WS-C3850-24XS-E: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a high-performance, versatile, and scalable network switch? Look no further than the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series. Specifically, the WS-C3850-24XS-E model provides a wide range of features and benefits that make it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. In this article, we will provide an in-depth review of the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch, including its technical specifications, use cases, stacking options, and configuration.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is CISCO IP Services Feature Set?
• Technical Specifications
• Weight and Dimensions
• Use Cases for WS-C3850-24XS-E
• How can I stack WS-C3850-24XS-E?
• Features and Benefits of WS-C3850-24XS-E
• Comparison of WS-C3850-24XS-E with other Catalyst 3850 models
• Configuring the WS-C3850-24XS-E
• FAQs

Introduction

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 series is a line of enterprise-class switches designed for converged wired and wireless networks. The WS-C3850-24XS-E model is part of this series and is designed to provide high-performance, reliability, and security. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require a versatile, scalable, and cost-effective network switch.

What is CISCO IP Services Feature Set?

The Cisco IP Services feature set is a software package that provides advanced enterprise-class features and functionality to the Catalyst 3850 series switches. This feature set includes advanced routing, multicast, quality of service (QoS), and security features. It also supports IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols and can handle up to 16,000 IP routes.

Technical Specifications

The switch switch has the following technical specifications:

• 24 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ ports
• 1 network module slot
• 1 power supply slot
• 1 stacking module slot
• Cisco StackWise-480 technology for stacking up to 9 switches
• Cisco StackPower technology for power stacking up to 4 switches
• 4-core ARM CPU
• 16 GB flash memory
• 4 GB DRAM
• Cisco IOS XE operating system
• IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols
• Advanced QoS and security features

Weight and Dimensions

The WS-C3850-24XS-E switch has a weight of 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) and dimensions of 1.73 x 17.5 x 19.1 inches (4.4 x 44.5 x 48.5 cm).

Use Cases for WS-C3850-24XS-E

The WS-C3850-24XS-E switch is ideal for a wide range of use cases, including:

• High-performance data center networking
• High-speed aggregation and core switching
• Network segmentation and virtualization
• Secure and reliable wireless access

How can I stack WS-C3850-24XS-E?

The switch supports Cisco StackWise-480 technology for stacking up to 8 switches. This technology allows you to create a single logical switch with up to 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth. You can also use Cisco StackPower technology to power stack up to 4 switches, providing redundant power and reducing the number of power supplies needed. CISCO has engineered this switch with 4 ASIC chips, and the maximum number of ASIC chips per stack cannot exceed 32.

Features and Benefits of WS-C3850-24XS-E

The WS-C3850-24XS-E is a feature-rich switch that provides numerous benefits to users. Here are some of the key features and benefits of this switch:

1. Cisco IOS Software Support

The switch comes with the Cisco IOS software that enables the user to configure, manage, and monitor the switch easily. The software provides advanced features such as Cisco TrustSec, Flexible NetFlow, and Medianet to enhance network security, visibility, and quality of service (QoS).

2. High-Performance Hardware

The WS-C3850-24XS-E has a powerful hardware design that allows it to support high-bandwidth applications with ease. The switch has a switching capacity of 928 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 130.95 Mpps, enabling it to deliver fast and reliable connectivity to all connected devices.

3. Network Module Slot

The switch has a network module slot that allows users to add additional connectivity options to their network. Users can add modules such as 40 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet to expand the switch’s capabilities and meet the needs of their growing network.

4. Stackable

The switch is stackable, which means that users can connect multiple switches together to create a single logical unit. This feature provides users with scalability and redundancy in their network, as well as simplified management and configuration.

5. Energy-Efficient

This model is an energy-efficient switch that is designed to save power and reduce energy costs. The switch supports the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard, which reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity. The switch also supports the Cisco EnergyWise technology, which enables users to monitor and manage power usage across their network devices.

6. High Availability

The switch has several features that enhance its high availability, including redundant power supplies, field-replaceable fans, and stackable design. These features ensure that the switch can continue to operate even in the event of a component failure, providing users with uninterrupted network connectivity.

Comparison of WS-C3850-24XS-E with other Catalyst 3850 models

The WS-C3850-24XS-E switch is just one model in the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series. Let’s compare it with some of the other models in this series to understand the differences and similarities between them.

