Cisco WS-C3650-24PD-S | Catalyst 3650 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch, 390W, 2x 10G SFP+

Q: What is the difference between IP Base and IP Services on the Catalyst 3650?
A: The WS-C3650-24PD-S includes IP Base, which supports Layer 3 static routing, RIP, OSPF, and basic routing features. IP Services (available on -E models) adds advanced routing protocols like BGP, EIGRP, policy-based routing, and full multicast support for more complex enterprise networks.

Q: Can this switch be stacked with other Catalyst 3650 models?
A: Yes, the WS-C3650-24PD-S supports optional StackWise-160 stacking. You can stack up to 9 Catalyst 3650 switches together using StackWise-160 stacking cables (sold separately), creating a single logical switch with 160 Gbps of stack bandwidth and unified management.

Q: How much PoE power can I allocate per port?
A: Each PoE+ port supports up to 30W per port (IEEE 802.3at). With a total PoE budget of 390W, you can power approximately 13 devices at full 30W or all 24 ports at reduced power levels. The switch intelligently manages power allocation across connected devices.

Q: What uplink options are available on this model?
A: The switch has 2x 10G SFP+ uplink ports that also support 1G SFP modules for flexibility. Additionally, it features 2x 1G SFP ports, providing a total of four uplink options for fiber or high-speed copper connectivity to distribution or core switches.

Q: Is the Catalyst 3650 series compatible with Cisco DNA Center?
A: The Catalyst 3650 supports Cisco DNA licensing and can be managed via Cisco DNA Center for network automation, analytics, and assurance. However, note that the 3650 series has reached end-of-sale status, with Cisco recommending the Catalyst 9300 series as the replacement platform.