Description
Understanding the Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S Catalyst 3850 Series Switch
In the realm of networking hardware, the Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S Catalyst 3850 Series Switch stands out as a robust and versatile solution. This switch is designed to meet the demands of modern network environments, providing advanced features and scalability. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S, breaking down its key specifications, capabilities, and applications.
Key Features of the Cisco 48 Ports SwitchPorts and Connectivity
The Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S is equipped with 48 ports supporting 10/100/1000Base-T RJ-45 connections. This abundance of ports ensures high-speed data transfer for a multitude of devices, making it suitable for both small and large-scale networks. The inclusion of RJ-45 connectors adds flexibility, enabling seamless integration with various Ethernet-enabled devices.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
One standout feature of the WS-C3850-48U-S is its support for Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE). This means that not only can it transmit data over the Ethernet cable, but it can also provide power to compatible devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points. This simplifies cable management and reduces the need for additional power sources, enhancing the overall efficiency of the network.
Layer 2 Management
The switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, focusing on data link layer functions. This makes it adept at efficiently managing and forwarding data between connected devices within the same network. Layer 2 management is crucial for creating logical network segments, enhancing security, and optimizing bandwidth utilization.
Rack-mountable 1U Design
The compact 1U form factor of the WS-C3850-48U-S makes it suitable for rack mounting. This space-efficient design is ideal for data centers and network closets where optimizing physical space is crucial. Additionally, the rack-mountable configuration simplifies installation and ensures a neat and organized network setup.
Desktop Stackable Option
In addition to rack mounting, the WS-C3850-48U-S offers the flexibility of being a desktop stackable switch. This feature allows businesses to adapt the switch to their specific spatial constraints. Whether placed on a desk or integrated into a larger rack system, the switch maintains its high-performance capabilities.
Technical SpecificationsSwitching Capacity
The Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S boasts a substantial switching capacity, enabling it to handle a large volume of data traffic efficiently. This is crucial for networks with high data transfer requirements, ensuring that the switch can keep up with the demands of modern applications and services.
Stacking Capability
One of the notable characteristics of the Catalyst 3850 Series is its stackable architecture. Multiple switches can be interconnected to form a single, unified system. This stacking capability enhances scalability, simplifies management, and improves redundancy by allowing for a unified configuration across the stack.
Security Features
Security is a paramount concern in networking, and the WS-C3850-48U-S addresses this with a range of robust security features. These include access control lists (ACLs), port security, and 802.1X authentication. The implementation of these features helps safeguard the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
Quality of Service (QoS) Support
To ensure optimal performance for critical applications, the switch provides support for Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms. This allows for the prioritization of specific types of traffic, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications receive the necessary bandwidth for a seamless user experience.
- Class-Based Weighted Fair Queuing (CBWFQ): This feature allows for the creation of different queues for different types of traffic, such as voice, video, and data. Each queue is assigned a specific weight, which determines the amount of bandwidth allocated to that queue. This ensures that critical traffic, such as voice and video, receives the necessary bandwidth for smooth operation.
- Low Latency Queuing (LLQ): This feature allows for the creation of a priority queue for time-sensitive traffic, such as voice and video. This ensures that these types of traffic are transmitted with minimal delay, resulting in high-quality voice and video transmission.
- Priority Queuing (PQ): This feature allows for the creation of four priority queues, with traffic assigned to each queue based on its priority level. This ensures that critical traffic, such as voice and video, is transmitted before less critical traffic, such as data.
- Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED): This feature allows for the dynamic management of network traffic by randomly dropping packets when the network becomes congested. This helps to prevent network congestion and ensures that critical traffic, such as voice and video, is transmitted without delay.
- Traffic Shaping and Policing: These features allow for the control of the amount of traffic that is transmitted and received on the network. This ensures that the network is not overloaded and that critical traffic, such as voice and video, is transmitted without delay.
