WS-C3850-24XUW-S Cisco Catalyst Ethernet Switch (24 Ports)

Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S Catalyst 24-Port Switch Overview

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3850-24XUW-S is a high-performance, Layer 3 managed switch, designed for enterprise networking environments. It combines robust connectivity, advanced features, and reliable performance for modern data centers and network infrastructures.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C3850-24XUW-S
• Product Type: Network Switch
• Port Count: 24 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Switching Type: Layer 3
• Series: Catalyst 3850

Port and Expansion Details

• Total network ports: 24
• Supports uplink connections
• Non-modular design with no stack port
• Port/expansion slots: 24 x 10G Ethernet

Performance and Capacity

• IPv4 routing capacity: 24,000 routes
• NetFlow entries: 24,000
• Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): up to 1,000
• Maximum VLANs supported: 4,000
• Hardware QoS queues per port: 8
• MAC address table: 32,000 entries
• Jumbo frame support up to 9,198 bytes

Advanced Networking Features

• DHCP and ARP support
• Auto-uplink (MDI/MDI-X)
• IGMP snooping and Syslog integration
• Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
• IPv6 ready
• Stateful switchover (SSO)
• PIM snooping and MSTP support
• DHCP snooping & Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP)
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) and LACP
• Access Control Lists (ACLs) & QoS policies
• VRF-Lite, DAI, URPF, and UDLD
• Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVRST+)
• Shaped Round Robin (SRR) queuing
• Port security and RSPAN monitoring
• CAPWAP, Energy Efficient Ethernet, and MIB support
• Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)
• Cisco StackWise-480 & StackPower compatibility
• Flexible NetFlow, 802.1x authentication, DSCP support, RRM
• IP Source Guard and Weighted Tail Drop (WTD)
• VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) and BPDU handling
• Control Plane Protection (CoPP)

Management and Protocol Support

• Fully manageable switch
• Remote management via SNMP v1/v2c/v3, RMON v1/v2, Telnet, SSH, TFTP, CLI
• Routing protocols: OSPF, BGP-4, IS-IS, RIP-1, RIP-2, EIGRP
• IPv6 routing: OSPFv3, EIGRP for IPv6, RIPng
• Multicast and policy-based routing support: IGMPv2/3, PIM-SM/DM, MLDv2, PBR

Connectivity and Expansion Options

• 24 x 1/2.5/5/10GBase-T RJ-45 UPOE ports (up to 60 W)
• USB Type A, Mini-USB Type B, and console RJ-45 for management
• 1 x Gigabit LAN management port
• Stacking ports: 2 network stack interfaces
• Expansion slots: 1 total, 1 available

Compliance and Safety Certifications

• CISPR 22/24 Class A, EN 55022/24, EN 61000-3-2/3-3
• FCC CFR47 Part 15, UL 60950-1, IEC 60950-1
• RoHS, CCC, KCC, ICES-003, BSMI, CAN/CSA C22.2, VCCI, KN24, KN22
• EN 300386, AS/NZS CISPR 22, CNS 13438 compliance

Software and System Requirements

• Pre-installed software: Cisco IOS IP Base
• Supports advanced network automation and management features

Power and Reliability

• Internal power supply with 1,100 W output
• Redundant power support (1+1 optional)
• Voltage: AC 120/230 V, 50–60 Hz
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 203,150 hours

Included Accessories

• 1 x Stacking cable for simplified network expansion

Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S Catalyst Managed Switch Category

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S Catalyst 24 Port Managed Switch belongs to the advanced enterprise-class switching category designed to support modern digital workplaces, unified communications, and high-density wireless deployments. This category focuses on multilayer managed switches that integrate wired and wireless access into a single platform, delivering consistent policy enforcement, simplified network management, and high-performance connectivity. Devices in this category are engineered for organizations that require scalable, secure, and intelligent network infrastructure capable of supporting voice, video, data, and IoT workloads simultaneously.

The Catalyst 3850 series represents a significant evolution in Cisco’s access-layer switching architecture by introducing converged wired and wireless networking, advanced power delivery, and software-driven automation. The WS-C3850-24XUW-S model, in particular, addresses environments that demand high power over Ethernet capabilities, multigigabit throughput, and robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 management features. This category is commonly deployed in enterprise campuses, branch offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and commercial buildings where performance, reliability, and flexibility are critical.

Enterprise-Class Managed Switching Architecture

The managed switch category that includes the Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S is defined by its intelligent control plane, advanced forwarding capabilities, and deep visibility into network traffic. These switches operate as the foundation of the access layer, connecting end-user devices such as computers, IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and building automation systems. The architecture is designed to ensure low latency, high availability, and consistent quality of service across all connected endpoints.

This category emphasizes centralized management, policy-based networking, and seamless integration with upstream distribution and core layers. The Catalyst 3850 platform leverages Cisco IOS XE software, which enables programmability, modularity, and support for modern network automation tools. By combining hardware-based forwarding with software intelligence, switches in this category deliver predictable performance while remaining adaptable to changing business requirements.

Converged Wired and Wireless Access Layer

A defining characteristic of this managed switch category is the convergence of wired and wireless access. The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S supports integrated wireless LAN controller functionality, allowing organizations to manage wireless access points directly from the switch. This convergence simplifies network design by reducing the need for separate wireless controllers and enables consistent policy enforcement across both wired and wireless clients.

The converged access model improves scalability and operational efficiency by allowing IT teams to manage user mobility, security policies, and quality of service from a single control point. This approach is particularly beneficial in dynamic environments where users frequently move between wired desks and wireless spaces, requiring uninterrupted access to applications and services.

