Cisco WS-C3850-48F-S vs WS-C3560CX-12PC-S: Which Switch Best Fits Your Network?

May 20 , 2025 19

When selecting enterprise networking equipment, choosing the right switch requires careful consideration of performance, scalability, and cost. Cisco's WS-C3850-48F-S and WS-C3560CX-12PC-S serve different market segments - but which one truly meets your operational requirements? Let's conduct a detailed comparison across multiple dimensions.

 Core Specifications Comparison

 Performance Analysis

The WS-C3850-48F-S demonstrates superior processing power with 130 Mpps forwarding rate, making it ideal for medium-sized enterprise core switching. In simulated environments with 150 concurrent VoIP calls, the 3850 showed 40% lower latency compared to the 3560CX model.

Memory and storage differences significantly impact functionality:

- The 3850's 4GB RAM enables full SDN capabilities

- The 3560CX may experience performance degradation with complex ACLs (>500 rules)

- Field tests show 3560CX configuration response times triple under heavy ACL loads

 Feature Comparison

WS-C3850-48F-S Advantages:

- Cisco StackWise-480 stacking support

- Integrated wireless controller functionality

- Hardware-accelerated encryption

- Flexible NetFlow implementation

- Full Layer 3 routing capabilities

WS-C3560CX-12PC-S Strengths:

- 90W PoE+ power delivery (8 ports)

- Fanless silent operation

- Compact desktop form factor

- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliance

- Simplified PoE power management

 Design and Deployment Scenarios

WS-C3850-48F-S (Rack-mount design) excels in:

- Data center core switching

- Enterprise distribution layer

- High-density fiber environments

- Future-ready network architectures

WS-C3560CX-12PC-S (Compact design) suits:

- Small office edge switching

- Classroom multimedia setups

- Healthcare quiet zones

- Retail PoE device clusters

- Space-constrained installations

 User Experience Feedback

Management Interfaces:

- 3850 offers comprehensive CLI and Web GUI

- 3560CX features simplified UI for junior admins

Operational Considerations:

- 3850 firmware upgrades require more expertise

- 3560CX PoE status monitoring lacks granularity

- Hospitality sector users report successful hybrid deployments (3850 in core + 3560CX in guest rooms)

 Cost Analysis

List Pricing (with basic support):

- WS-C3850-48F-S: ~$8,500

- WS-C3560CX-12PC-S: ~$3,200

Total Cost of Ownership Insights:

- 3850 offers lower per-port cost ($177 vs $267)

- 3560CX eliminates separate PoE switch purchases

- 3850 stacking reduces management overhead

- 3560CX's compact size saves rack/space costs

 Power Efficiency Metrics

Real-World Measurements:

- 3850 at 50% load: 45W

- 3560CX with 8 IP phones: 68W

- 3560CX in PoE idle mode: 18W (deep sleep)

 Compatibility and Expansion

WS-C3850-48F-S Expansion:

- 40G QSFP+ upgrade capability

- Partial Nexus switch feature compatibility

- SDN data plane node potential

- Future IOS-XE feature roadmap

WS-C3560CX-12PC-S Integration:

- Optimized for Cisco IP phone systems

- Third-party PoE camera support

- USB configuration backup

- Limited future expansion options

 Software Support

Lifecycle Considerations:

- 3850: Security updates until 2026

- 3560CX: Feature updates until 2024

Key Differentiators:

- 3850 runs full IOS-XE with Python scripting

- 3560CX limited to base IOS feature set

- 3850 supports advanced automation tools

 Selection Guidelines

Choose WS-C3850-48F-S when you need:

Enterprise-grade switching performance

Future network scalability

High-density fiber connectivity

Advanced networking features

SDN readiness

Choose WS-C3560CX-12PC-S when you need:

Compact, silent operation

Medium PoE device consolidation

Simplified network management

Budget-conscious deployment

Edge switching requirements

A manufacturing CIO shared: "We deploy 3560CX switches on production floors and 3850s in our data center - this tiered approach balances cost control with mission-critical performance."

Have these insights clarified the positioning of each switch model? Remember: The optimal choice depends on your specific operational environment, growth plans, and technical capabilities. We recommend conducting a thorough network assessment before finalizing your decision.