Cisco WS-C3750X-12S-S vs WS-C3850-12S-S
The WS-C3850-12S-S is the next-generation upgrade from the Catalyst 3750-X 12-port SFP aggregation switch. You move to the UADP ASIC, faster StackWise-480 stacking, and IOS XE, with optional modular 10G/40G uplinks the 3750-X could not match.
Catalyst 3750-X 12-Port GE SFP IP Base
Legacy 12-port SFP fiber aggregation switch on classic IOS with StackWise Plus, now end-of-support.
- 12x 1G SFP fiber ports
- 160 Gbps switching capacity
- StackWise Plus stacking (up to 9 units)
- StackPower support, modular uplinks
Catalyst 3850 12-Port GE SFP IP Base
UADP-based 12-port SFP fiber switch with StackWise-480 and IOS XE for converged access.
- 12x 1G SFP fiber ports
- StackWise-480 stacking (up to 9 units)
- Modular uplinks: 10G/40G network modules
- UADP ASIC, IOS XE, converged wired-wireless
Catalyst 3750-X 12-Port GE SFP IP Base vs Catalyst 3850 12-Port GE SFP IP Base: spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 3750-X 12-Port GE SFP IP Base | Catalyst 3850 12-Port GE SFP IP Base |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 12x 1G SFP | 12x 1G SFP |
| Uplinks | Modular network module | Modular: 4x1G / 2x10G / 4x10G / 2x40G |
| Switching capacity | 160 Gbps | Up to 92 Gbps |
| ASIC | Legacy fixed silicon | Cisco UADP |
| Stacking technology | StackWise Plus | StackWise-480 |
| Stack bandwidth | 64 Gbps (StackWise Plus) | 480 Gbps |
| StackPower | Yes | Yes |
| Operating system | Cisco IOS | Cisco IOS XE |
| Feature license | IP Base | IP Base |
| Lifecycle status | End of support | End of sale, longer support runway |
Choose Catalyst 3750-X 12-Port GE SFP IP Base if
Choose the 3750-X 12S only to add a matching member to an existing StackWise Plus stack you are not ready to replace.
Choose Catalyst 3850 12-Port GE SFP IP Base if
Choose the 3850-12S for far higher stack bandwidth via StackWise-480, modular 10G/40G uplinks, the UADP ASIC, and IOS XE, modernizing fiber aggregation.
Verdict
Migrate from the 3750-X 12S to the 3850-12S for StackWise-480, UADP, and IOS XE. Since both platforms are mature, buyers planning a long-term refresh should also evaluate the Catalyst 9300 SFP models for the longest support life. Keep the 3750-X only to extend an existing stack short-term.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between StackWise Plus and StackWise-480?
StackWise Plus on the 3750-X offers roughly 64 Gbps of stack bandwidth, while the 3850's StackWise-480 provides up to 480 Gbps, a major increase for stacked aggregation.
Are both 3750-X and 3850 12-port SFP switches fiber-only?
Yes, both the WS-C3750X-12S-S and WS-C3850-12S-S provide twelve 1G SFP fiber ports, typically used for fiber aggregation or distribution.
Does the 3850-12S support 10G or 40G uplinks?
Yes. The 3850 accepts network modules including 2x10G, 4x10G, and 2x40G options, giving it higher-speed uplinks than the 3750-X's older modules.
Is the WS-C3750X-12S-S end of life?
Yes, the 3750-X family is end-of-support. For a switch with remaining lifecycle, move to the 3850 or to a current Catalyst 9300 SFP model.
More Catalyst comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.