Cisco Catalyst 3750E-48PD-SF Multi-layer Stackable Switch with PoE

The Cisco Catalyst 3750E-48PD-SF is a premier enterprise-class, stackable switch designed to simplify and secure converged networks. Built to support growing application demands, this model blends high-density PoE-powered connectivity with robust Layer 2 switching and foundational Layer 3 routing. It leverages StackWise Plus technology to deliver resilient, scalable performance in wiring closets, data centers, and edge environments. With 48 PoE+ capable ports and flexible uplink options, it’s an ideal choice for organizations seeking to deploy IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE devices without sacrificing performance or manageability. The 3750E family is renowned for its ease of deployment, investment protection, and feature-rich security and quality-of-service capabilities—making it a dependable backbone for secure, converged networks.

• High-density 48-port PoE+ capable Gigabit Ethernet switch designed to power a wide range of devices directly from the switch fabric. This enables streamlined deployment of IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other networked devices without separate PoE injectors or power sources, reducing clutter and cabling complexity while ensuring consistent performance across the network.
• StackWise Plus architecture provides simplified scalability and high availability by preserving a single logical switch in the stack. Administrators can add up to multiple Catalyst switches into a single, resilient stack, allowing seamless management, uniform policy enforcement, and non-disruptive upgrades—critical for growing enterprises that demand predictable, centralized control across distributed environments.
• Layer 2 switching enhanced with security, QoS, and VLAN support, along with basic Layer 3 routing to enable inter-VLAN routing and routed access. This combination delivers precise traffic prioritization for voice and video, strong access control, and efficient network segmentation, allowing organizations to implement secure, scalable networks without excessive complexity.
• Flexible uplink and growth options, including 4 x 1 Gigabit SFP uplinks for fiber connectivity. The combination of PoE on access ports and fiber uplinks enables rapid, scalable deployment to core networks or distribution layers, supporting topology flexibility and robust redundancy in campus environments.
• Energy-conscious design paired with Cisco’s trusted reliability, providing consistent performance under load while supporting efficient cooling and power usage. The Catalyst 3750E line is built to handle dense deployments and evolving requirements, preserving investment value as technology and workloads evolve over time.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 3750E-48PD-SF

• Port count: 48 IEEE 802.3 PoE+ enabled ports for versatile device connectivity across the access layer
• PoE capability: Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support on all ports to simplify deployment of IP phones, wireless APs, cameras, and other PoE devices
• Stacking: StackWise Plus technology enabling scalable, resilient stacking with up to multiple switches in a single stack for unified management
• Uplink interfaces: 4 x Gigabit SFP fiber uplinks for flexible, high-bandwidth connectivity to core networks
• Routing: Layer 2 switching with foundational Layer 3 routing capabilities to support inter-VLAN routing and simplified routing decisions
• Management and security: Integrated QoS, ACLs, and security features to ensure reliable performance and controlled access across the network
• Power and cooling: Efficient power delivery with supported AC input; designed for steady operation in typical data center and campus environments

How to Install Cisco Catalyst 3750E-48PD-SF

• Prepare the rack: Position the switch in a standard 19-inch rack, ensuring adequate ventilation and grounding. Verify the mounting rails are secure and that there is clear access to the front and rear panel for cables and maintenance.
• Power and placement: Connect the switch to a reliable power source via the appropriate AC outlet or redundant supply configuration if available. Confirm power status indicators, fan operation, and temperature conditions before proceeding with network connections.
• Connect the stack and uplinks: If using StackWise Plus, insert the stacking cables between the StackWise ports of this unit and any neighboring switches in the stack. Ensure stack links are properly seated and LEDs indicate healthy connections. Attach the 4 x SFP uplinks to your core or distribution layer devices for redundant, high-speed connectivity.
• Cable the access and distribution layers: Run CAT6 (or appropriate) Ethernet cables from the 48 PoE+ ports to users, IP phones, APs, and other PoE devices. Label cables for easy maintenance and ensure PoE is enabled on necessary ports to power connected devices as required.
• Initial configuration: Connect a console cable to access the CLI or use the management IP for remote configuration. Configure basic settings—hostname, management IP address, and access methods. Enable IP routing if needed, define VLANs, configure inter-VLAN routing or static routes, and apply appropriate QoS, ACLs, security policies, and PoE settings. Save the configuration and verify operation, port functionality, and stacking status from the CLI or via the graphical management interface if available.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the Catalyst 3750E-48PD-SF a good choice for PoE deployments? The 48 PoE+ enabled ports deliver power directly through the switch to IP phones, wireless APs, cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices, simplifying installation, reducing cabling, and providing centralized management of power budgets and device policies across the network.
• How does StackWise Plus improve network availability? StackWise Plus creates a single logical switch from multiple physical units, providing simplified management, centralized policy enforcement, and non-disruptive scaling. In the event of a switch failure, traffic can be redistributed within the stack to maintain service continuity with minimal downtime.
• Can I run Layer 3 routing on this switch? Yes, the Catalyst 3750E family supports Layer 2 switching with foundational Layer 3 routing capabilities, enabling inter-VLAN routing and efficient routing decisions for small to mid-size enterprise networks.
• What uplink options does this model offer? The switch includes 4 x Gigabit SFP uplinks, offering flexible fiber connectivity to core or aggregation layers. This enables diverse topologies, improved redundancy, and scalable bandwidth for campus networks.
• How should I plan PoE power budgeting? PoE budgeting depends on the power draw of connected PoE devices. Plan port-by-port power requirements, account for peak PoE usage, and consider a future expansion path. Enable PoE management features to monitor consumption and prevent overloading during peak times.
• What are best practices for securing the Catalyst 3750E in a converged network? Implement VLAN segmentation, strong access control lists, 802.1X authentication for endpoints, secure management access (SSH or HTTPS), regular firmware updates, and segmented trust boundaries with proper policy enforcement to protect critical resources while maintaining performance.