Cisco WS-C3850-12XS-E Catalyst

Cisco WS-C3850-12XS-E Switch – High-Performance 10G Aggregation with IP Services

The Cisco WS-C3850-12XS-E is an advanced, enterprise-grade stackable Layer 3 switch designed to meet the performance demands of high-bandwidth enterprise environments. Part of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series, this model offers 12 ports of 10 Gigabit SFP+, built-in IP Services software, and integrated wireless controller functionality — all in a 1U rack-mountable form factor.

Key Features and Benefits

The Cisco WS-C3850-12XS-E delivers a powerful combination of performance, scalability, and convergence, making it a strategic investment for enterprise networks. Its 12-port 10G SFP+ configuration ensures high-speed data transmission for bandwidth-intensive applications, while the integrated IP Services image provides advanced Layer 3 routing features including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IPv6 support.

With built-in wireless LAN controller functionality, the switch enables full unification of wired and wireless infrastructure on a single platform—enhancing network intelligence, simplifying management, and reducing operational costs. Cisco StackWise-480 stacking technology provides scalable performance and redundancy with up to 480 Gbps stack bandwidth.

Additional benefits such as modular uplink flexibility, redundant power options, robust QoS, and security features like TrustSec and MACsec make this switch an ideal solution for modern enterprises looking to optimize network efficiency, improve reliability, and prepare for future growth.

    1. High-Speed 10G Access with Enterprise Routing Features

With 12 x 10Gbps SFP+ fiber ports, the WS-C3850-12XS-E is built for aggregation or distribution layers in modern campus networks. It runs Cisco IOS XE with the IP Services feature set, enabling rich Layer 3 routing capabilities such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, PBR, and IPv6 support. Designed for flexibility and performance, it also includes 1 modular uplink slot, allowing expansion with up to 4 additional 10G uplink ports.

     2. Integrated Wireless LAN Controller for Full Network Convergence

A key advantage of the WS-C3850-12XS-E is its built-in wireless controller, enabling true convergence of wired and wireless infrastructure. It supports up to 100 wireless access points and 2,000 clients per switch, or up to 3,600 APs in a stack. This unified architecture enhances visibility, simplifies management, and streamlines policy enforcement across all endpoints.

     3. StackWise-480 Scalability and Resilient Hardware Design

Powered by Cisco StackWise-480, the WS-C3850-12XS-E supports stacking bandwidth of up to 480 Gbps, allowing seamless management and high availability across multiple switches. The hardware is engineered for resilience, with support for redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and modular uplinks to ensure consistent performance in mission-critical deployments.

     4. Advanced Security, QoS, and Management

This model offers advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, Flexible NetFlow, and integrated Cisco TrustSec support for robust network security. It can be fully managed via Cisco DNA Center, CLI, SNMP, or web-based tools, making it ideal for scalable and secure enterprise networks.

Key Technical Specifications

Why Choose Cisco WS-C3850-12XS-E?

1. 12-Port 10G Access: Ideal for enterprise aggregation and distribution layers
2. Advanced IP Services: Unlocks rich Layer 3 routing features and IPv6
3. Unified Network Management: Built-in WLAN controller for true convergence
4. Scalable Architecture: StackWise-480 for up to 9 switches and 480 Gbps stack bandwidth
5. Enterprise-Grade Resiliency: Modular uplinks, hot-swappable components, redundant PSU
6. Secure and Intelligent: Supports advanced QoS, TrustSec, and network visibility tools

Ideal Use Cases

• High-speed LAN aggregation or data center edge switching

• Unified wired and wireless campus networks with centralized control

• Multi-branch or large enterprise environments needing scalable Layer 3 routing

• Networks requiring modular flexibility, security, and uninterrupted uptime

You can also visit the manufacturer’s website link for more information.

You can also visit the Cisco WS-C3850-48XS-S Catalyst , Cisco WS-C3750X-48P-E Catalyst , Catalyst Switches pages if you wish.