Description
Product Overview to WS-C3850-24XS-S Switch
The WS-C3850-24XS-S is a type of network switch designed and manufactured by Cisco. A network switch is a fundamental device that connects multiple devices within a network, such as computers, printers, and servers. The WS-C3850-24XS-S belongs to the Catalyst 3850 Series, which is well-regarded for its performance and reliability.
Catalyst 3850 Series
The Catalyst 3850 Series represents a family of switches developed by Cisco to meet the demands of modern network infrastructures. These switches are known for their flexibility, advanced features, and robust performance.
Key Specifications of WS-C3850-24XS-S
Let’s delve into the key specifications of the WS-C3850-24XS-S switch, breaking down its features for better comprehension.
24 Ports
The WS-C3850-24XS-S is equipped with 24 ports. Ports are the physical connectors on the switch where you can plug in network cables. Having 24 ports means that this switch can accommodate up to 24 devices, making it suitable for small to medium-sized networks.
Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+)
SFP+ is a type of technology used in network switches to allow the connection of various types of optical or copper cables. It provides flexibility, allowing network administrators to choose the appropriate type of SFP+ module for their specific networking needs.
10GBase-X
The term “10GBase-X” refers to the data transfer rate of the switch. In this case, the WS-C3850-24XS-S supports 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) data transfer. This high-speed data transfer capability ensures that the switch can handle substantial network traffic.
Layer 3 (L3)
The “Layer 3” capability signifies that this switch operates at the network layer of the OSI model. This layer is responsible for routing data between different networks. Layer 3 switches are often used in complex network setups to ensure efficient data routing.
Optical Fiber
The WS-C3850-24XS-S uses optical fiber for data transmission. Optical fiber is a technology that uses light to transmit data. It is known for its high bandwidth and is often used in scenarios where high-speed data transfer is crucial.
Rack-mountable 1U
This specification indicates the switch’s form factor. The WS-C3850-24XS-S is rack-mountable, which means it can be installed in standard network equipment racks. The “1U” signifies that it occupies one rack unit of space, which is a common size for network devices.
Manageable Switch
A manageable switch, as the name suggests, is a switch that can be configured and controlled. This level of manageability is essential for network administrators to monitor and optimize the performance of the switch based on the specific needs of their network.
Significance of WS-C3850-24XS-S Specifications
Understanding the significance of the WS-C3850-24XS-S specifications is crucial for selecting the right switch to meet your networking requirements.
Versatile Connectivity with 24 Ports
The 24 ports on the WS-C3850-24XS-S offer versatility for connecting multiple devices in a network. Whether it’s computers, printers, or other networked devices, this switch can accommodate them, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses or organizations.
High-Speed Data Transfer with 10GBase-X
The 10GBase-X support ensures that the WS-C3850-24XS-S can handle significant data traffic at a rapid pace. This is particularly important for networks with high data transfer demands, such as those involving large files, multimedia, or data centers.
Layer 3 Capability for Efficient Routing
The Layer 3 capability allows the WS-C3850-24XS-S to efficiently route data between different networks. This is essential for organizations with complex network structures or those that require data to flow seamlessly between multiple locations.
Optical Fiber Technology for high-bandwidth
Optical fiber technology is synonymous with high bandwidth and reliability. The use of optical fiber in the WS-C3850-24XS-S ensures that data transmission is fast and dependable. This is particularly important for organizations that rely on high-speed, uninterrupted data communication.
Rack-Mountable 1U Design for Space Efficiency
The rack-mountable 1U design is ideal for organizations that need to save space in their network infrastructure. By fitting into a standard network rack, the WS-C3850-24XS-S helps optimize space usage, which can be critical in data centers or network rooms with limited real estate.
Manageability for Network Control
The manageability of the WS-C3850-24XS-S allows network administrators to configure and control the switch based on their network’s specific needs. This level of control ensures that the switch operates at its best performance, adapting to the changing demands of the network.
Common Uses of WS-C3850-24XS-S Switch
The WS-C3850-24XS-S switch can serve various purposes due to its specifications. Let’s explore some common use cases:
Small to Medium-Sized Business Networks
The 24 ports make the WS-C3850-24XS-S ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It can efficiently connect all the devices in the network, from workstations to printers, ensuring smooth data flow within the organization.
