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Upgrade Your Network: Cisco 3850 vs. 9300 Switches

11 Jun, 2025

Contents:

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of online networking, being ahead of the curve is not only advantageous but also essential. As a pioneer in the networking industry, Cisco has consistently evolved its Catalyst series switches to satisfy the ever-growing demands of modern businesses. One such transition worth exploring is the move from the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series to the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches.

Purpose of this Guide

This guide is intended to help network planners and engineers who are experienced with Cisco Catalyst 3850 and want to move forward to Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches in the enterprise networking environment.

Overview of Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 switch series is a reliable network of switches for many enterprises that offers a mix of performance and features. However, as technology has advanced, so have the challenges and requirements of a powerful network infrastructure.

Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches are multigigabit and 10Gb switches that support Cisco StackWise-480 Technology, which allows them to stack with up to 9 switches and support 480 Gbps stackable bandwidth.

A Closer Look at Catalyst 3850 Series

Limitations and Challenges

The Catalyst 3850 Series has been a great success, but it is not without its limitations. This includes limited scalability- and the lack of certain networking features.

Considerations for upgrading

An upgrade to the Catalyst series is a strategic decision in order to meet the demands of data intensive applications and the increasing number of connected devices.

Introduction to Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switch

The new Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches are Cisco's response to the changing dynamics of networking and are the best stackable access switches. Built for security, IoT, mobility, and the cloud, these network switches form the foundation for Cisco's S-D Defined Access. 

Cisco Catalyst 9300 series switches present a compelling case for organizations contemplating an upgrade with its advanced features and improved capabilities.

Key Features of Cisco Catalyst Series 9300

Performance and Scalability Enhanced

The Catalyst Series 9300 offers significant performance improvements, including higher bandwidth and greater scalability. This results in smoother operations, and the ability for modern networks to handle the growing load.

Advanced Security Features

Security is non-negotiable in an age where cyber threats have become more sophisticated. The 9300 series features advanced security protocols that provide a robust defense from potential cyber-attacks.

Software-Defined Networking

The Catalyst series, which adapts to the software-defined network (SDN) era, allows more flexibility and control of network resources. This paves the way for an infrastructure that is more dynamic and responsive.

Cisco Catalyst 3850 v/s Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches

The new Catalyst 9300 series should be more powerful than the Catalyst 3850 switches.

Table 1. shows comparison of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series and Catalyst 9300 switches.

Feature

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9300

Switch Models

Various models with different port configurations and uplink options

Various models with different port configurations and uplink options

Stacking Technology

StackWise-480

StackWise-480

Uplink Ports

1/10 Gigabit Ethernet or 1/10/25/40/100 Gigabit Ethernet

1/10 Gigabit Ethernet or 1/10/25/40/100 Gigabit Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Yes, with various power budgets depending on the model

Yes, with various power budgets depending on the model

Multigigabit Ethernet

Available on certain models

Available on certain models

Wireless LAN Controller

Integrated (depending on the model)

Integrated (depending on the model)

Modular Uplinks

Yes, with module options

Yes, with module options

Routing Capabilities

IP Base and IP Services licenses for Layer 3 capabilities

IP Base and IP Services licenses for Layer 3 capabilities

MACsec Encryption

Available on certain models

Available on certain models

Network Essentials/Advantage

Available on certain models

Available on certain models

SD-Access Support

Yes

Yes

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Yes (with Cisco DNA)

Yes (with Cisco DNA)

Ease of Management

Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco DNA Center

Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Cisco DNA Center

Power Supply Redundancy

Yes, with dual redundant power supplies

Yes, with dual redundant power supplies

Operating System

Cisco IOS XE

Cisco IOS XE


System Default Behavior

The default system behavior of the Cisco 9300 Series is almost identical to that of the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series. The interfaces are set to Layer 2 switch mode by default, IP routing has been disabled, and the management interface runs in a dedicated Virtual Routing and Forwarding instance (VRF). There is a difference in control plane policy for the Catalyst Series 3850 when it is running Release 3.X. Control Plane Police (CoPP) is enabled in the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series. It has a default policing rate for different traffic classes. These policing rates are optimized for typical campus environments. For different application environments, the policing rate can be altered or disabled. Switches from the Cisco Catalyst Series 3850 come with CoPP turned off by default. However, the system offers a macro that allows the user to specify the policing rates for each class.