1. WS-C3850-12XS-S

The WS-C3850-12XS-S is another 12-port switch in the Catalyst 3850 series. It has a smaller form factor than the WS-C3850-24XS-E, and it only supports SFP+ modules. This means that it cannot support the 40 Gigabit Ethernet modules that the WS-C3850-24XS-E can. The WS-C3850-12XS-S has a switching capacity of 480 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 71.4 Mpps, which is lower than the WS-C3850-24XS-E. However, it has the same advanced software features as the WS-C3850-24XS-E, including Cisco TrustSec, Flexible NetFlow, and Medianet.

2. WS-C3850-24T-E

The WS-C3850-24T-E is a 24-port switch that supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connectivity. It does not have a network module slot like the WS-C3850-24XS-E, which means that users cannot add additional connectivity options to the switch. The WS-C3850-24T-E has a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 130.95 Mpps, which is lower than the WS-C3850-24XS-E. However, it has the same advanced software features as the WS-C3850-24XS-E, including Cisco TrustSec, Flexible NetFlow, and Medianet.

3. WS-C3850-48U-S

The WS-C3850-48U-S is a 48-port switch that supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connectivity. It has the same switching capacity as the WS-C3850-24XS-E (928 Gbps) but a slightly lower forwarding rate (130.56 Mpps). The WS-C3850-48U-S does not have a network module slot, which means that users cannot add additional connectivity options to the switch. However, it has the same advanced software features as the WS-C3850-24XS-E, including Cisco TrustSec, Flexible NetFlow, and Medianet.

4. WS-C3850-24U-S

The WS-C3850-24U-S is a 24-port switch that supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connectivity. It does not have a network module slot like the WS-C3850-24XS-E, which means that users cannot add additional connectivity options to the switch. The WS-C3850-24U-S has a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 130.95 Mpps, which is lower than the WS-C3850-24XS-E. However, it has the same advanced software features as the WS-C3850-24XS-E, including Cisco TrustSec, Flexible NetFlow, and Medianet.

In summary, the WS-C3850-24XS-E is a high-performance switch that supports 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and has a network module slot for additional connectivity options. It has a larger switching capacity and forwarding rate than the WS-C3850-12XS-S, WS-C3850-24T-E, WS-C3850-48U-S, and WS-C3850-24U-S. However, it is important to choose the right switch for your specific needs and network requirements.

Configuring the WS-C3850-24XS-E

Configuring the WS-C3850-24XS-E is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using either the web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) or the Command Line Interface (CLI). Both options offer administrators the ability to configure and manage the switch using various features.

To configure the WS-C3850-24XS-E through the GUI, administrators can simply connect to the switch using a web browser and entering the IP address of the switch. From there, they will be prompted to enter a username and password to access the switch’s configuration settings. Once logged in, they can navigate through various menus to configure settings such as VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), and port security.

Alternatively, administrators can use the CLI to configure the switch by connecting to it through a console cable or Telnet/SSH session. The CLI provides more granular control over the switch’s configuration and offers a wider range of configuration options. However, it requires a greater degree of familiarity with Cisco IOS commands.

Before configuring the switch, it is recommended to perform an initial configuration using the setup command to configure basic settings such as the hostname, IP address, and administrative password. Afterward, administrators can configure various features using either the GUI or the CLI.

It is important to note that the WS-C3850-24XS-E comes with many preconfigured default settings that can be changed according to the specific requirements of the network. It is recommended that administrators familiarize themselves with these settings and ensure that they are appropriate for their network before making any changes.

In summary, configuring the WS-C3850-24XS-E can be achieved through either the GUI or the CLI. Both options offer a range of configuration features that can be used to optimize the switch’s performance and security.

FAQs

1. What is the maximum number of stack members that can be added to WS-C3850-24XS-E?
   The WS-C3850-24XS-E switch can support up to eight stack members.
2. What is the maximum number of VLANs that can be configured on the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch?
   The WS-C3850-24XS-E switch can support up to 4,094 VLANs.
3. What is the maximum number of ports that can be used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections on the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch?
   The WS-C3850-24XS-E switch has 24 ports that can be used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections. One thing to remember here is that the 24XS-E is a data switch meaning the support for PoE isn’t available.
4. Does the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
   No, the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch does not support PoE.
5. Can I use the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch as a core switch in my network?
   Yes, the WS-C3850-24XS-E switch can be used as a core switch in medium-sized networks. However, for larger networks, it is recommended to use more powerful core switches.

Important Sources:

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