Cisco 2960x vs. Cisco 3850 – Which series is better for business networks?

Features are an important consideration when searching for switching solutions suitable for growing enterprises. The 2960X and 3850 portfolio of switches offer all the right kind of features for these business class needs. However, which of these is a better option? Take a look.

The Cisco portfolio of switches is an elaborate collection of devices. These are organized into many different product lines, including the Cisco 2960 and 3850 business class switches. As Cisco continues to upgrade, update and transition into these series.

Both of these are well suited to boost enterprise operations, with included advancements in the technology. This makes for two well devised product series. Below is a comprehensive review of the Cisco 3850 and Cisco 2960X collections.

What are the differences between Cisco 2960x and Cisco 3850?

Cisco 2960x vs. Cisco 3850- How do they compare

Stacking

The 3850 features Cisco’s StackWise technology, which offers better resiliency. This integrates up to 4 compatible switches into a unit which can still function even when a switch is affected. On the other hand, the 2960x features Flex-Stack Plus module which facilitates connection with up to eight switches. Both models automatically detect new connections, with new switches reconfigured to match pre-existing settings.  While the 2960x offers a decent bandwidth performance of up to 216 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 130.9 Mpps, it is not as impressive as the Cisco 3850’s 460 Gbps bandwidth performance and up to 909 Mpps forwarding rate.

Quality of service

Advanced QoS can keep traffic flowing smoothly. It offers perks such as wireless bandwidth management, more engress queuing per port and rate limiting. The 2960X only features the standard QoS whereas the 3850 advanced QoS for superior output.

Cisco 2960x vs. Cisco 3850 – Comparison review

Cisco 2960x

Cisco describes the 2960X line up as a fixed configuration series of Stackable Gigabit Ethernet Switches and is one of the Cisco 2000 most popular series. Designed for various deployment options and business applications, these Switching solutions are a great addition to differently sized enterprises. They are enabled with various tools than reduce network complexity while increasing operational efficiency.

Features

While the management features on this model are simple an easy to use, they allow for efficient Switch and network management. Full range network management solutions ensure elaborate administration and configuration. For instance, plug and play capabilities allow for easy set up even

Stacking on these devices is enabled by Cisco’s FlexStack Plus technology. The fact that this feature is backwards compatible ensures that devices enabled with FlexStack can be stacked for improved scalability within different operations. Using the Flex-Stack Module, users can enable stacking on 2960X models with a maximum 8 units on a stack.

Notably, the devices on this series are available in two feature sets: LAN Base and LAN Lite. These are Cisco IOS software editions incorporated onto the 2960X design. Said LAN Base enabled devices feature more advanced support and functionalities.

Many intelligence services included on these models allow easy administration and improve overall performance. Some of these improvements include application visibility with network reliability and resilience. With features such as QoS contribute to the intelligence service provision with exceptional traffic management operations. Security features on this series are set up to ensure limited access from unauthorized users in addition to threat mitigation on business operations.

Different tools are integrated within the 2960X design to deliver easy switch, network, and lifecycle management. Other benefits that come with the Cisco 2960X include the Layer 3 functionality with which these gadgets are enabled. These allow for load balancing an overall improvement in scalability, policy routing, among other routing operations.

Users can rely on these devices which are enabled with power saving and power efficiency tools and features. In fact, various energy efficiency features work together for efficient power management. With these, you can not only reduce the amount of power consumed, but also save on various operational costs incurred when running your network on non energy efficient models.

Cisco C2960X-48LPS

Cisco Catalyst WS-C2960X-48LPS-L 48 Port Ethernet Switch with 370 Watt PoE,Black

• Memory storage capacity: 512.0
• LAN Lite models have reduced functionality and scalability for small deployments with basic requirements.

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The Cisco C2960X-48LPS 48 port switch meets the standard for UPOE and POE connections. This model features a dual field power supply to enhance redundancy and resiliency. It also offers energy efficient Ethernet which optimizes control by turning off lines and minimizing consumption levels. Moreover, the 2960x switch offers a powerful forwarding rate of 107.1 Mpps with 108 Gbps bandwidth performance. It is very easy to use, and includes different protocols to streamline access to services.

Users can configure their switch through Text View or a command line interface, depending on their experience and desired configuration. This Cisco C2960X-48LPS comes with a virtual assistant to streamline troubleshooting and other uses. The model also offers intelligent management services. It combines StackPower and stacking technology alongside EEE to promote efficient consumption. Included are a range of security features with physical port protection, SPAN, BDU guard, Access control lists and threat defense to enhance user security.

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Cisco 3850

The 3850 is based on some of Cisco’s top switching technology which is responsible for the converged wired and wireless access on a single platform. These next generation switching technologies incorporate many other features which encourage innovation across various business networks with reduced risks, complexity and overall costs.

Features

This robust line of switches is devised with various technologies that deliver great performance across your network. Using multigigabit technologies, these Cisco switches allow for network improvements with minimal difficulty. Importantly, the Cisco 3850 is powered by the CDNA technology which allows these devices to support digital organizations.

Using StackWise and Stack Power technologies, users are able to stack these devices. In fact The Cisco 3850 permits stacking of up t 9 3850 members with a total 480Gbps stacking bandwidth. Once stacked these switches behave as a single unit and allow control, management and even configuration on a single plane.

Management and administration on the 3850 devices allow for easy operation on the Cisco 3850 Switch. Some of these management tools including the Cisco’s SmarOperations feature together with other deployment and control tools allow users to set up and quickly and very easily.

Various deployment options are available with the Cisco 3850 series. These include campus and branch deployment scenarios.

Cisco WS-C3850-48F

Cisco WS-C3850-48F-S Catalyst 3850 48 Port Full PoE Networking Device

• Cisco catalyst 3850 48 port full PoE ip base
• Design that delivers high availability, scalability, and for maximum flexibility and price/performance

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The Cisco WS-C3850-48F 48 port switch is designed for optimal output and increased ease of use. Its user friendly interface features multiple protocols to help make different aspects of management easier to handle. This is a plug and play unit which will work upon connection, with necessary configurations embedded in wizards and templates for hassle free set up. The switch works well either as a standalone option or in a switch network.

Designed with autonegotiation, smartports and auto install automating the integration process, this model is able to integrate quickly with compatible switches. Additionally this device supports both the Text View and a command line interface to offer users their desired level of configuration. The switch is designed to handle heavy duty applications through its jumbo frames, with additional perks such as multicast routing, IPv4 and IPv6 routing and efficient energy protocols to enhance other aspects of output. This switch offers a 130.95 Mpps forwarding rate and a 480 Gbps bandwidth capacity.

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Now, lets compare the Cisco C2960X-48LPS to the Cisco WS-C3850-48F

Conclusion

The Cisco 2960x enables a secure, scalable and energy efficient network management. However, it fails to meet the impressive performance of the Cisco 3850.  Unlike its counterpart, the 3850 also offers a wider scope of features and protocols, including StackWise for premium integration.