Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch

Product Overview 

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch is an enterprise-grade access layer switch engineered to meet the performance, scalability, and security requirements of modern digital networks. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series, this model is specifically designed to support high-density environments where advanced power delivery, high-speed uplinks, and centralized management are essential.

This switch integrates wired and wireless network services into a single, unified platform, helping organizations simplify network operations while delivering consistent performance across users, devices, and applications. With 24 multigigabit Ethernet ports supporting Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks, the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch is ideal for enterprise campuses, branch offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and large commercial networks.

Enterprise-Class Design and Build Quality

Cisco designed the Catalyst 3850 Series to operate reliably in mission-critical environments. The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch features a robust hardware architecture built to support continuous operation, high traffic loads, and long-term deployment.

The internal components are optimized for efficient airflow and thermal management, ensuring stable performance even under heavy utilization. This enterprise-grade design reduces downtime, improves network reliability, and helps organizations meet strict uptime requirements.

Cisco’s long-standing reputation for quality hardware and rigorous testing standards makes this switch a trusted choice for IT professionals worldwide.

24 Multigigabit Ethernet Ports with UPOE Support

One of the standout features of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch is its 24 multigigabit Ethernet access ports. These ports support speeds beyond traditional Gigabit Ethernet, allowing organizations to fully leverage next-generation devices and applications.

With Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE), each port can deliver up to 60 watts of power. This enhanced power capability enables the switch to support a wide range of connected devices, including:

• High-performance wireless access points

• Advanced IP cameras with pan-tilt-zoom functionality

• Video conferencing systems

• VoIP phones with integrated displays

• Building automation and IoT devices

By delivering both data and power over a single Ethernet cable, UPOE reduces installation complexity, lowers infrastructure costs, and simplifies device deployment across the network.

High-Speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet Uplinks

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch includes high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink options that provide fast, reliable connectivity to aggregation or core switches. These uplinks are critical for handling increasing traffic demands generated by cloud applications, video streaming, and high-density wireless deployments.

By supporting 10 GbE uplinks, this switch eliminates potential bottlenecks at the access layer and ensures smooth data flow across the entire network. Organizations benefit from improved application performance, reduced latency, and enhanced user experience.

Cisco IOS XE Software and Advanced Network Intelligence

At the core of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch is Cisco IOS XE, a modern, modular operating system designed for scalability and programmability. Cisco IOS XE enables advanced network intelligence and provides a flexible foundation for evolving business requirements.

Key benefits of Cisco IOS XE include:

• Modular architecture for improved stability

• Support for automation and programmability

• Enhanced visibility and analytics

• Faster feature deployment and updates

This software platform allows IT teams to manage complex networks more efficiently while maintaining full control over performance and security.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching Capabilities

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch offers comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of network designs.

Layer 2 features include VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Link Aggregation, and advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms. These capabilities allow administrators to segment traffic, optimize bandwidth usage, and ensure reliable network operation.

At Layer 3, the switch supports dynamic routing protocols, inter-VLAN routing, and intelligent traffic forwarding. This enables more efficient data paths, improved redundancy, and simplified network architecture.

Wired and Wireless Convergence

A key innovation of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series is its ability to converge wired and wireless networking services. The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch can function as a wireless controller, managing Cisco access points directly from the switch.

This convergence provides several advantages:

• Unified policy enforcement for wired and wireless users

• Centralized management and monitoring

• Reduced hardware footprint

• Simplified network operations

By integrating wireless control into the access switch, organizations can deliver consistent performance and security across all connection types.

Advanced Security Features for Enterprise Networks

Security is a fundamental requirement in modern networks, and the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch delivers a comprehensive set of security features designed to protect data, devices, and users.

Key security capabilities include:

• 802.1X authentication

• Access Control Lists (ACLs)

• MACsec encryption

• Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

• Threat detection and mitigation support

These features help prevent unauthorized access, protect sensitive information, and enforce compliance with organizational security policies.

Stacking Technology for Scalability and High Availability

Cisco StackWise technology allows multiple Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches to operate as a single logical unit. With stacking, network administrators can manage multiple switches as one, simplifying configuration and maintenance.

Benefits of stacking include:

• Improved scalability

• Enhanced redundancy and resiliency

• Simplified network expansion

• Unified management interface

This makes the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch an excellent choice for growing networks that require flexibility without sacrificing reliability.

Intelligent Power Management and Energy Efficiency

Despite its powerful capabilities, the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Intelligent power management features dynamically allocate power based on device requirements, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

This approach helps organizations lower operational costs while supporting sustainability initiatives and reducing environmental impact.

Ideal Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch is suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios, including:

• Enterprise campus networks

• Branch office access layers

• Healthcare and education environments

• Retail and hospitality networks

• Industrial and IoT-enabled infrastructures

Its combination of UPOE, multigigabit ports, and 10 GbE uplinks makes it adaptable to diverse and demanding networking needs.

Why Choose Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch

Choosing the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24X-Port UPOE + 10 GbE Switch means investing in a proven, future-ready networking platform backed by Cisco’s industry leadership. Organizations benefit from reliable hardware, advanced software, strong security, and long-term support.

This switch delivers the performance, flexibility, and intelligence required to support digital transformation initiatives and evolving business demands.

Cisco official data sheet