Description
Product Overview for the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW 48 Ports Managed Switch
The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is a powerful and versatile managed switch designed to meet the networking needs of modern businesses. This switch is part of Cisco’s MS series, which is known for its high performance, reliability, and advanced features. The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is a high-performance Layer 3 (L3) Ethernet switch that offers advanced networking capabilities. It’s equipped with a variety of ports and features, making it suitable for a wide range of network applications. This switch is known for its robustness and ability to handle complex networking tasks with ease.
48 Ports
In total, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW offers 48 ports, providing substantial connectivity options for your network infrastructure. This extensive port count makes it versatile and suitable for various networking scenarios.
24 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports
The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW comes with 24 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network 48 ports. These ports are essential for high-speed data transfer, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications and large data transfers.
24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports
In addition to the 10 GbE ports, this switch also has 24 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network ports. These ports are suitable for connecting various devices in your network, such as computers, printers, and IP phones.
2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports
The inclusion of 2 40 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports enables high-speed connections to the core of your network or to other switches. These ports are critical for aggregating traffic and ensuring seamless data flow.
4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots
The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW also offers 4 10 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots. These slots allow you to expand the capabilities of your switch, adding more functionality and connectivity options as your network grows.
2 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Stack Ports
With 2 100 Gigabit Ethernet stack ports, this switch is capable of stacking with other compatible switches. Stacking allows for simplified management and increased scalability, making it easier to handle larger networks.
Manageable and Rack-Mountable
This Cisco switch is manageable, which means you can configure and monitor it according to your specific network requirements. It is also rack-mountable, which is a space-saving and convenient way to install it in a data center or network cabinet.
Managed Switch
As a managed switch, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW gives you full control over your network. You can set up virtual LANs (VLANs), prioritize traffic, and perform other network management tasks to ensure optimal performance.
Scalability
With expansion slots and stacking capabilities, this switch is highly scalable. It can grow with your network’s needs, reducing the need for frequent equipment upgrades. This scalability ensures that your network can adapt to increasing demands without compromising performance.
Reliability
Cisco is known for the reliability of its networking equipment, and the MS355-48X2-HW is no exception. It’s built to withstand heavy workloads and is backed by Cisco’s reputation for quality and durability.
Versatility
The combination of 10 GbE, 40 GbE, and 100 GbE ports, along with numerous expansion slots, makes this switch incredibly versatile. You can connect a wide range of devices and accommodate various network applications, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Key Specifications of Rack-mountable Switch
The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW comes with an array of features that make it a robust choice for businesses of all sizes. Let’s start by delving into its key specifications:
- Layer 3 (L3) Capability: This switch is equipped with Layer 3 routing capabilities. This means it can make intelligent decisions about how to route data within your network, increasing network efficiency and performance.
- 24 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports: These high-speed ports are suitable for connecting devices that require a fast and reliable connection, such as servers or high-demand workstations.
- 24 x Gigabit Ethernet Network Ports: Gigabit Ethernet ports are ideal for general network connections, accommodating devices like desktop computers, printers, or IP phones.
- 2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet Uplink Ports: These uplink ports are designed to connect your switch to other network infrastructure components, providing high-speed connections to the rest of your network.
- 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots: The expansion slots allow for additional connectivity options, enabling the switch to grow with your network’s needs.
- Stackable Design: This switch has 2 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Stack Ports. Stackable switches are essential for expanding your network efficiently while simplifying management. When stacked, multiple switches can function as a single unit, which streamlines configuration and reduces the complexity of managing a growing network.
- Manageability: The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW is a highly manageable switch. It comes with advanced management features, including remote management, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support, and a user-friendly web-based interface. This allows network administrators to monitor and configure the switch easily.
- Rack-Mountable Design: The switch is designed to be rack-mounted, saving valuable floor space in data centers or server rooms. This is especially important for businesses with limited physical space.
- Port Count: The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW boasts a total of 48 ports, providing ample connectivity options for various devices and network configurations.
- Layer 2 Features: In addition to Layer 3 capabilities, this switch supports a wide range of Layer 2 features, including VLAN support, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Quality of Service (QoS) support, enhancing network segmentation and reliability.
Features and Benefits of the Cisco Ethernet Switch
Now that we’ve discussed the key specifications of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW, let’s delve into the features and benefits that this switch offers:
- High Performance: With a combination of 10 Gigabit and Gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch is designed to deliver high-performance connectivity. It can handle the demands of data-intensive applications and provide low-latency connections, making it suitable for businesses that require a reliable and fast network infrastructure.
- Scalability: The 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots and 2 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Stack Ports offer ample room for network expansion. This scalability is crucial for businesses that anticipate growth and need a switch that can adapt to changing requirements.
