WS-C3850-24XU-S Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Managed L3 Switch UPOE

Enterprise-Class Switching Architecture

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XU-S belongs to the Catalyst 3850 family, engineered to deliver consistent performance for modern enterprise networks. This managed switch is designed to support high-density environments where speed, scalability, and intelligent traffic handling are critical.

Product Identity and Classification

• Brand: Cisco
• Product Line: Catalyst
• Series: 3850
• Model Reference: WS-C3850-24XU
• SKU / Part Number: WS-C3850-24XU-S
• Switch Category: Managed Network Switch

Advanced Switching Capabilities

Layer 3 Routing Intelligence

This Catalyst switch operates at Layer 3, enabling efficient routing, optimized traffic flow, and enhanced network segmentation. It supports enterprise-grade routing functions that help reduce latency and improve overall data throughput.

Key Functional Highlights

• Layer 3 switching for advanced routing control
• Designed for high-performance enterprise deployments
• Optimized for scalable network growth

Port Configuration and Connectivity

High-Speed Ethernet Interfaces

Equipped with twenty-four high-capacity Ethernet ports, this switch supports demanding workloads and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Interface Details

• Total Ports: 24 network interfaces
• Port Speed: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Port Type: 10GBase-T
• Cabling Support: Twisted Pair

Performance-Oriented Design

• Optimized for data centers and enterprise access layers
• Reliable 10GbE connectivity for servers and uplinks

Scalability and Stack Management

Stacking Support

The switch supports stacking technology, allowing multiple units to operate as a single logical system. This capability simplifies administration while improving redundancy and scalability.

• Stackable architecture for simplified expansion
• Unified management across stacked devices
• Improved fault tolerance and uptime

Management and Control Features

Comprehensive Manageability

Designed as a fully manageable switch, the WS-C3850-24XU-S enables administrators to monitor, configure, and optimize network operations efficiently.

• Centralized management support
• Enhanced visibility into network performance
• Enterprise-ready configuration options

Power and Reliability Options

Power Supply and Redundancy

The switch utilizes a dedicated power supply and supports redundant power configurations to help maintain uninterrupted network operations.

• Primary power source: Internal power supply
• Redundant power supply capability for high availability

Physical Design and Installation

Rack-Mountable Form Factor

Built for standard data center and network racks, this Cisco Catalyst switch fits seamlessly into professional IT environments.

Chassis Specifications

• Rack Compatibility: 1U
• Installation Type: Rack-mountable
• Height: 1.8 inches
• Width: 17.7 inches
• Depth: 17.5 inches
• Approximate Weight: 17.60 lbs

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Managed Switching Architecture

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XU-S Catalyst 3850 Series 24 Ports Managed Switch belongs to a unified access switching platform designed to converge wired and wireless networking with advanced policy enforcement and application visibility. This category represents enterprise-grade managed switches that integrate hardware-based forwarding, scalable software intelligence, and high-performance uplink flexibility. Built on Cisco IOS XE software, the Catalyst 3850 Series delivers consistent control, programmability, and operational simplicity across campus and branch network environments.

The Catalyst 3850 switching category emphasizes deterministic performance through dedicated ASICs that handle forwarding, quality of service, and security enforcement at line rate. The WS-C3850-24XU-S model extends this architecture by providing advanced multigigabit Ethernet capabilities that support modern access layer demands, including high-throughput wireless access points, bandwidth-intensive collaboration tools, and latency-sensitive applications. As part of the Catalyst 3850 family, this category is engineered for organizations seeking resilient, scalable, and centrally manageable switching solutions.

Multigigabit Ethernet Access Layer Capabilities

The WS-C3850-24XU-S is categorized under multigigabit access switches that enable faster-than-Gigabit connectivity over existing copper cabling. This category supports network modernization without requiring costly re-cabling, making it particularly valuable for enterprises upgrading to next-generation wireless standards and high-performance endpoint devices. Multigigabit Ethernet support allows dynamic negotiation of speeds, enabling connected devices to operate at optimal throughput levels while maintaining backward compatibility.

By delivering enhanced bandwidth at the access layer, this category of switches eliminates traditional bottlenecks between endpoints and aggregation layers. The Cisco Catalyst 3850 multigigabit switching category ensures that network infrastructure keeps pace with evolving user demands, cloud-based applications, and data-intensive workflows. This capability is especially relevant in dense office environments, educational campuses, healthcare facilities, and collaborative workspaces where performance consistency is critical.

Unified Wired and Wireless Policy Enforcement

The Catalyst 3850 Series is categorized as a unified access switching platform that integrates wired and wireless traffic under a single policy framework. The WS-C3850-24XU-S supports centralized enforcement of access control, quality of service, and security policies across all connected devices. This unified approach simplifies network administration while ensuring consistent user experiences regardless of connection type.

Within this category, policy-based automation enables administrators to define rules once and apply them uniformly across the network. The integration of wired and wireless control planes allows the switch to function as a central enforcement point, enhancing visibility and simplifying troubleshooting. This design supports modern network architectures that prioritize agility, scalability, and user-centric policy management.

Power over Ethernet and Endpoint Enablement

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XU-S Catalyst 3850 Series switch category includes models engineered to deliver enhanced Power over Ethernet capabilities for powering a wide range of network endpoints. This category supports advanced PoE standards, enabling the deployment of power-hungry devices such as high-performance wireless access points, IP video cameras, digital signage, and unified communications endpoints.

