Description
Product overview for the Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E 12 Port Switch
The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E is a powerful 12-port switch belonging to the Catalyst 3850 series. Designed for optimal performance and manageability, this switch is a vital component in modern network infrastructures. In this detailed guide, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and benefits of the Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E, providing a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and applications.
Key Features
- Port Configuration: The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E features 12 ports, providing ample connectivity options for various devices in a network. These ports are strategically designed to support Gigabit speeds, ensuring efficient data transfer within the network.
- Managed Switch: As a managed switch, the WS-C3850-12S-E offers advanced control and monitoring capabilities. Network administrators can configure and optimize the switch settings to meet the specific requirements of their network infrastructure. This level of control enhances network performance and security.
- Layer 3 (L3) Functionality: The switch supports Layer 3 routing, allowing it to make intelligent forwarding decisions based on IP addresses. This capability is essential for managing traffic in complex networks, enabling efficient communication between different subnets.
- Gigabit SFP Ports: Equipped with Gigabit SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) ports, this switch supports high-speed connectivity over fiber-optic or copper interfaces. These ports enable seamless integration with various networking devices, providing flexibility and scalability to the network.
Specifications
- Model: The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E is part of the Catalyst 3850 series, renowned for its reliability and performance in diverse networking environments.
- Port Configuration:
- Number of Ports: 12
- Port Type: Gigabit SFP
- Speed: 1 Gbps
- Layer 3 Routing:
- Supported Protocols: IPv4, IPv6
- Routing Features: Static routing, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF
- Management:
- Management Interface: CLI (Command Line Interface), Web-based GUI (Graphical User Interface)
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Support: Yes
- Security:
- Authentication: 802.1X
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): Supported
- Port Security: Yes
Benefits
- Scalability: The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E provides scalability to accommodate the growing needs of a network. With 12 Gigabit ports, it offers flexibility to connect more devices without compromising performance.
- Advanced Routing: The Layer 3 functionality allows the switch to make intelligent routing decisions, optimizing data transfer between different subnets. This is particularly advantageous in large networks with diverse communication requirements.
- Network Management: The switch’s managed capabilities empower administrators to have granular control over the network. From configuration to monitoring, the WS-C3850-12S-E simplifies network management tasks, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Gigabit SFP ports ensure high-speed data transfer, reducing latency and enhancing the overall responsiveness of the network. This is crucial for bandwidth-intensive applications and services.
Applications
- Enterprise Networks: The Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E is well-suited for enterprise-level networks where reliability, scalability, and performance are critical. Its Layer 3 capabilities make it an ideal choice for managing complex network architectures.
- Data Centers: In data center environments, the switch’s Gigabit SFP ports and advanced routing features are beneficial for handling large volumes of data traffic efficiently. Its compact design also makes it suitable for rack-mounted installations.
- Educational Institutions: Educational institutions with diverse networking needs can leverage the WS-C3850-12S-E for its flexibility and manageability. It can support various devices, from computers to VoIP phones, ensuring seamless connectivity.
- Telecommunication Networks: Telecommunication providers can benefit from the switch’s high-speed Gigabit SFP ports and Layer 3 routing capabilities. These features are crucial for maintaining reliable and responsive communication services.
Setup
- Initial Configuration: Setting up the Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E involves initial configuration steps to define basic parameters such as IP addressing, VLAN settings, and management access. This can be done through the Command Line Interface (CLI) or the Web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI).
- VLAN Configuration: The switch supports Virtual LANs (VLANs), allowing administrators to segment the network logically. VLAN configuration is essential for improving network security and optimizing traffic flow.
- Routing Configuration: To utilize the Layer 3 routing capabilities, administrators can configure routing protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP. This step ensures that the switch can make informed routing decisions based on the network topology.
- Security Configuration: Implementing security measures is crucial for protecting the network. The WS-C3850-12S-E supports features like 802.1X authentication and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to enhance network security.
General Information about the Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E 12 Port Switch
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# WS-C3850-12S-E
- Product Type: Switch
Key Features of the 12-Port Switch
- Device Type: Managed Layer 3 Switch with 12 Ports, Stackable
- Enclosure Type: Desktop, Rack-mountable 1U
- Subtype: Gigabit Ethernet
- Ports: 12 x Gigabit SFP
Performance
- Switching Capacity: 68 Gbps
- Stacking Bandwidth: 480 Gbps
- Forwarding Performance: 50.5 Mpps
Capacity
- IPv4 Routes: 24,000
- Netflow Entries: 24,000
- Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs): 1,000
- MAC Address Table Size: 32,000 Entries
- Jumbo Frame Support: 9,198
Routing Protocol
- BGP-4, IS-IS, RIP-1, RIP-2, EIGRP, PIM-SM, EIGRP for IPv6, OSPFv3, PIM-SSM, RIPng
Remote Management Protocol
- SNMP 1, RMON 1, RMON 2, Telnet, SNMP 3, SNMP 2c, SSH, CLI
Features
- Auto-negotiation, ARP support, Trunking, VLAN support, Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), IGMP snooping, Syslog support, IPv6 support, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) support, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) support, DHCP snooping, Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) support, Port Aggregation Protocol (PagP) support, Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) support, Access Control List (ACL) support, Quality of Service (QoS), RADIUS support, Virtual Route Forwarding-Lite (VRF-Lite), MLD snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), STP Root Guard, Uni-directional Link Detection (UDLD), Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVRST+), IPv4 support, Shaped Round Robin (SRR), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Remote Switch Port Analyzer (RSPAN), Layer 3 Load Balancing, Energy Efficient Ethernet, Cisco StackWise-480 Technology, Cisco Stackpower Technology, Flexible Netflow (FnF)
Compliant Standards
- IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.1d, IEEE 802.1q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.1s
- Power: AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
- Power Redundancy: Optional
Finally, the Cisco WS-C3850-12S-E is a versatile and robust 12-port switch that offers advanced features for modern networking needs. Its Gigabit SFP ports, Layer 3 routing capabilities, and managed switch functionalities make it suitable for a variety of applications, from enterprise networks to data centers and educational institutions. By understanding its key features, specifications, and configuration options, network administrators can harness the full potential of the WS-C3850-12S-E to build and maintain efficient and reliable networks.