- Layer 3 Routing: The Layer 3 capabilities enable intelligent routing within your network. This means the switch can make routing decisions based on IP addresses, optimizing traffic flow and enhancing network efficiency. It’s particularly useful for large networks with multiple subnets.
- Stackable Design: The 2 x 100 Gigabit Ethernet Stack Ports allow you to create a stack of switches. This stack behaves as a single unit, simplifying management and configuration. It also enhances network redundancy and resilience.
- Advanced Manageability: The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW offers a range of management options, including command-line interface (CLI), web-based GUI, and SNMP support. The ease of management is crucial for efficient network operation and troubleshooting.
- Rack-Mountable Design: The switch’s rack-mountable form factor is ideal for data centers and server rooms where space is often limited. It’s a space-saving solution that ensures optimal use of your facility’s square footage.
- Security Features: Cisco switches are known for their robust security features. The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW supports features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1X authentication, and secure management access. These security measures help protect your network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
- Quality of Service (QoS): This switch supports QoS, which allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic. This is especially important for applications like voice and video conferencing, where network performance and reliability are critical.
- Energy Efficiency: Cisco switches are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They often come with features like Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and advanced power management to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
Use Cases
Now that we understand the features and benefits of the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW, let’s explore some common use cases for this switch:
- Data Centers: In data center environments, high-performance networking equipment is essential. The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW’s combination of 10 Gigabit and Gigabit Ethernet ports, Layer 3 routing capabilities, and stackable design make it an excellent choice for data centers. It can handle the traffic demands of virtualization, storage, and cloud applications, while also providing efficient network segmentation.
- Large Enterprises: Large enterprises often require robust and scalable networking solutions. With its ample port options, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 40 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, this switch is well-suited for large-scale networks. The stackable design simplifies management and ensures network reliability.
- Campus Networks: Educational institutions, corporate campuses, and healthcare facilities can benefit from the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW’s flexibility and scalability. It can accommodate a variety of devices, from desktop computers to high-speed servers, and provide the necessary performance for data-intensive applications.
- Remote Office/Branch Office (ROBO) Environments: Remote offices and branch offices often require reliable networking equipment that can be remotely managed. The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW’s remote management capabilities, along with its security features, make it a suitable choice for ROBO deployments.
- Service Providers: Internet service providers and managed service providers can deploy this switch to meet the networking needs of their customers. Its scalability, Layer 3 routing capabilities, and advanced management options make it a versatile solution for delivering reliable services.
Competitive Advantage
The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW offers several advantages that set it apart from other switches in the market. Let’s explore some of these competitive advantages:
- Cisco’s Reputation: Cisco is a well-established and trusted brand in the networking industry. Their switches are known for their quality and reliability. The Cisco MS355-48X2-HW benefits from the company’s decades of experience in designing and manufacturing networking equipment.
- Layer 3 Routing: The Layer 3 routing capabilities of this switch give it a competitive edge. It allows for intelligent routing decisions, which is crucial for optimizing network performance, especially in large and complex networks.
- Scalability: The ability to stack multiple switches and expand the network is a valuable feature. It simplifies network management and reduces the need for complex configurations when adding new devices.
- Security Features: Cisco is known for its robust security features, and this switch is no exception. It includes ACLs, 802.1X authentication, and secure management access, all of which enhance network security and protect against potential threats.
- Manageability: The ease of management, including the web-based GUI and SNMP support, makes this switch highly user-friendly. It’s an advantage for network administrators who want efficient control and monitoring.
General Information for the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# MS355-48X2-HW
- Product Type: Managed Switch
- Enclosure Type: 1U (Rack-Mountable)
Technical Information of the 48 Ports Switch
- Total Number of Ports: 48
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE): PoE+
- Stacking Bandwidth: 80 Gbps
- Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
Interfaces
- 48 x 1000BASE-T RJ-45 PoE+ (25.5W)
- 4 x 10GBASE-X SFP+ Uplink
- 2 x Network Stack Device
Power
- Power Device: Internal Power Supply
- Power Redundancy: Yes
- Voltage Required: AC 120/230V (40-60Hz)
In summary, the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW Layer 3 Managed Switch is a powerful and versatile networking solution that caters to a wide range of business needs. Its combination of high-performance ports, Layer 3 routing capabilities, scalability, and advanced management options make it an attractive choice for data centers, large enterprises, campus networks, and service providers.
By offering a stackable design, robust security features, and energy efficiency, this switch not only enhances network performance but also simplifies network administration and protects against potential threats.
Cisco’s reputation for quality and reliability further solidifies the Cisco MS355-48X2-HW’s position as a competitive and trusted networking solution. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing network infrastructure or establish a new one, this switch is worth considering for its comprehensive feature set and the benefits it brings to your organization.
