Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S - Catalyst 3850 48-Port Gigabit UPoE Switch (IP Base)
The Cisco WS-C3850-48U-S is a stackable enterprise-class switch from the Catalyst 3850 Series, designed to unify wired and wireless access on a single platform. Featuring 48 Gigabit Ethernet UPoE ports and IP Base licensing, it delivers secure, scalable, and resilient connectivity for converged enterprise networks with high-power device requirements.
🔧 Key Specifications
- Ports: 48x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports with Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPoE) support (up to 60W per port)
- Uplinks: Modular uplink slot supporting C3850-NM-4-1G, C3850-NM-2-10G, or C3850-NM-4-10G modules
- Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
- Forwarding Rate: 130.95 Mpps
- Stacking: Cisco StackWise-480 technology (up to 9 switches, 480 Gbps stack bandwidth)
- Memory: 4 GB RAM, 2 GB Flash
- VLAN Support: Up to 4094 VLAN IDs
- Layer Features: Advanced Layer 2 switching, enhanced Layer 3 routing (IP Base: static routing, RIP, limited OSPF)
- Security: Port security, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, ACLs, TrustSec
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 17.5 x 19.2 in (1RU rack-mountable)
- Weight: ~17.6 lb
- Power Supply: Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies supported
- PoE Budget: 800W or 1900W with secondary 1100W PSU
- Reliability: StackWise-480 resiliency, redundant fans, StackPower support for power sharing
🧩 Ideal Use Cases
- Enterprise LAN access with high-power PoE/UPoE devices (wireless APs, IP phones, cameras, thin clients, building automation)
- Branch or campus deployments requiring secure and scalable connectivity
- Unified wired and wireless management with Cisco DNA architecture
- Secure VLAN segmentation and access control with enhanced Layer 3 routing
⚙️ Licensing & Expansion
The WS-C3850-48U-S runs Cisco IOS XE software with IP Base features, supporting Layer 2 switching and enhanced Layer 3 routing (static routing, RIP, limited OSPF). Expansion is enabled through modular uplink options and StackWise-480 technology, allowing seamless scalability and simplified administration.
