Cisco Catalyst 3750-48PS-S: 48-Port Multi-Layer Ethernet Switch with PoE

The Cisco Catalyst 3750-48PS-S is a high-performance, proof-positive solution for midsize organizations and enterprise branch offices seeking to simplify the deployment of converged applications. This 48-port multi-layer switch brings together flexible PoE capabilities, scalable Layer 3 routing, and intelligent network services in a compact, stackable form factor. It’s designed to adapt as business needs evolve—from expanding voice and video collaboration to powering a growing fleet of IP devices—while delivering the reliability, security, and ease of management you expect from a Cisco Catalyst platform. With its intelligent features and robust performance, the Catalyst 3750-48PS-S helps you accelerate digital transformation, reduce operating costs, and improve user experiences across campus and branch networks.

• 48-port PoE-enabled Gigabit access switch for converged networks. This model provides PoE on its access ports, enabling you to deploy IP phones, wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and other powered devices without running separate power lines. By consolidating data and power delivery in a single device, it simplifies cabling, shortens installation times, and reduces energy costs. The PoE capability is paired with a power-efficient design that helps keep operating expenses in check while providing reliable power to connected devices across your network.
• Advanced multi-layer switching with robust routing capabilities. The Catalyst 3750-48PS-S combines Layer 2 switching with intelligent Layer 3 routing to support scalable, campus-wide networks. It enables static and dynamic routing, IPv4 and IPv6 compatibility, and efficient multicast handling for multimedia streams. Built to support converged traffic—voice, video, and data—the switch applies quality of service (QoS) policies to prioritize time-sensitive applications, ensuring clear, jitter-free voice calls and smooth video conferencing even during peak loads.
• Quality of Service, security, and policy controls for enterprise workloads. This model delivers comprehensive QoS features, ACLs, and security capabilities to safeguard your network while dynamically allocating bandwidth to mission-critical traffic. Features such as corporate-grade authentication, role-based access control, and secure management interfaces help protect devices and data across the network. With IPv6 support, the Catalyst 3750-48PS-S also positions you for a smooth migration path as your organization moves toward next-generation networking.
• Stacking, scalability, and high availability for growing networks. The Catalyst line is known for its stackable design and easy management across multiple switches. With StackWise-style technology, multiple Catalyst switches can operate as a single logical unit, simplifying configuration and management while increasing port density and resilience. This makes it easier to scale from a small branch deployment to a campus-wide distribution layer, delivering consistent policy enforcement, simplified troubleshooting, and rapid failover with minimal downtime.
• Reliability, energy efficiency, and simple lifecycle management. The Catalyst 3750-48PS-S emphasizes dependable operation with robust power and cooling, hot-swappable components where available, and support for energy-saving features like energy-efficient Ethernet. Cisco’s enduring focus on reliability means you receive regular software updates, compatibility with Cisco's security and analytics ecosystems, and long-term support to protect your investment as networking needs evolve.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 3750-48PS-S

• Specifications not available in this description. Please check the official Cisco documentation or supplier product page for the complete spec sheet.

How to install Cisco Catalyst 3750-48PS-S

Installing the Cisco Catalyst 3750-48PS-S is designed to be straightforward for IT teams familiar with enterprise switches. Begin by preparing your rack and workspace, ensuring you have a clean, ventilated environment with adequate air flow. Verify that you have the necessary mounting hardware and power distribution in place, and review safety guidelines for hot-swappable components and electrical connections. When you’re ready, follow these general steps to bring the switch online and configured for your network:

1) Rack placement and mounting: Slide the switch into a standard 19-inch rack, align the mounting ears with the rack rails, and secure it with screws. Confirm there’s enough clearance around the device to allow for proper ventilation and cable management. Keep uplink and power connections accessible for future maintenance or expansion.

2) Power and initial boot: Connect the switch to a reliable power source. If you are using redundant power options, install the secondary power supply or ensure the primary supply is stable. Power on the unit and monitor the boot process through the console or display indicators to verify a successful startup. The switch will perform POST checks and begin loading its operating system image.

3) Console access and basic configuration: Connect a workstation to the switch’s console port using an appropriate console cable. Access the CLI or use Cisco Network Assistant if you prefer a GUI-based workflow. During initial setup, assign a management IP address, configure basic security settings (SSH, access lists, and user accounts), and enable essential services. Establish VLANs and define a default gateway for reachability from devices on different subnets. If your deployment includes trunk links to the core or distribution layer, configure the necessary VLAN tagging and trunking protocols accordingly.

4) PoE provisioning and device deployment: Enable PoE on the relevant access ports and verify that connected devices (phones, APs, cameras) initialize properly. Use the management interface to monitor PoE utilization and adjust per-port settings as needed to avoid overloading the power budget. Plan for future device additions by labeling cables and documenting port assignments to simplify ongoing maintenance.

5) Security hardening and QoS policy: Implement security measures such as SSH for remote management, 802.1X for network access control, and robust ACLs to restrict traffic to authorized endpoints. Configure QoS policies to prioritize critical applications like IP telephony and video conferencing. If your network includes voice gateways or conferencing bridges, consider dedicated QoS classes and traffic shaping to minimize latency and jitter. Finally, enable logging and monitoring features so you can track performance, security events, and hardware health over time.

6) Validation and ongoing management: Verify inter-VLAN routing, test uplink connectivity to the core, and ensure that PoE-enabled devices power on as expected. Use built-in monitoring tools and, if available, Cisco Network Assistant or Cisco DNA Center integrations to manage firmware updates, configuration backup, and policy consistency across stacked switches. Establish a routine for firmware maintenance and security patching to preserve network reliability and security over the device’s lifecycle.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the primary use case for the Cisco Catalyst 3750-48PS-S? It is designed for midsize organizations and enterprise branch offices seeking a scalable, secure, and PoE-enabled multi-layer switch to support converged networks, including voice, video, and data applications, with simplified management and robust performance.
• Does this switch support PoE on all ports? Yes, the model is PoE-enabled on its access ports, allowing power delivery to IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-capable devices, which simplifies installation and reduces wiring complexity.
• Can the switch be stacked with other Catalyst devices? Yes. The Catalyst family supports stacking to create a single, manageable logical unit, increasing port density and enabling consistent policy enforcement across multiple switches.
• What management options are available? This switch can be managed via CLI through the console port, as well as through Cisco Network Assistant and compatible network management ecosystems. It supports secure remote management with SSH and related security features.
• Is IPv6 supported? Yes, the Catalyst 3750-48PS-S provides IPv6 support along with IPv4, enabling dual-stack configurations and smoother migration paths for future networks and devices.