Cisco WS-C3850-24S-E – High-Performance 24-Port Fiber Switch with IP Services and Advanced Layer 3 Capabilities
Cisco WS-C3850-24S-E is a powerful, stackable, enterprise-class switch that belongs to Cisco’s renowned Catalyst 3850 Series. Featuring 24 SFP-based Gigabit Ethernet ports and operating with the IP Services license, this model supports full Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for complex network infrastructures that demand high reliability, scalability, and flexibility.
Whether used as an access-layer switch in large enterprise environments or as an aggregation switch in fiber-centric deployments, the WS-C3850-24S-E offers robust performance, rich feature sets, and seamless scalability through Cisco’s StackWise-480 technology.
24 x 1G SFP Ports – Flexible Fiber Connectivity
This switch supports 24 Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports, allowing for flexible and high-speed fiber connectivity. Network administrators can use a variety of optical transceivers (MMF, SMF, copper) based on network design and physical layout. It’s perfect for:
- Fiber-to-desktop environments
- Inter-building and long-distance links
- High-EMI environments where copper cabling is not viable
Layer 3 Enterprise Routing with IP Services
Unlike its IP Base counterparts, the WS-C3850-24S-E comes with the IP Services feature set, which unlocks full Layer 3 routing capabilities, including:
- Static Routing
- Dynamic Routing Protocols: OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, and BGP
- Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
- IPv6 support
This makes the switch suitable for larger networks, multi-VLAN routing, and advanced routing scenarios, allowing enterprises to consolidate infrastructure and reduce costs by eliminating the need for additional routers.
StackWise-480: Scalable, Resilient Architecture
The WS-C3850-24S-E integrates with Cisco’s StackWise-480 technology, enabling up to nine switches to operate as a single unit with a unified control and data plane. Benefits include:
- 480 Gbps stack bandwidth
- High availability and fault tolerance
- Simplified management with a single IP address
- Seamless scalability and investment protection
Support for PoE/PoE+
While this model itself doesn’t offer PoE on the SFP ports, the WS-C3850 series includes PoE/PoE+ variants that can power endpoints such as IP phones, cameras, and access points. The inclusion of this option in the broader product line allows network planners to mix and match units based on deployment needs.
Comprehensive Security Features
Security is embedded into the WS-C3850-24S-E, helping protect the network from internal and external threats. Features include:
- 802.1X Port Authentication
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering and role-based access
- DHCP Snooping – Prevents rogue DHCP servers
- Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) – Mitigates ARP spoofing attacks
- IP Source Guard – Prevents IP address spoofing
These security mechanisms ensure that only authorized users and devices gain access to the network, while also enabling real-time monitoring and threat prevention.
Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)
The switch is equipped with advanced QoS tools to manage and prioritize traffic, making it ideal for converged networks with data, voice, and video. Key QoS capabilities include:
- Traffic classification and marking
- Queue scheduling and shaping
- Traffic policing for bandwidth control
This ensures mission-critical applications like VoIP and video conferencing receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency they require.
Modular Uplink Flexibility
The WS-C3850-24S-E supports modular uplink options via dedicated slots that accommodate both Gigabit and 10 Gigabit SFP/SFP+ modules. This allows administrators to:
- Upgrade uplink speeds as bandwidth demands grow
- Connect to a 10G core infrastructure
- Support long-range links using appropriate optics
Energy Efficiency with Cisco EnergyWise
Power efficiency is a priority with the WS-C3850-24S-E. Using Cisco EnergyWise, network managers can monitor and control energy consumption of the switch and connected devices. Features include:
- Programmable power usage policies
- Power-down of unused ports
- Dynamic fan speed control for lower power draw
This helps organizations reduce electricity costs while meeting green IT goals.
Powered by Cisco IOS XE
The switch runs on the Cisco IOS XE software platform, offering modular, resilient, and programmable capabilities for modern networking. Advantages of IOS XE include:
- Support for programmability and APIs
- Model-driven configuration
- Modular OS architecture for enhanced stability
- Feature-rich CLI and GUI
Technical Specifications
- Ports: 24 x SFP 1G ports
- Stacking: StackWise-480, up to 9 units
- Software: Cisco IOS XE with IP Services
- Memory: 4 GB RAM, 2 GB Flash
- Dimensions: 4.45 x 44.5 x 45 cm
- Weight: ~6.2 kg
- Redundant Power Supply: Optional
Use Case Scenarios
This switch is well-suited for:
- Enterprise distribution and aggregation layers
- Fiber-rich environments like universities, hospitals, and data centers
- High-security deployments such as financial institutions and government offices
- Multitenant and service provider networks
Why Choose Cisco WS-C3850-24S-E?
The WS-C3850-24S-E provides unmatched flexibility and power for enterprise networking. Its 24 fiber ports support modular uplinks and advanced Layer 3 routing, while Cisco’s IP Services license unlocks premium networking capabilities. Stacking support, energy efficiency, robust security, and programmability through IOS XE make it a future-ready investment.
Organizations looking to build a scalable, secure, and high-performance network backbone will find this model especially beneficial, with its versatility across both access and aggregation layers.
Official Documentation
Visit the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Datasheet for comprehensive specifications and platform comparison.
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