WS-C3850-24P-E Cisco Catalyst 24-Port Switch

Technical Specifications and Architectural Deep Dive

Understanding the robust specifications of the Catalyst 3850-24P-E reveals why it remains a resilient and powerful solution. Its design is built for performance, scalability, and unwavering reliability.

Core Hardware Architecture

The switch is built on a stackwise architecture, but its true power lies in the unified hardware design that supports simultaneous high-speed wired and wireless data processing.

Performance and Forwarding

Port Configuration: 24 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet RJ-45 ports, all supporting PoE+.
PoE Budget: A robust 415W total power budget, allowing administrators to power a full suite of devices such as IP phones, advanced wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and building automation sensors.
Stacking Bandwidth: Utilizes Cisco StackWise-480 technology, providing 480 Gbps of backplane stacking bandwidth, creating a single, logical switching unit from up to 9 physical switches.
Forwarding Rate: Capable of forwarding up to 176 Gbps, ensuring non-blocking performance for all ports even under full load.

Software and Features

Cisco IOS XE: The Unified Operating System

This is the heart of the convergence story. IOS XE provides a consistent operational model for both wired and wireless networks, simplifying configuration, troubleshooting, and policy enforcement.

Enhanced Feature Set (E) Capabilities

The "E" license enables advanced functionalities:

Full dynamic IP routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP).Advanced security with TrustSec and MACsec encryption.
Comprehensive application visibility and control (AVC/NBAR2).
Advanced QoS for granular traffic prioritization.

Key Features and Business Benefits

The Cisco Catalyst 3850-24P-E delivers tangible benefits that solve real-world business challenges, reducing complexity and driving innovation.

Converged Wired and Wireless Management

This is the flagship feature. The embedded wireless controller manages up to 50 access points directly and supports thousands in a distributed deployment. Network administrators gain a single pane of glass for managing switch ports, wireless SSIDs, and client policies, drastically reducing operational overhead.

Unparalleled Security Posture

Security is integrated at every layer, from the physical port to the application flow.

Threat Defense and Identity Services

Features like Cisco TrustSec use Software-Defined Access (SDA) principles to enforce policy based on user or device identity, not just IP address. Coupled with MACsec 256-bit encryption on every port, it ensures data confidentiality.

Network Access Control (NAC)

Seamless integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) allows for dynamic, policy-based access control, ensuring only authorized and compliant devices can connect to the network.

Application Visibility and Quality of Service (QoS)

In a network carrying voice, video, and business-critical data, prioritization is key.

NBAR2 Application Recognition

This deep packet inspection technology can identify thousands of applications, allowing IT to create intelligent policies—prioritizing Microsoft Teams or VoIP, while limiting bandwidth for streaming media.

Granular QoS Policies

The Enhanced Feature Set enables 8 queues per port, allowing for extremely precise traffic shaping and prioritization to guarantee optimal performance for business-critical applications.

Primary Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The versatility of the Cisco Catalyst 3850-24P-E makes it suitable for a wide array of environments where reliable, intelligent, and converged access is required.

Enterprise Campus Access Layer

The classic deployment, providing connectivity to end-users in office environments. Its PoE+ capability powers IP phones and wireless access points deployed in ceilings and offices, while its Layer 3 features allow for flexible subnetting and routing at the edge.

Digital Healthcare Networks

Hospitals and clinics rely on a multitude of connected devices.

Powering Medical IoT

From VoWi-Fi phones for staff to mobile medical carts, patient monitors, and building access systems, the reliable PoE+ infrastructure ensures critical devices remain operational without dependency on wall outlets.

Network Segmentation

Advanced security and VLAN features allow for strict isolation of medical device networks, guest Wi-Fi, and administrative systems, which is crucial for compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

Smart Buildings and Intelligent Workspaces

Modern buildings are becoming increasingly connected. The 3850-24P-E acts as the nervous system, powering and connecting:

Building Access Control Systems (card readers, electronic locks).HVAC and environmental sensors.
LED Lighting Systems over PoE.
Digital Signage and IP-based AV systems.

Comparison with Next-Generation Catalysts (9000 Series)

The Cisco Catalyst 9000 series represents the next evolutionary step, built on a fully programmable, software-defined architecture (SD-Access).

Feature and Performance Differences

The Catalyst 9300/9400 series offer higher port densities, multi-gigabit Ethernet (mGig) support for Wi-Fi 6/6E APs, and are built from the ground up for intent-based networking. The 3850, while extremely robust, uses a more traditional ASIC-based architecture.

Making the Right Choice

The 3850-24P-E is an excellent choice for organizations seeking a proven, stable, and cost-effective converged access solution, especially in deployments where advanced SD-Access features are not an immediate requirement. It offers tremendous value, particularly in the secondary market for businesses extending the life of a reliable network architecture.