Cisco WS-C3650-48PD-E | Catalyst 3650 48-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch, 390W, 2x 10G SFP+

Q: What is the difference between the WS-C3650-48PD-E and WS-C3650-48PD-S?
A: The primary difference is the software license. The -E model includes the IP Services license with advanced Layer 3 features like BGP, full OSPF, EIGRP, and policy-based routing. The -S model includes IP Base with limited Layer 3 capabilities. Both share identical hardware specifications including 48 PoE+ ports, 390W PoE budget, and 2x 10G SFP+ uplinks.

Q: Can I increase the PoE budget on this switch?
A: Yes, the WS-C3650-48PD-E supports dual redundant power supplies. You can add a second 640W AC power supply (PWR-C2-640WAC) or upgrade to a 1025W power supply (PWR-C2-1025WAC) to increase the available PoE budget for powering more devices simultaneously.

Q: Does this switch support stacking and how many switches can be stacked?
A: Yes, the WS-C3650-48PD-E supports Cisco StackWise-160 technology. You can stack up to 9 switches with 160 Gbps of stacking bandwidth. The stacking kit (C3650-STACK-KIT) and cables are sold separately. Stacking enables single-IP management and high availability with stateful switchover.

Q: Can this switch function as a wireless LAN controller?
A: Yes, the Catalyst 3650 Series has an integrated wireless controller built into IOS XE. Each switch can manage up to 50 Cisco Aironet access points and 1,000 wireless clients, enabling converged wired-wireless policy enforcement without requiring a separate controller appliance.

Q: What is the replacement or migration path for this switch?
A: The Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series has reached end-of-sale. The recommended replacement is the Catalyst 9300L Series, specifically the C9300L-48P-4X-A model, which offers similar port density with Network Advantage license, enhanced security features, and support for newer technologies like DNA Center and SD-Access.