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

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

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E is a high-performance Layer 2 manageable switch from the renowned Catalyst 3850 series. Engineered for modern network infrastructures, it delivers exceptional reliability, scalability, and optical fiber support.

Manufacturer and Product Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number / SKU: WS-C3850-48XS-F-E
• Product Type: Switch
• Sub Type: 48 Ports
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 3850

Ports and Interfaces

This Cisco switch is designed for high-speed network connectivity with a variety of ports and modular options:

• Uplink Port: Available for seamless network expansion
• Modular Design: Supports flexible configurations
• Stack Port: Enables stacking multiple switches for scalable deployments

Expansion Slots

• 4 × 40 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots
• 48 × 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots
• Total Number of Expansion Slots: 52
• Slot Types: SFP+, QSFP+

Performance and Network Capabilities

Optimized for high-speed and reliable network operations:

• Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
• Ethernet Technology: 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 40 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Technology: 10GBase-X, 40GBase-X
• Supported Layer: Layer 4 for advanced traffic management

Network Management Features

• Fully manageable switch with intuitive administration tools
• Supports advanced protocols for seamless integration

Power and Reliability

• Power Source: Internal power supply
• Redundant Power Supply: Supported for uninterrupted network uptime

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

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Catalyst 3850 switch represents a robust and scalable network solution designed for enterprise and data center environments. This switch is part of Cisco’s Catalyst 3850 series, which is renowned for its high performance, advanced security features, and exceptional reliability. With 48 SFP+ ports, the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E provides a high-speed connectivity solution that is ideal for organizations seeking a seamless and efficient network infrastructure. The switch supports Layer 2 switching capabilities, making it highly suitable for building a stable and scalable LAN architecture that meets modern enterprise demands.

Engineered for high throughput and low latency, the Cisco 3850 48 Ports switch ensures optimal performance for bandwidth-intensive applications, virtualization platforms, and cloud-based services. Its integrated features, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, advanced Quality of Service (QoS), and stackable architecture, allow IT administrators to manage network traffic effectively while maintaining high levels of redundancy and reliability. The Catalyst 3850 series is particularly valued for its ability to support converged wired and wireless networks, providing a unified platform for enterprise connectivity.

Port Configuration and Connectivity Features

High-Density SFP+ Ports

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E switch is equipped with 48 high-speed SFP+ ports, providing 10 Gigabit connectivity per port. This high-density configuration enables organizations to connect multiple servers, storage devices, and high-performance endpoints within a single switch chassis, optimizing network consolidation. The SFP+ modules offer flexible deployment options, supporting both short-range and long-range fiber connections depending on organizational requirements. This flexibility ensures that the Catalyst 3850 can adapt to varying network topologies and environments, from enterprise campuses to data centers.

Scalable Uplinks and Stacking

The switch supports stackable architecture using Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing up to nine switches to be interconnected and managed as a single logical unit. This capability significantly simplifies network management, reduces operational overhead, and enhances redundancy, as traffic can be rerouted seamlessly in the event of a switch failure. The stacking functionality also enables linear scalability, allowing organizations to expand their network without major infrastructure modifications.

High Availability and Redundancy

Reliability is a key feature of the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E switch. The device supports redundant power supply options and hot-swappable components, which ensure continuous operation during maintenance or hardware upgrades. In addition, the Catalyst 3850 integrates intelligent resiliency protocols such as Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), providing fast convergence and protection against network loops. These features are critical for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to significant operational losses.

Layer 2 Switching Capabilities

Advanced Switching and VLAN Support

The Cisco 3850 48 Ports switch operates primarily as a Layer 2 device, enabling highly efficient MAC-based forwarding for connected endpoints. Its advanced switching architecture supports multiple VLANs, allowing network segmentation that enhances security and optimizes traffic flow. By isolating broadcast domains, the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E minimizes unnecessary network congestion and ensures that critical applications receive priority bandwidth. The switch also supports VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), simplifying VLAN management across large-scale network deployments.

Quality of Service (QoS) Optimization

High-performance applications, such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud services, require consistent and predictable network performance. The Catalyst 3850 includes advanced QoS capabilities that allow administrators to prioritize traffic based on application requirements. The device supports classification, marking, policing, and queuing, ensuring that high-priority traffic is delivered with minimal latency. These QoS features are crucial for organizations that rely on real-time communication services and latency-sensitive applications.

