Description
Understanding the WS-C3850-48F-L Catalyst 3850 Switch
The WS-C3850-48F-L is a remarkable networking device belonging to the Catalyst 3850 series. Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern network infrastructures, this switch boasts impressive features and capabilities. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the specifications, functionalities, and applications of the WS-C3850-48F-L managed switch.
Overview of WS-C3850-48F-L Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Ports Manageable Switch
The WS-C3850-48F-L is a member of Cisco’s Catalyst 3850 series, known for its advanced features and reliable performance. Let’s delve into the key aspects that make this switch noteworthy.
Port Configuration
The switch boasts a total of 48 ports, supporting 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 connections. This diverse port configuration allows for versatile connectivity options, accommodating various devices with different speed requirements.
Power Over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
One standout feature is the Power Over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) capability. This functionality enables the switch to deliver both data and electrical power to connected devices like IP cameras, phones, and access points. PoE+ is essential for simplifying cable management and ensuring uninterrupted power to critical network components.
Manageability
The WS-C3850-48F-L is a manageable switch, providing administrators with the tools and interfaces needed to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the network. This level of manageability is crucial for optimizing network performance and addressing issues promptly.
Layer 3 Capability
As a Layer 3 switch, the WS-C3850-48F-L operates at the network layer of the OSI model. This allows for more advanced routing functionalities, making it suitable for larger and more complex network infrastructures.
Gigabit Ethernet Speeds
With Gigabit Ethernet support, this switch ensures high-speed data transfer, reducing latency and enhancing overall network efficiency. Gigabit speeds are particularly beneficial for bandwidth-intensive applications and large-scale data transfers.
Rack-mountable 1U Design
The switch is designed to be rack-mountable in a standard 19-inch rack. The 1U form factor enhances space efficiency, allowing for easy integration into data center setups and network cabinets.
Desktop Stackable Configuration
Additionally, the WS-C3850-48F-L is desktop stackable, providing flexibility in deployment. This feature caters to scenarios where a rack-mounted installation may not be feasible, offering a convenient alternative for smaller setups.
Detailed Features
Let’s explore the highlighted features of the WS-C3850-48F-L in more detail to understand how each contributes to its overall functionality and performance.
48 Ports with 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 Connectivity
The switch’s 48 ports support a range of devices with different speed requirements. The 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 connectivity ensures compatibility with various network devices, from computers and printers to IP cameras and VoIP phones.
Power Over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
PoE+ simplifies the deployment of network devices by eliminating the need for separate power cables. This is especially beneficial in scenarios where power outlets are limited or inaccessible. The switch can deliver up to 30 watts of power per port, providing ample power for a wide range of PoE-enabled devices.
Manageability Features
The manageability of the WS-C3850-48F-L is facilitated through a comprehensive set of features. These include a web-based management interface, a command-line interface (CLI), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support. These tools empower network administrators to configure settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
Layer 3 Routing Capabilities
Being a Layer 3 switch, the WS-C3850-48F-L can make routing decisions at the network layer. This capability enhances the switch’s role in directing traffic between different subnets, optimizing network performance, and supporting more complex network architectures.
Gigabit Ethernet Speeds for High Performance
The support for Gigabit Ethernet ensures that the switch can handle high volumes of data with minimal latency. This is crucial for applications that demand substantial bandwidth, such as video streaming, large file transfers, and real-time communication.
Rack-mountable 1U Design
The 1U form factor makes the WS-C3850-48F-L suitable for rack-mounted installations in standard 19-inch racks. This design is common in data centers and network cabinets, where space efficiency is a priority. The switch’s compatibility with this standard makes it easy to integrate into existing setups.
Desktop Stackable Configuration
In addition to rack-mountable design, the WS-C3850-48F-L offers the flexibility of desktop stackable configuration. This feature is particularly useful in environments where a full rack installation is not practical. The switch can be conveniently placed on a desktop, providing versatility in deployment options.
Use Cases
Understanding the specific use cases for the WS-C3850-48F-L is crucial for determining its suitability in different networking scenarios. Let’s explore the potential applications based on its features.
Enterprise Networks
The WS-C3850-48F-L is well-suited for enterprise networks where a combination of high performance, manageability, and PoE capabilities is essential. Its 48 ports allow for extensive device connectivity, making it suitable for medium to large-scale organizations.
IP Surveillance Systems
The PoE+ capability of the switch is especially valuable in IP surveillance setups. It eliminates the need for separate power sources for cameras, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter. The Layer 3 capabilities also facilitate efficient routing of video traffic.
Data Centers
In data center environments, where space optimization and high-speed connectivity are critical, the rack-mountable design and Gigabit Ethernet support make the WS-C3850-48F-L a viable choice. Its manageability features also contribute to streamlined operations in data center settings.
Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs)
For SMBs with growing network needs, the desktop stackable configuration provides a flexible deployment option. The switch’s manageable features cater to the needs of SMBs without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexities.
High Performance for Cisco 48-ports Switch
The WS-C3850-48F-L Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Ports Switch is a high-performance, fully stackable, and energy-efficient switch that is designed for enterprise-class access and distribution. It provides 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and four 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities, making it ideal for use in enterprise networks, data centers, and campus environments.
The switch is built on the Cisco StackWise-480 technology, which allows for easy and fast stacking of up to nine switches, providing a total of 432 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 36 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a single stack. This feature allows for greater scalability and flexibility in network design, and simplifies network management.
The switch also offers advanced security features, such as Cisco TrustSec, which provides policy-based access control and encryption, and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), which provides identity-based network access control.
The switch is also energy-efficient, with features such as EnergyWise, which allows for monitoring and controlling of energy consumption, and Cisco StackPower, which allows for power sharing among switches in a stack.
Reliability
The WS-C3850-48F-L Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Ports Switch is considered to be a highly reliable switch. It is built on the Cisco StackWise-480 technology, which provides high levels of resiliency and performance. The switch also has a number of built-in features that help to ensure reliability, such as:
- Redundant power supply options: The switch has two power supply slots, which allows for redundancy in case one power supply fails.
- StackWise-480 technology: This technology provides a high level of resiliency by allowing multiple switches to be stacked together, with the ability to continue operating even if one switch fails.
- Dual-core CPU: The switch has a dual-core CPU, which provides increased processing power and helps to ensure that the switch can handle heavy traffic loads.
- Advanced Quality of Service (QoS): The switch has advanced QoS capabilities, which allow for granular control over network traffic, helping to ensure that critical applications and services receive the bandwidth they need.
- Cisco IOS XE Software: The switch runs on Cisco IOS XE Software, which is known for its stability and reliability.
General Information for the Cisco WS-C3850-48F-L 48 Ports Managed Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C3850-48F-L
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3850
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces/Ports for L3 Ethernet Switch
- Total Number of Network Ports 48
- Management Port: Yes
- Token Ring Port: No
- LRE Port: No
- Bypass: No
- Modular: No
- Management Port: Yes
- USB: No
- Number of PoE+ (RJ-45) Ports: 48
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
I/O Expansions of 48 Ports Switch
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 1
- Expansion Slot Type: Switching Module
Media & Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Twisted Pair Cable Standard: Category 5e
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: Layer 3
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
- Management:
- MIB (Management Information Base)
- RMON I and II (Remote Monitoring)
- SNMPv1, v2c, v3 (Simple Network Management Protocol)
- QOS (Quality of Service)
- VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
Memory
- Standard Memory: 4 GB
- Memory Technology: DRAM
- Flash Memory: 2 GB
Networking
- IPv4 routes: 24000
- NetFlow entries: 48000
- Switched virtual interfaces (SVIs): 1000
- MAC Address Table Size: 32000 entries
- Jumbo Frame Support: 9198 bytes
- Remote Management Protocol: SNMP 1, RMON 1, RMON 2, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, SSH, CLI
- Authentication Method: Kerberos, Secure Shell (SSH), RADIUS, TACACS+
Features
- Auto-negotiation, ARP support, trunking, VLAN support, auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), IGMP snooping, Syslog support, IPv6 support, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) support, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) support, DHCP snooping, Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) support, Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) support, Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) support, Access Control List (ACL) support, Quality of Service (QoS), RADIUS support, Virtual Route Forwarding-Lite (VRF-Lite), MLD snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), PoE+, STP Root Guard, Uni-Directional Link Detection (UDLD), Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVRST+), IPv4 support, Shaped Round Robin (SRR), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), layer 3 load balancing, Energy Efficient Ethernet, Cisco StackWise-480 technology, Cisco StackPower technology, Flexible NetFlow (FNF)
Reliability
- MTBF: 241050 Hours
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: No
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply Supported: Yes
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature: 23 °F
- Max Operating Temperature: 113 °F
- Humidity Range Operating: 10 – 95% (non-condensing)
- Min Storage Temperature: -40 °F
- Max Storage Temperature: 158 °F
Outline, the WS-C3850-48F-L Catalyst 3850 switch is a robust networking solution with a comprehensive set of features. Its combination of port versatility, PoE+ support, manageability, Layer 3 capabilities, and Gigabit Ethernet speeds makes it suitable for a variety of networking scenarios. Whether deployed in enterprise networks, IP surveillance systems, data centers, or SMBs, this switch offers the performance and flexibility required to meet diverse networking needs. Understanding its features and potential applications is crucial for network administrators and decision-makers looking to enhance their infrastructure with a reliable and efficient switch like the WS-C3850-48F-L.