Data Centers
Data centers often require switches with high data transfer capabilities. The 10GBase-X support, Layer 3 capability, and optical fiber technology make the WS-C3850-24XS-S suitable for data centers with demanding data traffic needs.
Campus Networks
In educational institutions or corporate campuses, where various buildings and departments need to be connected, the Layer 3 capability and 24 ports ensure that data can be efficiently routed and distributed.
Remote Locations
Organizations with remote offices or locations benefit from the Layer 3 capability, which allows for efficient data routing between different networks, ensuring seamless communication between locations.
High-Bandwidth Applications
Networks that rely on high-bandwidth applications, such as video conferencing, multimedia content delivery, or data-intensive tasks, can leverage the 10GBase-X support to ensure uninterrupted data transfer.
Benefits of Using WS-C3850-24XS-S Switch
The WS-C3850-24XS-S switch offers several benefits for networking and data communication:
High Data Transfer Speed
The 10GBase-X support ensures that the switch can handle data at a high speed, making it suitable for networks with heavy data traffic.
Versatile Connectivity
With 24 ports, the WS-C3850-24XS-S offers versatile connectivity for a range of devices, providing flexibility for different network setups.
Efficient Data Routing
The Layer 3 capability ensures efficient data routing between different networks, which is crucial for organizations with complex network structures.
Reliable Data Transmission
The use of optical fiber technology guarantees reliable and high-bandwidth data transmission, reducing the risk of data bottlenecks or interruptions.
Space Optimization
The rack-mountable 1U design helps organizations optimize their network infrastructure space, which can be especially important in settings with limited space availability.
Network Control
The manageability of the WS-C3850-24XS-S switch empowers network administrators to configure and control the switch according to the network’s unique needs, ensuring optimal performance.
How to Use WS-C3850-24XS-S Switch
If you’re considering using the WS-C3850-24XS-S switch in your network setup, here’s a basic guide on how to do it:
Assess Your Network Needs
Determine the devices you need to connect and the network’s data traffic requirements to ensure that the WS-C3850-24XS-S is the right fit for your network.
Physical Installation
Install the switch in a standard network equipment rack if needed, taking into account the 1U form factor. Ensure that it is placed in a suitable location in your network infrastructure.
Cable Connection
Connect your network devices to the switch using compatible network cables. The 24 ports offer ample connectivity options.
Configuration
Utilize the manageability features to configure the switch according to your network’s specific requirements. This may involve setting up virtual LANs (VLANs), routing configurations, or quality of service (QoS) settings.
Testing
After installation and configuration, test the switch to ensure that data flows smoothly between devices and that the switch operates at the expected speed.
Maintenance
Regularly inspect and maintain the switch to ensure its continued optimal performance. This includes software updates, hardware checks, and cable maintenance.
Maximizing Network Performance
The WS-C3850-24XS-S Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series switch is a high-performance, managed Layer 3 switch that is designed for enterprise-level networks. To maximize its network performance, several steps can be taken:
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS is used to prioritize different types of traffic, such as voice and video, to ensure that they are transmitted with minimal delay and jitter. This prevents congestion on the network and improves overall performance.
- Software and firmware updates: Keeping the switch running the latest software and firmware version will ensure that it has the latest features and security updates, which can improve performance and security.
- Link aggregation: Link aggregation, also known as EtherChannel, allows multiple physical connections to be bundled together to form a single, high-bandwidth logical link. This increases the available bandwidth and provides redundancy in case of link failure.
- Jumbo frames: Jumbo frames allow for larger maximum transmission unit (MTU) sizes, which can improve performance for large data transfers such as file transfers and backups.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs are used to control access to the network and can improve security by preventing unauthorized access.
- Performance monitoring: Using tools such as Cisco Prime or SolarWinds can help to monitor the switch’s performance and identify any issues that may be affecting it.
- VLANs: Virtual LANs (VLANs) are used to segment the network into smaller, virtual networks. This improves performance by reducing congestion and improves security by isolating different parts of the network.
- Advanced features: The switch has advanced features such as StackWise-480 and Flexible NetFlow (FNF) that can be used to increase control and visibility of network traffic, which can be used to improve performance and security.
