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Quick Overview
The Cisco Catalyst 3850 series has officially reached its End-of-Sale (EoS) and is nearing End-of-Support (EoL).
If your organization still relies on 3850 switches, now is the right time to plan an upgrade to maintain performance, security, and vendor support.
| Model | Lifecycle Status | Successor | Support End Date |
| Catalyst 3850 | EoL Announced | ✅ Catalyst 9300 | April 30, 2027 |
| Catalyst 9300 | Active | — | No EoL Announced |
In short: The Cisco Catalyst 9300 is the official successor, offering faster uplinks (up to 100G), enhanced security, SD-Access capabilities, and extended support life.
What you need to know before upgrade?
Official Cisco 3850 End-of-Life Timeline
Cisco officially announced the End-of-Sale (EoS) and End-of-Life (EoL) milestones for the Catalyst 3850 series in 2023.
These dates define when customers can no longer purchase, renew support, or receive software updates.
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
| End of Sale | September 5, 2023 | Final day to order new units |
| Last Ship Date | December 4, 2023 | Final manufacturing batch |
| End of Software Maintenance | May 2025 | IOS XE 16.12.x final patch |
| End of Hardware Support | April 30, 2027 | No TAC or RMA after this date |
Why It Matters: After these dates, Cisco will no longer issue security patches or hardware replacements. That means unpatched vulnerabilities and unsupported systems, increasing operational risk.
Why You Should Plan an Upgrade Now
Upgrading isn’t just about lifecycle deadlines — it’s about keeping your network secure, scalable, and high-performing.
Security Risks
Once EoL hits, software vulnerabilities will no longer receive fixes.
Think of it like running a smartphone without security updates — it still works, but it’s unsafe to connect online.
Performance Bottlenecks
The 3850’s 10G uplink and 480 Gbps total bandwidth limit can’t keep up with today’s cloud workloads, 4K video, and Wi-Fi 6 access points.
Scalability Challenges
Modern network automation and segmentation (like Cisco SD-Access) require newer platforms such as the 9300, built on the UADP 2.0 ASIC.
Choosing the Right Replacement Model
Cisco designed the Catalyst 9300 as the direct successor to the 3850, but depending on your environment and budget, you might also consider alternatives like the 9200 or third-party ODMs.
| Scenario | Recommended Model | Key Advantage |
| Enterprise access & Wi-Fi 6 | Catalyst 9300 | Official successor, SD-Access, 100 G uplinks |
| SMBs / limited budgets | Catalyst 9200 | Lower cost, similar management interface |
| High-density / modular | Catalyst 9400 / Nexus 9K | Scalable core & data-center performance |
| Cost-efficient OEM alternative | NS Comm Series | Ruijie-equivalent ODM with multi-brand compatibility |
Feature Comparison:
| Feature | 3850 | 9300 |
| Max Uplink Speed | 10 G | 1 G / 10 G / 25 G / 40 G / 100 G |
| Max Bandwidth | 480 Gbps | 1 Tbps |
| SD-Access | Not Supported | ✅ Supported |
| Wi-Fi 6 Ready | ❌ | ✅ |
| PoE Budget | Up to 30 W | Up to 90 W (UPOE+) |
| EoL Status | Reached EoL | Active / No EoL announced |
Migration & Compatibility Checklist
Migrating from 3850 to 9300 requires planning. Follow this step-by-step roadmap to minimize downtime.
- Audit your environment — inventory all 3850 units, modules, and stack topology.
- Check physical & power specs — ensure rack space and PSU ratings match 9300 models.
- Verify optics compatibility — most 1G/10G SFPs work, but confirm with Cisco’s compatibility matrix.
- Export & compare configurations — 3850 uses IOS XE 16.x; 9300 runs 17.x+ — syntax differs in QoS, VLAN, and SDA.
- Rebuild stacks — 3850 and 9300 use different StackWise technologies (480 G vs 1 T).
- Run pilot testing — simulate traffic and test authentication before full deployment.
- Document & back up all configs for rollback safety.
Expert Tip: Always perform migration tests in a lab environment. Even small syntax mismatches can disrupt routing or PoE delivery.
Cost, Licensing & Procurement Tips
When budgeting for a replacement project, consider hardware, licensing, labor, and lead times.
Cisco DNA Licensing Explained
Cisco DNA licenses (Essentials / Advantage / Premier) are mandatory for 9300 switches.
They unlock advanced analytics, automation, and security features — but renewals add recurring cost.
🧩 Simplify procurement: Network-Switch can help manage Smart Licensing activation and bundle service support in one invoice.
Alternative Options
If your business doesn’t need Cisco DNA or SDA, you can consider ODM models like NS Comm, which deliver equivalent performance for 20–30% lower cost, while remaining fully compatible with Cisco/Huawei/Ruijie ecosystems.
Building a Risk-Aware Migration Plan
To ensure a smooth transition, follow this risk-mitigation framework:
| Step | Focus Area | Objective |
| 1 | Define scope | Which switches to replace, in which order |
| 2 | Plan downtime | Schedule during off-peak hours |
| 3 | Back up configs | Ensure quick rollback if issues arise |
| 4 | Verify modules | Prevent compatibility surprises |
| 5 | Stage hardware | Pre-configure and test before deployment |
| 6 | Post-migration validation | Confirm PoE, VLANs, routing |
| 7 | Security audit | Disable legacy protocols and update passwords |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Mixing 3850 and 9300 in the same stack
- Forgetting to activate DNA licenses
- Skipping post-deployment verification
Expert FAQ & Field Tips
Q1: What is the official replacement for Cisco 3850?
A: The Cisco Catalyst 9300 series — it’s the official successor with better throughput, Wi-Fi 6 support, and longer lifecycle.
Q2: Can I reuse 3850 SFP modules on 9300?
A: Some 1G/10G modules are compatible. Always confirm via Cisco’s SFP Compatibility Matrix.
Tip: Replace old transceivers during migration to reduce optical loss issues.
Q3: Are 3850 and 9300 stacks compatible?
A: No. Both support stacking but use different technologies. Create new stacks on 9300.
Q4: Is Cisco DNA licensing mandatory?
A: Yes. Even if you only need basic functions, Smart Licensing is required for 9300.
Q5: How can I lower upgrade costs?
A: Choose certified partners like Network-Switch.com for bundle pricing, or consider NS Comm ODM switches as cost-efficient alternatives.
About Network-Switch: Your Global ICT Partner
Network-Switch.com is a global IT hardware supplier connecting over 18,000 enterprises across 200+ countries. We specialize in Cisco, Huawei, Ruijie, and our own NS Comm Series — providing certified technical guidance, fast logistics, and full-lifecycle support.
💡 Our mission:
“To make IT procurement easier — through professionalism, trust, and global connectivity.”
Need help upgrading your Cisco 3850?
Our certified engineers (CCIE / HCIE / HPE ASE) can design a tailored migration plan for your network.
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