Cisco 3850 End of Life Replacement: Comprehensive Upgrade and Migration Guide

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 series switches are approaching or have reached their End-of-Life (EoL) and End-of-Sale (EoS) milestones, making strategic upgrades essential for IT managers, network engineers, and procurement specialists. This article provides a detailed overview of the 3850’s EoL status, recommends replacement models like the Cisco Catalyst 9300, and outlines key considerations for a successful and risk-aware migration. Whether you’re searching for “Cisco 3850 end of life replacement” solutions or planning your network’s future, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: Official EoL Status & Key Dates
• Part 2: Why Upgrade from Catalyst 3850?
• Part 3: Why Choose Catalyst 9300 as Replacement
• Part 4: Migration & Compatibility Considerations
• Part 5: Cost, Procurement & Licensing Insights
• Part 6: Developing a Risk-Aware Upgrade Plan
• Part 7: FAQ about Catalyst 3850 Replacement

Part 1: Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life Replacement: Official EoL Status and Key Dates

Understanding the official lifecycle milestones for the Cisco Catalyst 3850 is crucial when planning a Cisco 3850 end of life replacement. Cisco has formally announced the End-of-Sale and End-of-Life dates for the 3850 series, which define when ordering and support will cease. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of these dates and their implications for your network infrastructure.

The last day to order Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches was September 5, 2023, with the final shipment date on December 4, 2023. However, support end dates vary depending on the model type—copper or fiber—with overall hardware support extending to as late as April 30, 2027 for some fiber variants. Software support for IOS XE v16.12.x will end in May 2025, and there will be no upgrade to IOS XE v17.x for this platform. This timeline highlights the urgency of planning your replacement strategy before critical support lapses.

Part 2: Why Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life Replacement is Critical for Your Network

Upgrading from the Cisco Catalyst 3850 is driven by more than just the official EoL announcement. Performance limitations, security risks, and growing network demands all necessitate a thoughtful Cisco 3850 end of life replacement.

As the 3850 reaches end of support, security vulnerabilities will no longer be patched, increasing risks of network compromise. Many organizations face port exhaustion on existing 3850 switches, limiting scalability. Additionally, the 3850’s maximum 10 Gigabit uplink and 480 Gbps bandwidth restrict modern network speeds and throughput. Newer technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and enhanced VLAN segmentation require more advanced hardware capabilities that the 3850 cannot provide.

Planning a replacement now is essential to future-proof your network and maintain performance, security, and availability.

Part 3: Recommended Replacement Switches for Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life: Why Choose the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series

When considering Cisco 3850 end of life replacement options, the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series stands out as the ideal successor. The 9300 series offers substantial performance improvements and feature enhancements tailored to today’s enterprise network requirements.

Compared to the 3850, the 9300 supports uplink speeds ranging from 1G to 100G, significantly exceeding the 10G limitation of the 3850. With up to 1 Terabit bandwidth, the 9300 can handle larger data flows without bottlenecks. It introduces Software-Defined Access (SDA) support, enabling modern network segmentation and automation unavailable on the 3850 platform. The 9300 also supports Wi-Fi 6 and advanced VLAN capabilities, ensuring your network is ready for future growth.

Critically, the 9300 series currently has no announced End-of-Sale or End-of-Life dates, promising extended support longevity. These advantages make the Cisco Catalyst 9300 series the recommended replacement choice for networks transitioning from the 3850.

Part 4: Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life Replacement: Migration and Compatibility Considerations

Successful migration from Cisco Catalyst 3850 to 9300 requires careful planning around physical fit, interface compatibility, and configuration differences.

Physical space and power requirements must be verified to accommodate the 9300 switches in existing racks. Interface compatibility should be assessed to ensure uplink ports and SFP modules meet network design needs—note that SFP compatibility between 3850 and 9300 may vary and should be confirmed via Cisco’s compatibility matrices.

Configuration migration involves reviewing existing 3850 IOS XE 16.12.x configurations and adapting them to the 9300’s newer IOS XE environment. Although many core commands remain similar, features like SDA differ substantially.

Stacking technologies between 3850 and 9300 are incompatible, meaning existing 3850 stacks cannot be mixed or migrated directly into 9300 stacks. Both series support stacking individually, but new stacks must be created on the 9300.

PoE compatibility and module support should be validated during site surveys, as detailed interchangeability information is not explicitly documented.

Part 5: Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life Replacement: Cost, Procurement, and Licensing Insights

When budgeting for a Cisco 3850 replacement, consider not only hardware costs but also licensing, labor, and service contracts.

Purchasing Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches requires investment in Cisco DNA licenses and Smart Licensing, which are mandatory and may represent a significant portion of the overall cost. Some customers have expressed frustration with the licensing model due to its complexity and mandatory renewals.

Labor costs include planning, site surveys, configuration migration, testing, and deployment. Procurement should be done through official Cisco partners to ensure genuine equipment and valid support. Supply chain delays have historically influenced EoL extensions for the 3850 and should be considered in project timelines.

Part 6: How to Develop a Risk-Aware and Actionable Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life Replacement Plan

Planning your Cisco 3850 end of life replacement project requires a structured approach:

1. Define Scope: Identify switches to replace, new models to deploy, and rationale for choices.
2. Plan for Scalability: Account for future network growth, new technologies like Wi-Fi 6, and VLAN segmentation needs.
3. Conduct Site Survey: Verify rack space, power availability, uplink port compatibility, and module support.
4. Review Configurations: Compare existing 3850 settings with 9300 IOS XE capabilities.
5. Address Procurement Risks: Factor in supply chain delays and licensing procurement timelines.
6. Budget Thoroughly: Include hardware, licensing, labor, and service contracts.
7. Execute in Phases: Prepare inventory, unbox equipment, and follow step-by-step deployment.
8. Evaluate Security Posture: Prioritize migration of critical devices to mitigate risks associated with expired support.

Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cisco Catalyst 3850 End of Life Replacement

Q1: What is the recommended replacement for Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches?

A: The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series is the recommended replacement due to better performance, future-proof features, and extended support.

Q2: Can I reuse Cisco 3850 SFP modules on the 9300 series?

A: Compatibility varies; verify module support with Cisco’s compatibility matrices before reuse.

Q3: Are Cisco 3850 and 9300 stacking technologies compatible?

A: No, they use different stacking technologies and cannot be mixed in the same stack.

Q4: Is Cisco DNA licensing mandatory for Catalyst 9300?

A: Yes, DNA and Smart Licensing are required for 9300 switches, even if you don’t use all features.