Cisco WS-C3850-24PW-S Catalyst

Cisco WS-C3850-24PW-S PoE+ Switch – Full Enterprise Access Solution

The Cisco WS-C3850-24PW-S is a high-performance, enterprise-grade PoE+ switch designed to deliver powerful Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities within access-layer networks. As a member of the Catalyst 3850 Series, this switch is built to accommodate high-density PoE deployments, combining data switching and power delivery in a single, compact device. Its advanced stacking and management capabilities make it ideal for midsize to large organizations in sectors like finance, education, government, and retail—particularly in environments where IP telephony, wireless, and surveillance are mission-critical.

Key Features of the Cisco WS-C3850-24PW-S Switch

1. 24-Port Full PoE+ Support (IEEE 802.3at)

The WS-C3850-24PW-S switch features 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) functionality, delivering up to 30W per port. This allows direct connectivity and power delivery to devices like VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP security cameras—without needing separate power lines or injectors. This capability greatly simplifies infrastructure design while minimizing cabling and installation costs.

2. Layer 2 and Layer 3 Capabilities

Equipped with the Cisco IP Base IOS software, this model supports full Layer 2 features and limited Layer 3 routing functionality. You can deploy VLAN segmentation, port security, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), while also enabling static routing and multicast features like IGMP and PIM Stub. This mix allows scalable, secure traffic management across departments, floors, or buildings.

3. StackWise-480 Technology – Scalability Made Easy

The WS-C3850-24PW-S supports Cisco StackWise-480, enabling you to connect up to 9 compatible switches into a single logical unit. This makes it easier to expand the network without sacrificing management simplicity or uptime. With 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth, this switch enables enterprise-grade throughput and centralized control—critical for rapidly growing infrastructures in the UAE and Gulf regions.

4. High Performance Switching and Throughput

With its non-blocking architecture, this switch provides a forwarding rate of up to 130.95 Mpps, ensuring seamless packet transfers even under full load. Whether managing high-volume video traffic, cloud-based workloads, or unified communications, the WS-C3850-24PW-S is optimized for performance and reliability at the network edge.

5. Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance

Security is a core component of any modern network, and this switch delivers with features such as 802.1X Network Access Control, MACsec hardware encryption, DHCP snooping, and IP Source Guard. These mechanisms ensure that unauthorized devices are kept out while your data remains encrypted and protected—especially critical in finance, healthcare, and educational institutions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.

6. Flexible Monitoring and Management

The switch supports Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco DNA Center, SNMP, and a web-based GUI for centralized management. With support for Flexible NetFlow, network administrators can perform real-time traffic analysis and gain visibility into application and user behavior—helpful for optimizing QoS, security policies, and capacity planning.

7. Environmental and Physical Specifications

With its 1RU rack-mountable form factor, this switch fits easily into standard cabinets or wall-mounted enclosures. It supports operating temperatures from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F), with humidity tolerance of 10% to 95% (non-condensing). This makes it ideal for indoor deployments across offices, data closets, and control rooms.

8. Investment Protection

One of the strongest benefits of the WS-C3850-24PW-S is its compatibility with existing Cisco network designs. Whether you’re upgrading from a 2960 or integrating with Catalyst 9300s in the core, this switch allows a smooth transition without major re-architecting. It supports software upgrades and is part of Cisco’s long-term enterprise roadmap.

Conclusion

The Cisco WS-C3850-24PW-S PoE+ switch is a robust and intelligent choice for enterprises looking to build or scale secure, high-performance access networks. With rich Layer 2/3 functionality, full-stack support, strong security, and simplified management, this switch delivers enterprise-class value across diverse verticals. It is a go-to solution for IT professionals in the UAE seeking reliability, flexibility, and future-proof networking.

For more technical details, visit the Cisco official datasheet.

Related Products: WS-C3750X-48PF-S, WS-C3650-48PS-S, All Catalyst Switches