Cisco WS-C3750X-24P-S vs WS-C3850-24P-S
The WS-C3850-24P-S is the next-generation upgrade from the Catalyst 3750-X 24-port PoE. You gain the UADP ASIC, StackWise-480 stacking, modular 10G/40G uplinks, and IOS XE convergence on a platform with a longer support runway.
Catalyst 3750-X 24-Port PoE IP Base
Legacy 24-port PoE+ access switch on classic IOS with StackWise Plus, now end-of-support.
- 24x GE PoE+ ports, 435W PoE budget
- 160 Gbps switching capacity
- StackWise Plus stacking and StackPower
- Modular uplinks via network module
Catalyst 3850 24-Port PoE IP Base
UADP-based 24-port PoE+ switch with StackWise-480 and IOS XE for converged wired-wireless access.
- 24x GE PoE+ ports, 435W PoE budget
- StackWise-480 stacking (up to 9 units)
- Modular uplinks: 10G/40G network modules
- UADP ASIC, IOS XE, converged access
Catalyst 3750-X 24-Port PoE IP Base vs Catalyst 3850 24-Port PoE IP Base: spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 3750-X 24-Port PoE IP Base | Catalyst 3850 24-Port PoE IP Base |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 24x 10/100/1000 PoE+ | 24x 10/100/1000 PoE+ |
| PoE budget | 435W (with 715W PSU) | 435W (with 715W PSU) |
| Uplinks | Modular network module | Modular: 4x1G / 2x10G / 4x10G / 2x40G |
| Switching capacity | 160 Gbps | 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 |
| Lifecycle status | End of support | End of sale, longer support runway |
Choose Catalyst 3750-X 24-Port PoE IP Base if
Choose the 3750-X 24P only to extend an existing StackWise Plus stack as a matching member where a full refresh is not yet planned.
Choose Catalyst 3850 24-Port PoE IP Base if
Choose the 3850-24P for StackWise-480 (much higher stack bandwidth), the UADP ASIC, modular 10G/40G uplinks, and IOS XE with converged wired-wireless support.
Verdict
Migrate from the 3750-X 24P to the 3850-24P for StackWise-480, UADP, and IOS XE while keeping the same 435W PoE budget. Both are mature, so for the longest lifecycle a Catalyst 9300/9300L is the stronger long-term target; keep the 3750-X only to extend a stack short-term.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3750-X and 3850 have the same PoE budget?
Yes. Both the WS-C3750X-24P-S and WS-C3850-24P-S provide 435W of PoE with the 715W power supply, enough for full 802.3at across the access ports.
How much faster is 3850 stacking versus 3750-X?
The 3850's StackWise-480 provides up to 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth versus roughly 64 Gbps on the 3750-X's StackWise Plus, a large jump for stacked access switches.
Can the 3850 take 40G uplinks?
Yes, the 3850 supports modular network modules including a 2x40G option, unlike the older 3750-X modules limited to lower-speed uplinks.
Is the WS-C3750X-24P-S still supported?
No, the 3750-X series is end-of-support. To stay supported, migrate to the 3850 or, for the longest runway, to the Catalyst 9300L.
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.