The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series is a powerful next-generation switching platform that can provide the foundation for your enterprise network. By combining hardware, software, and services, this series of switches offers unprecedented scalability and advanced features to meet the needs of any organization. Whether you’re looking for improved performance, increased security, or better manageability, the Cisco Catalyst 3850 is an ideal solution. In this blog post, we will explore some of the features and benefits of this series and how it can help you build modern network infrastructure.
What are networking switches?
Networking switches are devices that connect network segments. They forward packets between network segments based on the destination address in each packet. Switches learn the addresses of devices connected to each of their ports and use this information to decide where to forward packets.
Switches can be used to create virtual networks, which are separate from the physical network infrastructure. This allows for more flexibility and scalability when deploying new services or applications. Virtual networks can also be used to isolate traffic between different types of devices, or between different departments within an organization.
Switches come in a variety of form factors, including standalone units, rack-mounted units, and blade servers. Some switches are designed for specific environments, such as industrial settings or data centers.
Why are Cisco switches so popular?
Cisco switches are popular for a variety of reasons. They are well-made, reliable, and easy to use. Cisco also offers a wide range of models to choose from, so you can find one that fits your specific needs. In addition, Cisco switches are often compatible with other Cisco products, which can make your network more efficient.
Do you need a networking switch?
If you have a small business with a limited number of devices that need to be connected to a network, then you may not need a networking switch. For example, if you only have a few computers and printers in your office, you can connect them directly to each other using cables. However, if you have a larger business with many devices that need to be connected, or if you plan on expanding your network in the future, then you will need a networking switch. A switch allows you to connect multiple devices to your network so they can communicate with each other. It also gives you the ability to add more devices to your network as your business grows.
What to look for when buying networking switches?
There are a few key things to look for when buying a Cisco Catalyst switch:
1. Port count and speed: The number of ports on a switch is important to consider, as you’ll need enough to connect all of your devices. The speed of the ports is also important, as you’ll want to make sure they’re fast enough to keep up with your network traffic.
2. PoE support: If you plan on using Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices, then you’ll need a switch that supports it. Not all switches support PoE, so be sure to check before you buy.
3. Stackability: If you think you might expand your network in the future, then getting a stackable switch can be a good idea. That way you can add more switches to your network without having to replace your existing ones.
4. Warranties and support: As with any piece of equipment, it’s always a good idea to get a warranty or some sort of support plan in case something goes wrong. With Cisco Catalyst switches, you can often get a next-day replacement and 24/7 phone support.
Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series: Overview
The Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series is the next generation of enterprise-class standalone and stackable access-layer switches that provide the foundation for full convergence between wired and wireless on a single platform. The 3650 Series is built on the advanced Cisco StackWise-160 and takes advantage of the new Cisco Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). This switch can enable uniform wired-wireless policy enforcement, application visibility, flexibility, application optimization, and superior resiliency. The 3650 Series switches support full IEEE 802.3at Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (Cisco UPOE) on the Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series multigigabit switches, and offer modular and field-replaceable redundant fans and power supplies. The 3650 Series switches also come in a 12-inch lower depth form factor so that you can deploy them in tight wiring closets in remote branches and offices where the depth of the switch is a concern. In addition, the 3650 multigigabit switches support current and next-generation wireless speeds and standards (including 802.11ac Wave 2) on existing cabling infrastructure. The 3650 Series switches help increase wireless productivity and reduce TCO.
Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series: Features
Product Overview
● Integrated wireless controller capability with:
◦ Up to 40G of wireless capacity per switch (48-port models)
◦ Support for up to 50 access points and 1000 wireless clients on each switching entity (switch or stack)
● 24 and 48 10/100/1000 data and PoE+ models with energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) supported ports
● 24 and 48 100-Mbps and 1-, 2.5-, 5-, and 10-Gbps (multigigabit) Cisco UPOE and PoE+ models with EEE
● Five fixed-uplink models with four Gigabit Ethernet, two 10 Gigabit Ethernet, four 10 Gigabit Ethernet, eight 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or two 40 Gigabit Ethernet Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+) ports
● 24-port and 48-port 10/100/1000 PoE+ models with lower noise and reduced depth of 11.62 inches for shallow-depth cabinets in enterprise, retail, and branch-office environments
● Optional Cisco StackWise-160 technology that provides scalability and resiliency with 160 Gbps of stack throughput
● Dual redundant, modular power supplies and three modular fans providing redundancy
● Support for external power system RPS 2300 on the 3650 mini SKUs for power redundancy
● Full IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) with 30W power on all ports in 1 rack unit (RU) form factor
● Cisco UPOE with 60W power per port in 1 rack unit (RU) form factor
● IEEE 802.3bz (2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T) to go beyond 1 Gbps with existing Category 5e and Category 6
● IEEE 802.1ba Audio Video Bridging (AVB) built in to provide a better AV experience, including improved time synchronization and quality of service (QoS)
● Software support for IPv4 and IPv6 routing, multicast routing, modular QoS, Flexible NetFlow (FNF) Version 9, and enhanced security features
● Single universal Cisco IOS Software image across all license levels, providing an easy upgrade path for software features
● Enhanced limited lifetime warranty (E-LLW) with next business day (NBD) advance hardware replacement and 90-day access to Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) support
Conclusion
Compare prices from different vendors to find the best deal. The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series switches provide the foundation for full convergence between wired and wireless on a single platform. The switches can enable uniform wired-wireless policy enforcement, application visibility, flexibility, application optimization, and superior resiliency.