WS-C3850-16XS-E: A Comprehensive Guide for Network Professionals

Are you in search of a high-performance network switch? If yes, then you may have come across the Cisco Catalyst WS-C3850-16XS-E. This switch is known for its advanced features, high throughput, and reliability. In this article, we will explore the WS-C3850-16XS-E switch in detail, including its technical specifications, features, benefits, and use cases.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch
3. Technical Specifications of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch
4. Key Features of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch
   1. StackPower Technology
   2. Cisco IOS XE Operating System
   3. High-performance ASIC
   4. Comprehensive Security
5. Benefits of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch
6. Use Cases of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

1. Introduction

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3850-16XS-E is a member of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series switches. It is designed for high-performance enterprise and service provider networks. The switch provides advanced capabilities, including stackable configurations, wireless controller capabilities, and Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). It also has a modular power supply for added flexibility and redundancy.

2. Overview of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch

The WS-C3850-16XS-E switch is a 16-port 10G switch with an uplink module slot for optional 40G connectivity. It supports up to eight switches stacking with a throughput of up to 480 Gbps. The switch also features advanced QoS, intelligent power management, and network virtualization capabilities.

3. Technical Specifications of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch

The following are the technical specifications of the WS-C3850-16XS-E switch:

• 16 10G SFP+ ports
• 1 network module slot
• 1 power supply slot
• 1 fan module slot
• Up to 480 Gbps stacking throughput
• Up to 160 Gbps forwarding bandwidth
• 2.5:1 stacking ratio
• Support for up to 1000 access points and 12000 wireless clients
• Support for up to 64 Wireless LAN controllers
• IPv6 support
• Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
• MACsec encryption
• Multicast routing
• Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
• Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
• Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
• Quality of Service (QoS)

4. Key Features of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch

4.1 StackPower Technology

The WS-C3850-16XS-E switch supports StackPower technology, which provides power stacking among stack members for power redundancy. The technology allows the switch to share power supplies across the stack, providing added flexibility and reducing the number of power supplies required.

4.2 Cisco IOS XE Operating System

The switch runs on the Cisco IOS XE operating system, which provides a modular architecture and improved resiliency. The operating system also offers advanced security features, such as Secure Boot, Trust Anchor, and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integration.

4.3 High-performance ASIC

The WS-C3850-16XS-E switch features a high-performance Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that delivers high throughput, low latency, and

4.4 Comprehensive Security

The switch provides comprehensive security features, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol, Network Foundation Protection (NFP), and Control Plane Policing (CPP). These features help protect the network from unauthorized access, malware, and other security threats.

5. Benefits of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch

The WS-C3850-16XS-E switch provides several benefits for enterprise and service provider networks, including:

• High-performance: The switch delivers high throughput, low latency, and advanced QoS capabilities for demanding applications and workloads.
• Scalability: The switch supports up to eight switches stacking, providing scalability for growing networks.
• Flexibility: The switch has a modular power supply and network module slots, allowing for added flexibility and redundancy.
• Advanced security: The switch provides comprehensive security features, protecting the network from security threats.
• Easy management: The switch can be managed using Cisco Prime Infrastructure, which provides a centralized management platform for Cisco devices.

6. Use Cases of the WS-C3850-16XS-E Switch

This switch is ideal for several use cases, including:

• High-performance data centers: The switch provides high throughput and low latency for data center applications and workloads.
• Service provider networks: The switch offers advanced QoS and scalability for service provider networks.
• Enterprise networks: The switch provides advanced security, wireless controller capabilities, and PoE+ for enterprise networks.

7. Conclusion

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3850-16XS-E switch is a high-performance and reliable network switch that provides advanced capabilities for enterprise and service provider networks. The switch offers high throughput, advanced QoS, comprehensive security, and scalability for demanding applications and workloads. With its modular design and advanced features, this switch is an ideal choice for network professionals.

8. FAQs

1. What is the stacking ratio of the WS-C3850-16XS-E switch?

• The switch has a stacking ratio of 2.5:1.

2. Can this switch be managed using Cisco Prime Infrastructure?

• Yes, the switch can be managed using Cisco Prime Infrastructure.

3. What is the maximum number of wireless clients supported by the switch?

• The switch supports up to 12,000 wireless clients.

4. Does the WS-C3850-16XS-E switch support MACsec encryption?

• Yes, the switch supports MACsec encryption.

5. What is the forwarding bandwidth of the switch?

• The switch has a forwarding bandwidth of up to 160 Gbps.

What transceiver modules work with WS-C3850-16XS-E? (click on part number to go their product page)

Important Sources:

Catalyst 3850 Data SheetHow to Configure Catalyst 3850CISCO Catalyst 3850 Prices