WS-C3850-48PW-S Refurbished: The Power-Packed Network Switch made affordable

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations require reliable and high-performance networking solutions to support their growing connectivity needs. The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is a powerful and versatile network switch designed to meet these requirements. With its advanced features, exceptional performance, and robust security, this switch has become a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. In this article, we will explore the key features, benefits, use cases, and more to understand why the WS-C3850-48PW-S is a top-notch networking solution.

Technical Specifications of WS-C3850-48PW-S Switch

The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is a powerful network device designed to meet the demands of modern networking environments. Here are the technical specifications of the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch:

1. Switch Type: Fixed, Stackable
2. Interfaces: 48 x 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T – RJ-45 PoE+ – 30 W, 1 each of USB Type A, console – mini-USB Type B management, RS-232 – RJ-45 management, 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T – RJ-45 management and 2 x network stack device
3. Stacking Bandwidth: 480 Gbps
4. Forwarding Rate: 130.95 Mpps
5. Switching Capacity: 176 Gbps
6. Wireless Bandwidth: Up to 40 Gbps
7. DRAM: 4 GB
8. Flash Memory: 2 GB
9. Power over Ethernet (PoE): 48 ports with PoE+ support
10. PoE Budget: 435W with standard 715W Power supply (Can be increased to 1535W with 1100W addition power supply)
11. Power Supply: 715WAC
12. Physical Dimensions: 1.75 x 17.5 x 17.7 inches (H x W x D)
13. Weight: 17.4 pounds

Features and Capabilities:

• Layer 2 Features: VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), etc.
• Layer 3 Features: IP routing, Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), etc.
• Security Features: Access Control Lists (ACLs), Secure Shell (SSH), Network Admission Control (NAC), TrustSec, MACsec encryption, etc.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Classification and marking, congestion management, traffic shaping, and policing.
• Network Management: Cisco IOS Software, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco DNA Center, etc.
• High Availability: StackWise-480 technology for stacking multiple switches, redundant power supplies, and StackPower for power redundancy.
• Modular Uplinks: 3 optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) uplink modules for increased bandwidth and connectivity options (C3850-NM-4-1G, C3850-NM-2-10G and C3850-NM-4-10G).

Key Features and Specifications of Refurbished WS-C3850-48PW-S

The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch boasts a range of impressive features that make it stand out from the competition. With 48 Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, it provides both data and power to connected devices, eliminating the need for separate power sources. This switch also supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, allowing for efficient network management and routing capabilities.

In terms of specifications, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch offers high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer rates. It supports a maximum forwarding bandwidth of 176 Gbps, enabling seamless communication within the network. The switch also includes additional features such as modular uplink options, redundant power supplies, and advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities.

Benefits of the WS-C3850-48PW-S Switch

The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch brings numerous benefits to organizations seeking a robust and scalable networking solution. Firstly, its Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality simplifies the deployment of network devices by eliminating the need for separate power cables and outlets. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations with numerous IP phones, wireless access points, or surveillance cameras, as it streamlines the installation process.

Additionally, the advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities offered by the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch enable efficient network management and routing. Administrators can easily configure and control network traffic, ensuring optimal performance and security. The switch’s modular uplink options allow for flexible connectivity to other network devices, while redundant power supplies provide added reliability in case of power failures.

Use Cases and Applications

The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch finds application in a wide range of scenarios. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require a reliable and scalable networking solution. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability makes it suitable for environments where deploying devices with separate power sources is challenging. For example, in offices, educational institutions, or healthcare facilities, this switch can power IP phones, wireless access points, and other network devices, reducing cable clutter and enhancing flexibility.

Furthermore, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is well-suited for organizations with growing network demands. Its advanced features, such as modular uplink options and advanced QoS capabilities, ensure seamless scalability as network requirements evolve. Whether it is expanding an existing network or setting up a new one, this switch provides the necessary performance and flexibility to accommodate future growth.

Installation and Setup Process

Setting up the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is a straightforward process. Begin by physically connecting the switch to power and the network infrastructure. Once the hardware is in place, access the switch’s web-based management interface to configure settings according to your specific requirements. The intuitive user interface simplifies the setup process, allowing administrators to define VLANs, enable Power over Ethernet (PoE), and set up port configurations effortlessly.