By consolidating power and data delivery over a single Ethernet cable, this category reduces infrastructure complexity and improves deployment flexibility. Enterprises benefit from centralized power management, improved energy efficiency, and simplified device installation. The ability to dynamically allocate power based on device requirements ensures optimal utilization of available power budgets.

Scalability for Growing Device Density

The Catalyst 3850 Series managed switch category is designed to support increasing device density and evolving access layer demands. The WS-C3850-24XU-S model exemplifies this category by enabling organizations to scale their networks without compromising performance or reliability. As endpoint counts grow and application requirements intensify, this category provides the foundation for sustainable network expansion.

Scalable access switching within this category supports seamless integration of new technologies, including advanced wireless standards and Internet of Things deployments. The ability to accommodate higher power draw and increased bandwidth per port positions this category as a future-ready solution for enterprise networking.

Stackable Architecture and High Availability

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series falls into the category of stackable managed switches that support high availability and simplified network management. The WS-C3850-24XU-S leverages Cisco StackWise technology, allowing multiple switches to operate as a single logical unit. This category delivers enhanced resiliency, simplified configuration, and improved scalability for access layer deployments.

Stackable switching within this category enables rapid failover, consistent policy enforcement, and centralized management across multiple units. By treating a stack as a single device, administrators reduce operational overhead while maintaining robust redundancy. This approach ensures minimal downtime and uninterrupted service for mission-critical applications.

High-Speed Uplink Flexibility

The Catalyst 3850 Series category includes modular uplink options that allow organizations to tailor connectivity to their specific network architectures. The WS-C3850-24XU-S supports flexible uplink configurations that enable high-speed connections to distribution and core layers. This adaptability ensures optimal traffic flow and reduces congestion across the network.

High-speed uplink support within this category is essential for handling aggregated access traffic from multigigabit endpoints. By providing scalable uplink bandwidth, this category ensures that performance gains at the access layer are fully realized throughout the network.

Advanced Security and Network Visibility

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 managed switch category emphasizes integrated security and deep network visibility. The WS-C3850-24XU-S supports advanced features that allow organizations to monitor, analyze, and secure network traffic in real time. This category is designed to protect against evolving threats while maintaining high performance and user experience.

Integrated security capabilities within this category include access control enforcement, traffic segmentation, and application-level visibility. By embedding security directly into the switching fabric, this category reduces reliance on external appliances and streamlines network protection strategies.

Application Awareness and Performance Optimization

The Catalyst 3850 Series category supports application-aware networking that enables intelligent traffic management and performance optimization. The WS-C3850-24XU-S can identify and prioritize critical applications, ensuring consistent performance even during peak usage periods. This capability is essential for modern enterprises that rely on real-time collaboration, cloud services, and multimedia applications.

Application visibility within this category empowers administrators with actionable insights into network usage patterns. By understanding how applications consume bandwidth and resources, organizations can make informed decisions that enhance efficiency and user satisfaction.

Software-Driven Network Control with Cisco IOS XE

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XU-S Catalyst 3850 Series is part of a category defined by software-driven intelligence and programmability. Running on Cisco IOS XE, this category supports modern network automation, programmability, and integration with management platforms. The separation of control and data planes enables greater flexibility and resilience.

IOS XE-based switching within this category allows for in-service software upgrades, reducing downtime and improving operational continuity. The modular software architecture supports feature expansion and integration with automation tools, enabling organizations to adapt to changing business requirements.

Centralized Management and Automation

The Catalyst 3850 Series category supports centralized management frameworks that simplify network operations. The WS-C3850-24XU-S integrates with Cisco management platforms to provide unified visibility and control across the network. Automation capabilities reduce manual configuration tasks and minimize the risk of errors.

By enabling policy-driven automation, this category allows IT teams to deploy changes quickly and consistently. Centralized management enhances operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with organizational standards and security policies.

Enterprise Reliability and Operational Efficiency

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 managed switch category is engineered for continuous operation in demanding enterprise environments. The WS-C3850-24XU-S reflects this focus by delivering robust hardware design, advanced monitoring capabilities, and proactive diagnostics. This category supports high levels of uptime and predictable performance.

Operational efficiency within this category is achieved through intelligent resource management, energy-efficient design, and comprehensive monitoring tools. Organizations benefit from reduced operational costs and improved return on investment through reliable, long-lasting network infrastructure.

Optimized for Campus and Branch Deployments

The Catalyst 3850 Series category is ideally suited for campus and branch network deployments that require consistent performance, security, and scalability. The WS-C3850-24XU-S provides the flexibility needed to support diverse use cases, from dense office floors to distributed enterprise locations.

By combining advanced access layer features with centralized control, this category enables organizations to build cohesive networks that support modern workstyles. The adaptability and resilience of this category make it a foundational component of enterprise network design.

Future-Ready Networking Foundation

The Cisco WS-C3850-24XU-S Catalyst 3850 Series 24 Ports Managed Switch category represents a future-ready networking foundation designed to support ongoing digital transformation. By integrating multigigabit access, advanced power delivery, unified policy enforcement, and software-driven intelligence, this category addresses the evolving demands of modern enterprises.

This category ensures long-term value by supporting emerging technologies, increasing device diversity, and growing application requirements. Organizations investing in the Catalyst 3850 Series benefit from a scalable, secure, and high-performance switching platform that evolves alongside their business needs.