Specifications

Cisco Catalyst Series 3850 switches and Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches are flexible networking solutions that are designed to meet the needs of any enterprise. Catalyst 3850 series provides scalable port configurations and advanced security features. Its StackWise 48 technology allows flawless bandwidth. Whereas, Cisco Catalyst 9300 offers flexible port configurations, integrated wireless controllers, and security features such as MACsec, TrustSec, etc. The switches are reasonably priced and run on Cisco IOS Software XE, which provides dependable and secure performance along with the integration of energy-efficient technologies for eco-friendly operations. These switches offer high-performance connectivity for modern networking needs with their modular uplinks and support of Multigigabit Ethernet.

Table 2. shows the specifications between Cisco Catalyst 3850 and Catalyst 9300 series switches down below.

Feature

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9300

Switch Models

Various models with different port configurations and feature sets

Various models with different port configurations and feature sets

Ports

24 to 48 ports, supporting Gigabit Ethernet or Multigigabit Ethernet

24 to 48 ports, supporting Gigabit Ethernet or Multigigabit Ethernet

Uplink Interfaces

4x1G, 2x10G, 4x10G, or 2x40G fixed uplinks, or modular uplinks with higher speed options

4x1G, 2x10G, 4x10G, or 2x40G fixed uplinks, or modular uplinks with higher speed options

Stacking Capability

Stackable with Cisco StackWise-480 technology, supporting up to 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth

Stackable with Cisco StackWise-480 technology, supporting up to 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Available on selected models, providing PoE, PoE+, or UPOE

Available on selected models, providing PoE, PoE+, or UPOE

Wireless LAN Controller

Integrated wireless controller for managing Cisco Aironet access points

Integrated wireless controller for managing Cisco Aironet access points

Software Support

Cisco IOS XE Software

Cisco IOS XE Software

Security Features

TrustSec, MACsec, Cisco ISE integration, Secure Group Tagging (SGT)

TrustSec, MACsec, Cisco ISE integration, Secure Group Tagging (SGT)

QoS (Quality of Service)

Advanced QoS with support for Auto-QoS and custom policies

Advanced QoS with support for Auto-QoS and custom policies

Multigigabit Ethernet

Supports Multigigabit Ethernet for higher-speed connectivity to devices such as 802.11ac Wave 2 access points

Supports Multigigabit Ethernet for higher-speed connectivity to devices such as 802.11ac Wave 2 access points

Modular Uplinks

Modular uplink options for flexibility in uplink speed and type

Modular uplink options for flexibility in uplink speed and type

Energy Efficiency

Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE), Cisco EnergyWise technology

Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE), Cisco EnergyWise technology

Dimensions (H x W x D)

Varies by model

Varies by model

Weight

Varies by model

Varies by model


Modular Uplinks

Both the Cisco Catalyst 3850 series and Catalyst 9300 switches offer modular uplinks that provide flexibility in designing the network to specific connectivity needs. These modular interfaces support various uplink speeds and types, allowing organizations to adapt to evolving network requirements. Whether it's 1 Gigabit, 10 Gigabit, or 40 Gigabit Ethernet, the modular design ensures scalability and future-proofing for diverse network switches.

Table 3. below enlist the modular uplinks between the Cisco 3850 and Catalyst 9300 switches.

Feature

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9300

Uplink Module Options

C3850-NM-4-1G, C3850-NM-2-10G, C3850-NM-4-10G

C9300-NM-4M, C9300-NM-8X, C9300-NM-2Q, C9300-NM-4Q

Maximum Uplink Bandwidth

Up to 80 Gbps (depending on module configuration)

Up to 40 Gbps (depending on module configuration)

Uplink Module Compatibility

Compatible with various Cisco uplink modules

Compatible with specific Catalyst 9300 Network Modules

Supported Uplink Speeds

1 Gbps, 10 Gbps

1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps

Uplink Ports per Module

Varies based on module (e.g., 4 x 1G, 2 x 10G)

