WS-C3850-12S-S

The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-S is a high-performance, stackable managed switch from the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series, designed to meet the needs of modern enterprise networks. This switch is optimized for high-density environments, offering 12 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) ports and providing the flexibility of stacking for up to 9 units. It is built to support Layer 3 routing, making it ideal for advanced networking applications such as inter-VLAN routing, advanced traffic management, and scalable connectivity.

Key Features:

1. 12 Gigabit Ethernet Ports:
   • The WS-C3850-12S-S provides 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering high-speed network connectivity for a variety of devices, including computers, servers, and network appliances. These ports support Gigabit Ethernet speeds for fast and reliable data transfer, making it ideal for environments that demand high throughput and minimal latency.
2. Stackable Architecture:
   • The WS-C3850-12S-S supports Cisco StackPower and Cisco StackWise-480 technology, allowing the switch to be stacked with up to 8 other 3850 switches, resulting in a single, unified management plane. This stacking capability improves scalability, making it easier to expand the network without the need for additional complex configurations. Stacked switches share power and data, improving redundancy and resilience in the network.
3. Layer 3 Routing:
   • As a Layer 3 switch, the WS-C3850-12S-S provides advanced routing capabilities. It supports static routing, routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, and enables inter-VLAN routing for efficient traffic management across different subnets. This is especially beneficial for larger networks requiring high-performance routing between VLANs.
4. Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Support:
   • This model supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), which allows the switch to provide power to devices such as IP phones, wireless access points (APs), and cameras directly through the Ethernet cables. PoE+ delivers up to 30 watts of power per port, allowing for easier installation of devices that require both data and power without the need for separate power sources.
5. Advanced Security Features:
   • The WS-C3850-12S-S includes several built-in security features to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats. It supports 802.1X authentication, MAC security, ACLs (Access Control Lists), and Dynamic ARP Inspection, ensuring that the network is secure and compliant with enterprise standards. It also supports Cisco TrustSec, which provides role-based access control and network segmentation to enhance security.
6. Cisco IOS XE Software:
   • The switch runs on Cisco IOS XE, an advanced, modular operating system that offers high reliability, performance, and security. It enables automated network provisioning, seamless firmware updates, and centralized network management via Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Prime Infrastructure. This software provides access to rich feature sets like Quality of Service (QoS), VLAN configuration, multicast routing, and network analytics.
7. High Availability and Redundancy:
   • The WS-C3850-12S-S offers built-in redundancy features such as dual redundant power supplies (optional) and StackPower for enhanced network uptime and reliability. If one power supply fails, the other can continue to power the switch, minimizing the risk of downtime. StackWise also contributes to increased fault tolerance, as multiple switches in the stack can share the workload and failover if needed.
8. Energy Efficiency:
   • The switch is designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring Cisco EnergyWise technology. This feature helps reduce power consumption by dynamically adjusting power usage based on network activity and load. The WS-C3850-12S-S also adheres to energy standards such as Energy Star, helping organizations reduce operating costs while maintaining high-performance capabilities.
9. Quality of Service (QoS):
   • The WS-C3850-12S-S supports advanced QoS capabilities, allowing administrators to prioritize different types of network traffic. This ensures that critical applications such as voice, video conferencing, and real-time data are given priority over less time-sensitive traffic, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted communication.
10. Simplified Network Management:
    • The WS-C3850-12S-S integrates well with Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco DNA Center, providing centralized management for large-scale deployments. Through these platforms, network administrators can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network from a single interface, streamlining the overall network management process.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Enterprise Networks: The WS-C3850-12S-S is well-suited for medium to large enterprise networks that require high-performance switching, scalability, and advanced security. Its stackable design and Layer 3 routing capabilities make it ideal for building a resilient and highly available network infrastructure.
• High-Density Environments: This switch is perfect for high-density environments such as data centers, corporate offices, or campuses where large numbers of devices need to be connected to the network. The switch’s PoE+ support is especially useful in these environments for powering devices like IP phones, access points, and security cameras.
• VoIP and Video Conferencing: With its support for PoE+ and QoS, the WS-C3850-12S-S is an excellent choice for networks that rely on VoIP and video conferencing. The ability to prioritize voice and video traffic ensures high-quality communication with minimal interruptions.
• Security-Driven Deployments: The WS-C3850-12S-S is ideal for environments where security is a priority, such as financial institutions, healthcare facilities, and government organizations. Its advanced security features, including 802.1X authentication and dynamic ARP inspection, help protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.

Conclusion:

The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-S is a robust and scalable Layer 3 stackable switch designed for high-performance, high-density network environments. With its support for 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports, PoE+, advanced security features, and stacking capabilities, it is ideal for enterprise networks that require reliable, secure, and scalable switching solutions. Whether for corporate offices, campus networks, or data centers, the WS-C3850-12S-S provides the features and performance needed to support modern network infrastructure.