Cisco Catalyst 3850-12S-E Switch – 12-Port SFP

What It Is

The Cisco Catalyst WS-C3850-12S-E is a fixed-configuration enterprise access switch from the Catalyst 3850 Series, featuring 12 Gigabit Ethernet SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) ports. This model is equipped with the IP Services feature set, providing advanced Layer 3 routing and security capabilities. It is designed for high-performance LAN deployments requiring fiber uplinks and full software functionality.

Technical Details

• Ports: 12 x GE SFP (Gigabit Ethernet fiber) ports
• Feature Set: IP Services (advanced routing, including OSPF, EIGRP, and policy-based routing)
• Series: Cisco Catalyst 3850
• Form Factor: Fixed-configuration, rack-mountable switch
• Switching Capacity: Not specified in source (refer to official datasheet)
• Power over Ethernet: Not supported on this model (SFP ports only)
• Software: Supports Cisco IOS XE operating system (implied by series)

Configuration & Options

• Model Variants: WS-C3850-12S-S (IP Base feature set) and WS-C3850-12S-E (IP Services feature set) are available
• Expansion: Supports optional network modules via the modular uplink slot (not specified in source)
• Accessories: Compatible with Cisco SFP transceivers (e.g., GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-LH-SMD) — not included by default
• Licensing: IP Services license is pre-installed on this model; no additional license required for base functionality
• Management: Out-of-band management via console port and in-band via SFP ports

Operating Conditions

This switch is intended for deployment in enterprise campus networks as a top-of-rack or wiring closet access layer device. It is suitable for environments requiring fiber connectivity to endpoints or aggregation switches, such as data centers, large offices, or industrial facilities with long cable runs. The IP Services feature set supports complex network designs with dynamic routing protocols, making it appropriate for core-edge architectures in medium to large organizations.