Network Management and Security Features

The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch offers a range of network management and security features to ensure efficient operation and safeguard critical data. With its built-in Cisco Catalyst Intelligent Power Management system, administrators can monitor power consumption and allocate power efficiently to connected devices. This helps optimize power usage and prevent overload situations.

In terms of security, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch supports advanced features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, and Network Admission Control (NAC). These features provide granular control over network access, protect against unauthorized access attempts, and ensure compliance with security policies. The switch’s integrated security features make it a reliable choice for organizations concerned about network security.

Performance and Scalability

When it comes to performance, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch excels with its high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and a maximum forwarding bandwidth of 176 Gbps. It ensures fast and reliable data transfer within the network, minimizing latency and optimizing performance. The switch’s modular uplink options further enhance scalability by enabling easy expansion and connectivity to other devices.

Moreover, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, allowing administrators to prioritize network traffic based on specific requirements. This ensures that critical applications and services receive the necessary bandwidth, guaranteeing a seamless user experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is known for its reliability, occasional issues may arise. Common problems include network connectivity issues, configuration errors, or power-related concerns. To troubleshoot these issues, refer to the switch’s documentation and seek assistance from the vendor’s support channels. Engaging with online communities and forums can also provide valuable insights and solutions from experienced users.

Future Developments and Upgrades

As networking technology continues to evolve, manufacturers regularly release firmware updates and new features to enhance the capabilities of their switches. To stay up to date with the latest developments, regularly check for firmware updates for the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch and review release notes to understand the enhancements and bug fixes.

Furthermore, keep an eye on emerging networking trends and technologies. Consider how these advancements could benefit your organization and align with its goals. Upgrading to newer switch models may be necessary to leverage the latest features and ensure compatibility with future networking requirements.

Conclusion

The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is a feature-rich, reliable, and scalable networking solution suitable for a wide range of organizations. With its Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality, advanced network management and security features, and impressive performance, this switch offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking robust connectivity.

Whether it is powering IP phones, wireless access points, or other network devices, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch simplifies installation and provides flexibility. Its modular uplink options and advanced QoS capabilities ensure scalability and optimal performance. By choosing the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch, organizations can build a robust and future-proof network infrastructure.

FAQs

1. Q: Can I use the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch in a large enterprise network?
   A: Absolutely! The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses as well as large enterprises. Its advanced features and scalability make it an excellent choice for organizations of all sizes. Furthermore, it also comes with standard PoE with IP Base license for 5 access points. This makes this switch a very suitable choice for larger networks.
2. Q: Does the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch support Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)?
   A: Yes, the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), which provides higher power delivery capabilities than standard PoE. It offers up to 1535W POE budget with 1100W secondary power supply. This means you can power quite a number of devices that are PoE enabled.
3. Q: Can I stack multiple WS-C3850-48PW-S switches for increased capacity?
   A: Yes, you can stack multiple WS-C3850-48PW-S switches using Cisco StackWise-480 technology. This allows you to manage them as a single logical unit, enhancing capacity and simplifying network management. You can stack up to nine switches in one stack. Furthermore, it also supports Stack Power power stacking for greater flexibility.
4. Q: Which network modules does the WS-C3850-48PW-S support?
   A: The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch supports 3 modules for the Catalyst 3850 series. C3850-NM-4-1G, C3850-NM-2-10G and C3850-NM-4-10G. This allows for expansion in available ports as well as upgradation from 1G to 10G.
5. Q: Which power supplies does the WS-C3850-48PW-S switch work with? A: The WS-C3850-48PW-S switch is available with the 715 Watt power supply as standard (PWR-C1-715WAC). But for redundancy purposes you can also use the 1100 Watt power supply (PWR-C1-1100WAC). It really depends on your PoE budget needs whether you should go for the 1100 watt power supply or stick to the 715 watt power supply.

What transceivers work with WS-C3850-48PW-S? (click on part number to go their product page)

Important Sources:

Catalyst 3850 Data SheetHow to Configure Catalyst 3850CISCO Catalyst 3850 Prices