains network availability and prevents broadcast storms, which can degrade performance.

EtherChannel Technology

With support for EtherChannel, multiple physical links can be combined into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. This enhances throughput between switches or to the core network, especially useful in environments with high inter-switch traffic.

Management and Configuration

Management options for the Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN include a command-line interface (CLI), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), and Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS). These options provide flexibility in configuration, monitoring, and maintenance for both novice and advanced network administrators.

Command Line Interface

The CLI allows granular control over switch operations, enabling advanced configurations, scripting, and automation for streamlined network administration.

Web-Based Management with CMS

Cisco’s CMS provides a graphical interface to manage clusters of Cisco switches, simplifying tasks such as VLAN management, software updates, and network troubleshooting.

Security Features

The WS-C3548-XL-EN includes several built-in security features to protect against unauthorized access and network threats. These include port security, MAC address filtering, and support for network authentication protocols like 802.1x.

Port Security

Port security enables administrators to restrict access based on MAC address, helping prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.

802.1x Authentication

Support for 802.1x allows for centralized network access control using authentication servers, adding an additional layer of security in enterprise deployments.

Use Cases and Applications

The Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN is best suited for medium to large enterprises, educational institutions, and branch offices. It serves as an excellent access layer switch, capable of aggregating numerous user devices, IP phones, and wireless access points. It is also ideal for deployments requiring advanced VLAN segmentation and QoS enforcement.

Campus LANs

Ideal for campus networks, this switch offers a cost-effective way to deliver high-performance connectivity to individual workstations or classrooms with centralized management and redundancy options.

Branch Office Infrastructure

In branch environments, the WS-C3548-XL-EN provides centralized switching with sufficient port density to support employees, VoIP phones, and networked devices without requiring multiple switches.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

The Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN is engineered with energy-saving technologies and low power consumption. Its efficient design helps reduce operational costs and environmental footprint, aligning with green IT strategies.

Compact Form Factor

Its 1U rack-mountable design fits easily into standard data center or telecom racks, conserving space while delivering high-capacity switching functionality.

Reduced Heat Output

Designed to operate with low thermal output, this switch reduces cooling requirements and enhances data center energy efficiency. Its internal fans and heat management systems help maintain optimal operating conditions.

End-of-Life and Replacement Considerations

Although the Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN has reached end-of-sale and end-of-support status, it remains a viable option for legacy network environments or cost-sensitive upgrades. Many refurbished units are available in the secondary market, offering continued use with appropriate planning for replacement or migration to newer models.

Migration Paths

For organizations planning an upgrade, the Cisco Catalyst 2960 and 3560 series switches offer modern alternatives with enhanced capabilities, including Layer 3 routing, PoE support, and more efficient power consumption. These newer platforms support ongoing Cisco IOS software updates and integration with Cisco DNA Center for modern network management.

Compatibility and Interoperability

The WS-C3548-XL-EN maintains broad compatibility with existing Cisco network infrastructures, including older Catalyst models, Cisco routers, and wireless controllers. Its adherence to industry standards ensures interoperability with third-party network equipment as well.

Standards Compliance

The switch supports IEEE 802.3, 802.1Q, 802.1p, and other industry-standard protocols, ensuring seamless integration into multi-vendor environments and facilitating interoperability across heterogeneous network deployments.

Technical Specifications

• 48 x 10/100 Ethernet ports
• 2 x GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet slots
• 13.6 Gbps switching fabric
• Forwarding rate: 10 Mpps
• MAC address table: 8,000 entries
• Dimensions: 1.73 x 17.5 x 13.0 inches
• Weight: approximately 11.5 lbs
• Operating temperature: 0 to 45°C (32 to 113°F)
• Redundant power system (optional)
• Standard 19-inch rack-mountable