WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Cisco Network Switch

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is designed for enterprise environments that demand very high bandwidth, low latency, and reliable Layer 3 performance at the access or aggregation layer. As part of the Cisco 3850 Series, this model focuses on 10-Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and advanced switching intelligence, making it suitable for modern data-driven networks where east-west traffic, virtualization, and high-speed uplinks are critical. Organizations that rely on scalable, secure, and future-ready infrastructure often consider this Cisco switch as a core building block in their network architecture.

Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch Overview

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch features 48 x 10G SFP+ ports, delivering substantial throughput for environments such as enterprise campuses, data centers, and service provider edge deployments. It runs on Cisco IOS XE and includes advanced routing, security, and automation capabilities under the IP Services feature set. With a fixed power supply optimized for non-PoE scenarios and support for StackWise-480, this switch provides both performance and operational flexibility without the complexity of modular chassis systems.

Key Architecture and Design of Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch

High-Density 10G Switching

At its core, the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is built for dense 10-Gigabit connectivity. The 48 SFP+ ports allow direct connections to servers, aggregation switches, storage systems, and high-performance endpoints. This density minimizes the need for additional aggregation layers and simplifies network design.

Cisco StackWise-480 Technology

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is StackWise-480. Multiple switches can be stacked and managed as a single logical unit, offering up to 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth. This enhances scalability, simplifies configuration, and improves resilience by allowing traffic to reroute seamlessly within the stack if one unit fails.

Enterprise-Class Switching Fabric

The switching fabric is optimized for low latency and high throughput, ensuring predictable performance even under heavy traffic loads. This makes the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch suitable for latency-sensitive applications such as real-time analytics, VoIP backbones, and virtualization platforms.

Features of Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch

Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch supports a full range of Layer 2 features, including VLANs, STP variants, EtherChannel, and advanced QoS. On the Layer 3 side, it supports static routing, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, enabling it to function as both an access and distribution switch in complex topologies.

Security and Network Segmentation

Security is a major strength of the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch. Features such as Access Control Lists, MACsec encryption, DHCP snooping, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic ARP Inspection help protect the network from internal and external threats while maintaining performance.

Automation and Programmability

Running Cisco IOS XE allows the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch to integrate with modern automation tools. Support for NETCONF, REST APIs, and model-driven programmability enables network teams to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks, reducing operational overhead.

Advantages of Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch

The primary advantage of the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is its ability to deliver high-density 10G connectivity in a fixed form factor. Compared to modular solutions, it offers lower cost, faster deployment, and simpler management while still providing enterprise-grade features. Its stacking capability allows for horizontal scaling without redesigning the network, and its robust IOS XE software ensures long-term support and feature evolution.

High-Speed Aggregation Layer

In enterprise campus networks, the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is often deployed as an aggregation switch. Access switches connect upstream using 10G links, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall performance. This setup is particularly effective in environments with heavy east-west traffic, such as collaboration platforms and internal cloud services.

Virtualized Data Center Edge

Another practical scenario for the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is at the edge of a virtualized data center. The high port density and low latency make it suitable for connecting hypervisors, storage nodes, and backup systems. Its Layer 3 features allow efficient traffic segmentation between virtual networks without relying solely on upstream core switches.

Applications of Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is commonly used in enterprise campuses, data centers, service provider networks, and large office environments. It is well-suited for financial institutions, media companies, healthcare organizations, and any business that requires reliable high-bandwidth switching with strong security controls.

Comparison with Similar Cisco Models

This comparison shows that the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is optimized for pure 10G environments, while other models focus on mixed or access-layer deployments.

Technical Specifications of Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch

FAQ – Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch

1. Is the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch suitable for data centers?
   Yes, it is commonly used at the data center edge or aggregation layer due to its 10G density and low latency.
2. Does the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch support stacking?
   Yes, it supports StackWise-480 for scalable and resilient deployments.
3. Can this switch be used as a core switch?
   In small to medium networks, it can function as a collapsed core, but larger environments may require dedicated core switches.
4. Does it support advanced routing protocols?
   Yes, it supports OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP under the IP Services license.
5. Is PoE available on this model?
   No, the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is a non-PoE model.
6. What type of transceivers are supported?
   Standard Cisco-compatible 10G SFP+ modules are supported.
7. Is automation supported on this switch?
   Yes, Cisco IOS XE enables API-based automation and programmability.
8. How reliable is the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch for 24/7 operation?
   It is designed for continuous enterprise operation with high reliability.
9. Can it be integrated with monitoring systems?
   Yes, it supports SNMP, telemetry, and third-party monitoring tools.
10. What environments benefit most from this switch?
    High-bandwidth enterprise campuses, virtualized infrastructures, and service provider edge networks benefit the most.

Conclusion

The Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-F-E Network Switch is a powerful solution for organizations that require dense 10-Gigabit connectivity, enterprise-grade routing, and advanced security in a fixed, stackable form factor. Its balance of performance, scalability, and operational simplicity makes it a strong choice for modern high-speed network designs where reliability and future readiness are essential.