Ease of Management
The WS-C3850-48U-S is designed with ease of management in mind. Cisco offers a comprehensive management interface that can be accessed through a web-based GUI or a command-line interface (CLI). Additionally, the switch is compatible with Cisco’s network management tools, providing administrators with powerful tools for monitoring and configuring the network.
Use CasesEnterprise Networks
The Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S is well-suited for enterprise-level networks where a combination of high performance, scalability, and security is essential. Its ability to handle a large number of ports, support PoE, and integrate seamlessly into stackable configurations makes it an ideal choice for large organizations with diverse networking needs.
Data Centers
In data center environments, where space optimization is critical, the 1U rack-mountable design of the switch proves invaluable. Its stacking capability further enhances its suitability for data centers, allowing for the creation of a unified and scalable network infrastructure.
Education Institutions
Educational institutions often require robust network solutions to support a multitude of devices and applications. The WS-C3850-48U-S, with its PoE support, extensive port count, and Layer 2 management capabilities, can cater to the networking demands of schools and universities.
Healthcare Facilities
In healthcare settings, where reliable network connectivity is vital for various medical devices and systems, the WS-C3850-48U-S can provide the necessary performance and security. The PoE feature is particularly beneficial for supporting IP cameras and other healthcare-related devices.
Maximizing Efficiency of Manageable Switch
The WS-C3850-48U-S Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Ports Manageable Switch is a high-performance, highly efficient switch that is designed to maximize the efficiency of network operations. This switch is equipped with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which provide high-speed connectivity for a wide range of devices and applications.
One of the key features of this switch is its ability to support advanced network services, such as Quality of Service (QoS), which allows for the prioritization of network traffic and the efficient management of bandwidth. Additionally, the switch has built-in security features, such as access control lists (ACLs) and advanced threat protection, which help to protect the network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Another way this switch maximizes efficiency is through its ability to support virtualization and automation. The switch supports virtual network functions (VNFs) and network function virtualization (NFV), which allows for the efficient deployment and management of network services. Additionally, the switch has built-in automation capabilities, such as programmability and network management, which allow for the efficient management and configuration of the network.
Stackable Switch Technology
Stackable switch technology is a feature of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 48 Ports Manageable Switch (WS-C3850-48U-S) that allows multiple switches to be connected and managed as a single unit. This technology is based on Cisco StackWise-480 technology, which uses a proprietary stacking cable to connect the switches. The switches in the stack share a single IP address and can be managed through a single web interface or command-line interface.
One of the key benefits of stackable switch technology is that it allows for easy expansion of the network, as additional switches can be added to the stack as needed. This eliminates the need for additional IP addresses and management interfaces, which can simplify network administration.
Another benefit of stackable switch technology is that it allows for automatic failover in the event of a switch failure. If one switch in the stack fails, the remaining switches will automatically take over its traffic, ensuring that there is no interruption in network connectivity.
In addition, stackable switch technology also allows for advanced features such as load balancing and link aggregation, which can improve network performance and reliability. Overall, stackable switch technology is a powerful feature that can help organizations to easily expand and manage their networks.
General Information about the Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part Number or SKU# WS-C3850-48U-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3850
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Interfaces/Ports
- Stack Port: Yes
- Total Number of Network Ports: 48
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 48 x Gigabit Ethernet Network
Performance
- Media Type Supported: Twisted Pair
- Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10/100/1000Base-T
Network & Communication
- Layer Supported: 4
Management & Protocols
- Manageable: Yes
Power Description
- PoE (RJ-45) Port: No
- Input Voltage: 110 V AC
- Input Voltage: 220 V AC
Miscellaneous
- Environmentally Friendly: Yes
- Environmental Certification: RoHS-5
Finally, the Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S Catalyst 3850 Series switch represents a versatile and reliable networking solution designed to meet the diverse needs of modern organizations. With its high port density, Gigabit Ethernet support, Upoe capability, and advanced management features, the switch offers unparalleled performance, scalability, and flexibility for enterprise-grade networks. Whether deployed in corporate environments, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, or government agencies, the Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S switch serves as a cornerstone of robust and resilient network infrastructure.
