Cisco WS-C3850-24XU-S | Catalyst 3850 24-Port Multigigabit UPOE Switch, 580W, Modular

Q: What uplink modules are compatible with the WS-C3850-24XU-S?
A: This switch supports C3850-NM-4-1G (4x 1G), C3850-NM-2-10G (2x 10G SFP+), C3850-NM-4-10G (4x 10G SFP+), C3850-NM-8-10G (8x 10G SFP+), and C3850-NM-2-40G (2x 40G QSFP+) network modules. The module slot ships empty and modules are purchased separately.

Q: What is the difference between PoE+, UPOE, and the power available on this switch?
A: This switch supports Universal PoE (UPOE) which delivers up to 60W per port, significantly more than standard PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W). With the 1100W AC power supply, the available PoE budget is 580W, enabling full-power operation for high-end wireless access points, PTZ cameras, and video conferencing equipment.

Q: Can this switch support both wired and wireless infrastructure?
A: Yes, with IP Base licensing the WS-C3850-24XU-S can operate as a Mobility Agent to terminate CAPWAP tunnels from access points and manage up to 100 access points and 2,000 wireless clients per switch or stack. This converged access capability enables unified wired-wireless policy enforcement.

Q: What Layer 3 routing protocols are supported with IP Base licensing?
A: IP Base includes static routing and RIP. For advanced dynamic routing protocols such as EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP, an upgrade to IP Services licensing is required. IP Base is designed for entry-level Layer 3 switching with routed access capabilities.

Q: How many switches can be stacked and what is the stacking bandwidth?
A: Up to 9 switches can be stacked using StackWise-480 technology, providing 480 Gbps of stack throughput. All stack members must run the same feature set license level (IP Base, IP Services, or LAN Base). The switch also supports StackPower for redundant power sharing across the stack.