Cisco Catalyst 3850 48-Port Managed Rack-Mountable Switch

Overview

The Cisco WS-C3850-48T-L is a managed rack-mountable switch designed to deliver reliable and scalable network connectivity for organizations. It features forty-eight 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports housed in a standard rack enclosure, making it suitable for campus networks, branch offices, and mid-size data centers. This switch supports unified wired and wireless management through a single operating system, simplifying network administration and policy enforcement.

Equipped with Cisco’s Unified Access Data Plane ASIC, it processes traffic at wire speed, ensuring consistent application performance and faster troubleshooting. Its design supports network growth and the addition of devices like wireless access points and VoIP phones without compromising control or security.

Key features

• Forty-eight Gigabit Ethernet ports provide ample connectivity for diverse network devices and users.
• Fully managed capabilities allow detailed control over VLANs, quality of service, and security settings through Cisco’s familiar interface.
• Unified platform treats wired and wireless connections consistently, simplifying policy enforcement across the network.
• Unified Access Data Plane ASIC processes traffic efficiently, enabling real-time policy application without additional hardware.
• Rack-mount design integrates neatly into standard server racks, supporting organized cabling and centralized network infrastructure.

Key specs

• Ports: 48 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• Form factor: Rack-mountable
• Operating system: Cisco IOS XE (single OS for wired and wireless)
• Traffic processing: Cisco Unified Access Data Plane ASIC
• Management: Fully managed switch with VLAN, QoS, and security controls

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch supports a wide range of network devices through its 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it compatible with standard wired devices such as computers, servers, IP phones, and wireless access points. Its unified platform ensures seamless integration with Cisco wireless solutions, allowing consistent policy enforcement regardless of connection type.

• Supports wired devices via 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Compatible with Cisco wireless access points for unified network management
• Integrates with existing Cisco network infrastructure and management tools

Ideal uses and environments

The WS-C3850-48T-L fits well in environments that require dependable, scalable network infrastructure with centralized management. It is a strong choice for campus networks, branch offices, and mid-size data centers that anticipate growth and need consistent policy enforcement across wired and wireless devices. IT teams managing VoIP deployments, wireless expansions, or segmented network architectures will find this switch particularly useful.