Cisco WS-C3850-24S-E Catalyst 3850 24-Port Layer 3 Stackable IPS Switch

Overview
The Cisco Catalyst 3850 24-Port Layer 3 Stackable IPS Switch (model WS-C3850-24S-E) delivers enterprise-grade performance, integrated security and flexible stacking in a compact 1RU form factor. Designed for campus and branch environments, this switch combines high-speed 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connectivity with advanced routing and intrusion prevention capabilities, enabling IT teams to simplify network architecture while maintaining robust protection against threats.

Key Features

• 24 SFP ports for fiber uplinks and downlinks, supporting a wide range of optical modules
• Layer 3 routing with support for OSPF, EIGRP, BGP and static routes
• Integrated Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) for real-time threat detection and mitigation
• StackWise-480 technology allows up to eight switches to operate as a single logical unit, providing up to 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth
• Full Cisco IOS XE software stack with programmable APIs for automation and SDN integration
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) optional via compatible power supplies for future expansion

Technical Specifications

• Model: WS-C3850-24S-E
• Form factor: 1RU rack-mountable
• Ports: 24 SFP (10/100/1000) plus 4 10G uplink ports (2 x 10GBASE-SR, 2 x 10GBASE-LR)
• Switching capacity: 128 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 95 Mpps
• Layer 3 protocols: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, RIP, static routing
• Security: Integrated IPS, ACLs, 802.1X authentication, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection
• Stacking: StackWise-480, up to 8 switches per stack
• Power: Dual redundant AC power supplies, optional PoE power budget up to 370 watts per switch
• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 degrees Celsius
• Dimensions: 44.5 mm height, 440 mm width, 438 mm depth

Typical Applications

• Campus core and distribution layers requiring high performance routing and security
• Branch office aggregation where space and power efficiency are critical
• Secure wireless LAN backhaul with integrated IPS to protect wireless traffic
• Data center top-of-rack deployments needing low latency switching and stacking flexibility
• Industrial or retail environments that demand reliable Ethernet connectivity and robust threat mitigation

By integrating routing, switching and security into a single platform, the Cisco Catalyst 3850 24-Port Layer 3 Stackable IPS Switch helps organizations reduce total cost of ownership while delivering the performance and protection needed for modern network demands.