Cisco WS-C3850-12S-S 12-Port SFP Stackable Fiber Switch with IP Base and Enterprise Features
The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-S is a compact yet powerful stackable enterprise switch from the Catalyst 3850 Series, featuring 12 SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) ports and equipped with the IP Base software feature set. Designed for medium-to-large scale networks requiring fiber connectivity, this model provides exceptional flexibility, reliability, and scalability for aggregation, access, and distribution layer roles. It’s ideal for organizations in need of long-range, interference-resistant connections, particularly in healthcare, education, industrial, and government sectors.
High-Speed Fiber Connectivity with 12 x SFP Ports
This model comes with 12 Gigabit SFP ports that offer full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet speeds. It supports a wide range of SFP modules, including single-mode, multi-mode, and copper-based transceivers, offering deployment flexibility depending on distance and use case. These ports are ideal for uplinks between access layer switches and core/distribution layers, or for fiber-to-the-desk environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern.
Unlike copper ports limited by 100-meter Ethernet standards, fiber links using SFP modules can span up to 10 km (or more), making this switch ideal for campuses and multi-building facilities.
Scalability with StackWise-480 Technology
The WS-C3850-12S-S supports StackWise-480, Cisco’s advanced stacking solution, which allows up to 9 switches to operate as a single unified system. This capability enables:
- High availability via stack redundancy
- Up to 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth
- Simplified configuration, as one master switch can control the entire stack
- Seamless scalability, with plug-and-play addition of new stack members
In a high-performance fiber network, this stacking capability means administrators can expand the network infrastructure without added management complexity or downtime.
IP Base Software Features – Layer 3 Ready
The WS-C3850-12S-S is delivered with the IP Base IOS XE license, which includes essential Layer 3 capabilities. This provides support for static routing, RIP, and OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), DHCP services, VLAN segmentation, and policy-based routing.
Layer 3 functionality enables inter-VLAN routing directly on the switch, reducing the need for dedicated routers and improving data forwarding efficiency within enterprise environments. For mid-size deployments, this simplifies network architecture while enhancing traffic control.
Security and Access Control
Security is a top priority for the Catalyst 3850 Series. The WS-C3850-12S-S includes several security features out of the box, such as:
- 802.1X Port-Based Access Control – Ensure that only authorized users and devices can connect to the network
- Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) – Protects against ARP spoofing attacks
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) – Filter traffic and enforce policies at Layer 2 and Layer 3
- Port Security – Limit the number of MAC addresses per port
These enterprise-class features are essential for networks that require robust endpoint security and compliance with data privacy standards (e.g., ISO 27001, HIPAA).
Flexible NetFlow and Application Visibility
Another powerful feature of the WS-C3850-12S-S is its support for Flexible NetFlow. This allows for detailed monitoring of IP traffic flows, helping network admins identify bandwidth hogs, detect abnormal traffic patterns, and enforce QoS (Quality of Service) policies based on real-time usage.
With NetFlow, enterprises gain granular visibility into how applications and users are interacting with the network—essential for troubleshooting, security auditing, and capacity planning.
Energy Efficiency and Cooling
Cisco has engineered the 3850 Series with power efficiency in mind. The WS-C3850-12S-S is compliant with industry standards for energy-efficient networking, consuming less power during low-traffic periods. The switch includes:
- Variable-speed fans to reduce power draw and noise
- Efficient internal circuitry with lower idle power consumption
- Optional StackPower support for power-sharing among stack members
Hardware and Physical Specifications
- Ports: 12 x 1G SFP ports
- Stacking: Supports StackWise-480 (up to 9 units, 480 Gbps stack bandwidth)
- Software: Cisco IOS XE, IP Base feature set
- Memory: 4 GB DRAM and 2 GB Flash memory
- Dimensions: 4.45 x 44.5 x 45 cm (1RU)
- Weight: Approximately 5.5 kg
- Cooling: Intelligent fan control system for optimized airflow and thermal management
Management, Monitoring, and Cisco DNA Support
This switch is Cisco DNA Ready, meaning it can integrate into Cisco’s modern SD-Access environment. Through Cisco DNA Center, organizations can automate deployment, monitor performance, and enforce security policies across the network fabric.
Administrators can manage the WS-C3850-12S-S through multiple interfaces:
- Command Line Interface (CLI) – For advanced and scriptable configuration
- Web-based GUI – For easier management by junior admins or non-specialists
- SNMP / NetFlow / REST API – For integration with third-party monitoring tools
Use Cases and Ideal Deployment Scenarios
The WS-C3850-12S-S is perfect for scenarios requiring fiber-first access or distribution connectivity. Ideal use cases include:
- Distribution switch in enterprise or campus networks
- Fiber uplinks to server racks or high-density IDFs
- Industrial or mission-critical environments where EMI-resistant fiber is necessary
- Organizations looking to migrate from copper to fiber infrastructure
Why Choose Cisco WS-C3850-12S-S?
With a blend of high-performance hardware, flexible fiber connectivity, secure IP Base features, and DNA integration, the Cisco WS-C3850-12S-S is an optimal choice for enterprises looking to future-proof their core or access layer infrastructure. It provides exceptional value through stackable scalability, centralized management, and advanced routing capabilities—without the overhead of more expensive high-end switches.
Whether you’re building a greenfield deployment or upgrading legacy systems, the WS-C3850-12S-S offers a smooth path to higher bandwidth, security, and operational automation.
For complete technical specifications and official product documentation, visit the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Datasheet.
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