Security and Access Control

Security is a central consideration in modern network environments, and the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E switch is equipped with comprehensive security features. It supports IEEE 802.1X authentication, enabling secure network access for devices and users. Additionally, the switch includes Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard, and DHCP Snooping capabilities, which protect against common Layer 2 attacks. With these security measures, organizations can enforce network policies, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

Deployment Scenarios and Applications

Enterprise Campus Networks

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E switch is particularly suited for deployment in enterprise campus environments. Its high port density, Layer 2 capabilities, and advanced QoS features make it ideal for connecting end-user devices, access points, and servers in a reliable and scalable manner. The switch supports converged wired and wireless networks, allowing organizations to simplify network architecture while delivering seamless user experiences across multiple devices and locations.

Data Center Connectivity

In data center scenarios, the Catalyst 3850 provides high-speed connectivity for servers, storage networks, and virtualization platforms. The SFP+ ports enable low-latency 10 Gigabit links, which are critical for high-performance computing and storage applications. Additionally, its stacking and uplink capabilities allow for flexible and scalable network topologies, supporting both leaf-spine and traditional hierarchical architectures. The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E ensures that data center environments can handle growing bandwidth demands and evolving application requirements effectively.

Unified Communications

Organizations leveraging VoIP, video conferencing, and collaborative tools benefit from the Catalyst 3850’s robust QoS and security features. The switch prioritizes voice and video traffic to maintain call quality and minimize jitter, packet loss, and latency. Its integration with Cisco Unified Communications Manager simplifies network provisioning for IP phones and endpoints, creating a cohesive communication infrastructure that enhances productivity and collaboration.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Performance Metrics

The WS-C3850-48XS-F-E switch delivers exceptional performance with a switching capacity of up to 960 Gbps and forwarding rates of up to 714.28 Mpps. Its architecture supports hardware-based Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding, ensuring efficient traffic processing and minimal latency. The switch’s high-speed backplane and redundant power options contribute to uninterrupted network operations, even under high load conditions. These performance characteristics make it suitable for high-density enterprise environments and mission-critical applications.

Redundant and Modular Design

The modular design of the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E allows organizations to upgrade components as network demands grow. Redundant power supplies, fan modules, and hot-swappable components ensure that maintenance and hardware replacements can occur without disrupting network services. The switch’s design prioritizes operational continuity, enabling organizations to maintain high availability and service-level agreements (SLAs) for critical applications.

Software Features

The Catalyst 3850 switch runs Cisco IOS XE software, providing advanced features such as Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), application visibility, policy-based automation, and seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center. These software capabilities allow organizations to implement automated provisioning, centralized policy enforcement, and end-to-end network segmentation. Cisco IOS XE ensures that the switch remains adaptable to evolving enterprise requirements while supporting innovative network services.

Comparative Advantages

Why Choose the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E

Compared to other Layer 2 switches in its class, the Catalyst 3850 48 Ports switch offers a unique combination of high-density SFP+ connectivity, stackable architecture, advanced QoS, and robust security features. Its integration with Cisco’s network management tools and support for converged wired and wireless networks distinguishes it from traditional Layer 2 switches. Organizations benefit from a unified platform that reduces management complexity, increases network resilience, and supports future growth.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

Investing in the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E provides long-term scalability and future-proofing for enterprise networks. Its stackable design allows IT teams to add switches seamlessly, while its support for 10 Gigabit uplinks ensures that growing bandwidth requirements are accommodated without significant infrastructure changes. The switch’s compatibility with Cisco DNA Center and software-driven automation enables organizations to adopt new technologies efficiently, including IoT devices, cloud applications, and advanced analytics platforms.

Enterprise Reliability

The Catalyst 3850 series has a proven track record of reliability in demanding enterprise environments. Its combination of redundant components, advanced resiliency protocols, and comprehensive monitoring ensures consistent uptime and operational stability. Organizations can deploy the WS-C3850-48XS-F-E with confidence, knowing that it will support critical business applications, secure communications, and high-performance computing workloads effectively.