Varies based on module (e.g., 4 x 1G, 2 x 10G, 4 x 25G)

Hot-Swappable Modules

Yes

Yes

Redundancy Support

Yes (with redundant power supplies)

Yes (with redundant power supplies)

Compatibility with StackWise Technology

Yes

Yes

Supported Fiber Optic and Copper Cabling

Yes

Yes

Cisco StackPower Support

Yes (available with certain models)

Yes (available with certain models)

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support

Yes (available with certain models)

Yes (available with certain models)


Power Redundancy

Strong power redundancy features are included in the Cisco Catalyst 3850 and 9300 switches to improve network dependability. These switches have redundant power supply options, so they can keep working even if the power supply fails. Due to its dual power supply capability, which offers enterprises a resilient infrastructure that reduces downtime and guarantees continuous connectivity, mission-critical applications can operate without interruption and is affordable.

Table 4. below compares the power redundancy features between the Cisco Catalyst 3850 and Catalyst 9300 switches.

Feature

Catalyst 3850 Series

Catalyst 9300 Series

Power Supply Options

Dual redundant power supplies

Dual redundant power supplies

Power Supply Types

AC and DC options are available

AC and DC options are available

Power Stackable

Yes

Yes

Power Stack Capacity

Up to 4800W (Power stack)

Up to 4800W (Power stack)

Hot Swappable Power

Yes

Yes

Power Stack Technology

Cisco StackPower technology

Cisco StackPower technology

Power Management Features

Power monitoring and management through Cisco EnergyWise

Power monitoring and management through Cisco EnergyWise

Power Redundancy Modes

N+1 and N+N

N+1 and N+N

Redundant Power Supply Configurations

1+1 and N+N

1+1 and N+N

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

Supports PoE and PoE+

Supports PoE, PoE+, and UPoE

PoE Budget

Varies depending on model

Varies depending on model


Software Features

Use the feature navigator at cisco.com to find out more about the Cisco Catalyst Series. Customers migrating to the Catalyst 9300 Series from the Cisco Catalyst Series 3850 will only see the following differences in features:

Tracking feature for hosts

Cisco Catalyst 3850 supports IP Device Tracking in Release 3.X to keep track of the connected hosts (association between MAC addresses and IP addresses). Cisco Catalyst Series 9300 with the latest Cisco IOS XE Software Release supports the new Switch Integrated Security Features (SISF)-based IP Device Tracking feature. This acts as a container-policy that enables snooping, device tracking and First Hop Security (FHS) in IPv4 or IPv6 using IP-agnostic Command-Line Interface commands. For more information about migrating to the new SISF device tracking CLI configuration, see Appendix A.

Quality of Service

The Cisco Catalyst Series 9300 supports the latest ASICs and operating systems. The Catalyst 9300 Series supports per-port queuing policies, where each uplink or downlink port can have its own egress queueing policy. Cisco Catalyst Series 3850 supports a single egress queueing policy for all uplinks and downlinks.

Table 5 summarizes the Quality of Service (QoS) specifications for the Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series and Catalyst 9300 Series switches: 

Feature

Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series

QoS Models Supported

MQC (Modular QoS Command-Line Interface)

MQC (Modular QoS Command-Line Interface)

Number of QoS Classes

8

8

Classification and Marking

Yes

Yes

Policing and Shaping

Yes

Yes

Queuing Algorithms

WRR (Weighted Round Robin), Strict Priority

WRR (Weighted Round Robin), Strict Priority

Class-Based Policing

Yes

Yes

Policing Rate

Per-class or aggregate

Per-class or aggregate

Shaping Rate

Per-port or per-class

Per-port or per-class

Congestion Avoidance

WRED (Weighted Random Early Detection)

WRED (Weighted Random Early Detection)

Auto-QoS

Yes

Yes

Voice VLAN

Yes

Yes

Voice and Video Quality Metrics

Yes

Yes

Trust Boundaries

Port-based, VLAN-based, and DSCP-based

Port-based, VLAN-based, and DSCP-based

IPv6 QoS Support

Yes

Yes

Multicast QoS Support

Yes

Yes

Per-Port QoS Configuration

Yes