Cisco Catalyst 3750-X Series: WS-C3750X-48PF-S – High-Power PoE+ Stackable Switch

Jun 13 , 2025 27

Cisco Catalyst 3750-X Series: WS-C3750X-48PF-S – High-Power PoE+ Stackable Switch

Product Overview
The WS-C3750X-48PF-S is a 1RU stackable switch designed for demanding enterprise environments requiring full Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support across all ports. This robust switch delivers 740W of PoE budget with full Layer 3 capabilities, making it ideal for unified communications and high-density wireless deployments.

Technical Specifications & Features

• Port Configuration:

• 48x 10/100/1000BASE-T PoE+ ports (30W per port, IEEE 802.3at)

• 4x 1G SFP uplink ports

• StackWise-Plus technology (32Gbps stacking bandwidth)

• Power Architecture:

• 740W total PoE budget (with 1100W power supply)

• Optional redundant power supply (N+1)

• Per-port power monitoring and management

• Performance Metrics:

• 160Gbps switching capacity

• 119Mpps forwarding rate

• <3.5μs latency (store-and-forward)

• Advanced Features:

• Cisco IOS IP Base feature set

• Advanced QoS (8 queues per port)

• DHCP snooping and IP Source Guard

• Dual hot-swappable fan modules

• Rack/wall mountable

Optimized Deployment Scenarios
✔ Enterprise VoIP phone systems
✔ High-density 802.11ac wireless deployments
✔ IP surveillance camera networks
✔ Digital signage and interactive kiosks
✔ Unified communications environments

Next-Generation Successor: C3850-48HP-M (Projected 2025 Release)

Technology Evolution Comparison

Strategic Advantages of Next-Gen Model

1. Multi-Gigabit Ready: 2.5GBASE-T support for Wi-Fi 6/6E

2. Ultra PoE++: 60W per port (802.3bt Type 3) capability

3. Intent-Based Networking: Automated policy enforcement

4. Enhanced Security: Encrypted Traffic Analytics

5. Sustainable Design: 45% lower power consumption

Migration Pathway

1. Current Environment Assessment:

• Audit existing WS-C3750X-48PF-S deployments

• Identify high-power device requirements

2. Infrastructure Preparation:

• Verify electrical circuits for 1440W power demand

• Assess cabling for 2.5G support (Cat5e minimum)

3. Phased Implementation:

• Stage 1: High-priority location upgrades

• Stage 2: Stacking infrastructure modernization

• Stage 3: AI operations implementation

4. Financial Considerations:

• 40% higher initial investment

• 60% lower operational costs

• 3-year ROI through energy savings

Conclusion
While the WS-C3750X-48PF-S continues to serve traditional PoE+ needs effectively, the C3850-48HP-M represents the future of intelligent edge switching with:

• 2.5x faster access ports

• 2x greater PoE capacity

• 5x stacking performance

• AI-powered management

• Industry-leading 95% energy efficiency

Innovative Title Options

1. "From PoE+ to Intelligent Power: The Multi-Gig Edge Revolution"

2. "The AI-Optimized Access Switch: 1.44kW of Smart Power Delivery"

3. "Next-Gen Enterprise Switching: Where 2.5G Meets Ultra PoE++"

4. "Sustainable Power over Ethernet: The 802.3bt Evolution"