Catalyst 3850 enables unified access

Cisco Unified Access is the convergence of the wired and wireless networks into one physical infrastructure with greater intelligence, simplicity, performance, and open interfaces. One network starts with Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches, which combine wired and wireless by supporting wireless tunnel termination and full wireless LAN controller functionality.

Best-in-class stackable access switch

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch currently offers the industry's highest 480 Gbps stacking bandwidth to meet network demand, including gigabit desktop and 802.11ac wireless. The switch delivers advanced capabilities such as a high-performance 24/48 port GE switch, 480 G stacking, Power over Ethernet Plus, StackPower, and Flexible NetFlow on all ports.

Converged wired and wireless access

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch brings Cisco IOS excellence to wireless by extending wired infrastructure features, resiliency, granular QoS, and scalability. It provides built-in wireless controller capabilities with 40 G wireless throughput, support for 50 access points and 2000 wireless clients per switch or stack, and support for 802.11ac.

Distributed intelligent services

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Switch delivers common intelligent services across wired and wireless for security and policy, application visibility and control, network resiliency, smart operations, and more. The switch can enable multi-level QoS based on granular information such as SSID, client, radio, application, and fair share policies for wireless.

Foundation for Cisco Open Network Environment

The heart of Cisco Catalyst 3850 is the new ASIC with programmability for future features and intelligence with investment protection. The new ASIC provides a foundation for converged APIs across wired and wireless, software-defined networking (SDN) support, and Cisco One Platform Kit (OnePK).