Cisco WS-C3750X-48P-S vs WS-C3850-48P-S
The WS-C3850-48P-S is the next-generation upgrade from the Catalyst 3750-X 48-port PoE. You move to the UADP ASIC, StackWise-480 stacking, modular 10G/40G uplinks, and IOS XE, plus a larger PoE budget for dense 802.3at endpoints.
Catalyst 3750-X 48-Port PoE IP Base
Legacy 48-port PoE+ access switch on classic IOS with StackWise Plus, now end-of-support.
- 48x GE PoE+ ports, 435W PoE budget
- 160 Gbps switching capacity
- StackWise Plus stacking and StackPower
- Modular uplinks via network module
Catalyst 3850 48-Port PoE IP Base
UADP-based 48-port PoE+ switch with StackWise-480 and IOS XE for converged wired-wireless access.
- 48x GE PoE+ ports, up to 800W+ PoE budget
- StackWise-480 stacking (up to 9 units)
- Modular uplinks: 10G/40G network modules
- UADP ASIC, IOS XE, converged access
Catalyst 3750-X 48-Port PoE IP Base vs Catalyst 3850 48-Port PoE IP Base: spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 3750-X 48-Port PoE IP Base | Catalyst 3850 48-Port PoE IP Base |
|---|---|---|
| Downlink ports | 48x 10/100/1000 PoE+ | 48x 10/100/1000 PoE+ |
| PoE budget | 435W (with 715W PSU) | Up to 800W+ (with 1100W PSU) |
| Uplinks | Modular network module | Modular: 4x1G / 2x10G / 4x10G / 2x40G |
| Switching capacity | 160 Gbps | Up to 176 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 48-Port PoE IP Base if
Choose the 3750-X 48P only to extend an existing StackWise Plus stack with a matching member where you are not yet ready to refresh.
Choose Catalyst 3850 48-Port PoE IP Base if
Choose the 3850-48P for a much larger PoE budget, StackWise-480, the UADP ASIC, modular 10G/40G uplinks, and IOS XE convergence at the dense access layer.
Verdict
Migrate from the 3750-X 48P to the 3850-48P for higher PoE capacity, StackWise-480, UADP, and IOS XE. Both are mature platforms, so buyers planning a multi-year refresh should also weigh the Catalyst 9300L 48-port; keep the 3750-X only to extend an existing stack short-term.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 3850-48P offer more PoE than the 3750-X 48P?
Yes. With the larger power supply the 3850-48P can deliver well over 800W of PoE for dense 802.3at endpoints, versus 435W on the 3750-X 48P.
What stacking does the 3850 48-port use?
The WS-C3850-48P-S uses StackWise-480 with up to 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth, a major upgrade over the 3750-X's StackWise Plus.
Can I get 10G or 40G uplinks on the 3850-48P?
Yes, through modular network modules including 2x10G, 4x10G, and 2x40G options, giving higher-speed uplinks than the older 3750-X modules.
Is the WS-C3750X-48P-S end of life?
Yes, the 3750-X series is end-of-support. For continued software and hardware support, migrate to the 3850 or to the current 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.