The Cisco Catalyst 3850-48XS-S (WS-C3850-48XS-S) is a high-performance enterprise-class aggregation and core switch engineered to meet the demands of modern, bandwidth-intensive networks. Featuring 48 full 10-Gigabit SFP+ ports in a compact 1RU form factor, this switch is ideal for campus backbones, data center edge deployments, and enterprise core networks requiring high throughput and low latency.
Powered by Cisco IOS XE Software, the Catalyst 3850-48XS-S delivers advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities with enterprise-grade reliability. With a switching capacity of 1.28 Tbps and a forwarding rate of up to 950 Mpps, it ensures consistent, wire-speed performance even in high-traffic environments. Sub-microsecond latency makes it well-suited for latency-sensitive applications such as virtualization, unified communications, and large-scale data transfers.
The switch supports StackWise-480 technology, enabling up to nine switches to be stacked with an aggregate stack bandwidth of 480 Gbps, simplifying management while improving scalability and resiliency. StackPower support allows power sharing across stacked units, enhancing uptime and operational efficiency.
Designed for enterprise availability, the Catalyst 3850-48XS-S includes hot-swappable, redundant power supplies and fan trays, jumbo frame support up to 9198 bytes, and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) for optimized power usage. Advanced QoS, VLAN support, and robust security features - including 802.1X authentication, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, ACLs, and port security - ensure secure and predictable network performance.
With comprehensive management options such as CLI, SNMP, NetFlow Lite, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, and Cisco DNA Center (with appropriate licensing), this switch integrates seamlessly into Cisco-based enterprise architectures and SD-Access environments. Compatibility with a wide range of Cisco SFP+ transceivers (SR, LR, ER) provides flexible fiber connectivity for diverse deployment scenarios.
Product Specifications – Cisco Catalyst 3850-48XS-S (WS-C3850-48XS-S)
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| Category |
Specification Details |
| Product Name |
Cisco Catalyst 3850-48XS-S |
| Model Number |
WS-C3850-48XS-S |
| Product Type |
Enterprise-Class Layer 2 Aggregation / Core Switch |
| Form Factor |
1 Rack Unit (1RU), Fixed Configuration |
| Intended Deployment |
Campus Core, Aggregation Layer, Data Center Edge, Enterprise Backbone |
| Switching Ports |
48 × 10-Gigabit SFP+ Ports |
| Uplink Expansion |
1 × Network Module Slot (Optional Uplink Modules) |
| USB Ports |
1 × USB Type-A (File Storage), 1 × USB Type-B (Console) |
| Console Interfaces |
1 × RJ-45 Console Port |
| Management Interface |
1 × Dedicated Ethernet Management Port |
| Switching Capacity |
1280 Gbps (1.28 Tbps) |
| Forwarding Rate |
Up to 950 Mpps |
| Latency |
Sub-microsecond Switching Latency |
| Packet Buffer |
16 MB Shared Buffer |
| MAC Address Table |
32,000 Entries |
| Stacking Technology |
StackWise-480 |
| Stack Bandwidth |
Up to 480 Gbps |
| Maximum Stack Size |
Up to 9 Switches |
| Power Stacking |
StackPower Supported |
| Redundancy |
Hot-Swappable Redundant Power Supplies and Fan Trays |
| Software Platform |
Cisco IOS XE |
| Default Software Image |
LAN Base (Layer 2 Feature Set) |
| Upgradeable Software |
IP Base or IP Services (License Based) |
| Layer Support |
Advanced Layer 2 Switching |
| VLAN Support |
Yes |
| Spanning Tree |
STP, RSTP, MST |
| QoS Features |
Advanced QoS, Traffic Classification, Policing, Shaping |
| Jumbo Frames |
Supported up to 9198 Bytes |
| Energy Efficiency |
Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) |
| Network Monitoring |
SNMP, RMON, NetFlow Lite |
| Management Tools |
CLI, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco DNA Center (with license) |
| Secure Management |
SSH, HTTPS, TACACS+ |
| Authentication |
802.1X Port-Based Authentication |
| Security Features |
DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, Port Security |
| Traffic Protection |
Storm Control, Private VLANs |
| Access Control |
Layer 2/3/4 Access Control Lists (ACLs) |
| SFP+ Compatibility |
10GBASE-SR, LR, ER and Other Cisco-Approved SFP+ Modules |
| SD-Access Support |
Integrates with Cisco DNA & SD-Access Fabric |
| Power Supply Type |
Modular Dual Redundant (One Installed by Default) |
| Power Supply Options |
715W AC, 1100W AC, DC Power Options |
| Typical Power Consumption |
~160 W (Configuration Dependent) |
| Cooling System |
Variable-Speed, Hot-Swappable Fans |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) |
1.75 × 17.5 × 18.0 in (4.4 × 44.5 × 45.7 cm) |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to 45°C |
| Operating Humidity |
5% to 95% (Non-Condensing) |
| Stack Compatibility |
Stackable with Other Cisco Catalyst 3850-X Series Switches |
| High Availability |
Designed for Mission-Critical, High-Availability Networks |
| Use Case Summary |
High-Density 10G Aggregation Switch for Enterprise and Campus Networks |
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FAQs for WS-C3850-48XS-S:
Is the WS-C3850-48XS-S stackable with other Catalyst 3850 models?
Yes, it supports StackWise-480 and can stack with other 3850-X series switches for unified management and resiliency.
Does this switch support Layer 3 routing?
This model includes the LAN Base feature set, which supports Layer 2 only. Layer 3 routing features require an IP Base or IP Services license upgrade.
What types of SFP+ modules are compatible with this switch?
The WS-C3850-48XS-S supports a wide range of Cisco 10G SFP+ modules including SR, LR, ER, and direct attach cables (DAC).
Can I use copper SFP+ modules in this switch?
Yes, as long as the SFP+ modules are compatible with Cisco Catalyst switches, including 10GBASE-T copper modules.
Is dual power supported?
Yes, the switch supports dual redundant power supplies for increased availability and failover protection.
