Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series: WS-C3850-48F-S – Stackable Enterprise Access Switch

Jun 13 , 2025 5

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series: WS-C3850-48F-S – Stackable Enterprise Access Switch

Product Overview
The WS-C3850-48F-S is a 1RU stackable switch designed for enterprise access layer deployments, combining robust switching capabilities with advanced security features. This fiber-based model delivers reliable connectivity for bandwidth-sensitive applications while supporting Cisco's StackWise-480 technology for simplified management.

Technical Specifications & Features

• Port Configuration:

• 48x 1G SFP fiber ports

• 4x 10G SFP+ uplink ports

• StackWise-480 ports (40G stacking bandwidth)

• Performance Architecture:

• 176Gbps switching capacity

• 132Mpps forwarding rate

• <3μs latency

• Advanced Capabilities:

• Cisco IOS XE with programmable APIs

• Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) ASIC

• Application Visibility and Control (AVC)

• Cisco TrustSec security enforcement

• EnergyWise power management

• Resilience Features:

• Stacking with single IP management

• Optional redundant power supply

• Hot-swappable fan module

Optimized Deployment Scenarios
✔ High-density fiber workstation environments
✔ Bandwidth-sensitive manufacturing floors
✔ Secure government and healthcare networks
✔ IP surveillance backbones
✔ Medium-sized enterprise wiring closets

Next-Generation Successor: C3900-48F-M (Projected 2026 Release)

Technology Evolution Matrix

Transformational Capabilities

1. Multi-Gigabit Evolution: Native 10G access and 25G uplink support

2. Intent-Based Networking: Policy-driven automation

3. Predictive Analytics: ML-powered performance optimization

4. Sustainable Design: 45% reduced power consumption

5. Multi-Cloud Ready: Built-in SD-Access capabilities

Implementation Roadmap

1. Current State Analysis:

• Inventory existing WS-C3850-48F-S deployments

• Identify performance bottlenecks in fiber plant

2. Infrastructure Preparation:

• OM3/OM4 fiber evaluation for 10G/25G readiness

• Power infrastructure assessment

3. Phased Migration:

• Phase 1: Access layer modernization

• Phase 2: AI operations implementation

• Phase 3: Advanced security deployment

4. Financial Framework:

• 30% higher initial investment

• 50% lower operational costs

• 4-year ROI through energy/operations savings

Strategic Perspective
While the WS-C3850-48F-S continues to serve traditional fiber access needs effectively, the C3900-48F-M pioneers the future of intelligent edge networking with:

• 10x greater uplink capacity

• AI-driven operational insights

• 25G-ready architecture

• Zero Trust security implementation

• Industry-leading 94% energy efficiency

Innovative Title Concepts

1. "Fiber Access Revolution: From Gigabit to AI-Driven Multi-Gig"

2. "The Cognitive Edge: Where 10G Access Meets Intent-Based Networking"

3. "Sustainable Fiber Infrastructure: The 25G-Ready Enterprise Edge"

4. "Enterprise Access Transformed: 160G Stacking Performance"