- SFP+ ports: The switch has 24 SFP+ ports which can be used to connect to high-speed uplinks and servers, which can increase the available bandwidth and improve performance.
It’s important to regularly monitor and troubleshoot the network to identify and resolve any issues that may be affecting performance. This can be done by analyzing network traffic and performance metrics, and making adjustments as needed.
Power Options and Redundancy
The WS-C3850-24XS-S Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series switch has several power options and redundancy features to ensure that it can continue to operate in case of power failure or other issues.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): The switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) which allows it to provide power to connected devices, such as IP phones and wireless access points, over the Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for additional power sources.
- Redundant power supply: The switch supports a redundant power supply, which means that it can continue to operate even if one of the power supplies fails. This ensures that the switch will continue to function in case of a power failure.
- PoE+: The switch also supports PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus) which allows it to provide more power to connected devices than standard PoE. This can be useful for powering devices that require more power, such as high-performance wireless access points.
- StackWise-480: The switch has the StackWise-480 feature, which allows multiple switches to be stacked together to form a single, logical switch. This increases the available bandwidth and provides redundancy in case of switch failure.
- Flexible NetFlow (FNF): The switch also supports Flexible NetFlow (FNF), which allows for more detailed monitoring of network traffic and can be used to identify and resolve performance issues.
- High Availability (HA): The switch supports High Availability (HA) features that enable the switch to have a redundant peer switch in case of failure. This can be achieved through StackWise-480 or protocols such as Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) and Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
Security and Quality of Service
The WS-C3850-24XS-S Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series switch is a high-performance, managed Layer 3 switch that is designed for enterprise-level networks. It comes with several security and Quality of Service (QoS) features that can be used to secure the network and ensure efficient operation.
Security:
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) are used to control access to the network by specifying which devices and users are allowed to access specific parts of the network.
- Virtual LANs (VLANs) can be used to segment the network into smaller, virtual networks, which improves security by isolating different parts of the network and reducing the attack surface.
- Cisco TrustSec is a security framework that provides identity-based access control and policy enforcement.
- Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a network access control (NAC) solution that helps secure the network by authenticating and authorizing devices and users that attempt to access the network.
- Advanced Encryption features such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Shell (SSH) can be used to encrypt network traffic and secure the management of the switch.
- Network Admission Control (NAC) allows network administrators to control and monitor network access by devices and users.
Quality of Service:
- Quality of Service (QoS) feature allows the switch to prioritize different types of traffic, such as voice and video, to ensure that they are transmitted with minimal delay and jitter. This prevents congestion on the network and improves overall performance.
Cisco WS-C3850-24XS-S: Main Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU: WS-C3850-24XS-S
- Product Line: Catalyst
- Product Series: 3850
- Product Type: Layer 3 Switch
Technical Information for 24 Ports Managed Switch
- Stacking Bandwidth: 480 Gbps
- Total Number of Ports: 24
- Layer Supported: 3
- Manageable: Yes
- Modular: No
- Stack Port: Yes
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 24 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Performance of Layer 3 Switch
- Media Type Supported: Optical Fiber
- Ethernet Technology: 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Network Technology: 10GBase-X
I/O ExpansionsI/O Expansions
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 24
- Expansion Slot Type: SFP+
- Number of SFP+ Slots: 24
Power Description
- Power Specifications: 100-240VAC
- Power Source: Power Supply
- Redundant Power Supply: Yes
Miscellaneous
- Package Contents:
- Catalyst WS-C3850-24XS Layer 3 Switch
- Power Supply
- Green Compliant: Yes
- Green Compliance Certificate/Authority: RoHS-5
In conclusion, the WS-C3850-24XS-S Catalyst 3850 Series switch is a vital component in modern network infrastructures. Its 24 ports, 10GBase-X support, Layer 3 capability, optical fiber technology, rack-mountable 1U design, and manageability make it a versatile and powerful networking solution.
By following the usage guide, you can seamlessly incorporate the WS-C3850-24XS-S switch into your network infrastructure, guaranteeing efficient data communication and network control. With this switch, you are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern network communication, ensuring the smooth flow of data within your organization.
