Cisco Catalyst 3850: Essential Guide to Network

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches are a robust platform designed to integrate wired and wireless networks, offering features like the Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) ASIC, integrated wireless controller capabilities supporting up to 100 access points and 2,000 wireless clients, and Cisco StackWise-480 technology for 480 Gbps of stack throughput. These switches also support IEEE 802.3at PoE+ (30W per port) and Cisco UPOE (60W per port), along with multigigabit Ethernet for speeds up to 10 Gbps over existing cabling. Understanding its capabilities and configuration is essential for maintaining an efficient network infrastructure.

At VGLan, we empower you with the knowledge to conquer complex networking challenges. This comprehensive guide will dive deep into the Cisco 3850, exploring its groundbreaking features, walking you through essential setup steps, and preparing you for its end-of-life transition, ensuring your network remains future-ready.

Understanding the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

What made the Cisco Catalyst 3850 such a standout in its prime? It was more than just a switch; it was a converged access platform designed to seamlessly integrate wired and wireless traffic. This innovative approach simplified network management and boosted performance at a time when wireless devices were rapidly proliferating.

What Makes the 3850 Special?

The heart of the Cisco 3850’s innovation lies in its Unified Access Data Plane (UADP) Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). This custom chip allowed the switch to apply consistent policies and visibility across both wired and wireless data, ensuring a truly unified experience. Imagine having a single point of control for your entire network – that’s the power the UADP ASIC brought.

One of the most compelling features was its integrated wireless controller capability. Depending on the model, a single Cisco 3850 switch or stack could support up to 100 access points and 2,000 wireless clients, delivering up to 40 Gbps of wireless throughput on 48-port models. This meant you no longer needed a separate appliance for wireless management, significantly reducing complexity and cost.

For scalability and resilience, the 3850 series leveraged Cisco StackWise-480 technology, providing an impressive 480 Gbps of stack throughput. This premium stacking architecture not only boosted bandwidth but also offered high availability with Cisco IOS Software Stateful Switchover (SSO) technology.

Powering modern devices was also a breeze, thanks to IEEE 802.3at Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support, delivering up to 30W per port. Certain models even featured Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE), providing up to 60W per port, capable of powering everything from IP phones and wireless access points to compact thin client displays.

As wireless standards evolved, the 3850 kept pace with multigigabit Ethernet support (IEEE 802.3bz). This allowed for speeds beyond 1 Gigabit – specifically 2.5, 5, and even 10 Gbps – over existing Category 5e/6 cabling, making it easier and more cost-effective to upgrade your network for next-generation wireless like 802.11ac Wave 2.

Key Features and Capabilities

Beyond its core innovations, the Cisco 3850 offered a rich set of features designed for enterprise-grade networking:

• Modular Uplinks: Flexibility was key, with options for various network modules including 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 8 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or 2 x 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP+ ports, allowing you to tailor connectivity to your specific needs.
• Advanced Networking: Support for Flexible NetFlow (FNF) provided deep visibility into network traffic, while robust Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms ensured critical applications received priority. Enhanced security features protected your network from threats.
• Simplified Management: Running on a single universal Cisco IOS XE Software image across all license levels meant easier upgrades and consistent management for both wired and wireless services.
• Diverse Models: The series included a range of models, such as 24- and 48-port Gigabit Ethernet versions (with PoE+ and UPOE options), as well as 12-, 24-, and 48-port SFP/SFP+ fiber-based models, catering to various deployment scenarios.

Software Feature Sets

The Cisco 3850 came with different software feature sets, each unlocking additional capabilities:

• LAN Base: This entry-level set offered comprehensive Layer 2 switching features and support for up to 255 VLANs.
• IP Base: Building on LAN Base, IP Base added essential Layer 3 features, including basic routing capabilities, support for up to 1K VLANs, and the critical integrated wireless controller functionality.
• IP Services: The most comprehensive set, IP Services provided full enterprise services with advanced Layer 3 routing protocols like EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, and PIM, as well as extensive IPv6 routing support.

Choosing the right license was crucial, as certain advanced functionalities, especially for wireless and Layer 3 routing, were tied to IP Base or IP Services.

Setting Up Your Cisco 3850 Switch: A Practical Guide

Getting your Cisco 3850 up and running might seem daunting at first, but with a structured approach, it’s a straightforward process. As a seasoned network engineer, I’ve found that a solid foundation here saves countless headaches down the line.

Initial Setup and Console Access

When you first unbox a Cisco 3850, your primary method of interaction will be via the console port. The switch typically features two options: a USB mini-B console port on the front panel and a traditional RJ45 console port on the rear. While you can use either, the USB port usually takes precedence if both are connected.

To connect, you’ll need a console cable (USB A-to-mini B or RJ44-to-DB9 with a serial adapter) and a terminal emulation program (like PuTTY or Tera Term) on your computer. The default console port settings are typically 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. Once connected, power on the switch, and you’ll see the boot process and the autoconfiguration dialog, which you can bypass to enter privileged EXEC mode.

Basic Configuration Steps

Here’s a streamlined approach to getting your Cisco 3850 configured with essential settings:

1. Change Hostname: Start by giving your switch a descriptive name. This helps tremendously in network management and troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches?

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches primarily function as a converged access platform, designed to seamlessly integrate wired and wireless network traffic. This integration simplifies network management and enhances performance by providing a single point of control for both types of connections.

How many wireless access points can a Cisco 3850 switch support?

A single Cisco 3850 switch or stack can support up to 100 access points and 2,000 wireless clients, depending on the specific model. This integrated wireless controller capability delivers up to 40 Gbps of wireless throughput on 48-port models.

What is Cisco StackWise-480 technology?

Cisco StackWise-480 technology is a premium stacking architecture used by the 3850 series, providing an impressive 480 Gbps of stack throughput. This technology enhances both bandwidth and offers high availability through Cisco IOS Software Stateful Switchover (SSO).

Does the Cisco Catalyst 3850 support Power over Ethernet?

Yes, the Cisco Catalyst 3850 supports IEEE 802.3at Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), delivering up to 30W per port. Certain models also feature Cisco Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE), providing up to 60W per port for more demanding devices.

What are the different software feature sets available for the Cisco 3850?

The Cisco 3850 comes with three main software feature sets: LAN Base for Layer 2 switching, IP Base for essential Layer 3 features and integrated wireless controller functionality, and IP Services for full enterprise services with advanced Layer 3 routing protocols like EIGRP and OSPF.

See also  4 Port PoE Switch: Ultimate Guide for Small Networks

Setting Up Your Cisco 3850 Switch

This guide provides a streamlined approach to configuring your Cisco 3850 switch with essential settings, starting from initial console access to basic configurations.

1. Gain Initial Console Access
   Connect to the switch using a console cable (USB mini-B or RJ45) and a terminal emulation program like PuTTY. The default console settings are typically 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. Power on the switch and bypass the autoconfiguration dialog to enter privileged EXEC mode.
2. Change the Switch Hostname
   Once in privileged EXEC mode, the first basic configuration step is to change the hostname of your switch. Assigning a descriptive name is crucial for effective network management and troubleshooting, making it easier to identify the device within your infrastructure.
3. Configure Basic Network Settings
   After setting the hostname, proceed to configure essential network parameters such as IP addresses for management interfaces and default gateways. This ensures the switch can communicate within your network and be managed remotely.