WS-C3850-48U-L vs WS-C3850-48XS-E: The "All-Rounder" vs. "Performance Booster" Battle in Access Layers

Aug 07 , 2025 5

WS-C3850-48U-L vs WS-C3850-48XS-E: The "All-Rounder" vs. "Performance Booster" Battle in Access Layers

In enterprise access layer network construction, "covering terminals" and "performance redundancy" are eternal contradictions. Two classic Cisco devices—WS-C3850-48U-L (48-port Gigabit PoE+ access switch) and WS-C3850-48XS-E (48-port Gigabit enhanced access switch)—exemplify this dynamic. The former focuses on "high-cost-performance coverage," while the latter emphasizes "performance and expansion enhancement"; the former suits "one-step deployment" for SMEs, and the latter meets "smooth expansion" for medium-sized networks. This article breaks down their differences and application logic from technical specs to real-world scenarios, helping enterprises find the "cost-effective" solution.

1. Performance Differences: From "Basic Sufficiency" to "Performance Redundancy"

The two devices share the same series but differ in core performance parameters due to their roles (latest firmware):

Processing Speed: Switching Capacity and Forwarding Rate

• WS-C3850-48U-L: As a basic access device, it has a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and forwarding rate of 130.94 Mpps, supporting wire-speed forwarding for 48 Gigabit ports (including 30 PoE+). Ideal for low-traffic scenarios like SME offices and retail stores.

• WS-C3850-48XS-E: As an enhanced model, its switching capacity increases to 240 Gbps and forwarding rate to 173.82 Mpps (33% higher than the base model). This upgrade reduces port congestion in multi-service scenarios (e.g., video conferencing, cloud desktops), ensuring smooth critical operations.

Memory & Storage: Underlying Resilience for Multi-Service Loads

Memory impacts ACL/QoS/routing support; storage affects log/configuration retention:

• WS-C3850-48U-L: Standard 4 GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 8 GB) + 8 GB eMMC flash (expandable to 128 GB). Supports static routing, 50 basic ACLs, and simple QoS for light access-layer needs.

• WS-C3850-48XS-E: Standard 4 GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 16 GB) + 16 GB eMMC flash (expandable to 256 GB). Larger memory supports complex policies (200+ advanced ACLs, multi-group QoS), with ample storage for long-term logs and configuration backups.

2. Functional Features: "Coverage" vs. "Enhancement" Philosophy

Interfaces & Expansion: From "Terminal Coverage" to "Traffic Aggregation"

• WS-C3850-48U-L:

• 48×Gigabit Ethernet ports (30×PoE+, 370W total PoE) for powering IPs/APs;

• Basic stacking (StackWise-160, max 4 units, 160 Gbps bandwidth);

• No 10G/40G expansion slots, limited scalability.

• WS-C3850-48XS-E:

• 48×Gigabit Ethernet ports (30×PoE+, 370W total PoE);

• Enhanced stacking (StackWise-480, max 4 units, 480 Gbps bandwidth), 3x higher than the base model;

• 2×10G SFP+ expansion slots (optional modules) for future 10G migration.

Security & Management: From "Basic Protection" to "Deep Policies"

• WS-C3850-48U-L:

• Basic ACLs (MAC/IP filtering), 802.1X authentication, PoE power limiting;

• Suited for simple security needs (e.g., convenience stores, small clinics).

• WS-C3850-48XS-E:

• Advanced ACLs (port/protocol/user-based filtering), DHCP Snooping, IP Source Guard;

• Integrates with Cisco ISE for multi-factor authentication (802.1X+MAC+user).

3. Design & Appearance: Industrial Design for Scene Adaptation

Both are rack-mounted, but details reflect their roles:

• WS-C3850-48U-L:

• Size: 44.5×44.7×4.4 cm, 7.5 kg, side vents for cooling;

• Front: 48 Gigabit ports (PoE+ status LEDs); rear: 2×10G SFP+ uplinks;

• Designed for "compact deployment" in SME machine rooms.

• WS-C3850-48XS-E:

• Size: 44.5×44.7×4.8 cm, 8.2 kg, redundant fans for cooling;

• Front: 48 hot-swappable Gigabit ports; rear: 2×10G SFP+ uplinks + 2×10G SFP+ expansion slots;

• Designed for "high-reliability expansion" in data center edges.

4. User Experience: Real Feedback from Deployment to O&M

Deployment Efficiency: Time Difference Between "Coverage" and "Enhancement"

• WS-C3850-48U-L:

• Ultra-simple deployment: 48 PoE+ ports power terminals directly. Batch configuration via CNA takes ~30 mins for 50 devices.