High-Performance Multigigabit Connectivity

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S category is designed to address the growing demand for higher bandwidth at the access layer. With support for multigigabit Ethernet technologies, these switches enable faster data transfer rates over existing cabling infrastructure. This capability is essential for supporting next-generation wireless access points, high-resolution video applications, and data-intensive workloads.

By delivering enhanced throughput and low-latency forwarding, this managed switch category ensures that network performance does not become a bottleneck as organizations adopt cloud services, collaboration platforms, and real-time applications. The architecture supports efficient traffic handling and intelligent buffering to maintain consistent performance under heavy loads.

Advanced Power over Ethernet Capabilities

The managed switch category represented by the Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S is known for its advanced Power over Ethernet functionality. These switches are engineered to deliver high power levels to connected devices, supporting a wide range of endpoints such as IP phones, wireless access points, video surveillance cameras, and smart building devices. High-power PoE capabilities simplify deployments by eliminating the need for separate power supplies and electrical installations.

In enterprise environments, reliable power delivery is critical for maintaining uptime and ensuring consistent user experiences. This category supports intelligent power management features that allocate power dynamically based on device requirements and network policies. This ensures optimal utilization of available power resources while protecting connected devices from overload conditions.

Support for Unified Communications and Collaboration

Unified communications and collaboration platforms rely heavily on network infrastructure that can deliver both data and power reliably. The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S managed switch category is optimized to support voice and video applications by providing consistent power, low latency, and prioritization of real-time traffic. This makes it well-suited for organizations deploying IP telephony, video conferencing systems, and collaborative workspaces.

Quality of service mechanisms within this category ensure that voice and video traffic receives appropriate priority, minimizing jitter and packet loss. This results in clear audio, smooth video, and reliable communication experiences even during periods of high network utilization.

Energy Efficiency and Intelligent Power Management

Energy efficiency is an important consideration in modern network design, and the managed switch category that includes the Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S incorporates features to reduce power consumption without compromising performance. Intelligent power management capabilities monitor energy usage and adjust power delivery based on device activity and network policies.

These features contribute to lower operational costs and support sustainability initiatives by reducing overall energy consumption. Organizations benefit from efficient power utilization while maintaining the flexibility to support a wide range of powered devices across the network.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching Features

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S belongs to a managed switch category that offers comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality. This includes advanced switching, routing, and traffic management features that enable efficient data forwarding and network segmentation. These capabilities are essential for building scalable and secure enterprise networks.

Layer 2 features within this category support robust VLAN implementations, loop prevention, and efficient broadcast control. Layer 3 capabilities enable inter-VLAN routing, dynamic routing protocol support, and policy-based traffic control. This combination allows organizations to design flexible network topologies that can adapt to growth and changing requirements.

Scalable Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a key aspect of modern enterprise security and performance optimization. The managed switch category represented by the Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S supports advanced segmentation techniques that allow administrators to logically separate traffic based on users, devices, or applications. This improves security by limiting access between segments and enhances performance by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic.

Segmentation capabilities also support compliance requirements by enabling isolation of sensitive systems and data. Organizations can implement granular access controls while maintaining centralized management and visibility across the network.

Dynamic Routing and Traffic Optimization

Layer 3 managed switches in this category support dynamic routing protocols that enable intelligent path selection and rapid convergence in the event of network changes. This ensures high availability and resilience, which are critical for mission-critical applications and services.

Traffic optimization features within this category allow administrators to define policies that prioritize important applications and manage bandwidth utilization effectively. This results in predictable performance and improved user satisfaction across the network.

Security and Policy Enforcement Capabilities

Security is a fundamental component of the managed switch category that includes the Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S. These switches are designed to enforce network security policies at the access layer, where users and devices connect to the network. By integrating security directly into the switching infrastructure, organizations can reduce risk and improve overall network posture.

Advanced security features within this category include authentication, authorization, and accounting mechanisms that ensure only authorized users and devices gain access to network resources. Policy enforcement is consistent across wired and wireless connections, providing a unified security framework.

Integrated Access Control and Authentication

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S managed switch category supports robust access control mechanisms that authenticate users and devices before granting network access. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects sensitive data from potential threats.

Authentication features are tightly integrated with centralized identity management systems, enabling organizations to apply consistent policies across the entire network. This approach simplifies administration while enhancing security and compliance.

Threat Detection and Network Visibility

Visibility into network traffic is essential for detecting and responding to security threats. The managed switch category provides advanced monitoring and telemetry capabilities that allow administrators to analyze traffic patterns, identify anomalies, and respond proactively to potential issues.

By leveraging detailed traffic insights, organizations can improve incident response times and maintain a secure and reliable network environment. This level of visibility also supports capacity planning and performance optimization efforts.

Centralized Management and Automation

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S belongs to a managed switch category that emphasizes simplified management and automation. Centralized management tools enable administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network devices from a single interface. This reduces operational complexity and improves efficiency.

Automation capabilities within this category support rapid provisioning, consistent policy deployment, and streamlined updates. By reducing manual configuration tasks, organizations can minimize errors and accelerate network changes.

Programmability and Software-Driven Networking

Modern enterprise networks require flexibility and adaptability, which are core attributes of this managed switch category. Support for programmability and open APIs allows organizations to integrate network infrastructure with automation frameworks and management platforms.

This software-driven approach enables dynamic policy enforcement, real-time monitoring, and integration with orchestration tools. As a result, networks can respond more quickly to changing business needs and application demands.

Operational Efficiency and Lifecycle Management

Lifecycle management is an important consideration for enterprise networking equipment. The managed switch category that includes the Cisco WS-C3850-24XUW-S supports features that simplify deployment, maintenance, and upgrades throughout the device lifecycle.

Centralized management, consistent software platforms, and automated updates help reduce downtime and operational costs. Organizations benefit from a stable and predictable network environment that supports long-term growth and innovation.