• Suited for non-dedicated IT teams (e.g., outsourced运维).

• WS-C3850-48XS-E:

• Requires pre-planning: 48-port link setup, enhanced stacking configuration, 10G expansion planning. Initial setup takes 1.5-2 hours.

• Suited for enterprises with dedicated network engineers.

O&M Difficulty: "Basic Maintenance" vs. "Deep Policies"

• WS-C3850-48U-L:

• Reactive maintenance: Basic log viewing (port errors). Troubleshooting relies on experience.

• Suited for stable networks (e.g., internal office networks).

• WS-C3850-48XS-E:

• Proactive maintenance: Cisco Prime Infrastructure monitors traffic trends and predicts congestion.

• Suited for business-sensitive networks (e.g., e-commerce regional nodes).

5. Cost-Performance Comparison: "Invest by Need" Trumps "Blindly Chasing High-End"

Assuming prices: WS-C3850-48U-L ~¥14,000; WS-C3850-48XS-E ~¥22,000.

• Choose WS-C3850-48U-L: For SMEs (100-300 terminals) with simple needs (access + basic power) and no 3-year upgrade plans (e.g., retail regional centers). Saves 39% budget.

• Choose WS-C3850-48XS-E: For medium enterprises (300-500 terminals) needing high-density aggregation, 10G upgrades, or advanced security (e.g., financial branches). Long-term cost-effective.

6. Product Advantages: "Expertise Wins"

• WS-C3850-48U-L:
  ✅ 48-port Gigabit PoE+ for terminal coverage;
  ✅ Affordable, compact, easy to deploy and maintain.

• WS-C3850-48XS-E:
  ✅ 48-port Gigabit + 10G expansion for future-proofing;
  ✅ Enhanced stacking + large memory for multi-service performance.

7. System Upgrade: Steps, Issues, and Fixes (Key)

System upgrades are critical for stability. Below is a practical guide:

Pre-Upgrade: 3 Must-Dos

• Backup Config:

• WS-C3850-48U-L: Use copy running-config tftp:;

• WS-C3850-48XS-E: Use archive download-sw /backup or Cisco Prime backup.

• Check Compatibility:

• Verify firmware compatibility with hardware on Cisco Software Download.

• Base model: Ensure stacking members have matching firmware;

• Enhanced model: Confirm enhanced stacking support.

• Choose Method:

• Recommend batch upgrade via DNA Center/Prime or CLI:

  # WS-C3850-48U-L  
  archive download-sw /overwrite tftp://192.168.1.100/ws-c3850-universalk9.17.06.02.SPA.bin  
  
  # WS-C3850-48XS-E  
  archive download-sw /overwrite tftp://192.168.1.100/ws-c3850-universalk9.17.06.02.SPA.bin

Upgrade Process: 3 Common Issues & Solutions

• Issue 1: Power Loss Mid-Upgrade

• Symptom: Device reboots to "rommon 1 >"; firmware corrupted.

• Fix: Use a FAT32 USB drive with renamed firmware, boot via boot system usbflash0:filename.bin.

• Issue 2: Service Disruption Post-Upgrade

• Symptom: ACLs/routing protocols fail, or ports not recognizing transceivers.

• Fix: Test in a lab (Cisco VIRS); roll back via configure replace flash:old_config.txt; check transceiver drivers.

• Issue 3: Unsynchronized Stack Upgrade (Enhanced Model Only)

• Symptom: Master upgrades, but slave shows "Member 2: Failed."

• Fix: Disconnect slave uplinks pre-upgrade; manually upgrade master→slave; confirm "Ready" status via show switch.

8. Product Use Cases: Scenarios Define the "Best Fit"

• WS-C3850-48U-L: A community hospital uses 48-port PoE+ switches to power 20 medical terminals + 15 cameras + 3 PCs, with basic ACLs for isolation. Strength: "Low cost + easy deployment" for standardized SMEs.

• WS-C3850-48XS-E: A retail chain’s regional HQ uses 48-port switches to aggregate 10 store POS/camera traffic, supporting OSPF/BGP and enhanced stacking for 99.99% availability. Strength: "High performance + scalability" for multi-node networks.

9. Detailed Pros & Cons: A Clear Choice List

10. Conclusion: Match Needs, Not Specs

The core difference between WS-C3850-48U-L and WS-C3850-48XS-E is "access coverage" vs. "performance redundancy." Enterprises should align with their needs: choose the base model for "low-cost + terminal access" or the enhanced model for "performance + future upgrades." The value of network devices lies in supporting business, not chasing specs.